Proposer — Roy T. A. Hardcastle
Seconder — John Edward Elligate

I am passionate about graduates, the Graduate Union and Graduate House in general, but specifically the potential for growth of each one. Much has been achieved but much remains to be done.

We are in the process of implementing the outcomes of the 2019-2021 Strategic Plan, the third for this Association. I am proud to have been involved with the Council over the past six years and if re-elected, will work with our members/stakeholders to ensure we deliver on what we promised.

We have five Key Result Areas which we must never lose sight of as they have provided a blueprint for the way forward to ensure that Graduate House and the Graduate Union will be vibrant, thriving and relevant, and existing way beyond my lifetime.

My experience with professional associations and service organisations has given me insights as to how to ensure visions become reality. I hereby pledge my enthusiastic and total support.

Current Council Status: Current Member of Council

Length of Continuous Membership of The Graduate Union: 13 years, 3 months

Explain how your key areas of expertise will contribute to Council.

My key areas of expertise are in the areas of Human Resources  (HR) Management and Development which started in 1972 when I was asked to design and implement the inaugural Graduate Recruitment program for the Australian Wheat Board.

From 1978-1994, I was appointed the inaugural Human Resources Director for Arthur Andersen/Andersen Consulting (now Accenture ) where graduate recruitment and retention was the focus.

For the last 20 years, I have worked as an external Specialist HR Consultant providing a wide range of executive recruitment and search services to clients as well as leadership development, coaching and mentoring, process facilitation and conflict resolution thus building an extensive network of key influencers.

I therefore believe I can continue to bring to the Council the quiet voice of reason to ensure I can play a small part in ensuring we provide the best possible service to our wide and diverse membership group drawing on my networks when relevant.

Outline your view on the development and growth potential of The Graduate Union in the next three years.

I am very excited about the possibility for the development and growth potential of the Graduate Union but much hard work remains to be done to build on the groundwork already done by the Council, the staff of Graduate House and our Members and Volunteers.

We have the 2019-2021 Strategic Plan that sets out five Key Result Areas and a clear vision for the future.

We have the Diamond Jubilee Campaign in its infancy and the need to raise around $40M to fund our new building and so double our current quality accommodation capacity.

Our membership is growing but there remains the potential for stronger growth over the next 3 years in view of our closer relationships with all the Universities in our immediate proximity – not just the University of Melbourne.

Outline your current involvement with The Graduate Union.

I have been a Council Member for the last 6 years and have one final term (3 years) to serve, if re-elected.

I am currently on the Membership and Marketing Committee (Chair) and also the Finance and Audit Committee. I also assist with the Remuneration Subcommittee as required.

Through the Rotary Club of Carlton (who meet at Graduate House weekly) and the Rotary International District 9800, I act as an informal Liaison Officer between Rotary and the Graduate Union/Graduate House.

I was also the designer of the inaugural Twilight Seminar Series on Health and Wellbeing 3 years ago which could well be reborn and revitalised later this year.

State your TWO greatest achievements of relevance to governance (e.g. as a member of a company board or The Graduate Union Council, as a contributor to your community).

1. Being elected to the position of Governor of Rotary International District 9800 for 2011-12 and ensuring the Board introduced the first 3-year Strategic Plan for this District. It is still in operation and is updated as each new Governor moves into the yearly role. District 9800 is the largest Rotary District in Australia with over 2,500 members and is the home of the first Club established in 1921 – the Rotary Club of Melbourne.
2. Being elected to the position of Secretary of the International Association of Facilitators late in 2017 and serving for the period 2018-19. In this role, I am charged with the responsibility of ensuring the Board follows rigorous good governance procedures and follows best practice ethical guidelines.

List relevant industry and community-based experience.

1967-1972: Teaching and Research (Schools and ICI Research Laboratory)

1972-1978: Australian Wheat Board (Personnel Manager)

1978-2004: Arthur Andersen/Andersen Consulting/Accenture (Director of Human Resources)

2004-present: Keith Ryall & Associates (including 3 years as Victoria Licensee for the Covey Leadership Centre and 8 years as Licensee for Crucial Conversations/Influencer programs.) Areas of expertise-Graduate Recruitment, Executive Recruitment and Search, Leadership Development, Coaching and Mentoring, Process Facilitation and Training, Personal and organisational Visioning Programs, Meditation and Mindfulness.

Community-President of Eltham Apex Club ( 1975 and 1985 ); President of Carlton Rotary Club 2002-2003; District Governor 2011-12. Chair-Rotary Post Graduate Global Grant Scholarships for District 9800. Member of International House Council at The University of Melbourne 1994-2004. Past President of the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (1989-90).

Facilitator-Rotary Leadership Institute and also Club Vision Planning Program.

List academic qualifications (year of award, awarding body and name of academic qualification awarded).

1963-1965: Bachelor of Science-the University of Melbourne.

1966: Diploma of Education-the University of Melbourne

1970-1972: Bachelor of Education-Monash University (Clayton)

1971-1972: Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management-RMIT.

2004: Certified Professional Facilitator-International Association of Facilitators.

2006: Assessor for the Certified Professional Facilitator Qualification

2014: Inaugural Member of the International Association of Facilitators Hall of Fame.