Golden Key Swinburne

Written by Justine Hall (GK Swinburne Chapter President) This year Swinburne Golden Key continued to support Samaritans Purse with their annual ‘Operation Christmas Child’ drive. As our nominated ongoing SPARK a Change community service initiative we found this activity very rewarding. Located in Mitcham, Golden Key members attended the warehouse every Saturday during November to pack shoeboxes filled with gifts destined for disadvantaged children living in developing countries. Each shoebox packed contained various items: Something to wear Something to play with Something for school Something to love Something special Something for personal hygiene So far during 2017, the Victorian region of Operation Christmas Child has sent 5 containers to the following countries: 2 x Cambodia, 2 x Papua New Guinea, and 1 x Thailand. Our Golden Key volunteering efforts contributed to 7,737 packed shoeboxes. That’s a lot of excited children!

Interviewed by Pauline Csuba (GK Swinburne Intellectual Engagement Officer) Name: Nicholas Saint Nicknames: (St Nick) or (Santa Clause) or (Nicholas the Wonder worker) or (Kris Kringle) Attended: Good King Wenceslas World University Course of studies: Bachelor of Theology, Doctorate Degree Theology (Miracles) Family background: High Society and devout Christians. Born: 6 December 300’s Hobbies: Skiing, sleigh rides, snow boarding I grew up in the village of Patara, Lycia on the Southern Coast of Turkey until I was a young boy. After the death of my parents I inherited a large sum of money but kept none of it. I became involved with the Church and I’ve since dedicated my life to helping others and have been known for my gift-giving. I imagine I would like to become a legend and although many stories may be written about me, I have often found my natural intuitive (miracles) healing gifts have attracted persecution. After I completed my studies I mo...

Written by Kevin Tuyau (Vice President) Golden Key members received some cerebral and intragemmal stimulation last month at Hot Chocolate and Hot Topics 2017. Once a year the Swinburne chapter hosts an intellectual engagement event. This time we decided to combine it with the monthly chocolate networking event, as it was the chapter's turn to host. The event was held at San Churros in Knox City, instead of the usual San Churros QV. This venue provided more space for the group. All guests enjoyed hot chocolate and churros throughout the event. Attendees took turns selecting questions from the deck on the table. The attendees then took turns debating the issues raised from questions. Topics ranged from “some lives more valuable then others” to “what actions will have the greatest consequences”. The questions were a hit with the attendees, with lively discussion by everyone throughout the event. It also gave an opportunity for everyone to get to know fello...

Written by Liz Merritt (Chapter Secretary) "It felt really good to be giving back but also to be representing Golden Key". What did you study at Swinburne?  Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance). I studied part time while working full time so it took six years to complete. What motivates you when you study? Music! I couldn’t sit in silence and write an essay. It had to be really low volume though otherwise I’d get distracted by the songs and have a karaoke session instead of writing my essay. I also found having strategic naps helped. If I started getting sleepy from reading textbooks and articles I’d set my alarm for 15 minutes and have a quick cat nap. Once my alarm went off I’d be refreshed and ready to get back into the books. When did you join Golden Key?  I joined in 2015 after I’d graduated. I’d received a couple of invitations over the course of the six years of study but never joined. It wasn’t until I spoke to a friend about the invitations ...

Written by Justine Hall (Chapter President) and Kevin Tuyau (Vice President) Swinburne Chapter President Justine and Vice President Kevin volunteered at the “Christmas Wrapping Present Day” at the King David School Hall. This event is held by Swinburne Golden Key in partnership with KOGO (Knit One Give One) and is held once a year. The morning involved wrapping 3,128 Christmas presents for children living in refuges escaping domestic violence. Donated items included children’s book, knitted toys and games. Volunteers were asked to bring a Christmas present to add the thousands of other items donated throughout the campaign. We are proud to be a part of this annual once off SPARK a Change community service project, we look forward to supporting this worthwhile cause next year.

Written by Justine Hall (Swinburne Chapter President 2017) On Thursday 12th October I visited Basem Kerbage, Community Fundraising and Events Assistant at Monash Health Foundation located within the Monash Children’s Hospital, Clayton. I donated 18 handmade crochet cats (100 hours of work) where they were distributed among sick kids and the auxiliary group who are selling them to raise funds. Monash Children’s Hospital will directly benefit from the funds raised from my crocheted toys helping with the purchase of vital medical equipment and create bright, welcoming environments to help provide the best care for thousands of patients and their families across Victoria.

Written by Justine Hall (Swinburne Chapter President 2017) As President of Swinburne Golden Key I am honoured to be awarded ‘Victorian State Finalist - Community Leader of the Year 2017’ in the Australian Leadership Excellence Awards. On Thursday 21 st September I attended the Victorian Institute of Managers and Leaders ceremony held at Collins Square Business Centre. The Australian Leadership Excellence Awards (ALEAs) is Australia’s peak awards ceremony recognising and celebrating outstanding leaders. The Community Leader category recognises outstanding achievements of individuals who have demonstrative active leadership and service while making a contribution to the improvement of their own and the broader community. Judging was based on 7 skills of very successful leaders including setting and implementing strategy, making decisions, ethical leadership and leading people. During the vigorous application process I reflected upon on my leadership journey over the last 1...