The Graduate Union Newsletter — December 2016 —
Welcome to the December 2016 N ewsletter
3 Chairman’s Cocktail Party 4
GU Collegiate December
GU Collegiate Year 6 2017 at a glance
8 Festive Season Products 9 Members’ Christmas party 10
End of Year Function Menus
12 Features Professor Profiles:
Associate Professor Anne Brooks - The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and The University of Melbourne Department of Ophthalmology From Melbourne to Madagascar. Treating those in extreme need by Yenni Hwang Discovering Melbourne
18 Reviews Professor Wang Depei:
Admission as Honorary College Fellow Monthly Luncheon Review: Dr Ross McMullin - Pompey Elliot Remembrance Day Sing Along. Women’s Forum Review: The Past is our Present
26 Innovation and Extracurricular
and Professional 28 Academic Development Meetings for October 2016
News 30 Member Graduate House Members Seen at Graduate House The Origins of the Santa Claus Story by David Sparks, past Chair of Council Women’s Leadership Forum Wal and Jay’s 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration
35 Feedback Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields The Twenty Second Annual Festival
Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd January 2017 A Festival of Fine Music in historic venues For booking phone 0429 327 097 The program of Festival 2017 comprises: 23 recitals in Ballarat and the region Demonstrations on heritage church organs Visits to historic and tourist sites Social functions and dinners
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THE GRaDUaTE UNION
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE INC.
Mr Rhys Watson Chairman of the Council of The Graduate Union invites Members to the
Graduate House 220 Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053
Friday 2nd December 2016 5.30pm to 7.00pm Dress: After Five
R.S.V.P. Monday 28th November 2016 email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au or phone (03) 9347 3428
GU Collegiate We invite you, Members and non-members, to attend coming events. Book via our website, by phone (03 93473428), email (admingh@graduatehouse.com.au) or at the venue, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton.
DECEMBER Chairman’s Cocktail Party
5:30pm to 7.00pm
Fr i d a y 2 n d
The Chairman of Council invites all Members to celebrate another wonderful year. FREE for Members. By invitation only for non-members.
Special Morning Breakfast
7:30am to 8.30am
Tu e s d a y 6 t h
Non-resident Members are welcome to join Resident Members for a hearty breakfast. Free for Resident Members, non-resident Members $15.
Italian Conversation Dinner
6:00pm
Tu e s d a y 6 t h , 2 0 t h
Come along to dine while learning to speak Italian with an experienced teacher. Members $15, non-members $20.
Bridge Nights
7:20pm for 7.30pm
We d n e s d a y 7 t h , 1 4 t h
Join a game or learn to play the card game Bridge. Enjoy a shared platter for supper, as well as tea and coffee. Members $2, non-members $5.
Women’s Forum
10:00am for 10:30am
We d n e s d a y 1 4 t h
No set topic, just come in and join the ladies for their end-of-year session of laughter and conversation and stay for lunch if desired. Forum is free. Lunch is at Member and non-member prices.
Members’
Members’ Christmas Party
6:30pm for 7.00pm
Christmas Fr i d a y 1 6 t h Members and their guests for a traditional Christmas dinner. Party Join More details on page 9. $20 for Resident Members, non-resident Members $52.50.
The Graduate Union closes for the festive season on the 21 st December, 2016 and reopens on the 9 th January 2017. We wish you a happy festive season and a safe and prosperous 2017. www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
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Time: 6:30pm – 11:30pm Venue: The Grand Ballroom, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins The 160th Anniversary Gala Dinner will draw together the Law School’s alumni community, friends, corporate partners and the wider legal profession to celebrate the people, traditions and achievements of the past 160 years. It will be a night to connect, network and appreciate the scope and significance of our community. We are excited to welcome distinguished MLS alumnus James P Gorman (BA 1981, LLB 1981), CEO and Chairman of Morgan Stanley, to give the keynote address at this black-tie event.
Registration: Discounted early bird tickets to the 160th Anniversary Gala Dinner are now available. If you are in touch with fellow alumni, we encourage you to organise a table of 10 for this event. Partners are welcome to attend.
Please register online: http://go.unimelb.edu.au/4tca. For enquiries, please contact: mlsgala-2017@unimelb.edu.au
Speaker: James P. Gorman
The Graduate Union 2017 Calendar All Members will receive a complimentary calendar in the December Mailout. Order additional copies from reception or our website, or via email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au. $12.50 each for Members and $15.50 for non-members.
Was the moon landing faked?
Do goldfish only have a three second memory?
2017 CALENDAR IN EVERY BELIEF THERE IS A LIE
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2017 GU Collegiate Year at a glance Function 11th, 18th, 25th
January
1st
14th
February
14th
1st
14th, 28th
March
11th
5th
4th, 18th
April
9th
3rd
2nd, 16th
May
13th
7th
6th, 20th
June
11th
No Luncheon
8th
2nd
12th
6th
5th
September
10th
4th
10th, 24th
October
14th
1st
14th
November
12th
No Luncheon
5th, 21st
December
This ‘Year at a Glance’ table may assist you in planning for the coming year. We thank you for your support in attending and promoting these functions.
Italian Conversation Dinner No Luncheon 14th
28th 15th
10th
27th
19th
-
5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
19th
-
17th
12th
3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
-
29th
14th
-
7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
-
-
12th
-
18th
31st
16th
29th
15th
-
20th
8th
6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
20th
26th
25th
31st
4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
-
-
15th
10th
1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
-
-
-
-
13th
4th, 18th 1st, 15th, 29th
August
Monthly Luncheon -
July
Residents’ Special Morning Breakfast
15th
-
21st
GU Influenza and Vaccination Day.................................................April 6th
Residents’ End of Year Celebration.................................................November 17th
Remembrance Day Sing Along..........................................................November 10th
5th, 12th, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 19th, 26th 23rd, 30th
Residents MaG (Meet and Greet) -
17th
GU Annual General Meeting and Dinner. ...................................May 25th
Chairman’s Cocktail Party....................................................................December 1st
1st, 8th, 1st, 8th, 15th, 15th, 22nd 22nd, 29th
Womens’ Forum -
11th, 18th, 25th
Investment for your Future -
Bridge Night
College Table Discussions
Donor Thank You Day............................................................................August 20th
Members’ Christmas Party...................................................................December 15th
Single Date Events:
Graduate Union Ball. ...............................................................................September 2nd
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www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
Want to be a Santa? This Christmas, donate any toys, books or non-perishable foods under The Graduate Union Christmas tree to support the Melbourne North Police Toy/Food Drive, where all goods will go to those less fortunate.
Every gift will be distributed by the police to these agencies:
Support of Church of All Nations – Carlton The Venny Children’s communal backyard – Kensington Ronald McDonald House – Parkville Hotham Mission – North Melbourne Graduate House will be collecting up until the 18th of December. So please spare a thought, a toy or a meal for those in need this Christmas. Wrap your presents and give a label that will identify it is a gift or as a food item. www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
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Our Festive Season Products are here Two wonderful flavours to choose from
Strawberry or Apricot The 300ml glass jars are beautifully decorated and make a perfect End of Year or Christmas gift.
5
$ 50 EACH
Gift Wrapped Hampers Available Don’t have time to gift wrap presents? No problem! We’ve created Gift Hampers. The Hamper can be stocked with your choice of jam combinations of either two or four jams. Or what about a beautiful scarf/jam hamper for someone special? The hampers comprise of a box with lid, clear cellophane wrapping and are finished with a silky Graduate Union ribbon.
2 Jams (any type) - $11.00
4 Jams (any type) - $22.00
2 Jams (any type) and GU summer scarf - $40.00
Order by telephoning (03) 93473428 or online at www.graduatehouse.com.au. Our jams are made from carefully selected fresh ingredients and contain no added preservatives. For online orders, a flat fee of $10.00 postage applies for each package. Available for a limited time. Order before 20th December 2016 or until sold out.
Sample tastings and purchases are available at the bar
Members’
Christmas Party
Friday 16th December 2016 6.00pm for 6.30pm with Traditional Carols and a Visit from Santa!
