April 2007 / Annual Report

PERIODICAL NEWSLETTER OF THE GRADUATE UNION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE INCORPORATEDPRINT POST APPROVED PP337834/00022REGISTERED ASSOCIATION No.AA0023234BApril 2007Volume 60 No. 2www.graduatehouse.com.au

THEGRADUATE

UNIONof

The University of Melbourne Inc.

CONTENTSCALENDAR OF GRADUATE HOUSE EVENTS 2

NEW MEMBERS 2

DONATIONS 2

VALETE 2

LETTERS 2

GRADUATE COUNCIL NEWS

Annual Report 3

Statement of Income 5

Balance Sheet 5

Notes to the Financial Statement 6

Statement by Council 7

Independent Audit Report 8

Graduate Council Election 8

Candidates’ Statements 8

LUNCHEON SPEAKERS 10

RESIDENTS 11

OFFICE BEARERS

President:The Honourable John Cain

Vice President:Dr Robert Gibson

Chairman:Mr Neil Taylor

Vice Chairman:Mr Andrew Binns

Secretary-Warden (CEO)Mr Eugene Spanti

ELECTION ISSUE

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGThe Annual General Meeting

of the Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated (“The Graduate Union”)

will be held onThursday, 31 May 2007 at 5.30 pm

at Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton

Eugene Spanti, Secretary-WardenApril 2007

AGENDA

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME AND INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

1. APOLOGIES AND RULES FOR CONDUCT OF THE MEETING

2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTESTo confi rm the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 25 May 2006

3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

4. REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GRADUATE COUNCIL FOR 2006

5. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 2006Consider and, if thought fi t, adopt the accounts of The Graduate Union as printed in the April 2006 edition of The Melbourne Graduate.

6. SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS (Details of the proposed changes are set out in the separate Schedule)

(1) That Rule 29 be renumbered and a new Rule 29(v) be inserted.

(2) That Rules 2, 34, 42, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55 be amended as a consequence of Special Resolution (1)

(3) That Rule 44 be amended.

(4) That Rule 90 be amended

7. ELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERSThe Returning Offi cer will announce the result of the election and the President will declare the names of the elected Council Members.

8. RE-APPOINTMENT OF THE AUDITOR

9. OVERVIEW BY SECRETARY-WARDEN

10. OTHER BUSINESS (Discussion and Question Time)

11. CLOSE

April 2007 Volume 60 No. 2 – 1

Felicity Rai graduated with a Master of Arts (International Studies) from the University of Adelaide in 2003. Previously she had worked as a broadcaster (British Forces Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Television Hong Kong and Commercial Radio Hong Kong) and a graded journalist with News Ltd for more than 20 years. Felicity has been a staffer at the South China Morning Post (during the tense negotiation period working towards the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997) and at the Adelaide Advertiser. She now broadcasts a community

radio postgraduate magazine show on Radio Adelaide just to keep her hand in.

Always a traveller, Felicity undertook undergraduate studies at the American University of Paris and was forced to temporarily abandon her studies because of civil unrest and major strikes in Paris in 1968. All non-citizens were evacuated from France by military aircraft and by the time the situation was back to normal and Felicity could have returned to her final year studies in Paris, she was working in South America (Argentina, Uruguay and Chile) and later in the United States (Miami and New York).

Leading a full life with a grown-up son and daughter, it was not until the late 1990s that Felicity re-entered university as a special entry student to do a Graduate Diploma (International Studies) and on successfully completing that award, Felicity surrendered it to go on and complete her Masters. During this course of study, Felicity became an exchange student at the National University of Singapore in 2000 and stayed at the famous Raffles Residential College for 6 months. These, she said, were definitely some of the happiest days of her life!

Felicity Rai is now a PhD candidate and her research project is politics and media based. Felicity is also involved in student politics and is the elected President of the Postgraduate Student’s Association of the University of Adelaide and the Regional Secretary for South Australia of the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations, which is based in Melbourne at Trades Hall.

At a CAPA dinner late last year, Felicity attended Graduate House and was so impressed by the atmosphere of collegiality and homeliness of Graduate House and its international occupants that she decided to apply to become a life member so that she could stay there whenever in Melbourne for a conference or a show.

The Melbourne Graduate is normally published four times a year by The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Incorporated.

It is edited by Eugene Spanti and Lyn Weston, under the direction of the Graduate Council and its Executive Committee.

The Melbourne Graduate welcomes letters from readers and reserves the right to edit them for publication. Please keep word count to a maximum of 250 and address to The Editors, The Melbourne Graduate.

