Paul Coats talking to new Graduates at one of the University's many induction sessions

Welcome to all the new enrolling graduate students at unimelb! It's been a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak at so many of the large induction sessions that are held during this time of year. In addition to informing you all about the many services of the GSA, myself and other office bearers and staff have been passing around our public transport concessions petition in these sessions. Over 1,500 graduate students have signed it so far and we're pleased to announce that the Vice-Chancellor and Provost have endorsed the campaign too (see media release). I've had several emails of encouragement from graduate students.

It was raining on my way into the office today. Bliss! The usually verdant gardens around the Graduate centre (where GSA has its offices) are looking pretty singed from the three 43ºC+ days last week. Rhodedendron, camellia, hydrangea and choisya will all need the grace of time to recover. But don’t be fooled by appearances. Battle-weary on the surface masks a nascent potential to burst forth at some opportune moment in a hopefully cooler, damper future. Student organisations, like the Graduate Student Association know what I mean.

But botanicals aside (well, for a moment anyway…), I want to take this opportunity to say welcome to 2009!