Entrée Prawn, Mango and Avocado Salad (gf ) OR Roasted Duck à l’Orange with Risotto (gf )
Main Course Seasoned Turkey Breast with Cranberry and Chestnut Stuffing served with Gravy (gf ) OR Salmon with Lemon Butter and Caper Sauce served with Saffron and Sage Baked Potato (gf )
Dessert Plum Pudding with Custard and Brandy Sauce (v) OR Pistachio Bavarois (v)
Vegetarian Meal Option Available on Request (gf) Gluten Free
20 Resident Member $ 52.50 non-resident Member $ 62.50 non-member $ 56.50 non-member concession $
.00
(v) Vegetarian
Book by
FriDay 9th DeceMber Graduate House Website www.graduatehouse.com.au Telephone 03 9347 3428 Email admingh@graduatehouse.com.au
Have your Christmas Party or Function at Graduate House
En o Yea
funCtion menu Christmas Summer BBQ SET MENU FOR LUNCH OR DINNER
53.50 per person (in the Graduate House Courtyard) Traditional Christmas $
Main Course
Porterhouse Steaks (gf ) Vegetarian Burgers (v) Lamb Cutlets (gf ) Grilled BBQ Eggplant (gf ) (v) Gourmet Sausages Onions (gf ) (v) Chicken Marinated in Basil Sauce (gf ) and a selection of Summer Salads (gf) (v) Seafood-Prawn Kebabs and Oysters Natural (gf ) are available for $8.50 extra per person
Dessert Pavlova, Fruit Salad and Ice-Cream (gf) (v) (gf ) Gluten Free
Minimum 15 Guests
Weekends Minimum 30 Guests
(v) Vegetarian
Available from 1st November till 19th December, 2016
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Have your Christmas Party or Function at Graduate House
En o Yea
Christmas Summer BBQ
funCtion menu
Traditional Christmas SET MENU FOR LUNCH OR DINNER
Two Courses
52.50 per person
$
Three Courses
62.50 per person
$
(includes canapés on arrival)
FOR EACH COURSE, CHOOSE TWO OPTIONS Table service is 50/50 drop
Entrée Prawn, Mango and Avocado Salad (gf ) Roasted Duck à l’Orange with Risotto (gf ) Grilled Halloumi, Roasted Pepper and Zucchini Salad (gf ) (v)
Main Course Seasoned Turkey Breast with Cranberry and Chestnut Stuffing served with Gravy (gf ) Salmon with Lemon Butter and Caper Sauce served with Saffron and Sage Baked Potato (gf ) Agnolotti with Roasted Pumpkin (v)
Dessert Plum Pudding with Custard and Brandy Sauce (v) Pistachio Bavarois (v) Fresh Fruit Salad with Passionfruit Coulis (gf ) (v)
Minimum 15 Guests
Weekends Minimum 30 Guests
(gf ) Gluten Free (v) Vegetarian
Available from 1st November till 19th December, 2016
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FEATURES
Professor Profiles
Associate Professor Anne Brooks
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and The University of Melbourne Department of Ophthalmology Graduate Union Life Member and Associate Professor Anne Brooks is Head of Special Clinic 3 at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (Eye and Ear), as well as Clinical Lead, Acute Ophthalmology Service, Ophthalmologist to the Glaucoma Investigation and Research Unit and Ophthalmologist to the Surgical Ophthalmology Service at the Eye and Ear. She is Chair of the Melbourne Ophthalmic Alumni and Fellow of the Melbourne Medical School Academy of Clinical Teachers.
What in your view, is the most notable research you’ve conducted?
One particular area of focus for her is glaucoma. Professor Brooks serves on many committees including Chair of The Australian and New Zealand Glaucoma Interest Group of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. As Professor Brooks stated later in the interview, glaucoma is an affliction that affects 1 in 8 Australians over 80. In many cases, medical treatment, laser treatment or surgery can slow or halt the progress of glaucoma but any vision loss cannot be restored. Her work and commitment is therefore crucial in assisting glaucoma sufferers and advancing the field of knowledge for treatment.
What were the most important things that you learned during your first internship and subsequent residency?
Research with the late Dr Bill Gillies OAM, who was an exceptional mentor. I carried out research particularly in glaucoma and associated iris and corneal changes. My PhD entitled “Investigations into Corneal Abnormalities” shed further light on the secondary glaucomas. My research has contributed to, and advanced knowledge of the secondary glaucomas and corneal changes in glaucoma.
I was fortunate enough to work with Dr John Penington and Associate Professor Peter Greenberg OAM, who reinforced during my upbringing that communication and treating patients in a holistic manner is of utmost importance. I learnt the importance of perseverance and persistence to achieve realistic goals. From working with Professor Priscilla Kincaid-Smith AC CBE, I learnt that women can achieve anything.
Professor Brooks shares with Members her tertiary pathway, work in ophthalmology and, in particular, her experience in treating glaucoma patients.
What are some of the misconceptions of glaucoma? Who is most at risk and what are the various forms of glaucoma? Are there preventative measures?
What spurred you to select a degree in medicine and later in ophthalmology?
Some common misconceptions of glaucoma include: “glaucoma won’t happen to me” and “glaucoma causes a painful eye”. Mostly glaucoma is the “sneak thief of sight” and there is gradual insidious visual loss, particularly of side vision, so that it is not noticed until permanent damage has been caused.
I began an Arts Degree at The University of Melbourne (French, Indonesian and Malayan Studies and Biology) with Music – clarinet (I have my LMusA clarinet performing) but realised that I would be able to help people in a very real practical way in medicine and help the community. Ophthalmology is a great speciality. My mother, the late Dr Nancy Lewis, was very enthusiastic and ground breaking, being one of the first female ophthalmologists and establishing the Eye Clinic at the Royal Children’s Hospital. She was a wonderful role model for me and I could see the enjoyment and fulfilment that a career in ophthalmology brought her.
The main risk factors for glaucoma include advancing age, family history, high intraocular pressure, African, Asian or Inuit ethnicity, refractive error, thinner corneas, Type 2 diabetes, prolonged steroid use, migraine and peripheral vasospasm, as well as previous eye trauma. There are various forms of glaucoma including: Chronic – “the sneak thief of sight” which is usually open angle, and may be primary or secondary.
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Family Christmas Photo: Left to right: Elder daughter Elita Frazer with Fred, husband Dr Murray Frazer with Simba, Associate Professor Anne Brooks with Holly, youngest daughter Georgina Frazer with Stolle
There is also an Acute form, which is usually painful and usually with a closed angle. It is important to undergo regular eye examinations, particularly from 40 years of age, by an eye health professional, especially if there are risk factors. Have a baseline examination and follow up as advised. It’s important to get a referral to an ophthalmologist if abnormalities are detected. My work on the early detection of glaucoma was with a very early Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope in conjunction with Professors Tony Klein AM and Keith Nugent in the Department of Physics at The University of Melbourne. It was published in 1995 and demonstrated that this technology would be very exciting and important in the future. This has been the case, and Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy has now become a routine clinical investigation. What is the state of glaucoma like in Australia?
In Australia approximately 300,000 people have glaucoma: 1 in 8 Australians over 80 will develop glaucoma. First degree relatives of glaucoma patients have an 8-fold increased risk of developing glaucoma. At present, 50 percent of people with glaucoma in Australia remain undiagnosed. The incidence of glaucoma is increasing very rapidly with the ageing population. The good news is that once diagnosed, glaucoma is treatable and the patient support group, Glaucoma Australia, is very helpful in further educating and providing support and resources for patients and their families with glaucoma.
Do you see the need for change to the current medical system to better assist those needing eye care? Yes, there needs to be adequate access to affordable eye care, particularly for patients with chronic eye disease such as glaucoma who require long term follow-up. This also applies to other eye conditions such as patients with diabetic eye disease, many of whom have delayed access to eye care. What should we be doing to maintain, or at least try to maintain healthy eyes? It is important to maintain good general health, exercise, have a balanced diet with leafy green vegetables, fruit and fish, wear sun protection including sunglasses outside, wear protective eye wear in dangerous situations such as hammering metal on metal, and not to smoke. It is also important to have regular eye checks with an eye health professional, particularly over the age of 40. What is most stimulating about your specialisation? The most stimulating aspect of my speciality is when people regain their sight as a result of surgery which I have performed, particularly cataract surgery. It is also very rewarding to treat and retain sight in patients with glaucoma in the long term.
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What do you know now that would have been useful before? Insight into people’s behaviour, and the social and emotional issues which affect their physical condition. What are your steps for the future? I wish to continue clinical care of patients, and in particular, to continue my teaching role which includes undergraduate and postgraduate medical students, RANZCO trainees and fellows, overseas trained medical graduates and GPs. You were recently awarded the Board Chair’s Medal at the Eye and Ear’s annual staff Excellence Awards. How do you feel having received this prestigious award? I am very honoured to have received this award and grateful for all the people who have helped me over the years. I am thankful for this recognition.
