August 2014

Newsletter August 2014

The Graduate UnionofThe University of Melbourne Inc

this issueUpcoming Events • 2

College Table - Land and Environment • 3August Monthly Luncheon • 4

Wednesday Christmas Lunches • 6The University of Melbourne Open Day • 7

Friday Drinks and Dinner • 7The Women’s Forum • 8

Hush Foundation • 9Review of Residents’ Christmas Party • 10

Resident News • 12Graduate Union Tutors • 13

Free Public Lectures at The University of Melbourne • 14University Sector News and Innovations • 16

Academic and Professional Development Meetings • 18College Groups and Sharing your Story • 20

Our Members • 21Finance Seminar Review • 22

Accommodation for Conference and Summer/Winter School Delegates • 22

Thank you for donations to support the education of the world’s finest

www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B

JULY 2014Wednesday, 30th CARD and QUIET BOARD GAME NIGHT 7.30pm to 10.00pm

Bring your own group or join others to play bridge, Members FREEScrabble, chess or another quiet card or board game. Non-members Gold Coin

AUGUST 2014Friday, 1st COLLEGE TABLES - Land and Environment 12.30pm

Resident and non-resident Members, and non-member All Members $10post-graduates discuss a topical issue over lunch. Non-members $16

Tuesday, 5th, 19th ITALIAN CONVERSATION DINNER 6.00pmDine and speak Italian with an experienced teacher. Members $15RSVP by the Monday prior. Non-members $22 Concession $20

Wednesday, 6th MONTHLY LUNCHEON 12.00noon to 12.30pmWe are honoured to welcome the former Governor of Resident Members $10Victoria, Professor David de Kretser AC who will Non-resident Members $30present on Research and Science: You never know Concession $35where it will take you. General Public $40

Wednesday, 6th, CARD and QUIET BOARD GAME NIGHT 7.30pm to 10.00pm13th, 20th, 27th Bring your own group or join others to play bridge, Members FREE

Scrabble, chess or another quiet card or board game. Non-members Gold Coin

Friday, 8th FRIDAY NIGHT DRINKS AND DINNER 6.00pm to 8.00pmCome along and join Resident and non-resident Non-resident Members $15Members for a convivial end-of-week drinks and meal. General Public $20

Tuesday, 12th RESIDENTS’ SPECIAL BREAKFAST 7.30am to 8.30amNon-resident Members are welcome to join Resident Resident Members FREEMembers for a hearty breakfast.

Sunday, 17th THE GRADUATE UNION OPEN DAY 10.00am to 4.00pmIn conjunction with The University of Melbourne All are welcomeOpen Day, Graduate House is open to welcomepotential students and families. More details on page 7.

Wednesday, 20th WOMEN’S FORUM 10.00am for 10.30amJoin in robust discussion on Loyalty cards: Beneficial Forum is freeor burden and stay for lunch if desired. Lunch at dining room prices

Tuesday, 26th RESIDENTS’ MaG (MEET AND GREET) from 6.30pm onwardsAn opportunity for Resident and non-resident Members Resident Members FREEto meet over dinner and drinks to share collegial culture. Non-resident Members $15

Welcome to GU Collegiate 2014We invite you, Members and non-members, to our functions

Book via our website, by phone 03 9347 3428, through email to [email protected] or at the venue, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton.


College TablesLand and Environment

The Graduate Union Presents

College Tables are informal collegial lunch-time discussions on a ‘grand challenge’ issue in a graduate school field. The next College Table is in the fields of Land and Environment.

On August 1st Dr Christopher Weston speaks on the importance of forest knowledge for society – a big role for Melbourne’s modern forest science programs.

Book online at www.graduatehouse.com.au, by phone 9347 3428, through email to [email protected] or at the venue, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton.

12 noon for 12:30pm

Usual Dining Room prices apply


The

Monthly Luncheonwith

Professor David de Kretser AC

Resident Members $10Non-Resident Members $30General Public $40Concession $35

RSVP by Monday, 4th Aug, 2014

ABN 5561066496 IAR No. A0023234B

The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc.220 Leicester Street. Carlton, 3053(03) 9347 [email protected]

Aug 6th 12:00 Noon

Research and Science: You never know where it will take you


Professor David de Kretser ACThe term “research” clearly implies an element of novelty and uncertainty but in some instances, the journey, as well as being fascinating, can require a willingness to examine the unexpected implications. There can be multiple facets to that journey, such as geographic locations and sometimes the need to change careers and acquire new skills. The scientific discoveries can be exciting as the potential applications emerge but they may also require examination of ethical issues. Nevertheless, the intellectual rewards provide a sense of achievement especially if they improve the lives of people. Professor David de Kretser will talk to these ideas at the August Luncheon.

Professor de Kretser is a reproductive endocrinologist whose academic career at Monash University included appointments as Professor of Anatomy, the founding Director of the Monash Institute of Medical Research and Associate Dean for Biotechnology Development. In 2003, he was named a Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor. He served as the 28th Governor of Victoria from 2006 to 2011 and is a Companion of the Order of Australia. He resumed his research career at Monash University in April of 2011.


Members: $10non-members: $16Loyalty card: $12.50

Join us every Wednesday in July for a Christmas themed lunch

Book via our website, telephone 03 9347 3428,

email [email protected] or in person at the venue, 220 Leicester Street,

Carlton.

