MAD - The Monash Association of Debaters

Fiona and Tim
Runners Up

Priceless: MAD dominates Syd Mini Grand Final
7/12/06

Sending the largest interstate contingent in most people's memories, MAD was always set to dominate the Australian British Parliamentary Debating Championships, more commonly known as Sydney Mini, like never before in terms of numbers. Nonetheless the predictions from those north of the Murray were that beating the best of Sydney in Sydney would be nigh on impossible, and those predictions are now shattered. Fiona Prowse and Tim Jeffrie soared through the championships, slaying many more fancied opposition teams (largely from the harbour city) to blaze a path to the final, where they were narrowly adjudged runners up. MAD did have half a hand in the winning combination with Amit Golder taking out the tournament, alongside Melbourne's Liz Sheargold. Amit's personal success was enormous, ranking as the 9th best speaker overall and taking out the top novice prize on his way to collecting the tournament winner's trophy. In addition to our debaters' great success, on the adjudication front Stephen Worcester and Tom Chapman also did MAD proud, promoted to the elite 5 member Grand Final panel, despite the already large MAD presence in the Grand Final.

Jake and Tom
Monash A, 2007

Final MAD Worlds Team - 13 MADdies on a Mission
13/11/06

UBC Worlds registration has closed and MAD's biggest contingent for a Worlds outside of Australasia is busy preparing to excel on a global level. Headlining the MAD charge will be the team that came agonisingly close to pulling off the big one in 2005. Jake Clifton and Tom Chapman fell after a marathon adjudication in the semi's in KL to eventual 2005 World Champions Ottawa A, and 2006 winners Hart House A (then known as Hart House B). Now coming off winning Australasians together, the world's second largest debating tournament, they've reunited for one last shot at the biggest prize of all.

Mushi and Roshena
Monash B, 2007

Sure to challenge for the break are MAD's number 2 team, Sriram Rao (Mushy) and Roshena Dutta. Both 4th year students competing at their 2nd worlds, despite not debating for much of the year they effortlessly shook off the cobwebs to put in stellar performances at trials to show they'll be a force to be reckoned with in Vancouver. Like MAD A, Mushy and Roshena have debated together at Australasians before, narrowly missing the break by the barest of margins in 2005, and certainly aren't making up the numbers in 2007.

Sammy K and Kiran
Monash C, 2007

Youth and experience are combined in MAD C, as young gun Kiran Iyer, just 17 years old and taking MAD by storm in his first year of debating, teams up with seasoned campaigner and renowned adjudicator Sam Kastelan, otherwise known as "Doggie Monster" at KL Worlds. Samma has made his name in adjudicating, twice a quarter final adjudicator at Australasians and also making the grand final panel of the Australian national championships in 2005. Finally K has made the switch into a top ranking debating slot, and will be in great company. After being tutored through high school by Tom Chapman, Kiran as a 16 year old burst through to nearly make the break at this year's Easters in an all first-year team, then challenged strongly for the break at Australasians this year in the very inexperienced MAD 5, while also taking out MAD's Martin Sorensen competition, won in the past by Worlds winners Meg O'Sullivan and Kim Little, and Worlds 2005 best speaker Kylie Lane.

Georgia and Jeffrey
Monash D, 2007

The final team will be Georgia Boukas and Jeffrey Largier. Teaming up together for the first time, Georgia and Jeff are stars of the new generation of MADdies blooded at 2006 Easters, both showing natural talent, with Jeffrey breaking through at his first tournament despite not being heavily coached throughout his school background. Using the minis to gain experience together, they'll be sure to surprise more established teams in Vancouver.

Rounding out the contingent are the adjudicators. Victor Finkel and Andrew Morris as 2nd years are the youngest adjudicators MAD is bringing, both come out of heavy school's adjudicating backgrounds and have adjudicated a range of adults debates, and importantly, both applied as pure adjudicators for Worlds, adjudicating wasn't a second prize. Stephen Worcester has been an important adjudicator for years in MAD internal comps, and finally his talent was recognised at Australs 2006, selected to adjudicate right up until the semi-finals, as far as he could go as MAD contested the Grand Final. Claire Lindsey is the Australasian Womens Officer and a well-known and respected adjudicator, having amassed an incredible adjudicating CV despite only being in her 3rd year. Since attending Worlds as a first year trainee adjudicator and being promoted for Round 1, Claire has broken at almost every major tournament she's attended - Easters 05, Australs 05, Easters 06, Australs 06, Womens 06, plus some minis too. Finally, some guy called Sonnreich is a Deputy Chief Adjudicator. Worlds and Australs Grand Finalist as a debater and adjudicator, 3 time Australs winner, 2 time Australs best speaker. He might be ok.