Registered Address:The Graduate Union220 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053 AustraliaTelephone: (03) 9347-3428 Facsimile (03) 9347-9981www.graduatehouse.com.auemail: [email protected] by: FSG Design & Print1 Argent Place, Ringwood. (03) 9873 5144

2 – April 2007 Volume 60 No.2

THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS18 Apr - Women’s Forum:Personal Impact of the Drought

19 Apr - Wine Tasting Dinner

2 May - Monthly LuncheonSpeaker: Mr Michael Kantor, Malthouse Theatre.

16 May - Women’s Forum: Priorities, Accountability & Responsibility

31 May - Autumn Dinner (following AGM)Speaker: Dr Barry Jones: Topic: A Thinking Reed.

6 June - Monthly LuncheonSpeaker: from Alzheimer Australia

20 June - Women’s Forum: Whither Education?

21 June - Afternoon Tea for Chocolate Lovers

25 July - Christmas in July

1 Aug - Monthly LuncheonSpeaker: Professor Ian Harper. Topic: Setting Minimum Wages.

23 Aug - Latin Dance Evening

5 Sept - Monthly LuncheonSpeaker: Professor John Langford. Topic: Water... in crisis

29 Sept - Grand Final Breakfast

3 Oct - Monthly LuncheonSpeaker: Dr Peter Colville, AM. Topic: Managing Disability

25 Oct - Wine Tasting Dinner

7 Nov - Monthly LuncheonSpeaker: Mr John McCutchanTopic: An Electric Fence for Kangaroos.

5 Dec - Monthly LuncheonSpeaker: Dr Piero Genovesi, Italian-Australian Research Centre

14 Dec - Christmas PartySanta, Entertainment and Prizes

NEW LIFE MEMBER

DONATIONSBuilding Fund: Residents Assistance Fund:$100 D Beavis $200 S Wilson$75 M Merchant $100 G Swafford$50 B Craven $10 B McKeon$35 H Miller$10 B McKeon• Appreciation to Dr Elizabeth Shaw for her donation of $500 towards upkeep of the Stillwell Room.

• Appreciation to Councillor Darren Room for his donation of two additional bicycle parking rails outside 220 Leicester Street.

LETTERS To the Secretary-Warden from David Sparks, Secretary UNSW Alumni

On behalf of the committee and members of the UNSW Alumni Association I wish to thank Graduate House for the excellent hospitality provided to us last Wednesday evening. In particular, please pass on our appreciation to Martin Rule and his attentive assistants. Feb. 2007

Letter to Martin Rule and Staff from Sue Brazenor, Student Admin & Systems, The University of Melbourne

Thank you for everything you did to make our cocktail party yesterday a wonderful event. It was terrific. The food was fabulous and the service was exemplary. Nothing was too much trouble and you made it easy for us to organise. Yesterday was the first time I’d been to Graduate House. I’m so impressed. I hope we’re able to have more events at Graduate House. March 2007

VALETESince publication of the February 2007 edition of The Melbourne Graduate we have been notified of the deaths of the following members:

Mrs H Chatfield, Life Member joined 1955

Mr J Knight, Life Member joined 1959

Mr J Lacey, Life Member joined 1954

Mr C Lee, Life Member joined 1969

Mr N Morrison, Life Member joined 1949

Mr J Mitchell, Life Member joined 1980

Miss E Walpole, Life Member joined 1976

Mrs L Wayn, Life Member joined 1954

The Graduate Union appreciates the support of these members and extends condolences to their families. We regret that space constraints do not allow individual acknowledgement of each deceased member.

The following new members joined the Graduate Union in the period February to April 2007. We welcome them and look forward to their participation in our members’ programs.

Life MembersMs Felicity Rae, MA (Adelaide)Ms Georgina Batky, BBAC (VU), BA (Deakin)

Ordinary MembersProfessor W Coaldrake, BA (ANU), MA, PhD (Harvard)Professor J Damousi, BAHons (LaTrobe), PhD (ANU)Assoc Prof M Macintyre, BAHons, PhD (ANU)Professor M Patterson, BAHons, PhD (Sydney)Dr M Regan, LLB (Adel), BSc, PhD (QUT)Dr J Robertson, BDS (Glasgow), BA, MAMr G Walker, LLBMs M Weston, BScHons (NZ), MSc

Associate MembersProfessor G Bowes, Paediatrics RCHProfessor Richard Roush, Faculty of Land & Food ResourcesMs T Tjia, Faculty of Land & Food Resources

All degrees are from University of Melbourne unless otherwise noted. Degrees are stated as presented on members’ application forms.

NEW MEMBERS


April 2007 Volume 60 No.2 – �

Attendance at Council and Committees (*part year only)Council House Board Acct&Audit Membership ‘Growing

Esteem’ Rules

Mtgs held

NoAttd.

Mtgs held

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Mtgs held

NoAttd.

Mtgs held

NoAttd.

Mtgs held

NoAttd

Mtgs held

NoAttd

Mr J Cain 6 6 2 2 Dr R Gibson 6 6 4 3 2 2 1 1 Dr D Bellair 6 5 5 5 6 5 2 1 Mr N Taylor 6 6 5 4 4 4 2 1 1 1 Mrs E LaChina 6 2* 4 0* 6 1* Mr A Cleghorn 6 6 4 0* 6 6 Mr G Duxbury 6 2* 4 1* 6 0* Mr D Room 6 5 5 5 1 1 Ms J Ruth 6 1 5 3* 6 5 1 0 Mr A Vriends 6 5 5 2* 6 1 1 1 Dr D McCredie 6 5 6 5 2 1 Mr A Binns 6 6 5 4 4 1* 6 4* Ms C Kidston 6 5 5 1* 4 1* 6 2 1 1 Dr A Roberts 6 3* 5 0* 6 3* Mrs G Fisher 6 2* 5 2* 6 3*

The front desk is being very capably handled by Diana Moyses, who welcomed the flow of residents who sustain the high level of occupancy.

