GUMS News

Publications - unopposed - Caitlin Witt

Social Reps - unopposed - Lauren Macivor and Ben Winkle

PRESIDENT

Laura Stitz (first preference)
Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the GUMS Elections for a 2010 executive committee. I hope you’re excited! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Laura and I’m currently in second year. This year I’ve been on the GUMS executive as Sponsorship Officer, toiling through the global financial crisis and trying to be inventive to get us a bit of money (but don’t get the wrong idea… no prostitution of any GUMS member was entered into). Aside from performing my role directly, I’ve also tried to help out with some of the other roles throughout the year and it’s been great fun. I managed to dip my toes into the social, academic and financial side of GUMS and so I feel like I’ve got a pretty good idea of what goes into GUMS and what makes it great. Next year, if I am elected president I hope to keep GUMS going strong, with more corporate alliances, more student involvement in GUMS decision-making, and bigger and better events. I hope you all put your hands up to get involved in some way in what I’m sure will be a fantastic year.

Bonnie McRae (first preference)
I’m currently in second year and the Community Liaison Officer in the GUMS executive. 2009 was the first year for the role of Community Liaison Officer and I've tried really hard to make an amazing debut for this position and to build it from the ground up. This year I’ve  focused on trying to help GUMS be more community centred (both within the student community, and the GC community) by hosting the following events:

• Second Hand Book Sale
• Jelly Baby Month Cake Stall
• Red Nose Day
• GC Marathon
• Fundraising for a new fridge for the common room

And some events coming up soon for the Community Portfolio are Pink Party, a clothing drive for the Salvation Army, Bandanna Day and Movember.
I’ve really enjoyed being involved in GUMS this year, and would love another chance to be involved in the executive in 2010. I've got some great ideas for the future of GUMS and would be really grateful for the opportunity to try implement them. Take care GUMlings!


ACADEMIC REP

Jana Westerhof (first preference)
Hi, my name is Jana and I am nominated for the roles of either Academic Representative or Secretary of GUMS for 2010.
Any position on the GUMS executive is a huge role and responsibility. I enjoy a challenge and I am incredibly motivated. I am friendly, approachable and easy going. I have experience in business management, administration and corporate events coordination, which I believe would be useful attributes in either role I am nominated for. I am really organised and professional. 

Throughout this year (my first year!) I have taken full advantage of the academic opportunities and support that GUMS has offered and I have felt that they were truly worthwhile and beneficial experiences. I believe that I would be an asset to the team, and I would really like the opportunity to become involved in the process to ensure that these academic supports continue to such a high standard and the long standing objectives of GUMS are maintained.

Amanda Laurent (first preference)
I’ve enjoyed being the 2009 First Year Rep and hope that I’ve managed to work out which academic issues the majority of the year thought were most important and pass those on (although I admit it’s sometimes a bit tricky when not everyone shares the same opinion).  It also gave me a good opportunity to see how the school’s Yr 1&2 and Education Committee work and to learn from Ben and Hollie what things we are able to achieve as representatives on these committees and I hope to bring what I’ve learnt this year to the role of Academic Representative.  Ben Gerhardy did a great job as Academic Rep in 2009 so he’ll be a tough act to follow, but I'd like to continue with all the good things he put on for us last year as well as add some new ones!


TREASURER

Justine Cain (first preference)
Hi my name is Justine and hopefully I will survive the next lot of exams and make it into 2nd year next year. A little bit about me...so I have a double degree in Science and Law from the University for the Real World (ie: QUT), moved to Canberra and worked as a dutiful public servant for two years before moving back home to the Sunshine State. I have been involved in various social committees throughout the years and held a number of different positions.  I applied for the role as Treasurer, as I think it will be a great way to be involved, meet new people and because I am good with money and finances.  As ‘conclusive proof’ of my diligent financial management skills – I even have some of my Qld Health scholarship money left...

Charles Noonan (first preference)
Everyone that knows me is probably aware I enjoy a drink or five. However, I also really like money. These two great loves of my life, have made me realise Treasurer of GUMS would fit me like a glove (I also really like metaphors). Working with money is something I’ve always enjoyed, and to a point am good at. If you decide to put your trust and membership funds in my greedy little hands, I promise to do a stand up job. In failure of this, the deficit hopefully shouldn’t stretch to the billions. (I’m also part Jewish, which really can’t hurt).

