Reflecting on 2024:
a.
The Proudest Moment
The moment that made me the proudest this year was witnessing the dedication and creativity of our community during the election process for the 2024/2025 leadership team. The overwhelming interest and impressive number of nominations for all leadership roles reflected the deep sense of connection and commitment Trinitarians have to their diverse community. Seeing everyone’s unique strengths recognized and celebrated as they came together to create something meaningful was truly inspiring. It reaffirmed the power of collaboration and the inclusive spirit that defines our group.
b. The Hardest Laugh
I laughed the hardest during the’ Jutodie’ steeplechase. The waterslide was a standout moment—watching participants’ priceless expressions as they focused intently on their goals while still having the time of their lives was unforgettable! The joy and shared laughter in that moment reminded me of the importance of humour and connection in our everyday experiences.
c. Feeling the Pull to Join Res Col Activities
The event that truly made me want to dive into Res Col activities was the barn dancing during O Week. It’s always a highlight—simple, honest fun that anyone can enjoy and participate in. The blend of light-heartedness, energy, and community spirit made it an irresistible and memorable experience.
What I’ll Miss Most About the 3rd Years of 2024
I’ll miss their leadership, camaraderie, and energy. They brought a unique vibrancy to our community, whether it was through their guidance of younger students, their enthusiastic participation in events, or simply the warm conversations shared in passing. Their legacy will surely linger, but their presence will be irreplaceable.
Your frequent words of wisdom at Formal Dinners are valued highly – We all made sure to Hurkle Durkle over our breaks. Any additional words of wisdom for our departing students?
As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember to carry forward the spirit of ‘hurkle durkling’ —taking intentional moments to pause, reflect, and recharge. Life will throw challenges and surprises your way, but don’t forget to balance ambition with rest and joy.
Cherish the connections you’ve made here; they’re your anchors in the storms and your cheerleaders in triumph. Keep pursuing growth, but never at the expense of kindness to yourself and others. Finally, never underestimate the power of showing up authentically—it’s your most valuable contribution wherever you go.
Good luck and know that you always have a home here at Res Col!
Leonie Jongenelis Dean of ResColl
Traditions.
Professor Ken Hinchcliff. 8th Warden
Our wonderful College is replete with customs and practices, some of which are elevated to the level of being “traditions”. We revel in traditions such as spooning in, singing the College song, and Juttoddie, amongst many others, and these are an important part of our College community, contributing to our sense of belonging. But what are traditions and are they immutable?
One definition of tradition is that it is “the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way” while another, less charitable is “traditions are the peer pressure of dead people”. Some traditions in the former definition are welcome while many that are defined by the latter definition are not.
But traditions are not immutable. Take the College song as an example. The current College song, a strong tradition at all major College dinners, was penned by 5th warden, Dr. Evan Burge, in the 1980’s and is the latest of at least 5 other versions of the College song. The current College song bears minimal resemblance to earlier songs and for very good reasons. The community and culture of the College has evolved, most notably with co-residence in 1974, and songs referring to “boys” and “men” of the College were no longer inclusive and representative. Thus, the need to change this tradition.
There are other examples. For instance, the modern Juttoddie would be barely recognisable to men in the College 60 years ago. Long gone are the hessian sacks worn by the first year students, handicaps of bricks carried in bags, nobbling at the back of Behan, and betting on the outcome (hence the nobbling). It is well that these now unacceptable “traditions” have long gone. Similarly, the role of the “Keeper of the Kollege Konstitution”, a “tradition” for decades that was much loved at the time, has disappeared from the student leadership. The role of the KKK was, partly, to lead and encourage what would now be considered outrageous behaviour. Traditions can change, or disappear, and it is well that many do.
Other traditions endure. Our sense of community that derives from dining together at formal hall four nights a week is one the persists. Few things create a sense of connectedness as does breaking bread together, sharing stories and opinions across the dinner table with lively colleagues. Just as dining together is an important tradition, so is wearing an academic gown to dinner. Few things are as emblematic of Trinity as the 6:25 pm sight of students and staff descending on the dining hall with black gowns streaming in the evening air. It is a tradition that continues to serve a purpose - Leonie Jongenelis refers to the gowns as “cloaks of inclusivity” – by signifying membership of the College, of shared values and diversity of opinions. Our gowns at dinner tell all members of the College that they are welcome, respected and valued.
As we move into our extensively renovated dining hall, evocative in its style and decoration of a bygone era, we should consider what practices are in fact traditions worth continuing and which ones should be modified or relegated to history. It is up to us to do so.
Ken Hinchcliff Warden
With 2024 being your second year at Trinity, if there was one phrase that encapsulates your experience so far, what would it be?
A vibrant fast paced community - I love that there are always things going on at college and it’s a hive of activity for the entire community. It’s awesome to see people getting involved in the more visible community activities such as sport, the musical/ play or parties. But also it’s just as nourishing to see people involved in smaller activities with their new-found Trinity ‘family’ is just as awesome as well.
Was there a moment this year made you proud to be a part of this community? The musical was such a highlight to see everyone coming together following such a difficult time. Everyone involved did such a fabulous job and I always marvel at the coordination and execution of an entirely student led production. Seeing so many peers come and celebrate the efforts of their friends highlights the strength of our community fabric as well.
