Clubs and societies offer connection, collaboration and career support

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Spring 3-9-2012

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame Australia

Publication Place

Sydney

Abstract

The clubs and societies at The University of Notre Dame Australia's Sydney Campus are more active than ever before, with a rise in the activities arranged by organisations on Campus. This month, clubs and societies have hosted the Minister for School Education and Minister for Early Childhood and Youth, the Honorable Peter Garrett MP. Additionally, the Rural Health Organisation of Notre Dame Sydney (ROUNDS) has held a weekend Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid course and the University's rugby team, the Crusaders, played their final match of the season.

President of the Crusaders, second year Bachelor of Commerce Student, James Ashton-Maxwell is something of an expert on the benefits of clubs and societies, having participated in almost every sporting society available at Notre Dame and represented the University at the Winter University Games, the Eastern University Games and the Australian Uni Games.

"Clubs and societies are a great way to meet new people, make connections with students at other unis, and have fun while doing it," Mr Ashton-Maxwell said.

Chris Garvin, a first-year Bachelor of Arts student and President of the Notre Dame Labor Society, agrees that joining clubs can help students establish and maintain relationships and says it also allows students to support ideas and initiatives that resonate with them.

"The Labor Society is a group of activists who support the Australian Labor Party," Mr Garvin said. "The Society is interested in providing thought-provoking events for its members and this is why we invited the Honorable Peter Garrett to our Campus to speak on the findings of the Gonski Report, one of the most significant education policy reforms undertaken by a federal Labor government. The minister's visit enabled staff, students and members of the society to gain an insight into the future direction of the Australian education system under the Labor Government. This was a unique opportunity for students at the University to meet a federal cabinet minister in person."

The Labor Society will be hosting two more important visitors on 17 September at their discussion, "Why Unions Matter in the 21st Century: At Home and Abroad". Guest presenters include Emma Maiden, Deputy Assistant Secretary Unions NSW and Peter Jennings, Executive Officer of Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA, the overseas humanitarian aid agency of the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

Saints On Screen, the student society led by the Sydney Chaplaincy team, continues its mission to depict the lives of Saints through film in September. The next event will take place in St Benedict's Hall on Monday 3 September at 5.30pm, with the screening of A Man for All Seasons, the story of Saint Thomas More. The compelling film portrays the life and death of Saint Thomas who, while in the service of King Henry VIII, laid down his life for his Christian principles on the sanctity of marriage.

Also coming up in the clubs and societies calendar at Notre Dame is an initiative undertaken by MANDUS, the Medical Association of Notre Dame University Sydney.

Anthony Notaras, Medicine student and President of MANDUS, said Birthing Kit Assembly Day will take place on 8 September and is just one project his society organises for those who lack easy access to healthcare.

"At the Birthing Kit Assembly Day event, medicine students will assemble 600 birthing kits to be sent to Papua New Guinea," Mr Notaras said,

"The kits improve conditions for women who give birth at home in developing countries by providing safe, hygienic birthing equipment. The relaxed morning will also include a barbecue lunch and a talk by obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Greg Jenkins."

Mr Notaras said MANDUS supports medicine students in many ways.

"The club aims to advocate on behalf of the student body and make life at medical school enjoyable. We provide support for students in a range of areas, including study, social justice, career support on graduation, mentoring and sporting and social events," Mr Notaras said.

"Being a part of MANDUS allows students to gain a well-rounded education and ultimately become well-rounded doctors," he said.

Students interested in finding out more about a club or society at Notre Dame or interested in attending a student-led event, contact the Sydney Student Life Office on 02 8204 4429 or at sydney.studentlife@nd.edu.au.

For further information please contact:
Communications Officer, Elizabeth Fenech
The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney Campus

T: 02 8204 4407
E: elizabeth.fenech@nd.edu.au
W: www.nd.edu.au/

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