Post Exams BBQ
5/11/06

To celebrate the end of exams, MAD is hosting the "Thank God They're Over" BBQ, to be held from 1pm on Sunday November 19. It will be held at Milton Gray Reserve in Malvern, which is on Wattletree Rd between Tooronga Rd and Glenferrie Rd, around 5 minutes walk from Malvern Station. MAD will provide the snags, salad, champers and beers from the esky, just bring yourself and perhaps a frisbee, footy or cricket bat if you're that way inclined. We'll be there much of the afternoon so feel free to come late, if you can't find us ring Julian on 0412 638 401. Should be a great chance to catch up after exams, pick partners or plan travelling arrangements for the upcoming minis, hope to see everyone there!

Monash Vice Chancellor,
Prof Richard Larkins,
opens the Public Debate.

VC's Public Debate: That Australia Should Embrace Nuclear Power
8/10/06

In front of a jam-packed Central One lecture theatre on October 3, the 2006 Vice Chancellor's Public Debate took place and was an out and out success. The debate was absolutely riveting, with speakers from both sides engaging passionately in the issues, utilising the full range of their respective expertise in order to convey their side of the argument. In a debate heavily influenced by Australia's appropriate a moral response to the pressing concern of climate change, Professor David Jamieson, Dr Ron Cameron and Jake Clifton put up a case from the affirmative that nuclear power should be Australia's primary base-load source of power, while from the negative Dr Ahmad , Mr Danny Kennedy and Dr Alan Roberts questioned the costliness and safety of nuclear energy, favouring cleaner alternatives instead such as solar power. All speakers were strictly kept to time by Vice Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins who sat as chair of the debate, which enabled an extended public question and answer session at the debate's conclusion. All credit for such a fantastic evening must go to Public Debate Coordinator Tim Jeffrie, who worked tirelessly towards such an amazing success. Photos from the night are online, and a podcast is reportedly on its way, check back soon for details.

Nat and Fi, Women's Grand Finalists

Womens 2006 - MAD Makes Another Grand Final
8/10/06

Once again MAD has aquitted itself outstandingly at an IV, this time the Australian Women's Debating Championships was the stage for MAD's women to prove their mettle. Monash 2, comprised of Fiona Prowse and Natalie Devitsakis, stormed through the rounds to break into the semi final and then win through to fight out the grand final, losing out to the ultimate winners from Sydney University, Julia Fetherstone and Naomi Hart. Claire Lindsey, debating in a composite team, also broke through to the finals, falling just short of making the last debate of the tournament. In addition to making the Grand Final, both Fiona and Nat both made the top 10 speakers list, an awesome effort away from home.

VC's Public Debate: That Australia Should Embrace Nuclear Power
21/9/06

MAD's biggest event, the Vice-Chancellor's Public Debate, is set to take place from 7pm, Tuesday, October 3 at Central One lecture theatre (Building 63). A stunning array of speakers are lined up to debate this exciting topic, including...
Lyn Allison - Leader of the Australian Democrats
Ron Cameron - Chief of Operations, Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation
Danny Kennedy - Campaign Manager, Greenpeace Australia-Pacific
Jacob Clifton - 2006 Australasian Debating Champion, Worlds Semi-Finalist, Past MAD President
The night is entirely free and there's no need to book, with all thanks to the generous and ongoing support of Monash Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins, who will chair the debate. All members of Monash University and the broader public are most cordially invited to attend this evening.

Annual Party - Wednesday night, during week off
18/9/06

The awesome night that is MAD's Annual Party is nearly upon us. The Social Bar, at 116 Chapel St Prahran, will play host to yet another massive MAD night, full of unlimited tap beer and bubbly, plus finger food and awesome music and company all night long. It's just $20 for MADdies, $25 for non-members, and with no uni to get up for in the morning, this night is sure to kick on well into the early morning. Download the flyer here.

Jake and Tom
Monash A, 2007

MAD Announces its Worlds Contingent
18/9/06

Following an intense day of trials, MAD's Worlds contingent for Vancouver 2007 has been decided as follows:
MAD A - Chappers and Jake
MAD B - Mushi and Roshena
MAD C - Kiran and K
MAD D - Georgia and Jeff
Adjudicators - Sonnreich, Victor, English, Steve, Claire
Congratulations to all and best of luck in bringing the other big trophy back to Clayton.

Julian and Victor
VP and President 2007

AGM - MAD Opts for Youth
18/9/06

Despite the massive successes of the 2006 executive in recruiting and maintaining the biggest contingent ever, at it's AGM today MAD refused to rest on its laurels, introducing a brand new generation of MADdies into the executive leadership core. With only 11 spots to fill, in total 22 MADdies stuck their hands up to help run Australasia's most successful debating society, highlighting just how broad the membership of the club is with older exec members Jake Clifton, Tim Jeffrie, Sam Gash, Sashi Balaraman and Ravi Dutta deciding against running for the exec again in '07

Ultimately, Victor Finkel swept to the position of President, with Julian Campbell elected Vice President, Nat Devitsakis as Treasurer and Amit Golder as Secretary rounding out the Secretariat. The Members Without Portfolio was the most widely contested election in recent memory, out of 16 candidates Mel Birch, Fiona Prowse, Damien Bruckard, Laura Hill, Claire Lindsey, Esther Ooi and Georgia Boukas were elected ahead of many equally keen candidates.