ABN: 55610 664 963 IAR No. A0023234B

Yes, we are open to the general public

Winter Festive season Wednesdays Christmas LunCh Promotion


Friday Drinks & Dinner8th August, 2014

Graduates - studying, in careers or retired - of all universities are invited to drinks and dinner at Graduate House. Drinks are at members’ bar prices from

6.00pm to 7.00pm. Dinner is from 6.45pm.

Members $15 Non-members and general public $20

Dinner includes a buffet meal of soup, main course, salads and dessert.

Book by the Thursday before (7th August) from our website, by email to [email protected], by calling (03) 9347 3428

or in person at the venue, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton.

Join the friendly regulars or come along in your own group to enjoy a relaxing and convivial wind down to the working week.

Booking ahead helps us to cater appropriately but feel welcome to just drop by.

the Graduate union at the university oF meLbourne oPen day

• The Graduate Union marquee will be located on University Square (now referred to as the Community Life Precinct).

• Graduate House will be open from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Come in to enjoy cake, tea and coffee.

• Join our guided tours to learn about our graduate-only college, our meeting facilities and the benefits of membership.

• Find out how to apply for residency in 2014 and 2015.

• There will be a sausage sizzle outside 222 Leicester Street - gold coin donation.

• Purchase a scarf, knitted cap, hoodie and merino wool jumper to keep warm!

• We welcome the parents, carers, relatives and friends who are accompanying prospective graduate and undergraduate students to this Open Day.

• Book a car park space in advance. It is difficult to find street parking on Open Day.

Sunday, 17th August, 2014


Upcoming Forum20th August Loyalty cards: beneficial or burden

The forum is free. Lunch is at Member and non-member prices.

The Women’s ForumThe following are salient points discussed at the Music Matters forum on the 18th June.

• The topic for this forum was coincidental, at a time when there was much discussion in the media on the importance of music in

education and for health and healing.

• Music is ubiquitous, not just through instruments, but in voices, in vibration, in rhythms, in factories, and generally in nature itself.

• Music affects emotions, promotes bonding and is stirring and encouraging.

• We all felt that music was important to us and we would find it difficult to live without it.

• Learning music and movement in primary school gives children both academic and social advantages.

• Music has proven beneficial in health care, especially for those who have lost mobility or the ability to communicate.

It also improves life for children in hospital.

• We wondered if classical music in prisons would have the same calming effect it is considered to have on hoons and at places where they gather.

• Music provides a connection to the past and continues to eternity.

The Graduate Union College Alumni (GUCA) want to get in touch with past residents. If you, or anyone you know, has ever stayed at Graduate House since 1962, please contact us by phone or email, or send us a letter so that we can add you and them to our year lists and keep in touch.

Let us know:• who you are; • where you are in the world;• what you are doing now;• how you came to be doing this;• when you stayed here; and• your memories of Graduate House.

Where Are You Now?


2015 GU CALENDARWe are grateful to all who provided names of Famous Scholars from around the World for potential inclusion in our 2015 GU Calendar which is currently being designed.

If you are a Member (as at end November, 2014) we send you one free 2015 GU Calendar with the last Monthly Newsletter for 2014. Should you wish to purchase additional copies as gifts, please place your order early.

If you do not wish to receive your free copy, and/or you would like to purchase additional copies, please let us know through email ([email protected]), telephone or post (completing and returning this form to our offices). Members will be sent a calendar if we are not notified otherwise. Invoices for payment of additional calendars ($12.50 plus postage of $2.00 per extra calendar) will be with dispatch. If collecting from the office, do not include postage.

Show your support for the Hush FoundationThe Hush Family members came together recently for a night of celebration to commemorate the beginning of a very special project, The Hush Children’s Treasure Book. Working with Books Illustrated, The Treasure Book represents Hush’s first foray into the written word and brings together Australia’s most talented children’s authors and illustrators. As always, the Hush Foundation is dedicated to bringing joy and hope to patients and children of all ages and their families who are going through difficult times.

Become part of the Hush Foundation Membership ProgramAnnouncing a new Membership Program on the night. The Hush Foundation extends gratitude to Betty Amsden AOM for driving this new initiative.

Donation drive to raise FundsThe Foundation is seeking donations to help fund The Hush Treasure Book. The funds will go towards creating a unique and beautiful book and distributing this free to the twelve children’s hospitals around Australia. These donations will also assist the Hush Music Foundation’s ongoing work, transforming the often austere medical environment into a less intimidating, friendlier space for children who are receiving life saving medical care.

To join the Hush Foundation Membership Program and assist the The Hush Treasure Book project, please go to the Hush Foundation’s donation page http://hush.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6b59e72e33ed7fccefb89d822&id=26d81510d7&e=3751471ec9.

If sending a response by post, complete form below, cut along this line and send to our offices.

Name: Please tick:

I do not wish to receive the Graduate Union 2015 Calendar

In addition to my free 2015 Calendar, I wish to order additional copies.

Number of copies.

Cost of calendar($12.50 each)

Cost of postage($2.00 each)

Total Cost

Betty Amsden OAM


A Graduate House Christmas Carol

T’was the night of fake Christmas, when all through Grad house not a creature was missing, not even Larry the Mouse.