Dr Sherene Devanesen (right), Board Chair, Eye and Ear presenting Associate Professor Brooks with the Board Chair’s Medal, the highest honour awarded by the Eye and Ear. November 10th, 2016.
Government House Melbourne for the award of elder daughter Elita Frazer’s Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Left to right: younger daughter Georgina Frazer, Associate Professor Brooks, husband Dr Murray Frazer, and Elita Frazer.
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FEATURES
From Melbourne to Madagascar Treating those in extreme need
cost of the hospital treatment for me. My parents were yelling because they were not rich, they just had enough to get by, but my parents didn’t have a choice but to go ahead and pay for the treatment,” she said. “And I think since then there has always been a voice in me to see justice in health care because what if my parents were so poor that they couldn’t pay for the treatment? I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”
As Yenni Hwang boarded the aircraft, tears streaming down her face, the reality of what this paediatric nurse was about to embark on was suddenly clearer to her than ever before. She was about to fly from Melbourne to Madagascar to spend two months on an anchored ship with a group of medical professionals who were set to provide much needed medical care to those unable to receive it. Hwang had signed up with Mercy Ships, a charity organisation that administers health care for people who lack access. Doctors and nurses sign up on a volunteer basis, pay for their own flights, accommodation and all other expenses. Every year, the Mercy Ship docks in a different country, the medical professionals working with the local government to announce to the public that the ship is coming. They treat medical problems that here in Australia we see as minor because we can receive attention almost immediately, relieving us relatively quickly of our what ails us. But in a third world country, where people must travel up to nine hours to reach a mode of transport which will then take them the rest of the way to an inferior hospital, access to this treatment is ultimately life changing but largely inaccessible. “I always felt bad for people who don’t have access to health care. I think that growing up in Indonesia helped me realise that there is such a need in the world. Growing up I saw a lot of poverty around my neighbourhood,” said Hwang. She recalls a childhood illness. Her parents had taken her to the hospital, and the only conversation she remembers hearing was between her parents and doctors. “[It was] about the
Last year Hwang visited West Papua for three weeks with some friends. They started in a remote village where Hwang said it allowed her to see the disparity between the first and third world. She remembers seeing a woman who was suffering from chronic pain and was unable to walk. They didn’t know what was wrong with her. The only other medical professional was a mid-wife and nearby there was a pharmacy. There was no access to a doctor nearby. The only doctor was eight hours by truck ride and nine hours by boat. “My heart just broke for her,” said Hwang. “And I came back to Melbourne after West Papua and told my colleagues about this, and one of my colleagues told me ‘oh Yenni you’re passionate about this! Go and join the Mercy Ships’ and I finally got onto it, and it was a scary prospect, but the next thing I knew I was on the plane.” Upon her arrival in Madagascar and along with the other volunteers, she walked down Avenue of the Baobabs, particles from the dusty ochre earth rising and settling on her shoes, exploring the innermost sanctuaries of Ranomafana National Park, all the while sharing stories with the others. In many ways, reflected Hwang, Madagascar reminded her of Indonesia, recognising the difficulties with which these people live every day. Hwang provided her assistance as a nurse mainly in the paediatrics ward. Children of all ages would come to the ship. She recalls a fourteen-month-old toddler and his guardian. The first time she saw him she thought he was a baby, around six months old. He was skin and bones and had a cleft-lip, some of his upper lip was missing, creating a hole, which meant that he had not been eating properly since birth. “He was so malnourished,” she said. “As I was looking at his paperwork, my heart just sank for him because toddlers, babies and so on can’t just go for operations straight away because they must gain enough weight.”
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When he had gained enough weight, finally being able to proceed with the surgery, Hwang learned that his real parent was not with him – it was his grandmother, his mother was fourteen years old. She had a boyfriend, and her boyfriend abandoned her when he found out that she was pregnant. “You can imagine, I couldn’t speak their language but sometimes you picture their stories in your mind, what would it have been like for this family. And because they were poor, they weren’t feeding the baby properly, forced to use rice milk which is made by pounding rice and mixing it with water,” she said. “Even when they have ‘enough’ money they then just buy condensed milk and they put it in the rice milk.” The grandmother and child travelled for five days to reach the ship, and despite the many unknowns: living in a remote African village means that there can be many things that one has not seen before, like white people, a ship, bed, toilet or even a shower. For these people to come onto a ship and trust them was a privilege for Hwang, forming close relationships with the patients and their families. “It’s unlike what I have experienced in Australia,” said Hwang, “where the relationship is very professional – we are not allowed to stay alone with the child, we have to go by parents and so on. Just by the ship is an outpatient hospital, I would go there and visit the patients almost every day, and we’d play, it was great. You don’t have that here.” She recalls another sick child who could have been cured with a very simple surgery and could have returned home the next day. But there were some complications and he had to undergo another surgery that day although the ship was due to leave in two weeks which meant that the hospital had to be cleared a week ahead.
“There was a lot of pressure to make sure that the patients could go home as soon as possible, so that the ship was ready for maintenance to sail to a new country and this patient was one of the two patients that was not ready to go home yet and he was the sickest,” said Hwang. “I remember two days before I was due to leave, I went to the ward and spoke to the mother who then just burst into tears asking ‘what do I do when the ship leaves? I don’t trust any of the local doctors. You guys have just done an amazing job’. My heart just broke for her because there was so much trust that came from her.” Hwang felt that for people that have never had surgery before, let alone seen a doctor in their lives, or had never been to a hospital before, they trust the Mercy Ship volunteers. She compared the trust from the Malagasy patients to those in Australia and thought how many times she has experienced, as a nurse in Australia, being questioned by patients and family. For the grandmother and the 15-month old child, who was told that it would be a simple surgery and that they could go home the next day, only to be met with multiple complications and had to stay with us, Hwang was compelled through their trust to make a commitment that this is what she is going to do, “this is what I was meant to be doing for people like her.” At the end of the ship’s stay, Hwang was joyed to discover that all her patients had been nursed to health. “I think my greatest fear has always been whether my capabilities and my skills are enough to help people, and I was always worried that what I could offer is not required, that what I can do is not enough,” she mused. “But that fear was not justified
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Page 16
looking in pain or in bed is close to the feeling I’ve had when I reunited with my friends and family who live overseas. I was nearly in tears. One of them led me to Lucael being held by another nurse outside the building.
because the Mercy Ship people were helpful, they were amazing, the doctors were amazing, my team mates were very supportive and so encouraging.” The experience re-affirmed her passion and steps for the future, and now she’s working towards it. “It has opened my eyes to a lot of things professionally, like what I should be doing for the rest of my life …” When Hwang returned to Australia and went back to work, she told her colleagues of her experiences. They were inspired, so much so that some even volunteered for Mercy Ships, and are set to sail off next year. “It’s interesting to see what it’s like on the other side of the world,” said Hwang. “We are so lucky here, we are so privileged to be in Australia where the health care system is so great. I know that people often complain, but in comparison, we have experts here and in a lot of countries they don’t. They must walk one day to get help, and when they get there they find out that they don’t have enough money to get the treatment. It’s heart-breaking and I think that you must put things in perspective.” An excerpt from Yenni’s letter to her friends about Lucael: My attention was fixed on the ladies at the front who made up and dressed so beautifully for the ceremony and while I was starting to join the singing and praise, someone tapped on my shoulder. I turned around and behind me, I saw 4 of my patients that I used to look after, all of them were giggling and saying my name. The happiness of seeing them again, smiling, standing comfortably and not
I had him for that entire evening shift only and later found out that he was discharged as an outpatient several days later. He came about two weekends ago (on Saturday & Sunday) to our A ward for his lip cleaning and dressing. He looked so much healthier! And I was told that his caregiver all along was his grandmother, not mother. His mother is only 14 years old and their family is so poor that they could only feed him rice powder milk since birth. So the grandmother just took it upon herself to seek help from the ship in November last year and made a long journey of 5 days with the baby to where we are. He was only 3 kg when he was first presented. Imagine what he was like, skin and bones, I believe for not being able to feed properly. And now he’s nearly 7 kg and stealing everyone’s hearts on the ship! Still very much underweight according to our Australian standard but he’s totally making a progress! :) I fell in love with him all over again yesterday at the ceremony because I can tell he remembers me. The nurse who held him made the same comment after he gave me a big smile as soon as I called out his name and he lifted one of his hands to his head near his eye (it was the game we played last weekend, I was teaching him to play peek-a-boo with both of my hands and he enjoyed it so much that he learnt to imitate me after a few games but somehow he only used one hand instead of two).
