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risk and governance; as well as ratifying staff and students on the role that every to say that JCH showed great strength
investment recommendations. individual needed to play. and resilience. Zoom meetings, and
trying to remember not to talk on mute,
Whilst in ordinary times there are I would like to commend Dr Powell became the new norm. From a financial
many financial considerations, given and all JCH staff for the dedication perspective, everyone was doing it
the particular challenges of 2020, they showed to student health, safety tough, and the College bravely adjusted
the financial impact of COVID-19 and wellbeing during the year. I would its budget on both sides of the ledger.
was certainly a focus for JCH, as for also like to acknowledge the many
most organisations. Yet, unlike many sacrifices that all residents made to keep From a personal perspective, the
organisations, solving these financial themselves and the broader University JCH leadership group, the on-the-
issues did not drive Council decisions. of Melbourne community safe in ground staff and students held it
Rather, it was the enduring purpose 2020. Our plans relied heavily on the together. Having two boys of my own,
of the College, and the wellbeing conscientiousness and goodwill of JCH in their late teens and early twenties, I
of residents and staff, that remained students, and in my view their response now appreciate more than ever the all-
foremost. was exceptional. encompassing responsibility of care the
College provides. JCH looking after 100,
What therefore has delighted me most Finally, I would like to thank fellow versus me looking after two… the only
over the past two years on Council College Council members for their way I can describe that is ‘impressive’.
is seeing the way JCH’s leadership thoughtful contributions, respectful
structures – including student debate and support for management COVID for me meant spending nearly
representatives, the Principal and his during ‘unprecedented’ times. It is a six months locked out of Melbourne
team, Committees and Council – are pleasure to serve on the JCH College and away from my family. That was
able to cohesively come together and Council. tough, some days were very tough. And
decisively take action. Management’s that’s what I’m sure it was like at JCH.
ability to quickly shift their thinking Allan Joseland (1988) Locked in and locked out. And just like
towards new ideas and solutions – the JCH lockdown buddy network, the
whether that be erecting a marquee positive side for me was that I did have
to foster companionship and facilitate a lockdown buddy, our black Labrador,
community whilst allowing for social who I can selfishly say made the career
distancing; to altering fee structures choice to be our pet rather than a Guide
in times of crisis; to putting exciting Dog!
capital works initiatives on hold –
combined with Council’s commitment Bronwen Moncrieff (1983)
to support such initiatives and focus on
the immediate need without forsaking
the future, has been truly remarkable.

To say that it is a privilege to be
a member of this Council is an
understatement. The personal reward
I have felt from again being part of
JCH has been far greater than I ever
expected and I would encourage
alumni who have even the most
niggling of desires to contribute,
to reach out. I can assure you that
simply reacquainting yourself with this
talented community that is brimming
with hope and potential, will definitely
ignite a spark in you.

Elly Grace (Siperki 1995)

32 LUCE Number 19 2020