The tables were set by the staff with care, In hopes that St Nicholas (aka Tim) would soon be there.

The residents motivated by free food and wine got out of their beds, and soon visions of figgy pudding swum through their heads.

Zac in his hipster shirt and Eliah in his Jester’s cap,calmed our nerves for a soon to come rap.

When out of the kitchen arose a seafood platter, The diners gorged themselves and suddenly felt 10 pounds fatter.

Away to the kitchen we ran searching for mash,Filled our plates with turkey that we gobbled down in a flash.

Although our friends from the North missed their Christmas snow,Their sadness was soon forgotten in the sweet wine flow.When, to Julia’s glee, a baubled purple tree did appear,

A certain Bill had to remind her stealing would not happen here.

With a flick of the wrist, so lively and quick,Fancypants pulled out his favourite booze juggling trick.

More rapid than eagles, Katt’s praise came,She squealed and shouted, bestowing upon him this new name.

Now, Julia! Now, Annelies! Now, Rebecca and Katt!On Manami! On, Tati! On, on Wai Kin and Tim!

To the front of the room! No hiding behind a wall!They sang at the top of their lungs! Recorded by all!

As the party moved on, time seemed to fly,But less and less people came forward to try.

With one last call, up came our crew,The Backstreet boys were sung, making all the girls’ dreams come true.

And with our dancing, we brought down the roof,A certain resident, Jack, became slightly aloof.

Unfortunately One Direction never made a sound,But 50 Cent, Tina Turner and Beatles’ songs were abound.

After vigorous dancing, a dark bruise appeared upon Tim’s foot,And a few minutes later and his hand was caput.In a trip to the office to find the first aid pack,

A message was left praising the staffs’ work for when they came back.

Residents Christmas Party Friday, 11th July, 2014


A run in the camel left him not so merry,But the quick work of Fancypants made him presentable to Kerry.

We danced the Macarena, all in rowBut it was Aida’s salsa that stole the show.

Our hosts soon announced there were prizes to bequeath,The awards were slightly ghetto as there was money for a wreath.

The winners were Julia’s serene voice and Paul’s shoulders made of jelly,then the music lived on until we got down like Nelly.

Though Monday we’d be back to doing uni work like elves,we forgot our worries for one night and amused ourselves.Three lovely ladies danced with us throughout the night

And even Bill and Fancypants joined in upon the girls’ plight.

When the night’s dancing ended and Bill pulled the plug, We asked to leave the karaoke machine but he said with a shrug

“How stupid do you think I am, guys”We think he saw our promises not to use it were all lies.

Thanks to Zac and Eliah for being great hosts,And Diana, Daniel and Kerry surely deserve a toast!

Thanks to Nelson, Draga, Basma and Woody for making such a wonderful feast,And thanks to Bill, Mason (Fancypants) and Aneesh, though thanked last they were

certainly not least.

Thank you Grad House for giving us such a great night,we can’t wait for the formal, which will be undoubtedly out of sight.

by Annelies Van de Ven and Tim Everson

Photo Gallery

Fresh seafood platter for starters. Resident Members enjoying dinner. Staff and members at pre-drinks.

Meet our MCs, Eliah Castiello and Zac Matthews.

Our Resident singers. Residents Members at their tables.

Regulars from the Friday Night Drinks enjoying their

Christmas meal.


Resident News day triP

sovereiGn hiLL13th sePtember

Great spirits have always faced violent opposition from mediocre minds.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

the next maG (meet and Greet) is on

tuesday, 26th auGust.

resident baLL

This year’s Events Group of Resident Members has already organised a number of popular social events. These have included the trivia nights, home-cooked holiday meals for international students and the July Christmas function.

Next on this busy social schedule is Grad House’s first formal ball on the 17th October. More details will follow but we provide this advance notice so that you can inform potential sponsors that we have a range of sponsorship packages available (and that they are most welcome to give us a call); and so that suitable attire may be sourced early!

Thank you to our inaugural sponsors De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate!

the nationaL student LeadershiP Forum - 4th to 7th September

The Graduate Union has received Expressions of Interest from Members aged 18 to 26 years to attend the National Student Leadership Forum in Canberra in September on the significance of faith and values as foundations for effective leadership. We are evaluating these submissions and will submit two nominations by the 1st August. Should one or both nominees be successful, Council has approved funding to support attendance.On any international scale, our Resident Members are the best and the brightest globally. We are thus very pleased to recognise and support leadership potential and the learning and gaining of new skills for exercising that potential on behalf of the greater community.

internationaL PostGraduate researCh sChoLarshiP

Funded by the Australian Government, The University of Melbourne is offering International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) for international students to undertake a postgraduate research qualification in Australia and to gain experience with leading Australian researchers. The University usually awards 35 scholarships each round, the dates being:• Current round 1st July to 31st October, 2014.• Next round 1st November, 2014 to 31st May, 2015We suggest informing your undergraduate universities across the world about this opportunity. See: https://studenteforms.app.unimelb.edu.au/apex/f?p=153:2:0:::2:P2_ID:245

beCome a PartiCiPant, an ambassador or a voLunteer For the GLobaLL ProGram, desiGned to introduCe austraLian sPort CuLture to internationaL students, and run jointLy by essendon FootbaLL CLub and CriCket viCtoria.

