The number of Old Melburnians we reach each year is one way we measure our success. Based on OM feedback, the OM Council and its Committees have worked hard to refine and create meaningful and relevant experiences for the community. This has led to a series of new events such as the Spring Cocktail Soiree, the Business Breakfast and the Business Leaders Speaker Series.
Thank you to all members who have engaged in these events. We plan to build on them in future years. This year they have helped to deliver a total 64% increase in attendance at OM events.
LONDON EVENT
As indicated on page 2, on 25 April 1919, 91 Old Melburnians gathered in London at the end of WWI for an Old Melburnians Reunion. The event was known as the Victory Dinner.
We are currently planning for a 100-year anniversary Victory Dinner in London – to be held on Friday 28 June 2019. We are keen to have as many members of the OM community be part of the evening.
THE OLD MELBURNIANS DICK COTTON FELLOWSHIP
The annual awarding of The Old Melburnians Dick Cotton Fellowship provides an opportunity for a younger OM to undertake a period of travel, study and/or project work beyond the benefits offered by higher education.
I am delighted to announce the two recipients of the Fellowship in 2018 are Marcus Maisano (OM 2007) and William Hanneman (OM 2009). In line with the School’s prioritisation of Indigenous engagement, both recipients of the Fellowship will focus on related issues. Marcus will launch creative music workshops with young Indigenous Australians. Will will enhance rehabilitation for Indigenous inmates in Port Phillip Prison through yoga teaching and peace education.
Andrew Maughan President of The Old Melburnians
2018 DICK COTTON FELLOWSHIP – RECIPIENT REPORT
In August 2018 I travelled to Athens, Greece to volunteer at Eleonas Refugee Camp with Project Elea, an NGO that was founded in response to the 2015 European migrant crisis. The Project’s mission is to improve the living standards of the residents of the camp.
As volunteers, our focus was coordinating activities for the adults and children of Eleonas that centred on education, art, sport, and community. Each day we ran a full schedule of activities including English classes and tutoring, helping residents build their CVs to find employment, various art classes, and sports and cultural activities.
My time at the camp had a big impact on me, and the lessons I learnt have certainly broadened my perspective. It was sobering meeting so many people who have endured unimaginable hardships whilst fleeing countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. On the other hand, it was also incredibly moving to witness their strength and persistence, despite being left with nothing, and having a long and daunting re-settlement process ahead of them.
This experience highlighted just how lucky we are to live in Australia and has instilled in me a commitment to help recently settled migrants and refugees here in Melbourne. Whether it be through education, social support, or employment, I hope to one day start an organisation that can make a difference in this area.
I would like to thank the Old Melburnians for giving me this unique opportunity and helping me to volunteer in a field that I am extremely passionate about.
Chris Lam (OM 2012)