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Professor Wang Depei : Admission as Honorary College Fellow 26 th October 2016
The Graduate Union was honoured to host distinguished guest Professor Wang Depei, Chief Economist from Forecast Thinktank, Shanghai on his recent visit to Australia. He was accompanied by delegates from the Shanghai Entrepreneurs Association and representatives from The Virtue Australia Foundation. Among those who attended was immediate Past President, Major General Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld AM OBE KStJ, Chairman of Council, Mr Rhys Watson, Cr Mary Kelleher, Life Member, Professor Max Stephens and Rotarian Casey Tan. Our resident members also took this rare opportunity to meet with this senior academic and government leader. In the Anderson room, Mr Watson welcomed Professor Wang and provided an overview of The Graduate House, our mission in bringing together graduates from graduation and through post-graduate study and our residential college as a meeting place for academics and like minded people. Professor Rosenfeld spoke to our international collegium of different disciplines and ethnicities and the advancement of education for the benefit of the next generation. He remarked that if he were to start all over again, he would definitely want to master the Chinese language. Max Stephens delivered his speech in flawless Mandarin, which drew applause from the crowd. Cr Mary Kelleher spoke about her work with Australian-Asian Association (AAA) of Victoria and
it’s role in building bonds between Australians and Asians by the exchange of information and discussion, by supporting international students and encouraging Asian language skills and as a welcome support to new settlers from Asia. Professor Wang gave his address in which he felt honoured at the warm reception and thanked The Graduate Union for it’s role in providing a safe environment and “home” for international students. Throughout the speeches, we were very grateful to have Resident Member Betsy Yu in attendance to provide excellent translation. The Resident members were then introduced to Professor Wang and he took time to listen to their stories in the Mandarin language. The formal proceeding was the signing ceremony to officially admit Professor Wang as Honorary College Fellow to The Graduate Union. This was followed by a photo session and afternoon tea and refreshments in the Johnston Library. The delegates were then given a tour of the facilities of Graduate House and accompanied to the Woodward Conference Centre for a Cocktail event, and thereafter to the Copland Theatre for a joint-public lecture by Professor Wang and Professor Ross Garnaut AO. At the public lecture entitled The Future of The Chinese Ecomony, Professor Wang spoke about the complexity of the Chinese economy and its significance for both Australia and China.
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About Professor Wang Depei Professor Wang is the Chief Economist at Forecast Thinktank in Shanghai and Vice President of the China Society of Economic Reform. He is a Senior Consultant for local governments, large enterprises and over one thousand industry and government projects. His major works include: China Economy 2016, The Future of RMB, The 4th “Finance Big Bang”, Rebalance - the Chinese Ascendancy and the American Power.
Thank You for your feedback This welcoming event is a precious and intriguing experience for me, in which we probably would not have the chance even in China. I feel honoured to be a part of it, cultivating myself and witnessing the further development of Australia-China friendship. Graduate House is not only a prestigious platform, it has a loving community which makes it a fantastic place to live, learn and grow. I could tell Professor Wang was quite happy about Graduate House and with the Honorary Fellow Award, he is already thinking of sending his little granddaughter here! - Betsy Yu -
The Association extends gratitude to Resident Member Betsy Yu (pictured left) who provided excellent translation to and from Mandarin and English during this visit.
Professor Max Stephens delivering his speech in the Mandarin language
A tour of Graduate House by Dr Kerry Bennett with translation by Betsy Yu (centre)
Resident members Betsy Yu, Zhen Li, Chengjun Zou, Hui Ping Yaw, Professor Junjie He and Damon Lu with Rhys Watson and Professor Wang ( seated right)
A handshake to seal the signing ceremony
The crowd listening while Professor Wang addressed the attendees
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REVIEWS
The Monthly Luncheon Friday 11th November
Dr Ross McMullin Pompey Elliot
Rarely do we come across an individual with a menacing stagger and tongue to boot that can straighten out even the most intimidating of beings. Yet Harold Edward “Pompey” Elliot, the Victorian who commanded the 7th battalion at Gallipoli and the 15th brigade at the Western Front, was an exceptional character, and a household name. He was so famous and revered during the 1920s that any Victorian schoolboy with the surname Elliot was nicknamed Pompey.
comprehensively, accurately, vividly as I could, but at the same time I wanted to use Pompey’s story as a vehicle for telling the bigger collective story of how the Great War devastated Australia,” explained Dr McMullin.
Dr Ross McMullin is an historian and biographer who reached critical acclaim with this anecdotal presentations and books about the remarkable Pompey Elliot that have thrilled hundreds of audiences.
McMullin described him as a “big, hefty, fleshy bloke, 36 years of age in mid-1914, and married with two kids”. Pompey was a solicitor, conscientious about his legal firm but passionately interested in soldiering. Someone who was a fierce disciplinarian, who openly declared that he subjected his men to more rigorous and demanding training than any other battalion endured. Someone who frequently roared at officers under his command because they weren’t doing what he thought they ought to be doing. Someone who was frank, forthright, controversial, often in trouble with his superiors because he called a spade - a bloody shovel.
“My main objective was to tell the previously untold story of Pompey Elliot’s remarkable life as
“The story of Pompey, by virtue of his exceptional vibrancy, quotability and highs and lows is a marvellous vehicle for telling the national story.” Who is Pompey Elliot?
According to McMullin’s accounts, Pompey was someone who “despite the best efforts of his wife and his staff, tended to look untidy, sloppy and disheveled.” He was the “sort of commander who would be criticizing a standard that some unfortunate private’s button was on parade while blissfully unaware the he had forgotten to hook up his own braces that were hanging down incongruously.” Stylish dress was never a Pompey priority. “There was no way such a scruffily dressed man could really be brigadier, and he was arrested for impersonating an officer,” concluded some military policemen in London. How did Pompey Elliot acquire such a revered reputation as a leader? McMullin suggested that there are three key factors. The first, capacity. Pompey was a tactician as well as a fierce fighter. For any soldier, it is important to have faith in your superior’s competence. “If you’re putting your life on the line you obviously want to feel that you’ve been competently lead while you’re doing www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
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it. Pompey’s men had that faith, which stemmed from the way he treated his responsibilities with passionate seriousness!” Courage. Pompey was remarkably brave. He was Australia’s most famous fighting general. He placed himself in perilous situations so often that survival was one the minor miracles of the war. His reputation for extraordinary courage was established early at Gallipoli. When he was notified as Commander of the 7th Battalion, the Turks had captured an Australian-held tunnel and he immediately went forward himself to investigate the situation and had a duel with a Turk in the tunnel. From that time on, it was an article of faith among his men that the leader they nicknamed Pompey would never send anyone anywhere where he was not prepared to go himself. Character. Pompey’s men knew that he would say what he thought about proposed operations, that if he thought his superiors had given his men an ill-conceived task that was an exercise in futility, he had the character to say so, explained Dr McMullin. He would object vehemently. Stories about him grew and grew, amusing his men and disconcerting his superiors. “… there was nothing austere or aloof about Pompey. He was the larger than life character, full of exuberance and vitality with idiosyncrasies that appealed to his men and boosted their anecdotal repertoire … In physique and demeanor, he was the epitome of a fighting leader.” Pompey, it seems, was a fruitful source of biographic and anecdotal repertoire. McMullin shared some of the stories that made this revered Soldier. Pompey’s favourite World War One anecdote concerned an incident that occurred when his battalion was on the march near Cairo. The Battalion happens to pass a group of walkers and their donkeys just as one of those animals, a male, was “showing interested in a female donkey nearby.” Soldiers laughed which annoyed the owner of the donkey. He darted over and gave one of its ears a savage twist, whereupon the donkey’s desire deflated quickly. Shortly afterwards the battalion’s leading company, encountered a horse-drawn carriage containing two attractive women. One of them bowed and smiled at the captain who gave an enthusiastic salute in return. Instantly a voice from the ranks was heard: twist his ears Sarg! Part of Pompey’s distinctiveness was the mystique he created around his big black horse, Darkie. During inspections, Darkie consistently seems to demonstrate an astounding ability to emulate the disciplined irreverence of Pompey. He would draw the Colonel’s attention to those who hadn’t