WWW.GLobaLL.Com.au

WatCh out For the Apple And RhubARb JAm sPeCiaL CuLinary entry at the royaL meLbourne shoW by CheF Pieter sChoLs, From Graduate house, and samantha montaLvo, Who are ComPetinG in arts, CraFt and Cookery.


Tutorials are individualised for ‘tutees’ who are:

• undergraduates in any discipline;

• senior secondary school students (e.g., VCE);

• seeking to pass the IELTS (International English Language Testing System);

• seeking to learn or improve in other languages;

• post-graduates needing specialist tutorials – e.g., to edit their theses; and

• undertaking course entry tests (e.g., the Graduate Management Admission Test).

Graduate Union TutorsWe are pleased to present our GU Tutors for 2014; and thank the many Members who have

embraced the spirit of spreading the word to support this program and our tutors.

Rachel Davies Political

science to advanced levels.

Listening, reading, writing and speaking in

French.

Pravin Siriwardena

Language support in listening, reading,

writing and speaking of

Latin.

Wenjin Wang

Marketing, management, tourism and hospitality.

Full language support in Mandarin.

Hamish Wishart

VCE Biology. Language support in

English.

Thomas Morton

Music and science.

Language support in

English.

Stephanie Liu

Mathematics and science.

Language support in

Chinese and English.

Juan Ceron

Energy systems engineering at all levels

from VCE to post-graduate.

Language support in Spanish.

Chanchal Chandramouli

Genetics, molecular biology,

biochemistry and physiology

(cardiac). Malay and

Tamil language support.

David Alchin

Physiology, immunology,

pathology, infectious

diseases and microbiology.

Language support in

English.

Laura GallardoBiology,

anatomy and psychiatry. Advanced language

support in Spanish; basic in Italian and

French.

Cecelia Liando

Full language support in

Indonesian, including

translation and interpretation.

RenePasqualino

Science. Advanced language

support in English.

Tutorials are offered at Graduate House (only) during the day, evenings and weekends, and according to the study and work schedules

of the tutors and those being tutored.

Enashi AmbaniLanguage support in listening, reading,

writing and speaking English.

Joana PinheiroLanguage support in listening, reading,

writing and speaking German.

Tess SatherleyPhysics and the Arts. Advanced

Language support in Academic

writing and reading in English.

Annelies Van de Ven

Art History, Anthropology and History.

Language support in

Basic French and Advanced

Dutch.


Date Time Venue Faculty or School Title Speakers Bookings and Enquiries

Monday, 28th July

12.00pm - 1.00pm

WEHI L7C Davis Auditorium, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, 1g Royal Parade, Parkville

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Diet, metabolism and inflammation

Dr Alison Thorburn

Enquiries [email protected]

Call 03 9345 2555

Tuesday, 29th July

5.30pm - 6.30pm

Seminar Room, Australia India Institute, 147-149 Barry Street, Carlton

Australia India Institute

The Happiness Challenge: Lessons from Australia

Mr Joy Purkayastha


Call 03 9035 7538

Thursday, 31st July

6.00pm - 7.00pm

Theatre A, Elisabeth Murdoch Building, Parkville

The University of Melbourne

Moctezuma: the question of headdress and heritage

Professor José Antonio González Zarandona


Call 03 8344 6004

Monday, 4th Aug

12.00pm - 1.00pm



Antigen presentation: the link between innate and adaptive immunity

Dr Justine Mintern


Call 03 9345 2555

Tuesday, 5th Aug

12.00pm - 1.00pm

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Theatre, Bldg 165, The University of Melbourne

Melbourne School of Engineering

Rapid, Facile and Automated Polymer Assembly Techniques for the Preparation of Layer-by-Layer Capsules

Mr Joseph J. Richardson


Call 03 8344 9063

Wednesday, 7th Aug

6.30pm - 7.30pm

Theatre GO8, Law Building, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton

Faculty of Arts

The Political Origins of Global Justice

Professor Samuel Moyn


Call 03 9035 8358

Thursday, 8th Aug

12.00pm - 1.00pm



Two Projects of Commercial Interest (Long-Term Digital Data Storage and Thin Layer Chromatography) and a Theoretical One (Using the Equivalent Width to Better Understand XPS Narrow Scans)

Associate Professor Matthew Linford


Call 03 8344 9063

Monday, 11th Aug

12.00pm - 1.00pm



From discovery to the clinic

Dr Andrew Nash Enquiries [email protected]

Call 03 9345 2555

Tuesday, 12th Aug

12.00pm - 1.00pm



Friday 13th Risk Modelling - A New Analytical Tool for Quantitative Process Safety

Dr Kenneth Davey


Call 03 8344 9063

Friday, 15th Aug

9.00am - 5.00pm

Yasuko Hiraoko Myer Room, Sidney Myer Asia Centre

Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute

Melbourne Sustainability Perspectives and Ethics Conference 2014

Conference Enquiries [email protected]

Call 0417 585 684

Meet at our centrally located facility before and after free Public Lectures held at various locations around The University of Melbourne. These lectures are usually held in the middle of the day or early evening (to suit city workers, and students after their regular lectures). See http://events.unimelb.edu.au/all/free-public-lecture and share notice of these lectures across your networks. Non-members are welcome also to meet, dine or refresh here at Graduate House.