Rhonda Teoh joined the organisation in mid-July. Rhonda assists with administration, marketing and reception duties and also the increased workload in all areas of Graduate House operations.

Housekeepers, Anne Ladkins, Diane Swain, Sheila Bevan and Anna Condello ensure the accommodation services are maintained to the highest level, while Lou Tarquinio and Carmine Santalucia, the maintenance and handymen maintain the building and service areas. All have contributed to a smooth working team.

Membership

There were 1993 members at the end of 2006 of whom 1529 were life members.

The new Corporate and Associate membership categories have attracted a total of thirty new members, including the University of New South Wales Alumni (Victorian Chapter) and many Faculties and Departments of The University of Melbourne.

Many additional social events are planned for 2007. It is hoped these will attract new members and increase business opportunities.

Reciprocal Contacts

The Secretary-Warden visited reciprocal clubs in Asia in November. He was guest of honour at a special agreement signing dinner in Singapore at

which the National University of SingaporeSociety and The Graduate Union becamereciprocal partners.

The Secretary-Warden also visited the Robert Black College in Hong Kong, an existing reciprocal club, and while there made arrangements for Graduate House Hong Kong to become a reciprocal partner.

While in Japan he met with the Keio University in Tokyo and Osaka City University where reciprocal links were also established.

The greatly improved financial results of the Graduate Union reflect the attraction of the improved and new facilities at Graduate House. Occupancy has been sustained at very high levels and all members of this Union benefit from, and increasingly use the upgraded facilities. Further, the zeal and enthusiasm of the staff, ably led by the Chief Executive Officer, has propelled the Graduate Union to complete a most successful year, perhaps the ‘best ever’.

Significant events after year-end

There have been no significant events, other than those that have been referred to in this report, since 31 December 2006 which may affect the operations or financial position of the Graduate Union.

Signed pursuant to a resolution of Council.

Mr Neil Taylor Chairman

3 April, 2007

� – April 2007 Volume 60 No.2


INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2006

2006 $

2005$

EMOCNISubscriptions 71,161 64,898

Accommodation 1,052,683 757,197

Property rentals 12,704 14,850

Catering 660,505 468,148

Donations: Building 555 18,195

Donations: Other 5 ,831 4,315

Donations: Terraces

Interest received

Nil

13,918

50,000

12,920

Other income 15,054 8,437

1,832,411 1,398,960

EXPENDITURE Employment costs 795,578 584,728

Catering supplies 304,928 175,796

Utilities 54,075 92,721

Communication costs 104,208 118,125

Rates & government taxes 15,967 11,084

Professional fees 80,149 53,050

Legal expenses 14,255 16,294

Insurances 29,694 30,259

Interest & bank charges 89,748 87,386

Repairs & maintenance 141,763 79,422

Depreciation 61,063 ________

64,073________

824,196,1 1,312,938

NET SURPLUS 140,983 86,022

LESS ABNORMAL ITEMS Donations Building Donations Terraces Donations Residents Assistance Fund

Transferred

4,370 Nil

2,016

6,386

18,1957,130

1,850

27,175

NET SURPLUS

(after deducting AbnormalItems)

134,597

58,847=====

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 December 2006

2006$

2005$

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash (See Note 4(a)) 399,495 171,747

Receivables 16,358 0

Stock (See Note 4(b)) 8,208 8,513

Prepayments 24,297 24,652

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 448,358 204,912

NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property, plant & equipment 16,027,022 12,296,320

(See Note 5)

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 16,027,022 12,296,320

TOTAL ASSETS 16,475,380 12,501,232

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Creditors and borrowings (See Note 6)

235,040 111,198

Provisions (See Note 7) 95,191 51,646

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 330,231 162,844

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Creditors and borrowings (See Note 6)

1,000,000 1,000,000

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,000,000 1,000,000

TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,330,231 1,162,844

NET ASSETS 15,145,149 11,338,388

MEMBERS’ EQUITY

Reserves (See Note 8) 14,438,504 10,766,340

Retained Funds (See Note 11) 706,645 572,048

TOTAL MEMBERS’ FUNDS

15,145,149==============

11,338,388========



The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1(a) STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

These financial statements are general purpose financial reports prepared for use by members of the Association. The Council has determined that the Association is a reporting entity. The statements are prepared in accordance with the requirements of applicable Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in accordance with Schedule 1 of Associations Incorporation (Prescribed Particulars) Regulations 2001.

The statements are prepared on an accruals basis and are based on historic costs and do not take into account changing money values or, except where specifically stated, current valuations of non-current assets.

The following material accounting policies, which are consistent with the previous period unless otherwise stated, have been adopted in the preparation of this financial report.

1(b) PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Plant and equipment are measured on a cost basis. The carrying amount of plant and equipment was reviewed to ensure that the carrying value of these assets reflected their effective lives.

1(c) DEPRECIATION OF FIXED ASSETS

The depreciation charge for plant and equipment is calculated on the straight line basis over the effective lives of the assets.

1(d) PROPERTY VALUATION (LAND & BUILDINGS)

Graduate Council sought advice from real estate professionals prior to deciding to adopt valuations in the 2006 accounts for land and buildings. Refer Note 5(a).

1(e) OPERATING REVENUE

Details of operating revenue are in the Income Statement. Consistent with the previous year, life subscriptions & donations have been brought to account on a cash-received basis. Accommodation revenue is brought to account on the accruals basis.

