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LIRA has at its heart, a desire to make the international relations degree at Latrobe more interactive, and a recognition that there are many ways to engage in the world of international relations outside of the structure of lectures and tutorials.
LIRA aims to provide ways that IR students can enhance their knowledge, understanding and effectiveness through both social and further academic forums. LIRA also acts as a bridge between students and faculty, as well as promoting the study of international relations to potential students.
LIRA is an apolitical organisation, committed to providing balanced and unbiased information and opinions through the events we run and become involved in.
The La Trobe Organised University Debating (LOUD) club has begun to organise weekly debates. They are a good chance to try out your powers of persuasion and oratory.
Topics are not difficult and only require your general knowledge to debate. They include issues of climate change, military intervention, developing countries, indigenous relations and more. Alternatively, you may prefer to join the adjudication where you listen and give your feedback on who won and why.
When: Tuesdays at 5.30pm–7.30pm
Where: Union house in Function room 3
Teams of three speakers are formed and the topic gets released at 6pm. Debates start at 6.15 pm and usually last for about an hour.
We also have team spots availiable for the Melbourne ‘Australian National Debatng Championship’ during the easter break. Please visit the website www.easters2010.com
For any queiries please email us at debatelatrobe@gmail.com or call Adam the secretary on 0451 191 598.
Come join the executive and other LIRA members for a BBQ and beer on the Lawn in front of the Social Sciences building between the it and the Library at 1pm on Thursday the 4th of March.
LIRA would like to welcome all of its members back to another promising and busy year at La Trobe Uni! We trust you are all refreshed (or exhausted) from any vacations across Australia and the world, ready for another year of study, drinks at the Eagle, and enjoying and getting involved in LIRA’s many activities! We had a busy year last year with Tim Costello’s careers lecture, the AIIA careers conference, the 25 LIRA members travelling to Brisbane for AMUNC 2009, Trivia nights, and the annual LIRA Politics and International Relations Dinner. The LIRA executive is working hard at continuing and expanding the program of social and academic activities available to its members in 2010. We look forward to talking about what is coming up and what you want o see at theLIRA welcome back BBQ on Thursday at noon on the Simpson Lawn. And remember, LIRA is a wholly student run organisation, for the benefits of students, so remember to ask us about how to get involved, gaining the experience, friends, and networks that come from getting involved with LIRA. Elections will be held at the beginning of 2nd Semester, so it is easy to take a leading role in your association straight away. We look forward to meeting our new members and catching up with old members. Welcome to 2010 at La Trobe!
-Greg Healy, LIRA President
Coming up very soon, and something that is very relevant to all our members are a number of presentations by government representatives. On Monday, 15th of March at 1pm in room PW217, a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will visit La Trobe. The representative will discuss career pathways at DFAT and also give an insight to students into working for the organisation and what is expected of prospective employees who are considering DFAT as a career pathway.
As well as this, on Tuesday the 23rd of March in MARB LT at 1-2pm a spokesperson from the Victorian Government will visit La Trobe. He too will speak about his experiences and also offer an insight into what it like and how to pursue a career with the Victorian Government. Both presentations are invaluable to students considering diplomacy or a career in governance.
The Graduate Recruitment Expo is the biggest careers event of the year and brings a wide variety of employers to the Bundoora campus keen to meet with next crop of up and coming leaders. In attendance will be representatives from a wide range of prospective employers including a representative from AusAid. This conference is a great opportunity for students at all year levels to speak to prospective employers about employment in the near future or to gain an insight into what is expected from graduates when you complete your studies. For further information about upcoming Career related events and to access a wide range of useful resources go to http://www.latrobe.edu.au/careers/students/index.html
Those of you wishing to be mentored by a member of the workforce should consider applying for the La Trobe Careers office mentor program. This program connects students with those in the workforce, providing an invaluable insight and guidance throughout your studies. Further information and application forms can be found at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/careers/mentoring/students.html
Last year LIRA organised a 25 member delegation to the 2009 Asia Pacific Model UN Conference. This conference, held in Brisbane in early July, was a great experience enjoyed by all delegates that attended. In 2010 LIRA is again organising a delegation, and we hope this year our delegation can challenge for the best delegation award. This year’s conference is being hosted by Sydney University, in Sydney, and promises to be even bigger and better than last year.
LIRA has already submitted its application for countries and we are now waiting to receive confirmation of which countries and which committees our delegates will be representing at this year’s conference. We highly recommend that members (that means you) apply for this amazing experience. It is an opportunity to flex your diplomatic muscle whilst enjoying a range of amazing social events. LIRA will be releasing our application forms for the delegation as soon as we are made aware of the number of positions we have available in our delegation while for those of you who have had experience at these types of conferences there is a dual application process required should you wish to take part in a special application committee. For further information email us your enquiry to Raphael or visit the conference website at http://www.amunc.net/
On the 16th of February a number of leading NGOs and AusAID hosted a panel discussion at the Sidney Myer Asia Centre. The panellists included Peter Singer, Bob McMullan MP, Tim Costello, Robyn Archer, John Roskam and Claire Slatter who discussed what role Australian aid should play and how much Australians ought to give. The event was overflowing with over 900 attendees.
One Just World in conjunction with the International Women’s Development Agency are hosting their next event on March 10- How Women Can Change The World (and how men can help) at the BMW Edge, Federation Square 6:00pm onwards. The cost is FREE and the information invaluable. Check out www.onejustworld.com.au for further information.
World Vision’s ‘One Just World‘ campaign has organised a debate/seminar around the question of “What responsibilities do Australians owe the global poor?”
When: Tuesday 16th of February at 6:00 PM
Where: The Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, The University of Melbourne (The modern building in front of the tram terminus on Swanston Street) (View Map)
The panel has a number of well known names and includes:
- Peter Singer – Ira W De Camp Professor of Bioethics at the Centre for Human Values, Princeton University; Laureate Professor, University of Melbourne; author of The Life You Can Save
- Tim Costello – CEO, World Vision Australia
- Robyn Archer (moderator) – leading singer, writer, artistic director and public advocate for the arts
- Hon Bob McMullan MP – Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance
- Claire Slatter – Development Specialist and Senior Lecturer in Social Science, Fiji National University
- John Roskam – Executive Director, Insitute for Public Affairs
LIRA wishes all our members a merry christmas and happy new year!
It’s been an exciting year for LIRA and we’re looking to make it even better in 2010. We’re planning more speakers, debates, trivia nights, model united nations and other social events. Plus we’re planning to be out in force during O-Week so you will definitely see us around.
As always, we want to get your input so feel free to contact us and tell us what you think of our events and how we’re doing. We welcome constructive criticism as well.
Got an idea for an event but need a hand getting it going? Get in touch or come to our general meetings next year which will be announced in our newsletter.
 The annual Politics and International Relations Faculty dinner is a fantastic way of rounding off the year when the faculty and students can get together and socialise. On the 25th of November over 130 students, staff and alumni gathered at the Agean restaurant on Brunswick St to eat, drink and be merry. Well known Melbourne political comedian Rod Quantock provided the evening’s entertainment.
This was the first time LIRA has run the event and it was a huge success and we hope to make it even better next year. Our thanks to all the staff and students who showed up and made the night so special.
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