Date Time Venue Faculty or School Title Speakers Bookings and Enquiries

Monday, 18th Aug

12.00pm - 1.00pm



Genetic defects in nucleic acid metabolism and the role of type I interferons in the pathogenesis of inflammatory encephalopathies

Professor Iain Campbell


Call 03 9345 2555

Tuesday, 19th Aug

5.45pm - 7.30pm

The Woodward Conference Centre, Law Bldg, Level 10, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton

Melbourne Law School

Harold Ford Public Lecture: Directors Duties and a Company’s Creditors

Justice Kenneth Hayne


Call 03 9035 3804

Thursday, 21st Aug

5.30pm - 8.00pm

The Woodward Conference Centre, Law Bldg, Level 10, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton


Higher Education Policy Seminars: Graduate Capability

Seminar/ Forum with Robin Shreeve, Paul Wellings and John Wood


Call 03 8344 4605

Friday, 22nd Aug

12.30pm - 2.00pm

Barbara Falk Room Centre for the Study of Higher Education, Level 1, 715 Swanston St.


CSHE Issues and Ideas Seminar: Does Higher Education Make You Think?

Sir David Watson


Call 03 83444605

Tuesday, 26th Aug

6.30pm - 7.30pm

Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Basement, Sidney Myer Asia Cte, 761 Swanston St, The University of Melbourne


The hunt for dark matter

Associate Professor Juan Collar


Call 03 8344 4392

Wednesday, 27th Aug

3.30pm - 5.45pm

Mamahon Ball Theatre, Old Arts Bldg, The University of Melbourne

Faculty of Arts

The John Barry Memorial Symposium 2014

Symposium Enquiries [email protected]

Call 03 8344 8985

Wednesday, 27th Aug

6.00pm - 7.30pm

Theatre 4, Level 2, Faculty of Business & Economics Bldg, 111 Barry Street, Carlton

Melbourne Business School

Melbourne Business School Information Evening

Professor Nasser Spear


Call 03 9035 4755

Wednesday, 27th Aug

6.30pm - 7.30pm

Theatre D, Old Arts Building, University of Melbourne

Faculty of Arts

‘Race’ matters: Silence, Empowerment and the University as a Racialised Landscape

Lilly Brown Enquiries [email protected]

Call 03 9035 4839Wednesday, 27th Aug

6.45pm - 7.45pm

Public Lecture Theatre, Old Arts Building, University of Melbourne

Faculty of Arts

Seeing Crime and Managing Security: Reflections on the Criminological Gaze

Professor Mariana Valverde


Call 03 8344 8985

Thursday, 28th Aug

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Harder Auditorium, Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, Fryers St, Shepparton

Murrup Barak, Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development

Dungala Kaiela Oration – Noel Pearson

Mr Noel Pearson


Call 03 8344 8803

Friday, 29th Aug

12.30pm - 2.00pm

Barbara Falk Room Centre for the Study of Higher Education, Level 1, 715 Swanston St


CSHE Issues and Ideas Seminar: What Australia should not learn from UK Higher Education

Professor Simon Marginson


Call 03 8344 4605

Friday, 29th Aug

7.00pm - 8.00pm

Theatre A, Elisabeth Murdoch Bldg, The University of Melbourne

Faculty of Arts

Kiffy Rubbo, Women Curators and Australian Art Galleries

Frances Lindsay Enquiries [email protected]

Call 03 9035 5280


University Sector NewsSo many Snakes

Paul Colangelo stands ankle deep in a slithering mass, a grin on his face and notepad in his hands. What might be a horror story to some, is the story of a lifetime for Mr Colangelo. Paul stands in the Narcisse Snake Dens of Manitoba, Canada. These ancient dens are the breeding grounds for an immense amount of Red Sided Garter Snakes.

Each spring, hundreds of snakes come together in the perfectly acclimated limestone caves to breed. The females are surrounded by up to a hundred males, all vying for her attention; and she, on the other hand is trying to evacuate the area as any sane woman would. Naturally, one might assume this all means writhing chaos, but in fact, as Paul points out, the whole affair looks more like a finely coordinated dance. Mr Colangelo even goes on to say that the under appreciated creatures were cute: “They have puppy-dog eyes – they just don’t blink.”

Paul is not the only attendee of this serp-ev-ent. Many people from all over Canada and internationally come to admire the delicate breeding process of these amazing creatures. Some even bring their children who can be seen playing with the nonpoisonous and calm Garter Snakes. Paul says this is exactly what people need to get passed the bad reputation snakes have gathered over the years. More specifically, he recommends lying down on your belly and seeing them up close. Maybe the expense of flying over will prevent some from trying this joy?

For more information on Paul’s journey, go to: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/06/140626-snakes-narcisse-animals-mating-sex-animals-world/

The Home of Today

A home is a place of comfort. Upon entry, you are greeted by familiar items and layouts with which you feel comfortable. With progressive improvements to furniture, architecture and gadgetry, we are now seeing homes that are ‘sensing and acting’ beings for enhancements to our home comfort.

