NEWS LETTER
September 2025
HOUSE
Coming events at Graduate House
September
Wednesday 3rd: Monthly Luncheon with Angela Gilham
Wednesday 17th: Women’s Forum on “American democracy and the current situation”
Thursday 18th: Twilight Lecture with Professor Philomena Murray
October
Wednesday 1st: Monthly Luncheon with Professor Mary Galea
Wednesday 15th: Women’s Forum on “Working from home, does it need legislating?”
Thursday 16th: - Twilight Lecture with Doctor Ted Gott - Lunchtime Recital with Konrad Olszewski
November
Wednesday 12th: Montlhly Luncheon with Jon Faine
Wednesday 19th: Women’s Forum on “What responsibility should Australia have for our island neighbours”
Message from the Chair
The Graduate Union is marching towards the future, reviewing its role as a membership association to ensure that it is dynamic and relevant. Crs Martin Comte and Max Stephens are leading the Advancement team in improving communications, representation on the Committee and programing.
Advancement is liaising with Crs Lawry Grima and Michael Lynch in Facilities to look at ways to improve Graduate House during the transition period.
Crs Jane Tisdall and Russell Meisner have reviewed financing to minimize the costs of continuing operations, recognizing that the financial structure will change if redevelopment occurs.
Crs Kylie O’Connell and Molina Asthana are guiding us to make sure that all processes are sound.
The Council is reassured by our continuing discussions with Melbourne Business School. MBS has at all times acted with integrity. We are planning strategically for the precinct east of University Square.
Cr Ross has prepared a report, which is included on page 5, on the Study Tour undertaken with representatives from the Melbourne Business School, together with
Study Tour - Harvard University common area
Rob McGuaran. Rob is a specialist in campus design and is assisting in identifying the key opportunities and constraints. Cr Ross and I undertook the tour at our own expense.
All stages of the process will be shared with you in a timely manner. The process is complex and subject to due diligence and confidentiality to protect the interest of all parties.
I hope that you enjoy the current issue of The Graduate.
I hope to see you at Graduate House
Natalie Gray
Building development: sucessful Study Tour from GU and MBS in eastern USA
During July 2025, representatives of the Graduate Union Council, Chair, Natalie Gray, and Councillor, Virginia Ross, travelled to the USA on a Study Tour in company of Melbourne Business School representatives and architect Rob McGauran. The goal of this trip was to inspect some of the most important universities in the country, and draw inspiration for the Building Project that Graduate Union and MBS are planning for the East precinct of University Square. The group visited and studied recently built facilities and accommodation developments in several universities in the east side of the USA, including Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cornell, Columbia Business School and University of Pennsylvania.
The Graduate Union and MBS held the same vision for the project, and found valuable examples in terms of urban design, club and accommodations facilities and organisational identity displayed in each facility.
Some of the main points that the travel party noted are the importance of sustainability and energy efficiency across the facilities, the high quality urban, architectural and landscape design that incorporates the surroundings. Outdoor terraces, gardens and cafes play a big role in these facilities, not only to provide a leisure space for members and residents, but also because it is a way to attract potential users, especially in our high traffic location.
In the case of the Graduate Union, that
MIT - Graduate Junction foyer/lounge
Columbia University casual lounges
means that the Grattan Street trees, lanes, University Square and Melbourne skyline views are significant factors to take into account in the design of the project. So must be the heritage buildings facades.
With this building we are planning for the future, but we do not forget our past, we treasure it.
Another factor that was noted by the representatives was the clear display of organisational identity. Whether it was in the ‘reception experience’ in each place or the graphic and digital displays of the organisational values, some outstanding members or alumni and activities. It is imperative that each organisation has a way of displaying who they are and what they stand for.
Overall, the Graduate Union and Melbourne
Business School representatives had a very successful trip. The ideas both organisations had for the east precinct were on the right track and now have been enriched with the examples of what works on some of the best universities in the USA.
This trip will add some very valuable insights to our building project and will make us a much more competitive organisation in our precinct. This way we keep working to secure the legacy of our organisations for generations to come.
Cornell Tech campus greenery & outdoor seating with cafes
Graduate Union welcomes the new University of Melbourne appointees to Council
At the end of August, Interim Provost for the University of Melbourne, Professor Jane Gunn, presented Chair of Council, Natalie Gray, with the two new appointees from the university to the Graduate Union Council.