shaved, unsteadiness or even improper attire by stopping, throwing back his ears and stretching out his neck. But it was indeed Pompey. “He was directing his well-trained horse by subtly nudging his neck, he would then pretend that it was Darkie who had spotted the irregularity,” said Dr McMullin. During his research, Dr McMullin had spoken to a man that had served under Pompey and was still convinced, all those decades later, that Darkie had extraordinary powers. Pompey was establishing himself as one of the characters of the whole Australian Imperial Forces (AIF). It was the combination of his wholeheartedness, his dedication to duty coupled with his tempestuous personality that generated these anecdotes. But it was also his loyalty, his profound regard and commitment to the officers and men he lead – the kind of devotion that manifested in the way he spent his time on leave visiting hospitals to see those of his men who had been wounded, and how he never stopped thinking of ways that his men could be better looked after in or out of the trenches. Despite his gruff exterior, Pompey had a profound regard for his men. Dr McMullin shared an example. J D Schroder was directed to report with his section to Pompey in Egypt. Schroeder said: After journeying across the desert we had arrived at 3am in the morning and naturally did not turn out to physical checks that day. I was awoken from a very deep sleep by a roar which resembled that of a bull at large, thirsty for gore. Standing in the doorway of the inn was a huge figure, riding breaches on, no leggings, boots unlaced, a flannel shirt with one brace over the shoulder and one dangling down the side. Not wishing to be outdone on the roaring line, I did a little myself with the result that within five minutes I was sojourning in the guard tent and my section was at physical checks. I was released later in the day and I realised that the tales of Pompey’s exploits and discipline had not been overrated. Schroder later wrote this assessment of Pompey: In my estimation, no greater soldier or gentleman ever lived. After the Gallipoli evacuation, Pompey was promoted to Commander 15th Brigade and remained its commander for the rest of the war. March 1916, Australian formations were directed to take over the task of safeguarding the Suez Canal. There were no available trains so the top level British commanders directed that the Australians had to get there on foot – marching 35 miles across the desert. After the 14th Brigade’s turbulent attempt at crossing the desert, Pompey’s brigade followed two days later. Pompey’s distinctive leadership was very evident. To minimise the ordeal, he chose a different route
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after personally inspecting the various options, and consulting officers familiar with them. He also adopted a different march timetable, arranging for short halts at regular intervals along with a long break in the middle of the day when the heat was at its worst. During the march itself the driving force of his tempestuous leadership was more evident than ever, enriching the ever-growing fund of Pompey anecdotes. “When one man gave me cheek and refused to fall in I drew my pistol and pointed at his head and swore I’d blow his brains out on the spot if he didn’t obey my orders. The pistol wasn’t loaded, but I frowned at him and he concluded he’d better march.” Another man forgot the ban on smoking and lit a cigarette: “Who lit that?!” Pompey bellowed. Having identified the offender, he growled, “I should shoot you!” “If you shoot him, I’ll shoot you,” a small yet menacing voice sounded. Pompey demanded an explanation from this private, who replied that he would respond to anyone like that intimidating his brother. Pompey arranged for this private to be sent to a school for NCOs (non-commissioned officers) saying that anyone who could stand-up to Pompey was certainly imbued with leadership potential! Pompey’s brigade, nevertheless made it through the desert, no stragglers, no soldiers left behind. Pompey’s dedication to the wellbeing of his brigade continued to be evident, furious when he saw that the water he had requested upon the brigade’s arrival failed to materialise. It was outrageous to deprive men of water in the desert he bellowed, and threatened to march them back across the Suez Canal to get them a drink. After further late night enquiries he was assured that the precious liquid would be available at 5:30 the following morning. Pompey was awake at 5:00am and found that men were licking the taps to moisten their lips, and many of them had been sleepless all night from the torment of severe thirst. Half an hour later, there was still no water. Pompey galloped away to find the chief engineer in charge of the pumps. He suggested that the Egyptians had not provided him with enough water, adding that he had strict orders not to start the pumps before 8am because the noise interrupted the sleep of the British core commander and his staff. This was the same core commander that ordered the Australians to march across the desert. Pompey mounted his horse. “[He eventually] unearthed a pink-faced British
staff officer clad in blue silk pyjamas who came out yawning at being unceremoniously disturbed from his slumbers.” Pompey’s message was blunt: he told the staff officer that if the water was not turned on in five minutes he would be marching his men to the core commander’s headquarters to tell him precisely how they feel about the situation, and if there was any problem about it, he would be delighted to provide a firing squad to deal with them. The staff officer was immediately galvanised. He issued the necessary directives, phoned the chief engineer to start the pumps, and the water was flowing within Pompey’s stipulated deadline. Pompey was reprimanded for his conduct, to which he replied that he would always do what was necessary for his men. Pompey was a man of resolute character, determined to do nothing more than ensure the safety and wellbeing of his men. His harsh exterior was necessary, as anything softer would not push through the perilous nature of war. This also meant that Pompey is immensely quotable. “Pompey is a superb character for a biographer. He expressed himself so vividly – he is irresistibly quotable,” said Dr McMullin. Dr McMullin shared the example of Lone Pine where Pompey and his Battalion with Turks attacking repeatedly. Amidst savage fighting there were heavy casualties. No fewer than four of Pompey’s men won the VC at Lone Pine, one of them after Pompey sent him to a vulnerable spot, where numerous of others had been hit, with heart felt words: “Goodbye Simons I don’t expect to see you again, but we must not lose that post!” Simons and his men did retain control of that post, Simons was awarded the VC and Pompey did see him again because Simons luckily survived Lone Pine. Pompey described what it was like to be at Lone Pine in a private letter to a friend: “...the weather was hot and flies pestilential. When anyone speaks to you of the glory of the war, picture to yourself a narrow line of trenches, two or sometimes three deep with bodies, and think too of your best friends because that is what your boys become after a long association with you. Mangled and torn beyond description by the bombs and bloated and blackened by decay and crawling with maggots. Live amongst this for days. This is war and such is glory – whatever the novelists may say.” Dr McMullin’s book also details the aftermath in the 1920s when Pompey was elected to parliament. The book is a whole of life biography, providing a well-rounded comprehensive picture of Pompey Elliot, to ensure that there is appropriate coverage
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of Pompey as a parent. He had two children, Violet and Neil, born respectively in 1911 and 1912. They were still toddlers when their father was at war, yet Pompey wrote letters to his children that “illuminated his humanity and underlined how unfortunate it was for Violet and Neil that he was not around for the next five years that were such crucial formative years for them.” One such letter: “Since I wrote to you before we got a lot of big wagons like traction engines and put guns in them and ran them bumpetybump against the old Kaiser’s wall and knocked a great big hole in it and caught thousands and thousands of the Kaisers naughty soldier men and we killed a lot of them and more, we put in jail so they couldn’t be naughty anymore ... It is very, very cold here and the Jack Frost is not a nice Jack Frost who just pinches your fingers … But a great big bitey Jack Frost and he pinches some of Deeda’s soldiers so terribly that he pinches them right off – isn’t that terrible? The naughty old Kaiser burnt down every little house around here and Deeda’s soldiers have to sleep out in the mud or dig holes in the ground like rabbits to sleep in. And all the trees are blown to pieces by the big guns, and there’s no wood to make fires and Deeda’s soldiers have to make fires of coal and the wagons are all stuck in the mud, so Deeda’s soldiers have to carry it through the mud … Isn’t that Kaiser a naughty old man to cause all that trouble? Now goodbye dear little laddy, give dear old mum a kiss and tell her Deeda’s coming home soon, and that you will grow up soon and you won’t let any old Kaiser come near her.” Villers Brettonaux It is now March - April 1918. The British and their allies are facing their biggest crisis of the whole war. March 21st, 1918, the Germans launched an immense offensive that drove the British back 40 miles. There was widespread genuine concern that after years of fierce fighting Britain and its allies might well lose the war. Pompey was aware it was the climax of the whole conflict and he was tremendously fired up as his brigade was rushed out of 45 vulnerable sectors, explained Dr McMullin. At one stage he was directed to occupy a particular village behind the front that was full of what he described as “British fugitives”. He ordered them to vacate the village – they didn’t. “... if we focus on the situation encountered by the Australians, what they found was that much of the British were retreating in disarray and the pitiful sight of French civilians whose homes had been part of the German advancing terrified retreat as well,” said McMullin.