Bonnie McRae (second preference)

Laura Stitz (second preference)


SECRETARY

Shomal Prasad (first preference)

I believe I would make a great secretary because I am a hardworking and motivated person with a friendly personality.  I have good organizational and note-taking skills and a strong work ethic.  Having spent much time with the previous secretary I have gained some insight into the duties which need to be performed. For these reasons I believe I would be able to make a valuable contribution to GUMS and the student body at large.

Tavis Read (first preference)

I’m Tavis Read and I’m really keen to get involved with all aspects of GUMS as the secretary next year. For those who haven’t seen me around I’ll be in second year in 2010 and look forward to meeting you and getting stuck into a fresh new year. Since starting med I’ve enjoyed each of the events held by GUMS whether they be academic, social or community geared and have become more and more interested in playing a part in organising these next year. I’ve been a part of similar groups throughout school and undergrad and found that it was a great way to have fun and contribute to the culture. I have a great mind for organisation, meeting people and working as a part of a team and I’m also punctual and prepared to do what it takes to get a job done well. As secretary I would become involved well beyond just organising regular meetings. It’s for these reasons I feel I’m well suited for this role and would make an excellent secretary in 2010.

Jana Westerhof (second preference)

AMSA LIASON

Jane Herbert (first preference)
I am currently a 2nd year student and after enjoying my pre-clinical years reaping  the benefits of the good work that GUMS does, I’d like to get involved.  Having attended AMSA convention this year (and survived the swine flu that followed), I have many ideas about how Griffith can represent with a bigger and better contingent for Hobart 2010, rivaling the debating skills, costumes and stamina of our nation-wide counterparts. Earlier this month I attended the AMSA National Leadership Development Seminar in Canberra and met with delegates from across Australia to discuss emerging issues in health. Not only did I learn a lot about the projects that AMSA is involved in, I also met many of the current and future AMSA executive and other liaison officers and was inspired by some of the ways that AMSA is represented in other unis. If I were elected, I would hope to start some of these initiatives at Griffith, including AMSA “Big Issues” Panel discussions, organizing an AMSA sub-committee, keeping students informed about the outcomes of AMSA council meetings and advocating for student wellbeing, more exposure to rural electives and a more lenient attendance policy.

Dinesh Palipana (first preference)
I was involved in GUMS over 2009 as sexetary and enjoyed being a part of the team. Through this role, I got to play a part in an organisation that provides advocacy; academic and professional opportunities; and fun times for students. I found this to be rewarding and worthwhile and so, I would like to stay involved in GUMS. The position of AMSA Liaison Officer is an invaluable position that allows advocacy for our students in a broader environment. I believe my experiences in GUMS and medical school so far will allow me to make a great contribution in this way. Finally, the other position I nominated for, 'Emperor of GUMS' was not created this year, and so I saw this as an equally good position.

Amanda Laurent (second preference)


COMMUNITY LIASON

Nicholas Ioannou (first preference)
Hey everybody, I would really love to get more involved with GUMS and help out more, in and around Griffith. I am sure most of you saw the amazing job that Bonnie did as the CLO this year, and as the first person to undertake the position, I think she did a fantastic job defining what that position would entail. As the CLO, I would work very closely with all Med students (the Griffith "Community") to find out what they need from their MedSoc and what you would like to give to the community. I would also encourage the many extra-curricular events, such as inter-Uni touch games and events to strengthen our ties to the greater Med Community. I would organize fundraising events both on and off campus  because as bonnie has said on many occasions - and I agree - if we raise money for medical research and they cure the disease, we don't have to learn it!

Charles Noonan (second preference)

Anna Shirley (second preference)


SPONSORSHIP OFFICER

Anna Shirley (first preference)
Hi guys, my name's Anna and I'm really passionate about being involved in GUMS.  I have worked in many committee's before, especially in high school where I was School Captain and also ran the Charity's Committee.  I have also been involved with Make-A-Wish and fundraising for the Cancer Council.  I'd really appreciate the opportunity to show off these skills and represent you guys through GUMS, whether it be as Sponsorship Rep or Community Liaison Officer. I also have lots of ideas I feel that I could bring to the table to make next year even more exciting and memorable for all of us! Cheers.

Ben Gerhardy (first preference)
Hi everyone - to those of you who don't know me I was Academic Rep for GUMS in 2009 and thought that I'd opt for a change of scenery come 2010 and throw my hand up for the sponsorship gig. Vote for me!

Charles Noonan (third preference)