Wilam Hall Alumni News December 2024
1. Renaming of Wilam Hall official event
2. Cybec Scholars reception
3. Dr Helen Lamb stepping down as Head
4. Introducing new members of the Wilam Hall Advisory Board
5. Small but mighty! Intercollegiate sport
1. Renaming of Wilam Hall official event
Members of the College community including notable Alumni, former heads, current and former council and advisory group members and residents, joined the Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne on the 18th November to celebrate the launch of the new name of the College, Wilam Hall.
The event started with a smoking ceremony delivered by Uncle Colin from the Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri Heritage Cooperation, accompanied by Ganga Giri on the Yidaki. The Vice Chancellor, Melbourne University, Professor Maskell spoke about the important role of Colleges in being a ‘home’ for students and how we should continue to listen to Indigenous voices. Professor Barry Judd, Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous also addressed the audience. Indigenous Alumni and former advisory Group member, Emily James delivered an impactful speech calling on current residents to to build a community that reflects its new name and to take pride in the name that they now carry. She also asked the University of Melbourne:
“ ...to continue the work. Continue listening to Aboriginal voices. Continue to engage in the uncomfortable conversations. And most importantly, take concrete actions to ensure that this institution is not just a place that honours the past, but a place that actively works toward a more just and inclusive future.”
After the formal proceedings, guests were able to view displays detailing the history of the College the name and the change process. Copies of these information boards are available on request.
A specially commissioned artwork by resident Amina Briggs, a Boonwurrung, Ugar and Erub multi-disciplinary artist entitled
"These eugenicists ain’t touching my Barbie” was also on display. Of the work, the artist notes”
“This artwork reflects the transformation from Medley to Wilam, marking a shift away from the legacy of John Medley, a eugenicist, to a name that carries new meaning and inclusivity”
See some photos of the event here.
2.
We were pleased to host a reception for Cybec Board members Jenny and Adrian Riordan to meet with our 2024 Cybec Scholars, The event was a great success with lively conversations and sharing of stories as part of the “Cybec Community”
The Cybec Foundation have been generous supporters of Wilam Hall for many years, including annual bursaries for students and a large donation towards the refurbishment of the main building in 2009.
This year, Cybec scholars included students from rural and remote areas, Indigenous students and those first-in-family to University.
The Cybec community is one that understands that people in positions of advantage have an obligation to help others and that those who have been benefactors of support will seek opportunities to ‘pay it forward.
3.
Dr Lamb will be leaving the College, and the University in early 2025 to commence a new role in Byron Bay. She joined Wilam Hall (then Medley Hall) in 2017 as the Deputy Head, when the College was led by Phillippa Connelly. When Phillippa retired in 2019 Helen stepped into the Principal role.
She steered the College through come challenging times, including COVID and a significant restructure into the University Colleges and Residential Life portfolio. She also oversaw the name change.
Of her time at Wilam Hall she says
“After seven eventful and amazing years at Wilam Hall, five as the Head, and 20 years at the University of Melbourne, it is with mixed emotions that I take this step. Wilam Hall is a remarkable place. It has been a privilege to work here, alongside my incredible team, students, colleagues and alumni.
To have the opportunity to see young people flourish when given the right environment and support is special, and something that Wilam Hall offers time and time again. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the support of alumni and friends whose hard work and generous gifts have made this possible.
I am immensely proud of all the work that has been achieved during my time here, and am confident that the College will continue to thrive under new leadership.”
It is anticipated that the new Head will be announced later this year or early next year.
4.
We are fortunate to welcome two new members to the Wilam Hall Advisory Board, both alumni of the College; Dr Bianca Denny (1999-2000) and Dr Damien Nzabanita (2015-2021)
Bianca is a clinical psychologist, working in private practice in Ivanhoe. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (History) from the University of Melbourne in 2002, she completed a doctorate in clinical psychology, followed by a postdoctoral research fellowship. She is an accredited supervisor of trainee (provisional) psychologists and those seeking clinical endorsement. Bianca is a contributor to The Age and ABC, writing on mental health and psychology topics. Outside of work and academia, Bianca enjoys reading, writing, yoga, tending to an increasing number of indoor plants, and spending time with her two children.
Damien is an Environmental Scientist with a PhD in (Applied Biology & Biotechnology)/ Environmental Toxicology from RMIT University, focusing on the impact of environmental contaminants on aquatic organisms. He is experienced in conducting independent research and contributing to academic publications. After arriving in Australia as an international student from Rwanda, Damien lived at Wilam Hall as both a student and a tutor and is a Cybec Scholar.
Damien is proficient in multiple languages and enjoys mentoring and supporting students. He loves soccer and is always happy to chat about the game!
5.
Being a small College means that it is challenging to take part in Intercollegiate sport, but not impossible! This year, our women’s basketball team took out third place in the competition. Go team!
What are your memories of College sport? We would love to hear from you!
Share your stories of Wiliam Hall! We love to hear stories from our past students. Email wilamhall-info@unimelb.edu.au and/or our alumni dedicated inbox on residential-alumni@unimelb.edu.au.