“You’ve got the situation transformed with the arrival of Pompey and his men, confident unflustered by the dismay around them, and ready to do the business and stop the Germans.” McMullin asserts that far too many Australians today are unaware of this and yet it should be known. “Here we have some of the great moments of our history,” explained McMullin. Many of these retreating civilians recognised the Australian uniform and they became exultant! They were confident that the AIF will stop the Germans. At this critical time, Pompey wrote: “The AIF have hitherto accomplished nothing to be compared in importance with the work they having had just now. I was never so proud of being an Australian as I am today. The … joyous spirit and the prospect of a fight thrills you through and through. You simply cannot despair or be downhearted. Whatever the odds against you can feel the spirits rising the more than danger seems to threaten. It is glorious indeed to be with them.” McMullin asserted that what the Australians did in 1918 prompted the conclusion that Australians were influencing the destiny of the world in 1918 more than Australians had ever done before, and more than Australians have ever done since. Later in 1918 ... when the Germans were pushing towards Avignon and the German crisis was still acute, Pompey Elliot’s brigade was stationed North West of Villers Bretonnaux, a tactically vital town – crucial. The British 8th Division had been ordered to safeguard Villers Bretonnaux. Pompey Elliot concluded its dispositions are flawed. He becomes convinced that the Germans will attack the town, assured that when they do, the British will be unable to hold it. Pompey’s nearby Brigade decides it will recapture it and that the provisional encirclement manoeuvre that the Commander prepared will do the trick. He is eventually proved victorious in every respect. After his plan is outlined, Pompey finally received the green light for his counter attack. As the plan is carried out, it reaches night, and numerous observers think the enterprise is a huge gamble that will surely fail. His men move forward, aware it is the third anniversary of the original ANZAC Day and they have an opportunity to commemorate it with an appropriately special exploit. The daring exploit saw an end to the German thrust towards Avignon. Back to 2016 in Villers-Bretonaux. A local school that was re-built thanks to donations from Victorian schoolchildren, you can see in each classroom and also prominently in big letters on the roof outside: N’oublions jamais l’Australie – Never forget Australia!
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Remembrance Day Sing Along Friday 11th November
On Friday the 11th November at 11am precisely visitors and all staff observed a minute silence for those who died in war. Just like old times, there was a sing along around the piano in the dining room. Some of the songs sung were Keep the Home Fires Burning, Along the Road to Gundagai, Pack up your Troubles and big favourite, Waltzing Matilda. Following the singalong Ed Dickenson read some very moving poetry in which he underlined the emotive power of poems about war. Members enjoying the sing along
Staff crocheted poppies
Big Thank You to:
Marie Dowling for donating the music book and coming up with the idea of a sing along. Ed Dickenson for poetry readings. Tom Morley and Sarah Hawthorn for their duet piano playing. Malinee Atkin for also playing the piano.
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REVIEWS
Women’s Forum Review Wednesday, 19th October, 2016
“The Past is our Present” Some salient points discussed at this forum include: 1
“The past is History The future a Mystery Today is a gift - That’s why we call it: the present.” 2
Many decisions, great and small, made with the best will in the world at the time, have left us with a troubled present. For example, how the Middle East was organised after World War I, or thr crushing of Germany as a world power after WWI to prevent rise of Hitler who aspired to make Germany “great” again. 3 The dilemma faced by many families regarding the education of their offspring, i.e. modifying our lifestyles and spending the savings on the best education available. 4
Decisions made by the boards of public companies (or state and federal politicians) about investments/ actions which will have implications for the future. For example, the current discussion about relaxing gun laws in Australia. 5 Decisions made in the late 60s about whether or not to “go co-ed” for some traditional private single sex schools. 6 The rise of “buffet - style” restaurants and fast food outlets and their links to current obesity problems. 7
Failure to educate our young about choices and consequences. Salient Points
• Very little thought given to the future consequences of current decisions.
• The lack of attention paid to the views of people experienced in the context/subject of a decision. • Too many politicians with no life experience who lack the ability to think of the consequences of their decisions. • Too often decisions, which affect the community at large, are made by those in charge who have a personal agenda or individual career path rather than the community’s welfare at heart. • The interesting connections between past and present with current television series: “Who do you think you are?” which frequently highlight similar thinking in past generations to the present. • Any situation is of value if one has the power to exercise the choices to direct our future. The awareness of choice is very significant. • Ethics/Values are crucial in exercising choice. The most valuable “thank you” one can give for services/favours received, is to accept it and “pass it on.” • How to educate our young to “pass it on.” Often this requires a great deal of courage/personal bravery. • The concept of “Schools Week” has been ruined. Have young people (even those with the best education from home and school) been taught a value system that enables them to resist peer pressure to behave responsibly when freed from the constraints of home and school?
The next forum is on 14th December, with no set topic. Come along and join a friendly discussion and some laughter. The forum is free. Lunch is at Member and non-member prices.
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Innovation Combining specially designed rooms with wristband technology, Conran seeks to improve elderly care facilities with roundthe-clock watch and easy companionship via MiRo.
The rise of robotics is a scientific and technological march that has quickly become a full-blown sprint.
“The thing about human care is, unless you’re particularly disabled, you don’t need someone there all the time, but you do need to deal with loneliness and fear ... What’s happening to people when a carer isn’t there?”
More technically, MiRo is a bioMimetic Robot, a “low-cost fully programmable autonomous platform particularly suited for developing companion robots.”
The wristband technology monitors vital signs, equipped with a “slap” option where the slapping of the wrist logs the details of the patient. Failure to do so, indicates something went wrong and all relevant information as well as camera footage, will be sent to a central care hub and ambulance services.
The techno pup exemplifies how social robots will soon share our social space: interact with us and with other MiROs, providing social support for those in need.
Thus, it is not only MiRo that people are adopting, but also wristbands, cameras, e-sensors and a data hub. All of this designed with one purpose in mind, to provide 24/7 care and service.
It’s designed to mimic animal like behaviour, while assisting social programs such as independent living for the elderly or disabled.
Conran’s Consequential Robotics company is seeking also to improve MiRo to recognize facial expressions and install speakers to communicate with people. This system may prompt people to take medication, remember visitor’s names or question them whether they are OK or not.
MiRo is a tiny robot dog. But wait, there’s more.
Taking care of the ageing population has long been considered one of the most interesting dilemmas for any generation, with costs, staff and care being placed at a premium. Designer Sebastian Conran is putting forward his MiRo robot as a possible alternative to provide 24/7 care for the elderly. Running through a worstcase scenario he explains that the MiRo model will be constantly looking for a break in routine, an event that is out of the ordinary. Using a drawing of an elderly woman who has fallen in her home, Conran says that use of “e-sensors” in the room
For Conran, he says that this is a generational discussion, as future generations will grow up accustomed to such high-end technology and the idea of 24-hour attention, and care may seem “normal.” For a more indepth interview with Conran, see www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/nov/06/ robot-could-be-grandmas-new-care-assistant
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http://consequentialrobotics.com/miro/
will alert the MiRo and prompt it to investigate.
Extracurricular
It’s OK to press snooze Catriona Ward, Sleeping / FlickrCC
with their internal circadian rhythms. “It’s not just how much you sleep, it’s when you sleep”, said Ms Owens. Such a revelation into the psyche of people who are “not morning people” revealed that their chronotype is designated as one that needs to sleep later in a 24 hour period. This biological response clearly conflicts with society’s norms, where a 9am - 5pm job is key to a successful career.
Are you more of a “night owl” or a “morning lark?” According to a recent study by Judith Owens, a Harvard faculty neurologist and Director of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Boston Children’s Hospital, the two terms indicate a certain chronotype – a sleep pattern that concerns when you sleep instead of the amount you had. In the medical journal Pediatrics, Owens and her colleague performed an online survey of 7th to 12th grade students in 19 schools in Fairfax County, Virginia Public Schools. The results revealed that, amongst the 2017 students surveyed, the mean age was 15 years and 21.7% slept less than 7 hours on school nights. This was then measured against the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function, 2nd edition, Screen Self-Report Form; a checklist for “self-regulation.” Self regulation is defined as a psychological construct that deals with emotional, cognitive and behavioural cues that are regulated by a sense of stability and control. A lack of self-regulation relates to many negative consequences such as substance abuse and depression. In the study, Ms Owens and her team concluded that the regular 9am to 5pm work schedule actually impaired the self-regulation of “night owls”, due to the fact that their sleep patterns were “misaligned”
It also challenges society’s assumption that its the number of hours of sleep that is important, not when you sleep. Students can suffer from poor academic performance, due to improper sleep, leading into flow-on effects like low confidence, eroding their self-regulation. To address this issue, Ms Owens has begun appealing to schools to start no later than 8.30am in order to better accommodate the children who “cannot fall asleep much before 11:00 at night.” However, the results of the study do not equate to blame being placed squarely on being a “night owl” for poor self regulation. For the majority of students tested, the study revealed that “morning larks” were far more common, partly due to “biological programming”, when young, to wake up at 8 or 9am. Hence, the nature and nurture debate plays a key role in strengthening self regulation and the study of chronotypes. The study obviously does not apply to students who described themselves as “sleepy” as this belief could actually be creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Self-Regulation and Sleep Duration, Sleepiness, and Chronotype in Adolescents Judith A. Owens, Tracy Dearth-Wesley, Daniel Lewin, Gerard Gioia, Robert C. Whitaker
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Academic and Professional Development Meetings The following groups from The University of Melbourne have convened meetings, workshops and seminars at Graduate House in October 2016 Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business and Economics, The University of Melbourne 3rd October 39 attendees
Department of Finance - Lunch Meeting 14th, 21st, 28th October 15 attendees
Department of Infrastructure Engineering 4th, 11th, 13th October 79 attendees
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Services 17th October 8 attendees
Indigenous Eye Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health 4th October 29 attendees
Melbourne Medical School 27th October 103 attendees
Melbourne School of Engineering 3rd, 5th, 27th October 122 attendees
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre 26th October 34 attendees
Research, Innovation and Commercialisation - Specialist Certificate in Criminology and Network of Schools 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th , 19th, 20th October 152 attendees
UoM Commercial Ltd - Graduate Certificate in Clinical Teaching and Public Private Partnership Leadership 12th, 24th, 25th October 63 attendees
The patronage of organisation Members in charitable, not-for-profit, government and professional development sectors is acknowledged, as is that of our many Members who organise functions. Thank you for your patronage.