After the last two appointees term came to an end, we thanked Mr David Israel for his hard work, and welcomed Dr Kylie O’Connell to the Graduate Union Council as Chairperson for the Governance Committee. The end of their term left us with two vacant spots that will now be filled by Dr Katherine Nesbitt and Billy Lee.
Dr Katherine Nesbitt is an experienced senior executive and governance professional with a strong record in strategic planning, financial management, and cross-sector
collaboration. She is the Director of Major Research Investment at the University of Melbourne, and oversees an $80M annual strategic investment portfolio and has led major whole-of-organisation initiatives in research strategy, governance, and operational transformation.
A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Dr Nesbitt brings extensive expertise in higher education, government, and not-for-profit sectors, underpinned by a PhD in Science and leadership training from the Committee for Melbourne’s Future Focus program. She is recognised for her ability to deliver high-quality outcomes through stakeholder engagement, innovative problem-solving,
and strong fiscal stewardship.
Billy Lee is the Director, Alumni Relations at the University, and leads the University’s efforts to engage and enrich the lives of the University’s 500,000+ alumni around the world. Mr Lee has over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications across the higher education sector, from teaching and learning support in various faculties, to student recruitment communications, digital marketing, and alumni relations. In this time, Billy has worked at the University of Melbourne, LaTrobe University, and Macquarie University, as well as in educational publishing in the Higher Education division of Pearson.
He has returned to Melbourne after having spent time living in the USA, Vietnam, and Sydney. He is also an alum of the University, holding a Bachelor of Arts, as well as a Bachelor of Multimedia from Swinburne University, and a Master of Business Administration from Macquarie University.
We are sure that both appointees will be a great contribution to the Council and the goals we are working towards. We look forward to working with them and the University of Melbourne.
Pass on the legacy: an unmissable opportunity for our Life Members
The Graduate Union is offering our Life Members an opportunity to invite their family (or close friends) as Associate Members for a year at a reduced membership fee.
The offer has been very well received and we already have been joined by a number of new members. With this success, we would like to extend this invitation again and warmly invite all of our Life Members to help carry that legacy and build a community for the future.
For a special total rate of $100, you may nominate up to two family members or close family friends to become Associate Members of the Graduate Union for one year. They will gain access to all Graduate House events, dinners and discussions, as well as accommodation at Graduate House and internationally through our reciprocal clubs network.
We keep encouraging our members to take this wonderful opportunity to introduce the next generation to our cherished Graduate Union community. Whether they are tertiary students or young professionals, they may take an interest in this introductory
experience and feel inspired to become full members.
The offer stands until the end of 2025. If you’re interested in nominating someone, please reach out to us by emailing admingh@ graduatehouse.com.au or calling us at (03) 9347 3428.
We hope you will embrace this invitation to share the spirit of Graduate Union with those close to you so that, together, we can keep the legacy of connection and fellowship alive.
Graduate House August Luncheon
Dr Judith Buckrich on Yarra Birrarung: Artists, writers and the river
By Maxine Cooper
At the Graduate House Luncheon, held, 6th August 2025, members and guests gathered to hear Dr Judith Buckrich discuss her book, Yarra Birrarung: Artists, Writers and the River.
About Dr Judith Buckrich
Hungarian-born, Dr Buckrich moved to Australia with her parents in 1958, at the age of 8.
Her career spans authorship of books, articles, and short stories, as well as work in theatre, teaching writing, curating exhibitions, and contributing to several cultural institutions in Melbourne. She is recognised for her achievements, including a number of awards, including the 2016 Victorian Community History Award and the 2018 Fellowship of Australasia Writers (Victoria) non-fiction.
Dr Buckrich is currently writing a book about Fitzroy North.
Presentation Highlights
Dr Buckrich’s presentation explored the rich
Still glides the stream, and shall for ever glide, Arthur Streeton, 1890
history of the Yarra River and its tributaries, as captured by artists and writers. She described the river as a vital artery flowing through Melbourne’s Central Business District for approximately 240 kilometres, extending beyond the Yarra Ranges and connecting over 60 tributaries.
Historical Perspectives
The story began with the pre-European history of the Yarra, detailing the boundaries of the Boonwurrung people. Following European settlement, Dr Buckrich mapped the river and its tributaries, illustrating changes through original artworks. Attendees were shown depictions of the river as it might have appeared 500 years ago, including the Kulin map with its borders. Key artworks included John Cotton’s 1847 painting of Natives bathing in the Yarra, Liardet’s 1849 portrayal of the Yarra flood, drawings of the first Prince’s Bridge in Melbourne, and Clarice Beckett’s Across the Yarra (1931).
