Humanities News

Consul General For A Day

by Milli Coburn 

In May this year I won the chance to ‘be a consul general for a day’ as part of a gender equality in diplomacy initiative undertaken by the Pakistani and British Consulate Generals, designed to give young women interested in politics experience in foreign affairs. I was hosted by the Pakistani Consulate for a day and given the opportunity to experience life in the foreign service. I spoke with many diplomats, including other consul generals and the Pakistani High Commissioner to Australia, about their responsibilities, their home countries, and the nature of their work. I also went to the Victorian Parliament for a meeting of the Pakistani Australian MP friendship group. The most interesting part of the experience, however, was speaking with local community leaders and learning about the challenges Pakistani people face abroad and at home. It gave me the opportunity to connect with a vibrant Melbourne community that was previously largely unknown to me. Since being consul general for a day I have been able to continue my connection with the consulate, attending other events including their diamond jubilee celebration of Pakistan’s independence. This has been an experience that I will always value immensely, helping me come to terms with Australia’s and my own place in an increasingly globalised world and gaining a stronger connection to and understanding of the city I live in.

Premier’s Spirit of Democracy study tour: Competition now open

Students in Years 9, 10 or 11 at government, Catholic and independent schools across Melbourne are invited to apply for the 2023 Premier’s Spirit of Democracy study tour competition to win a place on a study tour of Melbourne and Canberra in early 2023. 

The Premier’s Spirit of Democracy study tour will provide up to 22 Victorian school students and chaperone teachers with the chance to explore modern democracy in Victoria and Australia and what it means for young Australians. The study tour is tied to learning outcomes in the Victorian senior secondary curriculum.

Students with an interest in civics and citizenship, global politics, classics, legal studies, history or English who wish to build their leadership and critical and creative thinking skills are strongly encouraged to apply for this exciting learning and development opportunity.

The study tour will take place in the 2023 Term 1 school holidays from Thursday 13 April to Wednesday 19 April 2023.

Learn more and apply by Sunday 16 October 2022 – www.education.vic.gov.au/psod