34 FLEUR-DE-LYS TRINITY TODAY It is an honour for me to succeed Professor John King, who cemented the harmonious relationship between the Union of the Fleur-de-Lys and other constituent elements of the College. Without such a relationship, not only is the College the poorer, but so too are those of its alumni who wish to retain meaningful connections with an institution of seminal importance in their lives. It is the responsibility of the Union of the Fleur-de-Lys, in conjunction with the College, to sustain a multiplicity of those connections, and to make them as accessible and as enriching as possible. The delightful tradition of Drinks Under the Oak is one of many examples of the ways in which that aspiration can be given substance. Held at the beginning of each academic year, the gathering provides the opportunity for alumni of every age to move happily among and between their own and other generations. It also enables the annual general meeting of the Union of the Fleur-de-Lys to be held in the presence of a wide cross-section of the College community, but without any interruption in the general collegiality for which the Drinks Under the Oak have become synonymous. Since this year’s event, I have come to appreciate the warmth with which the members of the union’s committee welcome new members, and the enthusiasm which all bring to their membership. I have also been privileged to see at first hand some of the diversity and vivacity of College life. Trinity is an institution of distinct constituent parts – the Residential College, the Theological School and the Pathways School. All three seek to encourage that disinterested intellectual curiosity, which sustains a culture of respect, an acceptance of difference, and a recognition of the importance and value of decency in the public, as well as the private, sphere. Our world is not overly endowed with these virtues. Encroachments upon them, in a time of partisanship in politics and much indecency in social media, must therefore be identified and countered. I was, for these reasons, particularly pleased to learn that Trinity has commissioned an external review of the culture of the Residential College. The review will enable a better understanding of what is done well, and of what could be done better. It will also assist in addressing any shortcomings. For Trinity has the opportunity, and with it the responsibility, of providing its residential students with direct experience of the best of civilised life – and of the personal fulfilment which goes with it. The foundations are securely in place. But every now and then even secure foundations require close inspection. The Union of the Fleur-de-Lys will watch with keen interest the progress and the results of the review. ‘The best of civilised life’ BY THE HONOURABLE DAVID HARPER AM PRESIDENT OF THE UNION OF THE FLEUR-DE-LYS In 2018, Trinity College commissioned a review of the culture of the Residential College, due for completion in mid-2019. A survey of all current students will be conducted by the University of Melbourne and a qualitative review and final reporting will be undertaken by Adjunct Professor Marcia Neave AO, former judge of the Court of Appeal in the Supreme Court of Victoria, and commissioner of the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence (pictured). ‘I am impressed by Trinity’s proactive approach in commissioning this review as it has not been triggered by any particular event. Rather, it has been instigated by the Warden and Dean of the Residential College with the support of the board, understanding that this process will contribute to an even more lively, intellectually stimulating and supportive college environment.’ MARCIA NEAVE Residential College Culture Review