1(f) INCOME TAX

The Association’s income is exempt from income tax by virtue of Section 23(e) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (as amended) and has been endorsed as a tax concession charity for GST and fringe benefit tax by the Australian Taxation Office.

1(g) DONATIONS

The Association is registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient for donations over $2. Donations are accounted for through the Income Statement and where applicable the Reserves. (See Note 8). 2006 2005 2. AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION $ $ For audit of accounts 6,466 5,384 For other services Nil Nil (no other benefits were received by the auditor)

3. COUNCIL MEMBERS’ EMOLUMENTS

The Council members of the Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc have not received and do not receive any remuneration for their services.

2006 2005

$ $ HSAC )a(4

174,811 273,07 knaB ta hsaC

Cash Float & Bar Float 1,250 1,250

378,723 stisopeD mreT 52,026

594,993 171,747

4(b) STOCK – AT COST

Wine & Food 8,208 8,513

802,8 8,513

5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

(a) Property

(i) Nos 210-214 Leicester Street, CarltonFreehold land and buildings at Council’s valuation December 2006 4,600,000 1,950,000

(ii) Nos 222-228 Leicester Street, Carlton Freehold land and buildings at Council’s valuation December 2006 3,400,000 2,600,000

(iii) Nos 230-234 Leicester Street, Carlton Freehold land and buildings at Council’s valuation December 2006 2,550,000 1,950.000

(iv) No 220 Leicester Street, Carlton Freehold land and buildings at Council’s valuation December 2006 5,200,000 5,528,351

15,750,000 12,028,351

(b) Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment at cost 383,769 313,653

Provision for depreciation (106,747) (45,684)

277,022 267,969Total Property Plant & Equipment (Items (a) to (b)) 16,027,022 12,296,320

6. CREDITORS AND BORROWINGS

Current

763,6 017,21 srotiderC

Net Accruals 42,337 64,511

GST Payable 8,042 6,820

Residents’ Bonds & Advance Accommodation Deposits 171,951 33,500

040,532 111,198

Non-Current

Secured Fixed Term Bill (due2014) 1,000,000 1,000,000

000,000,1 1,000,000

7. PROVISIONSEmployee Entitlements 95,191 51,646

Other than the provisions raised the Council is not aware of any other contingent liabilities.

� – April 2007 Volume 60 No.2


8. RESERVES 2006

$2005

$

(a) Asset Revaluation Reserve

Balance at 1 January 10,744,580 10,744,580

Revaluation Increment 3,665,778 Nil

Balance 31 December 14,410,358 10,744,580

(b) Residents’ Assistance Reserve

Balance at 1 January 21,760 19,910

610,2 snoitanoD 1,850

Balance 31 December 23,776 21,760

(c) Building Reserve

Balance at 1 January Nil Nil

073,4 snoitanoD Nil

Balance 31 December 4,370 Nil

405,834,41 10,766,340

9. STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS

(a) Cash flows from operating activities

Members’ subscriptions 71,408 64,778

Accommodation & meals 1,812,185 1,283,894

Donations & other income 27,758 80,948

Payments to suppliers & employees (1,584,295) (1,225,148)

Net cash provided by operating activities

327,056========

204,472========

Cashflows from investing activities

Property rentals 12,704 14,850

Funds expended on re-development (55,814) (482,072)

Funds expended on asset purchases (70,116) (160,018)

Interest on investment accounts 13,918 12,920

Net cash used by investing activities

(99,308)=======

(614,320)========

Net increase/(decrease) cash held 227,748 (409,848)

Cash at start of financial year 171,747 581,595

Cash at end of financial year 399,495======

171,747=======

(b) Reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to operating surplus before abnormal items Operating surplus before abnormal items

140,983 86,022

Depreciation of non current assets 61,063 64,073

Changes in net assets and liabilities

Increase/(Decrease) in provision for employee entitlements

43,545 15,621

2006 2005 $ $

Decrease (Increase) receivables Prepayments and inventory (15,698) 186,355Increase/(Decrease) other Creditors/Borrowings 114,491 (175,460)Decrease/(Increase) in non-current assets

Increase/(Decrease) in Reserves

(3,784,430)

3,667,794

(586,459)

Nil

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash Held

227,748=======

(409,848)=======

10. SHARE CAPITAL

The Association has no share capital. The Association was incorporated under the provisions of the Associations Incorporation Act on 12 June 1991.

11. RETAINED FUNDS Retained funds at 1 January 572,048 513,201

Add Net Surplus for year 140,983 86,022

Less Donations transferred to other Reserves (6,386) (27,175)

Retained Funds at 31 December 706,645 572,048 ======= =======

12. The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated is not a trustee of any trust at the date of this report, except for the Building Fund and Residents Assistance Fund (See Note 1(g)). The balance of the Residents’ Assistance Fund is deposited separately with the National Australia Bank.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL

The Council of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated is of the opinion that:

(a) the accompanying Income Statement is drawn up so as to give a true and fair view of the operations of the Association as at 31 December 2006;

(b) the accompanying Balance Sheet is drawn up so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association as at 31 December 2006 and;

(c) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Association will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

By resolution of the Council.