Meeting
Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law (ANZAPPL) 6th October 40 attendees
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) 6th October 18 attendees
Australian Asian Association Vic. Inc. (AAA) - Language Award Night 10th, 13th October 66 attendees
Australian School of Applied Management (ASAM) 10th, 26th, 28th October 78 attendees
Bob Slater - Duntroon Society Luncheon 13th October 16 attendees
Carlton - Parkville Probus Club Inc 11th, 19thOctober 78 attendees
Carlton Rotary - Lunch, Dinner, Board Meeting and Heritage Cluster Meeting 4th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 25th October 124 attendees
Centre for Health Policy - PROMS Consultation paper and Workshop 21st October 15 attendees
David Allinson - Meeting “Uphold and Recognise’ 18th October 4 attendees
Workshop
International Student Advisors Network of Australia (ISANA) 10th October 10 attendees
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Academic and Professional Development Meetings
SLAVERY LINKS
IStructE Reinforced Concrete 14th October 20 attendees
Jay and Wal - 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary Party 22th October 100 attendees
The John Cain Foundation Lunch Function 5th, 19th October 68 attendees
Kay Margetts - Graduates in Early Childhood (AGECS) 24th October 11 attendees
Keith Ryall - Audit Committee of The Rotary Foundation 4rd October 4 attendees
Melba Group 28rd October 20 attendees
Lunch Meeting
Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance 6th October 15 attendees
Modern Greek Teachers Association of Victoria (MGTAV) 16th, 18th October 43 attendees
Order of St. John 3th October 8 attendees
Organisation Development Australia (ODA) 25th October 20 attendees
Public Health Association Australia (PHAA) 24th October 6 attendees
Retired Veterinarian Luncheon 5th October 30 attendees
LUNCH
Robert Pratt - 1966 Chemical Engineers Reunion 17th October 15 attendees
School Library Association of Victoria Learning and Teaching with Technology 28th October 18 attendees
Slavery Links 12th, 26th October 4 attendees
Social Education Victoria (SEV) 12th October 12 attendees
Social Work Department Writing Group 18th October 8 attendees
The Carlton Connect Initiative 3rd, 15th October 31 attendees
The Graduate Union Collegiate Events and Governance Meetings 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 21st, 22th, 26th October 315 attendees
UNSW Canberra at ADFA - Laser Safety Course, Effective Writing for Defence 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 24th, 25th October 184 attendees
Turkish Teachers Association of Victoria (TTAV) 28th October 20 attendees
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) 7th, 21st October 48 attendees
Victorian Health Psychology College - AGM 13th October 15 attendees
VJM Consulting - Calabrian Association 14th October 10 attendees
VJM
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
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RESIDENT NEWS
Graduate House Residents
Congratulations to Resident Member Milena Nadgorny who recently had a paper published, Three Dimensional Printing of pH-Responsive and Functional Polymers on an Affordable Desktop Printer in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. Of her research, she says: “My work aims to develop “smart” 3D printable polymers which exhibit dynamic responses to induced
stimuli. For instance, polymers which shrink and swell upon pH changes. These materials have a function rather than just being 3D printed inert plastics broadly available today. In the paper, we present a functional polymer which can act as a flow controller and also degrades environmental pollutants.”
SEEN AT GRADUATE HOUSE
UK-based donor Dr Elizabeth Shaw with husband Mr Michael Wright
Angie Taras and Victoria Heathcote, Managing Directors, Cognous
Photo by: Resident Member Shivang Kumar. He says: “All of us gathered together at University Square for Diwali (Indian festival of light) and Thomas had a few sparklers. After a few practice shots with glow sticks, we decided on which letter each person was tracing. We lit the sparklers and I set the camera on a tripod, set a timer for 10 seconds and ran to my spot at the far right. As far as the technical details are concerned, I used a low ISO and a shutter speed of over three seconds to get the light trails.The order in which we are standing is: Prakhar Bhargava, Thomas Charles Nantz, Priyanka Rajani, Shubham Rawal, Scott Nelson, Riyan John Stephan, Dominique Lung, Avinash Gandhi and Shivang Kumar.” www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
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Graduate Women Victoria Graduate Women International for Digital Literacy As part of addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Graduate Women International (GWI) convened in Geneva, Switzerland, on 8th September 2016, to call for digital literacy for girls and women as quintessential to modern literacy skill sets. Of the 758 million people worldwide who are illiterate, two thirds are estimated to be female. This directly affects SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 5 – Gender Equality, with flow-on effects to SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDGs 3 and 8 – Good Health and Well-Being and Decent Work and Economic Growth, respectively. The inability to read or write is no longer restricted to books and paper-based mediums. It relates also to the digital world, where knowledge in the use of smartphones, tablets and computers is key to an increasingly digitised environment. GWI asks for outreach movements to girls and women in all sectors of society to develop “multi stakeholder cooperation in infrastructure - building, education and policy making” to prevent further marginalisation of vulnerable or isolated groups.
GWI highlights how many females are unable to benefit from access to devices or the internet, despite growing internet coverage. In South Asia, for example, 38% of women are less likely to own a mobile phone than men for various reasons, including “lack of control over finances and decisionmaking.” GWI requests that such cultural and social norms are challenged to improve the lives of females and to support more forms of empowerment. The organisation has also adamantly stated that it wishes to leverage information and communication technology (ICT) to ensure greater prosperity for all. ICT is regarded as an invaluable teaching tool, and in using more innovative inventions, females are able to address both issues of illiteracy and unfamiliarity with technology. As put eloquently by Catherine Bell, President of GWI, “for sustainable development and increased prosperity for all, it is critical that the advantages of digital literacy are made freely available and accessible to girls and women of all countries and all means, hand-in-hand with conventional literacy education.”
They’re With Her President of Graduate Women International (GWI), Geeta Desai submitted an address for the 2016 Graduate Women Victoria (GWV) AGM, highlighting the importance of unity, participation and perseverance. “As you know, women, particularly educated women, will be called upon increasingly to participate in the resolution of global society’s most recalcitrant problems. Most of these problems are obstacles to the universal education of women and girls up to the highest levels as well as to their economic independence.
It is the role of GWI and its Affiliates including GWV, to help women “break through the glass ceiling.” In other news: GWI participates in the 65th Session on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly. To learn more about GWI and GVW head to http://www.graduatewomen.org/ and http://gradwomenvic.org.au/
We will be called upon to advocate for women and girls who are most impacted by these problems.”
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
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MEMBER NEWS
The Origins of the Santa Claus Story Story located by David Sparks, past Chair of Council Santa, Bart Fields / FlickrCC
Santa Claus a.k.a St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Père Noël and a whole host of other names. What exactly is the history and indeed origin behind the names of our beloved Christmas character? It has been suggested that his origins date back to the god Odin, and the celebration of "guili" (Yule in English) during mid-winter. Odin was a giftbearing long-beard who led the Wild Hunt through the sky on his eight-footed steed. This yuletide was celebrated through the Germanic areas of Europe around the time of the solstice. Saint Nicholas was the more down-to-earth person, a Greek Christian Bishop from Myra (now a part of modern day Turkey). He assisted those in need and helped those who were poor or of unfortunate circumstances. Gaining fame throughout Europe, St. Nicholas, became Sinterklaas and the Bishop’s legend became merged with the Yule traditions to create the seminal character that would become the modern Santa Claus. It was suggested that the man known as “Father Christmas” dates back to the 16th century in England where Christmas day had been established there as December 25th. In time this English Father Christmas became Santa Claus and this embodiment of folklore, history and religion became the dominant characterisation in colonial America.