The massive turnover in personel sees the oldest and most experienced person on the new executive being just 21 years old, with less than 18 months exec experience under the belt. The quick turnover means no member of the original 2005 executive will serve on the exec after 2006. Between the 11 elected, the executive has just 7 years of experience combined, however with continued input and interest from older members of our club, the loss of collective memory is no real encumberance, meanwhile MAD can reap the advantages of youthful enthusiasm on its executive.

Democracy advocate
Paris Hilton

AGM & Worlds Selections - H8, 1pm, THIS MONDAY
12/9/06

H8 (not H2) is where the Annual General Meeting and Worlds Selections Meeting will be held from 1pm this Monday. All MAD members have a vote to decide who the 2007 President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 7 MWOPs (Members Without Portfolios) will be, as well as being entitled to run for all positions on the day - there's no forms or anything which need to be filled out, just nominate at the meeting. At the same time, the Worlds Selections Meeting will take place - all MADdies hoping to debate or adjudicate at Worlds who have applied through Jake must attend to declare whether they will debate, adjudicate, or not attend the tournament. Due to the distance of Worlds 2007, even those who rank lowly at trials will be some chance to debate so please do anything you can to attend the meeting - you might just find $1000 or $2000 becomes available to you!

Freehills Final - Jake, Damo and Sashi the Champs!
7/9/06

Jacob Clifton, Damien Bruckard and Sashi Balaraman have been named 2006 Freehills Cup Champions, winning a tightly contested final from Tom and Georgia, Ned and Nat, and Fi and Mushi. After a coin toss, Jake and Sashi contested the final which they won from opening government proposing that the Green Wedge be abandoned. On top of the win, Sashi joins the elite group of Craig Rawson, David Ruschena and Kylie Lane who've won the Freehills and Sorensen trophies in the same year. Roland Dillon took out the best speaker prize ahead of Tom and Fiona.

Monash Australs 2008 - join the bid committee!
1/9/06

Applications close this weekend to be a part of the provisional organising committee of Australs 2008, the fabulous extravaganza that it will no doubt be. MAD is seeking out an enthusiastic initial 5 member committee, to be made up of a convenor, treasurer, logistics, accommodation and sponsorship officer, to put the building blocks in place so that this baby can fly. If you're at all interested, write a short spiel in a Word document of 200-300 words, and fire it off to the MAD inbox by Saturday September 2, 5pm. This is one of the most exciting things MAD's done in the last decade, hope you can be a part of it!

Worlds Trials - apply by Monday!
1/9/06

Trials are soon to take place for those wishing to represent MAD at the upcoming 2007 World Championships to be held in Vancouver, Canada from the 27th of December to the 4th of January. Trials may take place on Sunday the 10th and Sunday the 17th of September at Monash Clayton. For information about trials and how to register, please refer to the trials information form. Registration needs to be emailed to Jake Clifton by no later than 5pm on Monday the 4th of September.

101 Collins

Freehills Final this Tuesday!
1/9/06

The Freehills Final is to take place this Tuesday starting from 7pm way up on the 42nd floor of 101 Collins St, at the offices of competition sponsors Freehills Law Firm. After 2 close semi finals, the final of the 2005 Freehills BP competition will be contested by Top Deck, Snakes on a Plane, Stacked and Reverse Oreo. Adjudicating will be the insanely qualified panel of Kylie Lane, Kim Little, Michael Smith and Tim Sonnreich. Make sure you're at Freehills Offices at 101 Collins St (that's the big building in the middle of the photo) to watch it, wear smart clothes and bring family and friends along (it's an awesome view up there).

Democracy advocate
Paris Hilton

MAD Annual General Meeting coming up
1/9/06

We're approaching election time at MAD, and that means it's time to elect a new executive, alter our constitution, nominate life members and jump through any other hoops C&S require us to in order to continue to function as a club. The most important hoop is that we get a minimum attendance to the AGM, so above all else, even if you haven't been involved as much as you might have liked this year - TURN UP! Everybody, regardless of involvement, commitment, interest and intelligence is entitled to an equal vote because it's democracy - no wonder the Russians fought it for 45 years. Seriously, you need to come to this Monday Meeting, it'll be held in Week 10, Monday September 18, at 1pm.

Claire Lindsey
MAD Women's Officer

Register for Women's now!
17/8/06

MAD has thrown its support behind getting the biggest contingent possible to go to this year's Womens in Sydney, substantially sponsoring every participant (debaters, adjudicators and trainee adjudicators) so that debates, accommodation (just 50m from the uni!!!), all meals and awesome social functions for the entire 4 days costs just $100!!! Organise a team now (it's BP style, so 2-member teams) or enter as an individual and Claire will put you into team. Any woman, regardless of experience can debate, and MAD's focus is to have as much fun and learn as much as possible from the weekend, although we've won the tournament at least three times too! Registration closes Aug 25, enter by emailing Claire at claire_lindsey@hotmail.com. More info about the tournament here and check out Sydney's tournament website.