The Changing Landscape
The presentation revealed the evolving landscape along the Yarra River, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of civilisation since European settlement. Artworks illustrated moments of flourishing, such as the tunnel at Warrandyte built for gold mining and T. Gill’s view of the 1854 railway station by the Yarra with ships in the background. Attendees saw Barak’s depiction of the de Purey vineyard near Coranderrk, as well as images of cable trams, factories, and trains at Queensbridge. The river’s role in shaping social divides— between rich and poor—over decades was also emphasised.
Artistic Communities
Dr Buckrich discussed influential artists and communities, including the Heidelberg School. Notable works presented included Streeton’s Spring Heidelberg (1890) and Frederick McCubbin’s Looking toward Richmond from South Yarra. The presentation culminated with a striking photograph of Melbourne and Federation Square beside the Yarra River.
Dr Judith Buckrich illustrated the Yarra River’s significance in Victoria’s recreational, social, and natural history. Through a selection of paintings, First Nations artworks, early settler illustrations, renowned works from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as maps and photographs, Dr Buckrich offered a rich celebration of the cultural heritage of the Yarra River and the City of Melbourne.
Natives bathing in the Yarra, John Cotton, 1847
September Luncheon
Wednesday, 3 rd September
Angela Gillham
Australia is a Maritime Nation with big challenges in a time of opportunity
Time: 12:00pm for 12:30pm start
Online login: 1:10pm for 1:15pm start
About
Angela Gillham is the Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Industry Australia Ltd. Reporting to the MIAL Board of Directors, Angela is at the helm of the MIAL Secretariat and is responsible for the strategic direction, key projects, and policy settings advocated on behalf of MIAL members – a diverse range of businesses operating maritime assets to, from and within Australia.
Australia’s maritime interests are unparalleled. We are a large island at the end of the global supply chain and are highly dependent on shipping to underpin our economy and way of life. Yet Australia has been left vulnerable by decades of neglect of the maritime industry which has resulted in our near total reliance on foreign interests to deliver our broader maritime task.
Meeting challenges including supply chain shocks and limited capability to respond to natural disasters and leveraging opportunities will require a long term, stable policy approach at the Commonwealth level. While the Government is signalling progress in these areas through the Maritime Strategic Fleet Policy and the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Road Map, much more is needed.
Prices: To Book:
Members $42, non-members $47, Residents $15
Virtual: Members $10, non-members $15
Call: 03 9347 3428
Email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au
*Luncheon includes welcome drinks and a two course meal with wine, tea and coffee
Twilight Lecture
18 th September, ursday
About
PROF PHILOMENA MURRAY
Graduate House Resident Sarah Cohen shares artwork with fellow members
At Graduate House we aim to support and promote the work of members such as resident member, Sarah Cohen, and endeavour to facilitate interaction over academic pursuits.
Sarah is a talented artist with a Bachelor’s degree in Natural History Illustration, and is currently undertaking a Master’s degree in Animation, Gaming and Interactivity.
She finds being a student of illustration to be a strange yet enriching experience, where people
are either fascinated or have no concept of her illustration niche.
“Looking at life and drawing it in as much detail as possible gives you an enormous appreciation for the way that nature works. Words really cannot describe the joy I feel from nature, so I draw it.”
If you’re interested in connecting or acquiring any of Sarah’s artworks please email: suffixxstudio@gmail.com.
Artworks
1: Lights Out, Acrylic on wood
2: Scientific Plate – The Emperor Gum Moth, Graphite pencil on Stonehenge paper
3: Blackbutt – Botanical Plate, Digital Illustration
4: Barn Owl – Tyto Alba, Acrylic and Gouache paint on wood board
Open call to join a Graduate Union Committee
Calling all members! Graduate Union’s committees are opening positions for new Members to join, and be part of the decision making process of the organisation in a more active capacity.
Committees are an essential element of our functioning, and being a part of them is a task that benefits the Union and all of its members.
The Graduate Union Council is composed of four committees that oversee and report on various aspects of the Association. The committees and their responsibilities are as follows:
Finance Committee - in charge of the oversight of all financial aspects of the
Association, including Audit and Risk Management.
Advancement Committee - looks into all aspects of Membership and Fundraising for the Association.