You have had the lucky job of supervising many of our events – including our all of our energetic APs. What event was your favourite of the year? This is a safe space – you can admit it, how often did you want to join in and have a boogie with us??
V-Dinner takes pride of place - I don’t think I’ve seen a dinner at college with such attention to detail and effort in pulling it all together. My reflection is that most people wouldn’t even put that much time and effort into their wedding so it was marvellous achievement.
It’s rare that feel the urge to get on the D-Floor, I have more of an affinity with organising parties (look up the Cube Party in 2012 if you want an example!). Levels by Avicii is probably the song that I find most iconic with a College dance floor!
Jared Dyson
Deputy Dean of ResColl
2024 being your first year at Trinity, if there was one phrase that encapsulates your experience, what would it be?
Pleasantly surprised. As many of you will know, I joined this community from New Zealand, where I had a number of years experience in residential accommodation and higher education, but nothing like Trinity College or Melbourne Colleges. My experience as a student in residential accommodation was positive, but it was more about the bed I was sleeping in and avoiding having to cook a meal at all costs! Two years later when I joined the same accommodation provider as an RA, I got to experience the student support side of the fence. However, nothing in New Zealand could have prepared me for this experience. I was so pleasantly surprised at how integral a residential environment can be at defining culture, at creating opportunity and at fostering a sense of community. The connections I have seen students make and the support systems in place truly highlight the importance of a well rounded residential experience. It has been incredible to see how a positive living environment can enhance personal growth, academic success, and overall wellbeing.
Joining us at the start of the year, what moment made you proud to be a part of this community?
Full disclosure, I am proud to be part of this community every day. I truly mean that, I am lucky enough to spend time everyday with our SC’s, club executives, TCAC members and have conversations with students all over the College where I am reminded just how much we care for each other. I have chosen to dedicate this part of my career to supporting young people to turn College into a time for self-discovery and confidence building. This time of your lives should give you the platform to achieve whatever it is that you want to in your life. I am so grateful to get to spend time with you every day.
You have had the lucky job of supervising many of our events – including our all of our energetic APs. What event was your favourite of the year? This is a safe space – you can admit it, how often did you want to join in and have a boogie with us??
I love seeing our students come together for events, which are always the end result of a lot of hard work from our student leaders and clubs and societies. I absolutely loved joining forces with Jared and entering the Billiards Comp, it was so good to see that take off so successfully...even if we lost in the playoffs. I also thoroughly enjoyed V-Day, and thought Rosie and the team executed it so well with such a fabulous theme and costumes all around! How often did I want to have a boogie with you? Deep down you all know the answer, I love a dance!
George Haswell Associate Dean of ResColl
Reflecting on 2024:
a. The Proudest Moment
Gosh a tough one because there were many magic moments. The Rowing Regatta when 3 of our 4 crews won. The Womens Footy Premiership. The Musical. The Play. Watching the community embrace and support each other after the tragedy in Semester 1. The truth is each day one of you (You students) does something that makes me proud.
b. The Hardest Laugh Jeepers, this is tougher than I thought it would be because again there were many moments that bought a smile to my face and made me laugh. Arriving early for work on mornings after a College Cocktail crawl or Black Tie Dinner and seeing a student still in their black tie or formal dress scampering back to their room always makes me laugh and brings back memories of my time in College.
c. Feeling the Pull to Join Res Col Activities
Great question. And probably the reason I ended up back at Trinity after 20 odd years in the corporate world. The energy and fun and positiveness of Trinity students and their belief that anything is possible is quite infectious. When you are surrounded by that on a daily basis it makes life very enjoyable. I always feel odd when I am asked “Scotty, where do you work ?” because it really does not feel like work to me. It is just fun. Basically my “job” involves catching up with my old mates who are alum, meeting really amazing people who want to help the College and interacting with amazing young students who all go on to make a positive change in their communities.
Hollywood is making a movie about ‘Life at Trinity College’, which actor are you choosing that would be good enough to play the Scotty Charles?
It probably has to be a short bald bloke doesn’t it ?
What are you going to miss most about the 3rd years of 2024?
Hopefully I will not miss them and they will continue to be part of the College as our Alums. One of the great assets and hidden gems of Trinity is the fact that your time at Trinity does not finish when you leave as a student but extends well beyond the time you walk out the gates as a student. So last years third years and indeed any student should feel comfortable to wander across the Bul in the years after their Residential life has finished.
Scott Charles Deputy Warden
Q&A with Tech:
Answers From Hayward , Cameron, Robenstone.
Favourite song to play?
“Into Space Extended Mix at 2:30 - Plaything Stay - Nai DNA - Professor Bruh”
What song would you play to make get everyone up?
“I will survive - Hermes House Band Edit Little Lion Man - Mumford and Sons Bust a move - BNZN”
What song would you hear that indicates given tech member is too intoxicated to be behind the decks?
“Dog days are over with Claudia behind the wheel. Chandelier - Sia”
Which tech member would you volunteer to play at your wedding?
“Jap Findlay and maybe Tommy o as they come as a pair I guess. Not Amie Amie”