Final Call for MDR Applications!
11/8/06

With the most recent edition of the MDR being sold at an unprecedented rate, it is now time to turn our minds to the production of the 6th edition. The Monash Debating Review is an annual journal that addresses both strategic and substantive issues, which concern debaters from all corners of the world! Through applying for a position upon the MDR committee, individuals will be involved in the editing, sourcing and formatting of this periodical. If you haven't managed to quell the editor within, send an application to monash_debaters@hotmail.com including past experience and relevant skills by 5pm THIS SUNDAY, August 13.

Elizabeth Finkel

Elizabeth Finkel to speak at upcoming Monday Meeting
10/8/06

Ever been curious to know a little bit more about the science behind stem cell research? Ever wondered about the morality of therapuetic cloning or thought it was cloning entire human beings? Concerned about the way that the political machine is dealing with these pressing issues? Think there still might be a chance to get another debate on this?

Elizabeth Finkel will answer all of these questions and more in our Monday Meeting in H2, in her talk on "Stem Cells: The Science, Ethics and Politics". Dr Elizabeth Finkel is a former biochemist and prize-winning author of Stem Cells: Controversy at the Frontiers of Science, contributing editor of Cosmos Magazine: The Science of Everything and an in-demand speaker on Stem Cells.

As part of the talk, copies of her book and Cosmos will be given away to people who ask good questions, so come prepared to H2, from 1-2pm this Monday, Aug 14!

Fiona, Roland and Jake

Thankyou Hong Kong!
2/8/06

From the 24th until the 29th of July, Jake, Fiona and Roland taught British Parliamentary Debating at the Hong Kong Parliamentary Debating Society (HKPDS) 'Summer Workshop 2006'. This workshop was twice the size of the inaugural Summer Workshop which Jake attended in 2005. Over 80 school children from around Hong Kong enjoyed intense training sessions, debating games, and a tournament over the week at the Chinese University of Hong Kong where the Trainers and students were also fed and accommodated. The Workshop culminated in a Grand Final, adjudicated by the trainers and two British members of Parliament. The MAD trainers report that the Workshop was a smashing success and note that thier students were fantastic to teach, have a lot of potential and are incredibly friendly. The Organisers of the Workshop should be commended for their fantastic debating program! Hi to all the Hong Kong crew from everyone at MAD - check out the HKPDS section of the forum in the members section!

Freehills Law Firm
BP Comp Sponsors

Enter Freehills Comp now
31/7/06

MAD's premier internal competition for Semester 2 will get underway on August 7 from 5pm in the Law Building, so it's time to register teams now. Just send an email in to mad.internal.comps@gmail.com with the following details.
name:
teammate(s) (optional):
team name (optional):
email:
While only 2 people debate at one time, teams of 3 can be formed with debaters rotating through debates. Also, there is no novice requirement at all for Freehills, so no need to worry about team composition at all. In addition, you can also register to adjudicate or be a trainee adjudicator for this competition, just contact Amit at the internal comps email address and he'll look after you. The usual pizza will be included between debates during Freehills Comp, which will last for 3 consecutive Monday nights on August 7, 14 and 21, involving 5 rounds before semi-finals and a prestigious grand final.

Roland, Tom and Jake
Australs Champions!

Tom Chapman in the Grand Final.

THE BEST IN AUSTRALASIA YET AGAIN!!!
Jake, Tom and Roland make it 7 wins in 14 years for MAD!
11/7/06

Jacob Clifton, Tom Chapman and Roland Dillon have defeated arch-rivals Melbourne University in the Grand Final of the 2006 Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championships, held in Wellington, New Zealand, from July 2-10. Arguing from the Affirmative that bribery is good, MAD stormed through the final winning 6 judges to 3, with the second speaker, Mr Dillon, claiming the Jock Fanselow Cup for best speaker of the final, amidst a bouyant crowd of MADdies chanting "Show us your synchotron!" to our Parkville cousins.

For Tom and Jake, already Worlds semi-finalists in 2005, this represents the crowning point in their many years of service to MAD, finally claiming a major intervarsity trophy for the club, while for Roland, already an Australs winner in 2004, he joins an extraordinarily elite group who have won Australs twice, only matched in MAD by club legends Tim Sonnreich, Ben Richards and Martin Sorensen. This is MAD's 7th Australs win in 14 years, a phenomenal strike rate of success in a tournament contested by all the finest institutions across Australasia.

MAD has consistently produced generation after generation of successful debaters, not just occasional winners, and 2006 was no exception with Tim Jeffrie, Fiona Prowse and Amit Golder narrowly defeated in the Octo-finals. All were contesting Australs for just the second time, and can look forward to several more years of success, as can the younger, less experienced debaters in MAD's four other teams, who all performed admirably.

MAD also continues to be the dominant adjudication institution in the world. Kylie Lane was a DCA, and along with Tim Sonnreich and Stephen Worcester were ineligible to adjudicate the Grand Final (due to Monash being a contestant) but judged the semi-finals, while Claire Lindsey, Doug Stewart and Prasanna Venkataraman judged the quarter-finals, and Jasmine Moseley judged the ESL semi-finals, while MAD also sent several more highly qualified adjudicators who at other institutions might have had more chance of adjudicating finals. Both of MAD's trainee adjudicators, Damien Bruckard and Rhys Campbell, were immediately promoted to full adjudicators on the basis of their pre-tournament test scores.