N. J. Taylor Chairman E.A. Spanti Secretary-Warden Carlton, 3 April 2007



General InformationAs a result of the call for nominations published in the February issue of The Melbourne Graduate five (5) nominations have been received for the four (4) positions to be filled. A poll will therefore be held, with voting closing in the registered office of The Graduate Union at 220 Leicester Street, CARLTON, at 4pm on Thursday, 17 May 2007.

A voting paper, a small envelope marked ‘Voting Paper’ and an outer envelope, in which the small envelope containing the voting paper is to be placed, are all enclosed with this newsletter to all members. If you have not received them, please contact the Graduate Union office immediately.

Should you have any privacy concerns, you may, having completed the declaration on the envelope addressed to the Returning Officer, enclose that envelope within a larger plain envelope and address it in the manner identical to that shown on the envelope addressed to the Returning Officer, before posting or delivering to the Returning Officer, as directed on the voting paper.

Personal Information and Policy Statements Submitted by Candidates.

Candidates are listed here, and on the voting paper, in the order in which names were determined by lot in the presence of witnesses. The statements, which follow, have been standardised only by listing the surname first, followed by other names, and the listing of degrees and diplomas and the inclusion of the names of the proposer and seconder of the candidate. * Indicates retiring councillors eligible for re-election.

A complete listing of Council membership during any part of 2006 is set out in the introduction to the Annual Report, commencing on page 3. The members elected in this poll will have terms expiring in May 2009.

Ron RitchieReturning Officer

CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS

* Retiring Councillors eligible for re-election.

JOHNSTON, Stanley W, BA LLB(Melb)

Proposer – Andre Gregory CleghornSeconder – David Alexander McCredie

Our central, quiet location and name invite a blend of heritage and innovation. Our cultural mix advances the human right that education shall promote understanding between ethnic groups. Formerly Head of Criminology, Fulbright Scholar, and Adviser at the Australian

Mission to the UN, with four years in Ormond College, I envisage Graduate House as a distinctive college of graduates, a social centre and a conference centre. I would continue to build membership, and to publicise and assist residents’ research projects.

GRADUATE UNION COUNCIL ELECTION



Chartered Accountants

A. L. Law, FCA2/575 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, VIC 3127

Phone 9830 1242, Mobile 0417 013 395ABN 45 614 724 892

INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO

THE MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATE UNION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE INCORPORATED

SCOPE

I have audited the financial report of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated for the year ended 31 December 2006, as set out in the Annual Report on pages 3 to 7. The elected Council is responsible for the financial report and has determined that the accounting policies used and described in Note 1 to the financial statements which form part of the financial report are appropriate to meet the needs of the Associations Incorporation Act (Victoria) 1981. I have conducted an independent audit of the financial report in order to express an opinion on it to the members.

My audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards to provide reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free of material misstatement. My procedures included examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the financial report and the evaluation of accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the financial report is presented fairly in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act Victoria (1981) and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia so as to present a view which is consistent with my understanding of the Graduate Union’s financial position, and the results of its operations and its cash flows. The accounting policies do not require the application of all Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia.

The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis.

AUDIT OPINION

In my opinion, the financial report of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated is properly drawn up:

(i) so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated as at 31 December 2006, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the year then ended on that date.

(ii) in accordance with applicable Australian Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia.

A. L. Law FCA Registered Company Auditor, Reg No. 9310 Carlton, 3 April 2007

SPARKS, David, BE(UNSW)

Proposer – Charles William Douglas BlandySeconder – Jean Elizabeth Truebridge

I have been the secretary of the Victorian chapter of the UNSW Alumni Association for five years. The association recently obtained corporate membership of the Graduate Union. If elected to council I would

like to use my recent experience to extend the Graduate Union relationship to Victorian resident alumni of other universities. As a practising electrical engineer with wide technical and management experience in large industries, I hope to provide additional skills to the council.

*BINNS, Andrew, BA

Proposer – David Thomas BellairSeconder – Neil James Taylor

Andrew Binns has been a member of the Graduate Council for almost five years and currently the Vice-chairman and Chairman of the House Board. He has taken an active role in issues relating to membership expansion, building projects and student life

and he believes it is important for the Graduate Union to become further integrated into the wider academic community. He owns and operates a dental materials company which caters to both local and export markets.

*KIDSTON, Cheryl, BA(Social Studies Hons)

Proposer – David Thomas BellairSeconder – Robert William Gibson

My term as a Councillor has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience as we consolidated our expansion in the new development, commenced refurbishment of the Terraces, and established a closer relationship with the University. I am seeking to represent the

interests of the Union and members for a further term, building on the knowledge and experience I have gained over the past three years. I will be grateful for your support and vote in the forthcoming election.

WONG, Erwin, BS Biochemistry, BSHS Medical Technology

Proposer – Darren Hamilton RoomSeconder – Timothy Charles Stephens

Often known as simply “AJ”, Erwin has spent the past two years sojourning in Melbourne from the far-off deserts of Arizona. His past experiences include project management, student counselling, international relations, and leadership training. He currently enjoys serving

on the duty resident team at Graduate House while completing his medical studies. Other passions include jazz, basketball, finding great restaurants, and Bill Watterson comics. He is honoured to be nominated for Graduate Council again.


April 2007 Volume 60 No.2 – 9

DR PIERRE GORMAN CBEInternational authority on disability and deafness. Philanthropist. Graduate Union Member 57 years.