By now, it had been suggested that Santa Claus was a gift-giver to children, flying through the Christmas Eve sky at night, on a sleigh pulled by reindeers. In the early 1800s this was how illustrated by Thomas Nast illustrated the man and how poet wrote of him that eventually established the idea of our modern Santa: round belly, red suit, and jovial. Unfortunately, the character of Santa has not been immune to controversy. He represents commercialism, some say. Others feel that the jolly man has created liars out of parents, who foster his myth, while some suggest that he promotes pagansim. These are just a few of the criticisms of Mr Claus. Even Mr Claus is not immune to criticism, despite his story being one of sharing and bringing joy to many children worldwide. We should, for a moment, consider the ideas behind Santa and not seek to win an argument. After all, it’s not a name or an image that matters, it is the spirit. And that is worth celebrating. The content of this story was located by David Sparks.
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
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RESIDENT AND MEMBER NEWS
Women’s Leadership Forum Attended by Graduate Union CEO On Tuesday 8th November, our CEO/Head of College, Dr Kerry Bennett, was honoured to participate in a networking session of the New and Emerging Communities Women’s Leadership Program convened by Leadership Victoria in the Old Treasury Building. Funded by the Victorian Government, this six-day program is offered free for up to 30 current or future women leaders from over thirty different countries, to develop leadership skills, grow networks in government, business and community sectors and start a group community project.
Wal and Jay’s 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration at Graduate House on 22nd October 2016
The session that Dr Bennett attended focused on networking skills. Following a presentation by Luke Hockley of Midnight Sky on the community-building skills to be adopted while networking, our CEO, along with other leaders from around Melbourne, was approached by successive groups of future women leaders so that they could practice lessons learnt about networking in previous sessions. Dr Bennett was delighted to meet and learn from the many inspiring women with whom she spoke and hopes to catch up with them all soon to continue her support for this outstanding Leadership Victoria program. Given a life time membership to Graduate House from his late father, Wal insisted on contacting the venue to hire and host the party. It was also a very appropriate venue as Wal and many of his friends all studied at The University of Melbourne, and Jay and Wal first starting going out when Wal was at Melbourne University studying Architecture. So, on Saturday 22nd October the Graduate House Bistro was transformed into a Golden Glitz and Glamour party venue. As guests arrived they were greeted by the friendly staff and throughout the night everyone was treated to all sorts of scrumptious nibbles prepared by the chef and kitchen staff. With the Best Man leading the speeches, guests all commented on how much they enjoyed learning more about the lives of the couple with guest speakers revealing all sorts of humorous reflections on Wal and Jay’s relationship over the past 50 years.
When the Mohr Family started planning a surprise 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration for their parents, little did they know the large numbers of RSVP’s that would come back in from friends and family across Australia. With such a large number of guests, the family let the cat out of the bag and told Wal and Jay of their plans, and had to find a venue quick smart!
The event concluded with Jay and Wal cutting the Golden (literally) Brunetti’s Wedding Anniversary Cake. All in attendance thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and Jay and Wal and the family are extremely grateful to all the staff who helped make this memorable event such a fabulous success. A ‘hats off’ to everyone at Graduate House with a special thanks to Rosie, Mawra and Scott.
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
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FEATURES
Discovering Melbourne Cycle Around Melbourne
Supernormal 180 Flinders Lane
Daily
Two Buck Books 456 Queen St, Melbourne A simple charity. We sell Two Buck Books and donate all money to a different charity every month. They will be opensourcing the Two Buck Books charity model in the coming months so that any cafe, bar or retail space with a spare wall can turn unwanted books into much needed funds for a local charity.
As a city that is known to cycle, have you ever put your pedal power to the test? There are dozens of cycling tours of the city and outer Melbourne, so now is your chance to explore one of the greatest cities, with a trusty cycle. Peruse the listing on TripAdvisor or why not do some independent cycling? https://www.tripadvisor. com.au/Attractionsg255100-Activitiesc61-t214-Melbourne_ Victoria.html
Docklands Public Art Walking Trail Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Andrew McConnell can, it seems, do no wrong. Drawing on his years spent living and cooking in Shanghai and Hong Kong, McConnell presents a creative selection from dumplings to raw seafood or mains such as slow - cooked Szechuan lamb.
DFO, South Wharf and the Melbourne Star are just some of the urban gems that Melbourne’s Docklands are renowned for. But delve a little deeper and you’ll find yourself in an expansive outdoor gallery - an ‘artwalk’ - featuring some pieces from a lifesized statue of Graham Kennedy, Dame Edna, a cow up a tree and other sculptures and structures to take your fancy.
If you have any recommendations for places or events of interest for our Members, email publications@graduatehouse.com.au
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
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Feedback It is very easy organising a function at Graduate House. We simply contacted Graduate House, secured the venue, and then met with Rosie and the other staff to finalise details for event. The function room and spaces were great to use. The food was of a very high standard, and everyone commented on how great it was. There was also plenty for everyone. All the staff I dealt with were extremely helpful and friendly, adding to the overall success of the event. I would have no hesitation in recommending your venue as a place to hold functions. The staff are all extremely friendly and helpful, the venue is a great central location, and the additional bonus of access to car parking makes it a highly suitable (inner) city venue. - Jodi Mohr I like to visit once a month. The food and customer service is always excellent and great value for money. Keep up the good work. - Heather Kudeviita
Very easy process to organise a function at Graduate House. Everyone is very friendly, but professional. The function room and spaces are great particularly with new technology available for use. The food was great. Very positive feedback from participants. Staff were helpful in the lead up to our event, during the event and following our event - yes, as always! Nothing is too much trouble. We are always very happy to hold functions at Graduate House. - Leeanne Cavanough Always most enjoyable to visit and enjoy a meal. - Olive Hamilton Dinner food is great. Fresh colourful salad, soup of right texture, and most importantly all foods are not over flavoured. Foods are fresh, warm and well presented. Very good job done! - Resident Member
The lucky feedback-giver for October is Darey Seller who won a bottle of Emeri De Botoli Chardonnay Pinot Noir Your feedback is important Submit Dining Room Feedback Form to be in the Monthly Draw AND in the running for the Year-End Prize of a $500 Coles Myers Gift Voucher
Don’t forget to submit your entry Members (only) have the opportunity to win a Christmas Hamper or an overnight stay in one of our lovely apartments. Fill in the draw entries on the last page of your 2016 calendar (sent to Members late last year), cut them out and send in to The Graduate Union at 220 Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053.
Entry in a draw
Entry in a draw
one night in a GU apartment
to win a Christmas Hamper
sample only
sample only
See on back for details
See on back for details
All prizes are drawn on the 16th December, 2016 at the Members’ Christmas Party. You are still eligible to win if you are not able to attend the party. If you are one of the lucky winners we ensure that your prize reaches you. Having said that, it’s wonderful to have you join in our end of year festivities!
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
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Funding for Futures
Direct My Donation to endowment reserves for general purpose My donation is added to the endowment reserves with investment earnings on the principal being put to the highest priorities and needs of the Association at any given time.
to support postgraduate research students Research underpins innovation, progress and the betterment of society. My donation to this reserve supports resident students undertaking pure research degrees.
to support postgraduate coursework students A majority of residents undertake postgraduate degrees for entry to the professions. My gift to this reserve supports resident students undertaking these coursework degrees.
Donor Information Title
First Name
Donation Details $100
$500
$1,000
$2,000
$5,000
Other include amount in sum below
$10,000
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In total, my donation is $AUD at frequency
sum of amounts ticked and ‘Other’
once-off monthly
weekly annually
Founders and Benefactors Day Please send me an invitation to this 21st August, 2016 function.
Named and/or Special Purpose Endowment Please contact me to discuss establishing an endowment in my name and/or for my preferred cause.
Method of Payment Cheque to The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc. Bank Transfer
Surname
Account Name The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc. BSB 083 170 Bank National Australia Bank Account Number 515612137 Swift Code NATAAU3303M Description Surname_Firstname_2016appeal
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Authorisation forms will be sent to you
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