MAD will celebrate its win, with both the perpetual Australasians Cup nicknamed "Troy", and its winners trophy on show at its first Monday Meeting, to be held over a BBQ lunch at Monash's Sports and Rec area, from 1pm on Monday July 17, with both the tournament contingent and the supportive MAD community invited to celebrate the club's win.

Jake, Tom and Roland
ADAM Winners!

ADAM CHAMPIONS - MAD Cleans Up Again!
28/6/06

In the highly competitive ADAM tournament, MAD's best hope of winning Australs, Jake Clifton, Tom Chapman and Roland Dillon, have gone through the entire weekend tournament undefeated, marching through to win the final against Melbourne Uni's flagship team in an entertaining final adjudicated by MAD's Kim Little, Tim Sonnreich, Stephen Worcester and Claire Lindsey. In addition, Jake was named best speaker of the tournament, with Roland named the second best speaker, while Tom and Fiona Prowse also ranked inside the tournament's top 10 speakers. Almost all of MAD's Australs teams got at least a few debates together at this tournament, while lots of new MADdies debating together helped create a fantastic contingent atmosphere at the briefings, social functions, and crucially with loud support in the final.

Jake and Roland

Australs Sendoff Debate - DATE CHANGE now Tuesday June 20.
7/6/06

Monash 1 - Jake Clifton (World Semi-Finalist 2005), Tom Chapman (World Semi-Finalist 2005) and Roland Dillon (Australs Winner 2004) - will take on take on Melbourne 1 - Liz Sheargold (Australs 2nd best speaker 2005), Lucia Pietropaoli (Australs 2nd best speaker 2002) and Jess Moir (Australs Quarter-Finalist 2004) - at MAD's Home Ground, The Notting Hill Hotel for the Australs Sendoff Debate. "The Nott" is on the corner of Gardiner Rd and Ferntree Gully Rd, catch the 693 or 742 buses from Oakleigh Station if you're catching public transport. Arrive from 6pm for a 7:30 debate start, with beers and meals available at the counter. This is MAD's last official function for the semester, so come and have a meal and a beer together, and cheer on our best chance of taking Troy (the Australs trophy) back to its home at MAD. Also check out the flyer here.

Fiona with the
President's Cup

MAD steals the DAV President's Booty
22/5/06

The Inaugural DAV President's Cup has come to a conclusion over the weekend, and MAD has taken top honours in Victoria's new premier adults debating competition. In a high standard grand final, MAD's Fiona Prowse, Kylie Lane and Amit Golder combined to win the trophy and defeat a Melbourne Uni team in an 8-1 majority decision. MADdies Tom Chapman and Ravi Dutta adjudicated the grand final, while Fiona Prowse earned further honours by taking out the best speaker prize for the tournament.

REGRESSIVE DEBATE!!! THIS THURSDAY! BE THERE!
14/5/06

MAD's craziest social night of the year is nearly upon us, the infamous Regressive Debate, which will kick off from 7pm, on May 18. The entire night works backwards, the debate, the meal, everything! We start with dessert (and a few drinks) before first hearing the adjudication, then moving on to the 3rd negative and working backwards up the speaking order. With hilarious dares, gags and stunts, this is always MAD's wildest night of the year, usually lasting well into the early hours of the morning - it's nothing like any other debate you've ever seen. MAD provides the drinks all night plus a meal, while 1st years bring desserts, 2nd/3rd years bring salads and 4th years and above bring snacks and biscuits.

Social Officer Gash, and host Victor.

Speaker Order
Chairperson: Ravi Dutta
Adjudicator: Jake Clifton
3rd Neg: Victor Finkel
3rd Aff: Atia Sadiqzai
2nd Neg: Rhys Campbell
2nd Aff: Georgia Boukas
1st Neg: Amelia McManus
1st Aff: Tom Chapman
To protect Victor, our lovely host, the address is being emailed out to the membership, any queries contact Social Officer Samantha Gash for further details.

Social Officer Gash, and host Victor.

REGRESSIVE DEBATE!!! You Must Be There!
9/5/06

Kylie Lane, Ravi Dutta and Dev Kevat.

Law Week Debate - Kylie, Meg, Dev and Ravi all involved
9/5/06

The Annual Monash Law Week Debate has been strongly attended and supported by MAD for several years, in line with our longstanding partnership with the Law Faculty. This year is no exception with a number of MADdies involved in the annual debate, including 1999 Worlds Champion Meg O'Sullivan, and 2005 Worlds Best Speaker Kylie Lane, while Ravi Dutta will chair the adjudication panel featuring Dev Kevat. MADdies aren't the only stars, with Tim Costello, Julian Burnside, Jon Faine and David Wright-Neville providing highly qualified perspectives on the topic that we have more to fear from the state than from terrorists. Full details available on the official flier.

