Almost three decades since it was established, the South Australian chapter of the UNE Alumni Association (SACUNE) – our most active in Australia – continues to go from strength to strength.
In May, SACUNE celebrated its 27th annual dinner, hosting UNE Chancellor James Harris and Deputy Chancellor Jan McClelland. It saw alumnus and former SA Premier, the Honourable Dean Brown AO, propose a toast to UNE, and Foundation President Dr Jennie Teasdale AM thank both UNE and SACUNE for honouring her with an Honorary Doctor of Letters at a graduation ceremony in April.
Jennie highlighted the positive contributions that six particular South Australian UNE alumni are making to the lives of many, courtesy of their UNE training. From sustainable agriculture and regional planning to Indigenous education, mining and ecology, each of the “remarkable, forward-looking and positive” examples she gave had successfully transitioned from “town to gown”.
“This room is full of equally successful UNE graduates,” Jennie told the gathering. “We all start in a town and after a university education, or a gown experience, we return to the town to work and to live out our lives, contributing to the betterment of humanity. UNE has been a significant contributor to this levelling process …”
And in South Australia, those graduates have maintained their close ties to UNE.
Current SACUNE President Grace Taylor, who received a Bachelor of Rural Science (Honours) in 1988, attributes the longevity and cohesion of the group to a number of factors.
“Previous presidents have set a high benchmark and the current committee stands on the shoulders of giants, like Wendy DiMonte, our immediate past president, who led us for a decade,” she said. “One of the secrets of our success is that everyone is prepared to chip in and there is a very collegial environment at all events. It’s a very enthusiastic group of people, who come from all walks of life and professions, who bring a range of talents. That teamwork is the key.”
We have a common interest and there is always a good roll-up to our functions
Dean Brown, who spoke at the inaugural dinner back in 1996, enjoys that he can keep in touch with colleagues who shared similar experiences at UNE. “We have a common interest and there is always a good roll-up to our functions,” he said. “I think the chapter is more vibrant today than when we started.”
While the South Australian chapter includes many notable identities from business and politics – some of whom have earned UNE Distinguished Alumni Awards – Dean is particularly proud of the community contributions of members and their support for an annual scholarship. This year’s recipient is Emily Doran, from Quorn, who is enrolled in a Bachelor of Education (K-12 teaching).
All members of SACUNE are invited to enjoy two or three major functions a year, which in the past have included family picnics and tours of historic sites, and weekends away in the Barossa and Clare valleys. Some gatherings have also served as fundraisers, for the likes of the Kangaroo Island Children’s Bushfire Fund, which helped UNE alumna and now Masters student Erin Linn to resource her school counselling on the island.
“It’s our task to continue creating memorable events and to keep the flame burning bright,” said Grace.
The next major event is a self-drive ‘Rise up to the River’ weekend in the Riverland from 22-24 September, which will include star-gazing, wildlife walks and a lunchtime cruise on the River Murray. A SACUNE newsletter in August will include the program and booking information. Members seeking more information about SACUNE and its events should email alumni@une.edu.au or go to https://www.une.edu.au/alumni/une-chapters/SACUNE
