The 110th Annual General Meeting

110th Annual general meeting (AGM)

The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne held it’s 110th annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday, 26th May 2022. The general manager took the chair of the Meeting, declared the 110th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Association opened at 5.30pm and welcomed all members and members of Council.

Election of Council members

The report from the Returning Officer indicated that for the annual elections to Council in 2022, as a result of the rotating retirement of Council Members, three vacancies had been advertised in February and at the close of nominations on 10th March 2022, three valid nominations had been received; they were from: • Mr Lawrence Grima, • Mr Vincent Mirabelli • Professor Max Stephens Since there are three vacancies to be filled on Council, a ballot was not necessary and that the above-listed successful candidates were declared elected and the term of office for these appointments will be until the annual general meeting in 2025.

Retiring Councillor

The chairperson of the meeting extended gratitude to retiring Councillor, Mr K Ryall, noting that he had first been appointed to Council in 2011 and elected in 2012, and that over the past nine and half years on Council, Cr Ryall had also been on the Membership and Marketing subcommittee as a member and chair of the Subcommittee, vice-chair of Council for the past two years and contributing particularly to the governance, fundraising, membership drives, the GU newsletter and partner relationships Membership and Marketing subcommittee. An award was presented to Cr Ryall at this time. The chairperson of the meeting extended gratitude to retiring electoral officer, Mr Ron Ritchie for his governance contribution and long service to the Association noting that he has been the Returning Officer for the Graduate Union since 2002 and a Life member since 1980. His contribution has been immense and not only to the Election process but for the assessment of the rules, regulations and Procedures around the election of members to Council.

Appointment of the auditor

The appointment of Wayne Tarrant of JTP Assurance to undertake the independent audit for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 was received.

GU Master Plan

The Graduate Union Council updated members on the work and progress on the Master Plan Stage 1 project. Council had identified that a partnership, with a likeminded organisation, would be the best option for the project to become a reality within the planning permit timeframe. To that degree, Council conducted a dedicated meeting to discuss what the association and residential college required from the project and thus commissioned the Graduate House Summary Report. The report outlined the minimum requirements needed from the project by The Graduate Union. This report, which will be made available to any prospective partner, was circulated by email to members prior to the AGM; and hardcopies were available to members at the AGM. Members at the meeting identified the need to ensure that The Graduate Union, and not just Graduate House, was being looked after. Highlights of the report showed many of the minimum requirements are specific to enhancing the association. Council is dedicated to getting the best outcome for our membership and will continue the work on this project.

Date of next AGM

The Chairperson of the meeting advised members that the next AGM is scheduled for Thursday, 25th May 2023.