Amit Golder
Internal Comps Guy

Signup for Sorensen Comp Now
1/5/06

Registration closes THIS FRIDAY for the Martin Sorensen Competition, the comp where every team must be a mix of experienced, intermediate and novice debaters. You can register as a team or an individual with Amit by emailing mad.internal.comps@gmail.com. Full details of how to enter here.

Victor, Kiran and Dhruv
Team Gorgeous!

MAD announces its Australs lineup
1/5/06

MAD has announced a massive contingent for Australs 2006, set to take on and beat Australasia's finest in Wellington. After a gruelling trials weekend where a massive 39 people applied to debate, the final teams were selected as follows.
MAD 1 - Rollie, Chappers, Jake
MAD 2 - BGA, Amit, Fi
MAD 3 - Mel, Jules, Laura
MAD 4 - Staggy, Nat, Starvin' Marvin
MAD 5 - Wiktor, Kiran, Dhruv (Team Gorgeous)
MAD 6 - Gash, Ned, Atia
Adjudicators - Doug, Claire, Pras, El Presidente, Rhys, Damien, Kylie the DCA, Smartarse, Jas, Mulletman and more... (check out their proper names here).
The Kiwis have set no limit yet to the amount of adjudicators we can send, so come join what's almost certain to be the biggest debating contingent in Australasia and get on board for what should be MAD's biggest Australs EVER. You can come as a trainee having never adjudicated before, it's a great experience and as Sashi and Ravi have shown in the past, you can even break as trainees! Contact Jake Clifton (j_clifton13@hotmail.com) if you want in.

Rhys, Jeremy and Darren should register now!

Australs Trials - Register Now
21/4/06

MAD will bring a massive contingent to Wellington to try to reclaim the Australasians trophy we've won 6 times in the last 14 tournaments. Six teams and hopefully more adjudicators will make the trip to NZ, with sponsorship money on offer to MADdies ranking in the top four teams who compete in the week-long tournament. All MADdies should have a go at trials by registering with Jake Clifton - just send him an email by ANZAC Day saying you want to trial. Stage 1 is for everyone who has not debated at Australs or Worlds before, and will start from 9am on April 29. The best from Stage 1 will join those automatically qualified for Stage 2 the next day at 9am on April 30. You may also register as an adjudicator, make sure you email Jake with your adjudication and debating CV attached. Deadline is Tuesday, April 25, 5pm - don't be too late!

Kat and Jake

Amazing Easters Success
21/4/06

MAD has enjoyed its most successful Easters in recent memory. Short of winning the tournament, there was little more MAD could have hoped for. In a much larger tournament than last year, MAD again broke 3 teams into the finals, a phenomenal effort when we don't stack our teams like the rest of the world does. In addition, MAD won the best speaker prize via the genius of Amit, who also proved in the comedy debate that being funny and being offensive aren't mutually exclusive. Fiona joined him in the top 10 speakers list as well, while in the adjudication draw, Tom and Jake enjoyed the highest honour in Australian adjudication, a place on the Grand Final panel. Julian and Claire also adjudicated finals, while Ebony, Amanda and Amelia all enjoyed the honour of being promoted from Trainee Adjudicator status at the first available opportunity. Above all, everyone appears to have had a fantastic time, developed a life-long hatred of Sydney debaters, and learnt the MAD anthem, and it's for those reasons that we consider the trip a raging success. Many thanks to Jake for organising, Amelia's parents for the lunch on the bus ride up, Jonno the bus driver, Toby, Patsy and all the ANU crew for putting the thing together, Sonnreich for the reading material on the bus, and anyone we've forgotten. Members should check out the photos in the members section!

Runners Up
Dhruv, Kiran and Damien

Freshers Final - Jedd, Nat and Atia win!
21/4/06

Jedd, Nat and Atia have vanquished the Melbourne High boys, Dhruv, Kiran and Damien, in front of a massive Monday Meeting crowd. The consolation prize of runners up was not nearly enough for the boys though, with Kiran Iyer taking out the best speaker award for best novice. Congratulations to all involved, and special thanks to Amit Golder for organising a fantastic competition. It was the largest competition anyone can remember for quite some time, and we look forward to seeing everybody back for Martin Sorensen Competition in coming weeks.

Amit Golder

Freshers Final - last event before Easter break
5/4/06

Don't mis the Freshers Final. Held at 1pm this Monday in H7 (same time, same place as always on Mondays), the might of Jedd, Atia and Nat will oppose Kiran, Dhruv and Damien to crown what's been a fantastic competition. In addition to the final being played out, the best speaker will be announced, so anybody who participated in the comp really must be there so you can receive your prize if you win! It's the last event before we break up for Easter break, so make sure you're there.

MAD announces its Easters Contingent
28/3/06

After a fantastic practice day, the selectors were overwhelmed with the quality of candidates who put themselves up to be slotted into teams for MAD's Easters contingent. Here is the lineup MAD will rock Canberra with in 2006.