Times magazine recently published an article on the development of these sensing and acting homes. Plants fixed to every window sill provide filtered air, lights sense when you arrive and turn on as you enter – you can then turn them off with your mobile - and the air-conditioning, ‘knowing’ your schedule, adjusts the temperature while you are making your way home from work. Even the kitchen ‘knows’ when you are close and so starts up that coffee machine or microwave, checks the contents of the refrigerator and reminds you to get milk on the way back, and communicates with the lounge room so that your television has the right channel for your time of anticipated flop on the couch.

Technology giants such as Google and Microsoft, having watched these developments, now appear to be in a purchasing frenzy for companies that develop space-oriented sensing and acting technology. Following conquests in the office and on the street, the next (indeed current) battleground for technology development thus involves our homes!

For more information go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/20/technology/building-toward-the-home-of-tomorrow.html?_r=0


InnovationsSoccket Energy Ball

Kinetic energy, basically put, is the energy produced from motion. When an object moves quickly and then decelerates, the residual energy (kinetic energy) can be turned into electricity. Harnessing kinetic energy is not a new idea, but in recent times it is being employed in new and creative ways to improve the lives of humans everywhere.

The Soccket Energy Ball appears to be a slightly heavier soccer ball. Its deceiving appearance conceals a mechanism that can collect kinetic energy for later use. As the ball is being kicked around, it collects energy. With thirty minutes of kicking, about three hours of electricity is created; with 16 hours of kicking, over 70 hours.

The inventors, a group called Uncharted Play and comprising two Harvard students, Jessica Matthews and Julia Silverman, have hopes to introduce the Soccket Ball to countries where energy is too expensive or inaccessible. However, before it is put into mass production, Uncharted Play aims to produce bouncier Balls, so that they are easier to play with! We may not be surprised that they have been testing the product in Africa, Mexico and Brazil.

The Ball has received quite a bit of attention this year. In May it was announced in the top ten innovations of 2014 by CNET.com, a technology review website. In 2013, the idea received support from Barrack Obama on a trip to Tanzania. The President said the idea was “pretty cool”. To decide whether or not you agree, go to the following website: http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2013/11/tech/cnn10-inventions/

GravityLight

On the topic of energy-providing alternatives, the GravityLight gives a means for bright and effective lighting without the need for electricity or batteries. The wall mounted device has two hooks which are used to hold a loaded bag. As the bag lowers, it pulls a notched belt through gears that drive a motor that powers a light emitting diode at the top of the wall mount for about half an hour. Once the bag reaches the bottom, you simply unhook and start again.

In many areas that the GravityLight is seen to be needed, the primary source of light is kerosene lamps. The lamps produce toxic fumes and, if tipped over, may cause burns. Per refill, the kerosene lamps cost up to $10. The GravityLight costs $10, requires just a one-off payment and is thus clearly more economical and environmentally friendly in the longer term.

The GravityLight was invented by Martin Riddiford and Jim Reeves for a competition called ‘Solar Aid’ which had the aim of creating cheap, effective and sustainable power to those with limited economic means and those not on ‘the grid’. These clever scientists hope to improve upon this interesting, seemingly simple and practical design for powering also radios and other devices.

For more information, visit the following website: http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2013/11/tech/cnn10-inventions/


The patronage of organisation members in charitable, not-for-profit, government and professional development sectors is acknowledged below.

We look forward to welcoming you again soon.

Allion Legal

6th June12 attendees

Australian Academy of Technological Sciences

and Engineering (ATSE)


Australian Asian Association of

Victoria (AAA)

2nd June6 attendees

Australian Food Hygiene Services(AFHS)


Australian School of Applied Management

(ASAM)

23rd, 24th, 25th, 27th June19 attendees each day

Australian Urban Research Infrastructure

Network (AURIN)


Bionic Vision Australia

(BVA)


CRC for Spatial

Information


Dental Health Services Victoria


Disability Sports Victoria

23rd June6 attendees

Environment Protection Authority (EPA)


Global Purchasing and Supply Chain (GPSC)

5th June6 attendees

Academic and Professional Development Meetings

Thank you for your patronage

The following groups from The University of Melbourne have convened meetings, workshops and seminars at The Graduate Union.

Department of

Finance Lunch

6th June5 attendees

Department of

Infrastructure Engineering

3rd, 25th June85 attendees

MelbourneLaw

School


Melbourne School of Land and Environment


Office of Admissions


Property andCampus Services


The Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program


Trinity CollegeFoundation


UoMCommercial Ltd

18th, 20th, 26th June100 attendees


Academic and Professional Development Meetings

IAP2 and AAV


International Coach Federation (ICF)


International Education Association Inc (ISANA)


Michael QuinCatholic Past Principals


Melbourne College of Contemporary

Psychotherapy (MCCP)

4th, 11th, 18th, 25th June6 attendees each day

Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria

(MGTAV)


Modern Language Teachers’ Association of

Victoria (MLTAV)

5th, 10th June91 attendees

Organisation Development Australia

(ODA)


Carlton Parkville Probus

Club Inc


Carlton Rotary Lunch Meetings & District 9800

3rd, 10th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 24th

June114 attendees

Melbourne Underground Rail Loop (MURL)

Lunch


Social Work Department

Writing Group


The Lowitja Institute

4th, 10th, 13th, 17th June34 attendees

Victorian Comprehensive Cancer

Centre (VCCC)


SAI Global Advanced Food Safety

(AFS)

3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 23rd, 24th June

144 attendees

The Graduate Union GU Collegiate and

Governance meetings.