Melbourne born Pierre Gorman was the only child of Brigadier Sir Eugene Gorman KBE MC QC and his French war bride Marthe Vallee. Found to have no hearing at all, his parents resolved to provide him with as normal an education as possible. He attended Melbourne Grammar, where he became a prefect

and was active with the school library. During his school years under the guidance of the French expert Henriette Hoffer and coached by Melbourne teacher Doreen Hugo he learned to lip read and to speak. He went on to Melbourne University to do Agricultural Science and then Education, completing his Diploma in Education, then Bachelor of Education. He was the first person born deaf to graduate at the university. He spent a year in Paris studying the problems of children with disabilities at Dr Hoffer’s clinic and in 1952 he undertook doctoral studies at Cambridge University under the supervision of Robert Thouless at Corpus Christi College. He was the first deaf person to gain a PhD from Cambridge.

He received many honours: CBE in 1983, an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Melbourne in 2000 and awarded the Anzac of the Year award in 1981. He held Visiting Professorships at the University of Heidelberg and the University of Alberta. The Pierre Gorman Research Award at the State Library of Victoria assists young scholars.

Internationally known and respected, he will be remembered for how he could overcome a disability and not just live a full life but a distinguished one which was an inspiration to many others. He was also a generous philanthropist who worked tirelessly to improve the lot of disabled persons. A diabetic, he had previously survived a diabetic coma, but after a stroke, and heart and respiratory problems he quietly passed away on his 82nd birthday.

As a life member over many years, Dr Gorman’s interest in and generosity to the Graduate Union is well known. He was amongst the distinguished graduates appointed as Fellows in the mid 1980’s and although he requested anonymity as a benefactor, it can be said that the historic prints of the Cambridge Colleges, the antique glass and the Early English Hunting prints, all housed in the Johnston Library and Anderson Room are a tribute to his close and warm regard for the Graduate Union.

PROFESSOR HOWARD WORNERProfessor Howard Knox Worner died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 93 on 17 November 2006. A long time Life Member of the Graduate Union, he was a regular attender at functions until moving to Wollongong in 1986. His obituary in The Sydney Morning Herald was very appropriately titled “Man of steel an innovator with the environment and society in mind.”

Since leaving Melbourne, Howard never lost his passionate interest in many matters connected with the University, and closely followed the annual elections to the Graduate Council, and our recent expansion of activities and property development. His many international and Australian honours include honorary Doctorates from Melbourne, Latrobe, Newcastle and Wollongong Universities. All his life he was associated with many socially significant causes: designing and developing artificial limbs and prosthetic devices for returning servicemen from WW2; assisting with the Colombo Plan to provide tertiary education for overseas students; chairing the Victorian Brown Coal Council and the Committee for Australia-China Relations - he had been a member of the first Western delegation to visit communist China.

Many of his students have been members of the Graduate Union, and there was a time when he would have been well known to the membership generally. He has been one of our outstanding graduates and citizens. We remember his enthusiasm, optimism, dedication to education and research, and generosity to colleagues and friends.

Dr Ron Davey

VALETEGRADUATE UNION COUNCIL ELECTION

HAPPY BIRTHDAYMembers with a birthday in March and April will have received a birthday card from the Secretary-Warden. This is a new initiative and members are invited to have their birthday celebration at Graduate House, bring along their birthday card and enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne with friends.

ADDITIONAL BENEFIT FOR MEMBERSNew member Julie Patching is a personal, career and business coach. She joined the Graduate Union in December and has been enjoying lunches and after-work drinks with members she has met. Her background is in health and she has postgraduate qualifications in both clinical and management areas. Julie will complete her advanced practitioner coaching qualification in June. She made

the change in 2006 after 20 years in large tertiary hospitals both in Australia and overseas, where she had been coaching and mentoring in her various manager, clinician and researcher roles. Julie Patching is offering fellow members a 10 percent discount on all services offered by her company Pathfinder Coaching which specialises in personal, career and business coaching. The company’s motto is ‘Live Life Without Limits’ and members are invited to contact Julie direct by email: [email protected] or telephone 0407-364-835 for more information.

Open for Lunch and Dinner - 7 DaysPrivate Room Available

10% off meals for Graduate Union Members Tuesday to Thursday on

presentation of card. (Discount applies to groups of 6 or less)

766 Whitehorse Road, Mont Albert, Vic. 3127Tel: 03 9898 5188 Fax: 03 9898 5348

Companies offering discounts to Graduate Union Members

Australian Unity, Geoff Ireland Florist, Hertz, Pickford Pharmacy, Non-Profit Purchasing, DeBortoli Wines



2007 SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFERS

SIGN UP A NEW MEMBER TO BE IN THE DRAW FOR A PRIZE TO THE VALUE OF $500

(winners notified in The Melbourne Graduate)

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS 2007Member of the Order of Australia

Dr Mary A. Brooksbank AM, Life Member joined 1983

Prof Emeritus Bill W. Charters AM, Life Member joined 1978

Medal of the Order of Australia

Dr Walter J. Backhouse OAM, joined in 1974 in 1974

VALEGEOFF IRELANDIt was with deep sadness staff learned of the death of Geoff Ireland, florist to Graduate House for many years. All the bouquets for luncheon speakers and table decorations for special occasions were personally delivered by Geoff, always with a smile and complimentary flower or two for the staff. He and wife Carol

donated the special centrepieces for the official opening and always contributed several flower arrangements as prizes for the annual Christmas Party. Geoff will be greatly missed at Graduate House. The Secretary-Warden attended his funeral at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Aberfeldie on 5 March.