Facilities Committee - key in the oversight of all maintenance and repairs of all three buildings and facilities of Graduate House.
Governance Committee - monitors, implements and oversees all aspects of governance control for the Association.
The Council is inviting members to express their interest in joining any of the mentioned Committees for the 2025-2026 Governance year.
If you are interested in participating, please send your expression of interest to the General Manager, Daniel Clark, at daniel.clark@graduatehouse.com. au stating the reasons for your interest in joining, your expertise regarding the Committee of your choice and what you think you will bring to said Committee.
We will be looking forward to receiving your expressions of interest and welcoming the new Committee members for the upcoming year.
The Rotary Club of Carlton celebrated its 40th Anniversary at Graduate House with its new President Maxine Cooper
By Maxine Cooper and Keith Ryall
Carlton Rotary was delighted to welcome local resident Nicholas Reece, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, to its very special 40th Anniversary Dinner at Graduate House on Friday, July 18. During his warm and witty speech, Lord Mayor Nick Reece reminded us of the importance of building meaningful connections between people who often feel isolated in an increasingly challenging world. Past President Keith Ryall (Graduate Union Council Member 2013-2022 ) commented later that one of the ways that Carlton Rotary is doing this is through membership of RIMERN - Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network- which is all about rehoming donated furniture, appliances and homeware to often very lonely people in need of a safe place to live and sleep. Typically, these people, who an approved social welfare agency must
refer, have experienced homelessness, domestic violence, incarceration, refugee displacement or other crises.
Another moving and humorous part of the Celebration was the presentation by Charter Member, Past President (2007/08) Philip Kreveld assisted by his hard-working Secretary Peter Tuohy with input from Honorary Member, Ross Hedditch (President 1993/94). Philip who had migrated to Australia in 1950 with his parents related how he was invited to join Rotary way back in 1985 and told us how the legend of Gilbert’s Leg came to be part of Carlton Rotary folklore. Gilbert was injured in a car accident in PNG and had to have a leg amputated. Through the sterling efforts of member Bill Ryrie (and his wife Colleen), assistance with technical schooling and an artificial leg was made for Gilbert, which
enabled him to live close to a normal life again.
A part of the event was the changeover of the Rotary Club president for 2024/5 Dr Aron Perenyi, to hand over the role of president to Dr Maxine Cooper for the next 12 months.
A commitment to education, at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, has been a consistent theme for Carlton Rotary since 1985. Mock Job Interviews were conducted at University HS for several years and it is in the process of planning a similar program with Princes Hill SC in 2025/26. Many students were given the opportunity to attend various Rotary programs, including the National Youth Science Forum, Rotary Youth Leadership Award, Model United Nations Assembly, and Rotary Youth Exchange, among others. In recent years, the Club has been very successful in having at least six postgraduate students selected as Global Grant Scholars, enabling them to complete Master’s programs at top overseas Universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard. These scholarships are typically valued at around USD30,000.
One of the many other highlights during the evening were the two video presentations by our two most recent Global Grant Scholars - the first by Antonia Kent who has completed her Masters at Cambridge University and who has returned to Australia
and the second by Joe Gaynor who leaves in August to commence his Masters degree, also at Cambridge.
Incoming President Dr Maxine Cooper, who was a teacher and teacher educator for many decades, has plans to focus on learning, education and literacy. Maxine believes lifelong learning is crucial for everyone. Learning is an adventure in exploring our world, both locally and globally, with our families and friends.
Because we are partnering with other Rotary groups at the second-hand bookshop in Docklands, we hope to do some work in local primary schools in Carlton to assist children in learning about literacy, enabling the children to write their own stories and then to help them write and draw their stories into small books about their lives and learning in Carlton schools.
Carlton Rotary meets regularly at Graduate House. We appreciate the kind and helpful staff who provide excellent meals, wellorganised and spacious meeting rooms and easily accessible parking. We at Rotary are delighted to work in conjunction with a membership association for university graduates worldwide, regardless of the university affiliation. The Graduate Union offers a platform for discussing issues related to graduates and graduate education worldwide. It is an excellent organisation to join and a great place to meet and socialise with other people.
Title:
Email:
THE GRADUATE UNION
of The University of Melbourne Inc.
220 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia
Telephone: +61 (0)3 9347 3428
Australian Business Number: 55 610 664 963
Incorporated Association Registration Number: A0023234B