MAD 1 - Pras, English, Jnr Kowalczyk
MAD 2 - Fi, Esther, Darren
MAD 3 - Ned, Kat, Luke
MAD 4 - El Presidente, Ben, Emma
MAD 5 - Amit, Laura, Jeffrey
MAD 6 - Nat, Kiran, Georgia
MAD 7 - Gash, Damien, Meg
MAD 8 - Staggy, Rhys, Murad
MAD 9 - Starvin' Marvin', Mel, Jeremy
MAD 10 - BGA, Dhruv, Atia
Adjudicators - Jake, K, Chappers, Claire, Steve, Julian, Victor, Alex, Dylan, Amelia, Wing, Amanda, Ebony.
Good luck to everybody and we hope you have a fantastic time and belt some Sydney teams!

Sashi, Victor, Dylan, Dhruv and Kiran

Commencement Dinner sign of a massive MAD year
18/3/06

Commencement Dinner is MAD's official launch to the year, and in line with the enormous successes of 2006, Commencement was no exception. We were served magnificent food from the awesome staff at Columbo's, and of course MAD provided a fine variety of alcohol to consume, and consume we did! There was dancing, there were boatraces, there were black guys taking their shirts off, there were beer can towers and there was a greater attendance than almost any MADdie could remember for a commencement dinner. And they gave us free gelati - we love you Colombo's! Congratulations to Samantha for organising what all considered a great night, and thanks to everybody who came along for making it such a great evening. If you're a member, check out the photos in the members section.

Victor Finkel
He'll be there!

Commencement Dinner is THIS FRIDAY NIGHT
14/3/06

Commencement is THIS FRIDAY NIGHT - and it's the first of our massive annual social nights of each year. This year we're taking over Colombo's Restaurant, Balwyn, where they'll feed us a yummy 3 course meal and all the alcohol our hearts desire and our livers loathe. Yep, that's right, beer, wine and champers all provided courtesy of MAD! Members $22, non-Members $27, get your tickets buy visiting the office or contact Samantha for further details. As a last resort pay on the night, but please try to let the club know that you're coming!

Kat Pshenichner
Defeated finalist

Kat no longer the MADdest Link
14/3/06

Kat Pshenichner has relinquished her 2005 MADdest link title to newcomer Laura Hill. In a bizarre final on the topic that this house believes Sashi Balaraman is more of a man than Ricky Ponting, one contestant had not heard of Sashi, and the other had not heard of Ponting. In a clear audience vote, Laura took over the title for 2006. Next Monday some sanity will hopefully be restored to Monday Meetings with the running of the Women's Debate.

Sam and Jake embark on their 5th Easters

Get on the bus to Canberra!
11/3/06

Close to 40 Maddies have already registered, including the whole 2006 Executive, for Easters at ANU! There are still a couple of spots remaining so email Jake at j_clifton13@hotmail.com as soon as possible to express your interest! Easters is the most fun tournament of the year! This is why everyone who went last year is going again, Tom is going to his sixth Easters and Jake and Sammy K are going to their fifth in a row! Easters is being hosted by ANU in Canberra and runs from Thursday the 13th of April to Monday the 17th. The MAD bus will leave Monash early on the 13th and will return late on the 17th. The practice day, where the teams will be formed, is on March 26th so email Jake now to ensure there is a spot for you! It's also possible to attend Easters as an Adjudicator or a Trainee Adjudicator! The tournament website has just been launched, check it out. Come to Easters!

Victor Finkel

Commencement - Get your tickets now
11/3/06

Commencement is THIS FRIDAY NIGHT - and it's the first of our massive annual social nights of each year. This year we're taking over Colombo's Restaurant, Balwyn, where they'll feed us a yummy 3 course meal and all the alcohol our hearts desire and our livers loathe. Yep, that's right, beer, wine and champers all provided courtesy of MAD! Members $22, non-Members $27, get your tickets at the Monday Meeting. Contact Samantha for further details.

Tom Chapman

MAD Monday
11/3/06

This Monday we're turning the over Monday Meeting to you! At 1pm in H7 on March 13, The MADdest link will be run and won - make sure you give it a go and vote off your fellow MADdies, or just come along to watch fellow MADdies and their wacky humour. And on Monday night Tom Chapman will be taking Pre-Freshers training. Free Pizza once again shall be your dinner, and practice debates afterwards for all who wish to participate. Last practice before Freshers - 5pm, Law Builing, Monday March 13.

Amit Golder

Freshers Competition starts soon, sign up now
11/3/06

Freshers is massive this year! Amit has organised a stupendous competition, which will start at 5pm, on Monday March 20, with two debates that night and two more debates two weeks later. If you still want to enter, please email Amit with your details. In addition, anybody with other commitments on Monday but has already signed up for Freshers, please let Amit know if you cannot attend.

Claire Lindsey and Fiona Prowse

Don't miss this Big MAD Monday
4/2/06

This Monday Meeting it's the good debate, a chance to see MAD's finest go at each other. 1pm, H7 on Monday is the time to etch into your brain. Information on the upcoming Commencement Dinner will also be available. In addition, Monday night will be the first member training session of the year. Worlds semi-finalist Jacob Clifton will run through the basics for everybody to get a good idea of how debating at university works. Forget what you learnt at school! 5pm, L3 (Law Building, building 12), this Monday March 6. See you there.