LUNCHEON SPEAKERSFEBRUARY:Mr Stephen Murby - CEO Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Cystic fibrosis... it could be you!Are you one of a million? Stephen Murby asked guests at the February luncheon. In Australia, one in 25 people carry a defective cystic fibrosis gene, which means there are a million carriers. Cystic fibrosis affects men and women equally. Both parents must be carriers and they have a one in four chance of having a child with cystic fibrosis. A child is born with cystic fibrosis every four days in Australia

and over 95% of parents had no idea that they were carriers. It is the most common genetically inherited life-shortening chronic illness affecting young Australians today and primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system, though over time it will affect every organ of the body save for the heart and brain. There is no cure as yet. Advances in treatments and medication and relentless compliance by those with the disease mean that today half those born with cystic fibrosis will live beyond their mid thirties. There were many questions. Cystic fibrosis is predominantly a Caucasian genetic defect; particularly an Anglo-Celtic one, with incidence rates of around 1 in 13 in parts of Ireland or 1 in 17 in parts of Tasmania. It is present in nearly all ethnic groups, though not so amongst Japanese. The incidence amongst Asian groups is generally low; around 1 in 150 in China for example.Cystic fibrosis was first described by Barbara Anderson, a pathologist investigating infant deaths, in 1938. In 1989 the first defective CTFR gene was isolated, since that time there have been over 1200 other mutations discovered which also result in cystic fibrosis. Some mutations are particularly pernicious, others manifest milder symptoms. Stephen Murby is very passionate about cystic fibrosis. A simple cheek swab test is all that is required to determine your carrier status with over 95% reliability. He said - having a child changes your life; having a child with cystic fibrosis changes your future.

MARCH: Dr Clare Wright - History Department LaTrobe University

“The Buxom Woman Behind the Bar - Australia’s Female Publicans”Clare Wright is a young and very attractive woman with an interesting story to tell about colonial Australia and the role of women in that era, particularly in the selling of alcohol. She opened her talk with a summary of a ‘pub crawl’ in colonial Melbourne showing slides of hotels run by women

at the time. She said in the colonial and goldrush eras some 22% of hotels were run by women and by 1906 the number had risen to 50%. Clare said she had become fascinated by the phenomenon of women publicans, why women had been attracted to hotels and why conditions were favourable to encourage them in this direction.. She found in her research that this was one occupation in which women could run a business and have control of it. This was an era in which women generally had very little legal status, could not own property or be sued and was required to leave the workforce when she married. Clare said the first licence held by a woman was in 1797. Sarah Bird, an enterprising convict girl, had ‘bought and sold’ during her journey and upon her arrival in Australia and saved enough to open a alcohol serving establishment. The licensing laws in Australia have always been accepting of women in the hotel business and the early licensing laws of 1838 actually used the feminine as well as the male pronoun. Because the first hotels were the publicans’ homes and offered accommodation to travellers as well as serving alcohol, the feminine skills were an advantage. The ‘pub’ became the networking centre of an area. In addition, living on the premises women could juggle work and children. It was a fascinating insight into another era, a scholarly talk that was also entertaining. There will be many who will purchase Clare’s book Beyond the Ladies Lounge: Australia’a Female Publicans, to learn more about the subject than could be talked about in 45 minutes.

• RESIDENTS •

ANA XIMENA TORRESI was born in Venezuela and had the advantage of growing up in Brazil and in the USA, and for the past 15 years I have been living in Colombia. Cultural differences have been laced into my upbringing, and after a lot of thinking and being for so long in the same country I decided that it was time to see a little of the eastern side of the world. So, I came to the land down under to get my Master in Clinical Psychology and obviously to get around the vast country that is Australia. From the moment I stepped into the country, I have been surrounded by extremely friendly and outgoing people. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting some of the more traditional sightseeing attractions here in Victoria, as well as getting a little taste

of Melbourne’s fast moving nightlife; but there is still so much to see and do and the clock is ticking quickly (not to mention I have to do things for the university).

FELICITY HOLTI am Felicity Holt from England, doing a Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling at the University of Melbourne. I will be staying at Graduate House until December this year. I have two degrees already from the UK. My first degree was in Biochemistry and Genetics from the University of Sheffield and my second degree was a Master’s of Science in Immunology from Imperial college, London. After spending time in the laboratory, I am looking for something which is not laboratory-based and I am excited about going into Genetic Counselling as it requires both knowledge of Genetics (as from my first degree) and excellent communication skills and an interest in people. I am thoroughly enjoying my course, The University has

so much to offer the students and Melbourne itself is a great city with lots of things to do, lots of parks and museums to visit and very safe and friendly. Graduate House is great too, such a warm, friendly and cosy atmosphere. In my spare time I enjoy running, walking (I have joined the mountaineering club), music; singing and playing the flute and piano, sudokus, reading, cross stitching, travelling and watching musicals.