3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 17th, 18th, 25th, 26th June

114 attendees

Thank you for your feedbackAlways a pleasant place to be with friends. - Elizabeth Carvosso

A lovely place to meet and chat after a stimulating Women’s forum. Food is always enjoyable. - Margaret Mayers

I cannot fault the great service, sometimes when there are no gluten free fish available, the chef cooks a dish especially for me at this time, it is wonderful. Am always greeted with a smile

- Ena Ahern

My absence of late was due to travel in the first half of the year. Hopefully I’ll be in more often in the second half. I’ve been missing you all!

- James Mulholland

So great to be back! - Heather Kudeviita


Graduate Union College Groups

Tours and Excursions

Trivia NightsCompanions

for Elderly Members

College and Country

Career Development Book ClubDrama

YoutubeTwitter

TutoringPhilosophy

WorkPlacements

Mail-out AssistanceFilm Club

Welcome Dinner

Pathway Stories

Articles of Interest

Networking Opportunities

Google+

Scholarships and AwardsPinterestLinkedIn

Editing Academic

WorkFacebook Photography

Pastoral Care Blogging Sport

Contribute to the Monthly NewsletterFor our monthly newsletter, please give us ideas, information, stories and feedback:

• university sector news• upcoming events• graduations, awards, achievements• visits to reciprocal associations• your experience of our services

We may not be able to publish immediately or all that we receive but will endeavour to capture best the essence of your contributions.

Submit by post (we promise to return photographs), email ([email protected]) or through our website at www.graduatehouse.com.au/contact/share-your-story.

Contribute to the Melbourne GraduatePublished 3-4 times a year we show ‘graduate pathway’ stories:

• at graduation (under or post-grad)• during post-graduate study periods• in career and caring roles• in retirement and/or volunteer roles• of colleagues, family and friends

For more information on College Groups, please contact

your Duty Residents.Tim Stephens Lou McCleod

Mattias Bjornmalm

Members supporting MembersOur Members love to learn about your story, your news and your achievements. If they know about

you, they are positioned better to support your career, your networks and your confidence.


Darren Room

Life Member and cycling enthusiast, Darren Room, was featured recently in the City of Stonnington Newsletter.

Darren has recently become a member of the Bicycle Reference Committee of the Council the main focus of which is bicycle strategies and path improvement works to ensure work travel is easy and supported by a comprehensive network of accessible and convenient paths, lane ways and trails.

Darren is a regular at Graduate House and loves the Wednesday roast. Over July, these roasts had a Christmas theme which proved to be very popular. Below is feedback from the cyclist himself.

Our Members

Two Octogenarians Life members Professor John David McLaren AM (left) and Olive Hamilton recently attended the cocktail reception and the exclusive viewing of NGV’s (National Gallery of Victoria) Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition - the Italian Masters from the Prado. The exhibition was held specially for alumni of The University of Melbourne on Thursday, 29th May, 2014.

The Alumni acknowledges Professor McLaren AM for his Australian Honours Award on Australia Day, 2014 in recognition of his significant service to education, particularly the humanities and social sciences, as an academic, mentor and teacher.

Submit a Dining Room Feedback Form to be in a monthly draw and in the running for the year-end prize of a $500 Coles Myer Gift Voucher.

The lucky feedback-giver for June is Heather Kudeviita who won a bottle of Rococo, Blanc de Blancs, Yarra Valley.

The caption to this photograph in Council’s newsletter reads ‘A local identity of the City

Stonnington tries to manage an iPad!’

The Christmas in July lunches have been delightful, and I most heartily commend your excellent staff for their efforts. My friends have been most impressed and delighted, as I have been. The response of our members to this most tasty mid-year celebration fully confirms my own delight in enjoying several Christmases this year! Wonderful! My kind regards to everyone. Darren


Finance Seminar Review

The title of the third Finance Seminar for 2014 by Peter Clark of DCA Financial Solutions was ‘Tax for Seniors - What do you need to know?’. As outlined in the ‘agenda’ slide, the answer is ‘a lot’, topics covered during the seminar including: (a) tax payable for seniors; (b) SAPTO (Seniors and Pensioners Tax offsets); (c) rebate income; (d) superannuation; (e) medical expenses; (f) capital gains and planning; (g) deceased estates and capital gains that are not realised; and (h) gifts and bequests.

Referring to a table of tax rates, Peter explained that seniors were required to lodge a tax return only if they continue to be paid under the PAYG withholding or instalment system and if they have income and tax withheld. Outlining the rebate income thresholds for SAPTO, he reminded the audience to lodge claims for franking credits even if they are under tax thresholds; and of the tax changes from 1st July, 2014 which included an increase in the Medicare Levy (to 2%) and the application of the Temporary Budget Repair Levy (until 2017) to taxable income above $180K.