MADdies at St Kilda Beach

Freshers BBQ a massive success!
4/3/06

After a years absence, the Freshers BBQ is back and has been a massive success. With around 50 people attending this was the biggest Freshers BBQ in memory, and by all accounts was a great evening, with the perfect weather playing its part. Photos of the evening are available to view in the members section of the website, and anybody with more photos to share should email the webmaster. Any member forgetting their password should email MAD to have it resent.

Samantha Gash
Social Officer

Thursday Night - Beach BBQ!
28/2/06

If you're a new member, make sure you come along to the Freshers BBQ! If there's one event in MAD you shouldn't miss early in the year it's this. Meet your fellow MADdies and have a great time, with free drinks and a BBQ provided by MAD, plus a few games planned for the evening. Meet up at picnic area nearest the corner of Jacka Boulevard and Fitzroy St. Check out upcoming events for further details, or contact Samantha Gash by email or on 0405 103 980. See you there!

Claire Lindsey
Monday Meetings Officer

Champagne Welcome - Be There!
23/2/06

MAD's first event of the year will be held in H7 (Menzies Building) at 1pm this Monday - the first Monday meeting of the year. To celebrate our Worlds success and properly welcome in MAD for 2006, champagne shall be served as the executive introduce themselves and all the fantastic events they have planned for the club this year. Have a nibble and a bubbly and meet your fellow club members. More details in Upcoming Events. Check out future Monday Meetings events here.

Kylie Lane
DCA Worlds 2008

Kylie Lane - Yet Another MAD Worlds DCA
18/1/06

Assumption University, newly awarded hosts of World University Debating Championships in 2008, have announced that Kylie Lane will be a Deputy Chief Adjudicator (DCA) for the tournament in Thailand. Following on from her record as an Australs winner, Worlds best speaker, Worlds Semi-Finalist as a debater and adjudicator, and soon to be an Australs DCA this year, Kylie will now be able to add the honour of Worlds DCA. Kylie's achievement means that following Michael Smith's DCA role in Worlds '06, and Tim Sonnreich's upcoming DCA position at Worlds '07, Kylie will make it 3 DCA's in a row for MAD at Worlds in 2008!

Fiona Prowse
and Dev Kevat

Worlds '06 - Dublin was cold, but MAD was hot
18/1/06

After months of preparation, MAD's 3 teams valiantly contested the 324 team tournament. All our teams were in contention for finals before the silent rounds, and on New Year's Eve MAD's Dev Kevat and Fiona Prowse flew up the tab to grab a spot in the Octo Finals, before finally being felled by a combination of two Sydney Uni teams. Our adjudicators also shone, with Michael Smith as Deputy Chief Adjudicator judging the Grand Final, Kylie Lane judged the Semis, Andrew Fitch the Octos and ESL Semis, and Roland Dillon adjudicated the ESL Grand Final. Congratulations to all on a fantastic performance and good luck readjusting to Melbourne weather! Congratulations also must go to Michael Kotrly and Joanna Nairn from Hart House, Canada, on winning the tournament.

Fiona Prowse and Dev Kevat

Monash C in Worlds Octos!
Dev and Fi come through with the goods!
1/1/06

MAD celebrates a fantastic new year with the marvellous news that Fiona Prowse and Dev Kevat are into the Worlds Octo-Finals, to be held in the coming days. Details are slowly coming out of Dublin, but it appears that they will be in a particularly Australian debate against two Sydney University teams. The fourth team is unknown. Details on breaking adjudicators are coming soon! Congratulations to Dev and Fi on a fantastic achievement, both breaking at worlds for the very first time!

Tim Jeffrie, 4/1/06 1:02 GMT:
Hart House A won.

Tim Jeffrie, 3/1/06 18:35 GMT:
Worlds Final: OG - Yale E
OO - Hart House A
CG - Inner Temple A
CO - Chicago A
Motion: This House Would abolish all laws that protect cruelty against animals.

Jake Clifton, 31/12/05 19:22 GMT:
Sorry mate. We couldn't do it for you guys. We missed out in the first debate today. Monash B and C were both in bubbles though, so we're a chance to break one. Happy New Year.

Tim Jeffrie, 30/12/05 19:39 GMT:
Day 2 Update:
Monash A - 11pts
Monash B - 11pts
Monash C - 10pts
Melbourne A - 15pts
Melbourne B - 11pts
Melbourne C - 11pts

Jake Clifton, 29/12/05 20:06 GMT:
Monash A - 1st, 3rd, 1st - 7pts
Monash B - 2nd, 3rd, 1st - 6pts
Monash C - 1st, 3rd, 4th - 4pts
Melbourne 1 - 1st, 1st, 1st - 9pts
I'm drinking lots, everyone's having lots of fun. Go MAD!

Click here to view Pre-2006 News