LINDA SUNGLinda is a medical doctor working at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. This is her first year of training as a medical intern and she loves the challenge of the new job. She loves Melbourne and says the whole Graduate House experience is great. She said, “staying at the Graduate House constantly reminded me of my university years which was one of the best experiences in my life. It also provides me with the privilege of meeting up with professionals from all over the world. It is just awesome”. During her free time she loves reading, socializing, and making new friends. She believes that her stay at the Graduate House and Melbourne will be an amazing experience.

JOHN NOLANJohn has recently moved to Melbourne from Brisbane to study Arts Management at the University of Melbourne. He moved in to Graduate House in February and will probably be here until the end of next year. In his spare time John enjoys watching James Bond and Die Hard movies. He plans to feature in and direct his own Die Hard film in the near future - “Die Even More Harderer”. He is also completely enthralled with the drama of Footballer’s Wives and tries to sing in as many church choirs as he can find.

SHEILA CAMERON Leaving wintry Britain to stay at Graduate House in autumn, Melbourne’s best season, is a delight for me. The location is marvellous...it’s a short walk to the Queen Victoria Market and the city centre, a pleasant tram ride to the beach and there’s easy access to the university for work. I live in Scotland, by the Holy Loch just north of the River Clyde. It’s interesting. A few miles from my home are the ruins of gunpowder works. A local churchyard has the grave of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to be registered as a British doctor. Submarines regularly appear in the river. And a few weeks ago, a hump backed whale visited for ten days. Deer come to the fields opposite me on frosty mornings. Otters sometimes swim

in nearby rivers and lochs. Pheasants and grouse are always about, and the swallows return each summer. Red squirrels scamper through the woods and hide their food in tree trunks. It’s a wildlife haven. For most of my working life I was an academic economist. Now I am an editor and a writer. My clients are here in Melbourne, in Poland, in England and of course in Scotland. I’m writing a book about some curiosities in stone and the people associated with them. One of these places is Tom Nan Ragh. In Gaelic this means ‘hillock of the dead’...a mysterious old burial ground.


April 2007 Volume 60 No.2 – 11

Throughout 2007 a residents’ cocktail party will be held at Graduate House on the last Tuesday of each month. It is hoped this initiative will give new residents the opportunity to become acquainted with new arrivals and those already in residence. At

the inaugural party on 27 February, the Secretary-Warden welcomed all residents giving them a short summary on the history of Graduate House and inviting them to advise him personally of any problems encountered during their stay. Nela Triklovic, a resident since 2005, gave a short presentation about her experiences saying that Graduate House is a home away from home with fellow residents and staff becoming ‘family’. She said she had been in several musical productions during her time at Graduate House and at each one many residents and members of staff, including the Secretary-Warden, had been in the audience. Nela concluded her presentation by inviting residents to form a circle, introduce themselves and play ‘get-to-know-you’ games.

Delicious savouries were served with wine and soft drinks and all residents appeared quite at ease and relaxed.

✿ RESIDENTS’ COCKTAIL PARTY ✿



Members please be aware : memberships become unfinancial at the end of three months following the due date for renewal.

UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES ALUMNI

The Master of Business & IT (MBIT) held a cocktail party for 150 people at Graduate

House on Friday evening 2 March. The MBIT is a postgraduate coursework program within the Faculty of Economics and Commerce, which recently became a corporate member of the Graduate Union. They have approximately 220

current students, an active alumni and students of all ages, with a lot of the group in their 20s and 30s. There is a mix of local and international students. At the commencement of each semester they hold a cocktail party to welcome new and continuing students and to keep in contact with alumni. Academic and administrative staff also attend and it’s a great way to begin the semester and to maintain a cohesive program group.The MBIT draws students from many countries and cultures, so the theme for this semester’s party was ‘Global Celebration’, celebrating the varied cultural heritage within the program. Usually about 120 people attend the cocktail party, but this year there were quite a few more! The organisers were very complimentary about Graduate House. One said, “From an organisational point of view, we found holding the function at Graduate House really easy. Graduate House was able to arrange so much of the function for us, whereas at previous functions we had to manage a lot of it ourselves. The staff at Graduate House was so helpful, relaxed and friendly, and nothing was too much trouble.We’ve had fantastic feedback from the students - the positive vibe was evident in that so many of the people at the cocktail party continued on to the after-party that the MBIT postgraduate student group had organised in the city”.

MBIT COCKTAIL PARTY

Left-to-Right: Ray Maino, Lyn Davis, Mark Rayner and Bill Blandy

Vice-Chancellor Hilmer addresses the gathering.

The Graduate Union recently welcomed the Alumni of the University of NSW as corporate members. The Victorian Chapter now utilises

our facility for meetings and functions. No more important function has been held than a visit by the Vice-Chancellor, Fred Hilmer AO on the 14 February. Some sixty UNSW Alumni gathered at Graduate House to hear Vice-Chancellor Hilmer outline his strategy for a revitalised and growing University of NSW that will concentrate on its core strengths and attract the brightest students to those specific fields. The Victorian Chapter president Mr Rob Lee welcomed the Vice-Chancellor and guests and reiterated the Chapter’s desire to be available for all Victorian Alumni to provide networking opportunities and access to first class facilities. He also encouraged Alumni to register for their next function, a tour of the MCG. With excellent food and drink, the UNSW Alumni enjoyed a very informative and entertaining evening.

Documents

April 2007 / Annual Report