A history of our Student Union’s activism
26 February–14 March

The fashions may have changed, but the passion and power of the student voice has always been strong, no matter the political landscape. This exhibition celebrates the struggles and the victories of a united front which spans the decades. From the early days of bearded gents to the current brace of badged activists, we creatively investigate our Student Union’s vibrant story.

Beards to Badges - photo from exhibitionBeards to BadgesBeards to BadgesBeards to BadgesBeards to Badges

Exhibition

26 February–14 March. George Paton Gallery, second floor,
Union House, The University of Melbourne.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11am–5pm.

From Beards to Badges Events Program

Duckpond Dunkings to Draft Dodgers

Student activism at Melbourne Uni over the Years
Wednesday, March 5, 6.30pm
George Paton Gallery, Second floor, Union House, The University of Melbourne

Fay Woodhouse, a Melbourne University historian and Honorary Fellow, will recount exciting activist episodes which took place at the uni during the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. From communist rabble rousers to conservative mobs forcing leftwing students into the duckpond the early 20th century was anything but dull at Melbourne Uni.

Arnold Zable, well-loved Melbourne writer, will tell of his own time spent as a student activist agitating against the Vietnam War. The solidarity and commitment shown by student activists during this period continue to inspire activism on campus today. Come find out the gossip behind the moratoriums and the legacy left by the Vietnam generation.

Corridors of Conspiracy

A history of subversions and secrets brought to life in your Union House corridors. Come along for a guided tour; hear about the salacious, exciting and bizarre occurrences that have helped create the dynamic Student Union that exists today. What secrets and untold stories lie within the walls?

There will be three tours:
6pm, Thursday 28th of February
1pm, Thursday 6th of March
1pm, Thursday 13th of March

All tours will begin at the Information Desk, ground floor, Union House, The University of Melbourne

Play With Your Food

Monday, March 10, 5.30pm
North Court, Union House

Play with Your Food combines with From Beards to Badges with a special film screening night. Come and help cook up a feast and then settle in to eat and enjoy ‘Fight for Country’ an inspiring documentary charting the struggle to stop a second uranium mine being built on the land of the Mirrar People.

Melbourne Uni Environment Collective

Monday, March 10, 1pm
George Paton Gallery, second floor,
Union House, The University of Melbourne

There’s no better place to hold a special meeting of the Melbourne Uni Environment Collective than in a space celebrating the history of student activism at the Student Union. Apart from the usual Environment Collective forum, in this special meeting we’ll be discussing how collective organising is a fun and empowering way to organise projects and campaigns while actively seeking to undermine existing power hierarchies; and also listening to experts in their field speak on the hot topic of climate change. Come and participate or just watch and listen.

100 Years of Suffrage:

Melbourne University Women and the Vote
Thursday, March 13, 5:30-7pm
George Paton Gallery, second floor, Union House, The University of Melbourne

Guest Speaker: Professor Pat Grimshaw
Join us to celebrate a hundred years of women’s suffrage in Victoria, and hear about the role of Melbourne University Women in that struggle.

Tue 26 Feb 08 – Fri 14 Mar 08

From Beards to Badges

From the early days of bearded gents to the current brace of badged activists, we creatively investigate our Student Union’s vibrant story.

Date: Tuesday 26 February 08 – Friday 14 March 08

At: George Paton Gallery, second floor, Union House