Speaking about SAPTO, a tax offset for those non-jailed retirees in Age Pension and Service Pension age brackets, Peter explained that SAPTO lessens the Tax Owing (not the Taxable Income) and provides potential to earn more income before paying any tax. For each eligibility condition (e.g., single, with spouse, with spouse in nursing home), he illustrated the threshold rebate incomes at which the maximum tax offset applies and at which the individual receives no offset amount; and pointed to investment management strategies to gain beneficial tax concessions that included: (a) retaining some investments or income sources in personal names to use effective tax free thresholds and to increase liquidity and freedom of lifestyle; (b) placing investments in such structures as trusts or superannuation for other tax concessions; and (c) selling off assets in smaller parcels over a number of years to use tax free thresholds over more years and to avoid having large gains that are not realised for which inheritors will pay tax.

Income received from superannuation funds is generally tax free after the age of 65 years, so Peter pointed to such methods as salary sacrificing to increase super balance prior to this age to gain tax savings; and reminded the audience that it is not possible to continue to contribute to super unless the ‘work test’ (working at least forty hours during a consecutive thirty-day period each financial year) is passed.

Also available to seniors are tax offsets to the net amount of medical expenses per year (e.g., for disability aids, attendant and aged care) after refunds from Medicare or private health insurance. The percentage of medical expenses that can be claimed is determined according to family status and taxable income thresholds. Hence for net medical expenses over $2,162, seniors may claim 20% up to an $88K taxable income threshold if single, and up to $176K if a couple.

On the complex matter of tax on capital gains (the profits realised when a capital asset is sold for more than its purchase price), Peter explained that a 50% discount applied for seniors such that, for example, a $200K profit would be assessed for tax purposes as a capital gain of $100K. Given adequate consideration of marginal tax rates (as capital gains are added to taxable income at the end of the year), he pointed to the potential of a portion-selling approach to reduce tax.

To conclude his presentation, Peter distinguished between gifts during a lifetime and bequests from deceased estates to community organisations, indicating that the voluntary giver may not receive anything in return for a gift and that bequests may or may not come with conditions to be honoured. Given that funds distributed to a charity from an estate are not tax deductible (in contrast to those made during life), Peter pointed to the strategy of leaving the charity’s money to one beneficiary who should then be able to claim tax deductions for subsequent donations to this nominated charity.

The last and final Finance Seminar by Peter Clark will be on Thursday the 25th September, 2014 and is entitled ‘Risks and Pitfalls with Wealth Creation’.


Thank you for your DonationsFrom its establishment in 1911, Members have built this association through great

generosity in the form of donations of funds and buildings, bequests and sponsorship, together with volunteer and pro bono work. We seek always to honour this legacy and to

foster a culture of active and contributing membership.

Please give to our unique international association of graduates.Your gift is tax deductible.

GIFTS of MONEY

My donation will be: $AUD ....……………………………………………………..

At frequency: One off � Weekly � Monthly � Annually �I authorise The Graduate Union to:

send me a reminder to send in a cheque or put money into The GU account.

Account Name The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne IncorporatedBank National Australia Bank BSB 083 170

Account Number 51561 2137 Swift Code NATAAU3303MThe transfer name should include your Surname and the word Donation

direct debit my bank account.

Account Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . BSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Account Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .

charge my credit card. Visa � Master Card �Name on Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Card Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expiry Date _ _ / _ _ / 20_ _

Direct my donation to: (tick one)

the fund of highest priority and need at the time of my donation. �buildings (upkeep and additions).

William Berry Wing � Main Building � Stella Langford Wing �resident members.

scholarships, awards � excursions, functions � in financial difficulty �non-resident members.

career development � fellowships, awards, prizes � in financial difficulty �I am interested in GIFTING to NAME

a space within The Graduate Union (building, floor, room, other space) �a scholarship or an award to a resident member �

a recognition of excellence award for a resident or non-resident member �a career or retirement development program for an in-career or a retired member �

MY BEQUEST (Will)

I would like to provide for The Graduate Union in my will – please telephone �

GIFTS of MONEY

My donation will be: $AUD ....……………………………………………………..

At frequency: One off � Weekly � Monthly � Annually �I authorise The Graduate Union to:

send me a reminder to send in a cheque or put money into The GU account.

Account Name The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne IncorporatedBank National Australia Bank BSB 083 170

Account Number 51561 2137 Swift Code NATAAU3303MThe transfer name should include your Surname and the word Donation

direct debit my bank account.

Account Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . BSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Account Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .

charge my credit card. Visa � Master Card �Name on Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Card Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expiry Date _ _ / _ _ / 20_ _

Direct my donation to: (tick one)

the fund of highest priority and need at the time of my donation. �buildings (upkeep and additions).

William Berry Wing � Main Building � Stella Langford Wing �resident members.

scholarships, awards � excursions, functions � in financial difficulty �non-resident members.

career development � fellowships, awards, prizes � in financial difficulty �I am interested in GIFTING to NAME

a space within The Graduate Union (building, floor, room, other space) �a scholarship or an award to a resident member �

a recognition of excellence award for a resident or non-resident member �a career or retirement development program for an in-career or a retired member �

MY BEQUEST (Will)

I would like to provide for The Graduate Union in my will – please telephone �

NAME and CONTACT DETAILS

Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .

Surname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .

Postal Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .

Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .

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August 2014

Documents

Transcript of August 2014