MAD - The Monash Association of Debaters

Fiona Prowse
"Best Novice Speaker"

Melbourne Mini - MAD dominates again!
12/12/05

Since becoming the inaugural Melbourne Mini Champions, MAD has continually scorched through the Melbourne Mini and 2005 was no exception. For starters, congratulations must go to MAD's Fiona Prowse, Michael Smith, Kylie Lane and Jake Clifton on contesting a star-studded grand final, taken out by Sydney University. The grand final adjudication panel featured MAD's Tom Chapman and Claire Lindsey deliberating alongside debating luminaries from around Australia and overseas. MAD's achievements reached outside of the Monash-dominated Grand Final, where Kylie Lane was judged 3rd best speaker of the tournament, Tim Sonnreich 6th best, Michael Smith 10th best, and Fiona Prowse won the award for Best Novice Speaker of the tournament. Finally, congratulations go to Tim Sonnreich and Sashi Balaraman on making the semifinals, and to Amit Golder on making the final of the Public Speaking competition. MAD would like to thank Melbourne University and the DAV on a well hosted tournament.

Tom Chapman and Stephen Worcester

MAD does Sydney Mini!
12/12/05

A small MAD contingent returned to Sydney Mini after several years without contesting the tournament. While the Sydney Mini was naturally a Sydney dominated tournament, with no Monash teams making the break, MAD certainly flew the flag high with Tom Chapman ranking as the 8th best speaker of the tournament, and Stephen Worcester breaking to a Reserve adjudicator. MAD would like to congratulate Sydney University on holding a great tournament and UNSW on winning the title, and we promise to be back in more numbers and with more success next year.

Tim Sonnreich
DCA Worlds 2007

Tim Sonnreich DCA of Worlds 2007!
22/11/05

MAD is set to continue to dominate the World University Debating Championships for many years to come. Following Kylie Lane being declared best speaker of Worlds 2005 and Michael Smith's appointment as Deputy Chief Adjudicator of Worlds 2006, Tim Sonnreich has now been appointed by the UBC Organising Committee as a Deputy Chief Adjudicator of Worlds 2007. With two MAD adjudicators in the Australasians 2005 final, and a Deputy Chief Adjudicator at Australasians 2006, MAD's reputation in adjudication across the region and throughout the world continues to grow.

Enter MUDS BP Novice Cup now!
18/10/05

Following from the success of last year's inaugural competition, MUDS are hosting a Novice BP Debating Competition. This is an event that aims to provide a chance to learn, improve and compete for all novices from Melbourne and Monash. The cross-uni nature of the day provides for more diverse competition than the internal comps could provide. So come along, hone your skills, and give yourself a chance at walking away with the prize! Details in the Coming Up section.

Apply for MAD's Asia Tour
12/10/05

Over the past five years, either in the period immediately before Australs or Worlds, a number of MAD's finest debaters and trainers have undertaken training at numerous universities across Asia as part of the MAD Asia tour. The 2005 MAD Executive would like to invite members to apply to be chosen as a MAD trainer for the tour. Please view and complete the application form, and be aware applications are due at monashdebaters@hotmail.com by 6pm on Sunday October 16. If you have any queries in regards to the tour, contact the current Tour Organiser, Jacob Clifton.

MAD's End of Year Sendoff with Snags
3/10/05

Come celebrate another fantastic year of MAD, with a final sendoff BBQ next Monday outside Sports and Rec. 2005 has seen MAD attain a Worlds best speaker, absolutely dominate Perth Easters like MAD's never done before, win the inaugural ADAM tournament and best speaker, laid the foundations for the future with strong performances from our younger brigade at Australs and Womens, and there's still the Minis to come! Away from IV's, socials have gone off even by MAD's crazy standards, we had one heck of a public debate, organised fantastic training sessions within our club, for local schools, and for universities abroad, published an MDR and a couple of massive Silvertongues, enjoyed enormous participation in all our internal competitions, Monday Meetings have been hilarious and widely attended, and we've crowned two brand new and extraordinarily worthy life members of the club. In addition to celebrating another year of amazing success, we'll sendoff our retiring and already recently retired members for the last time, with a hearty meal and a few cleansing ales to celebrate in true MAD style. No member should miss our final meeting for the year, let alone a free feed and drinks!

Victoria defends its Women's Trophy!
3/10/05

The Australian Womens Champions trophy MAD helped win in 2004 has been successfully defended from our northern rivals in 2005. MAD's Chloe McCardel with Liz Sheargold won the tournament hosted by MAD in 2004, and this year sadly without Chloe, Liz teamed up with new partner Liz Ames to conquer ANU Womens 2005. MAD congratulates Liz Sheargold and Liz Ames on winning this prestigious tournament and taking another trophy home to the Garden State! Congratulations also to MAD's Fiona Prowse on making the top 20 speaker list at her first appearance at the Women's tournament.

MAD rocks out Annual Party
2/10/05

MAD has successfully rounded off a massive year of socials with a superb annual party in Malvern. On Grand Final Eve, MADdies enjoyed Cerone's Bar on Glenferrie Rd with ordinary members being joined by MUDSians and life members to ensure a diverse crowd enjoyed a fantastic night out. Congratulations to Lisa for organising this great night and a fantastic year of socials in 2005.

MAD AGM - Generational Change
20/9/05

The MAD Annual General Meeting announced a bold new age in the club's history. Tim Sonnreich, twice Australs best speaker, 3 times Australs winner, Worlds grand final adjudicator, past MAD president, AIDA life member and past AIDA secretary, in honour of his multiple debating achievements and inspiration to a generation of MADdies, was unanimously declared a life member of the club on a day when the membership also installed for next year the youngest executive most can remember. Ravi Dutta won the Presidency from Sam Kastelan and Lisa Browne, both of whom will be sadly missed from next year's executive. Sashi Balaraman and this year's co-opted members Fiona Prowse and Julian Campbell will make up the secretariat. MWOP positions were given to an astonishing 5 first time exec members in Samantha Gash, Amit Golder, Victor Finkel, Melissa Birch and Claire Lindsey, with the current secretary Tim Jeffrie along with current President Jake Clifton, the only exec member with more than 18 months experience, making up the new committee. Many thanks to Juliet Sironi and Anisha Arsyad, both of whom can consider themselves unlucky to miss out on joining a young but talented and motivated new executive committee looking to serve MAD well into the future, with no member due to finish their degree at the conclusion of 2006. At the 2005 AGM, we can truly say MAD has made a generational change.

MAD selects its squad for Worlds
20/9/05

Jake Clifton and Simin Kocdag will lead the charge as Monash A at Worlds 2006 in Dublin. Tim Jeffrie and Victor Finkel make up Monash B, and Dev Kevat and Fiona Prowse will be Monash C. Officially adjudicating for MAD will be Andrew Fitch, Roland Dillon and Paula Glynn, however with old hacks Kylie Lane, Amanda Wolthuizen and tournament DCA Michael Smith all in the pool, MAD will have a massive part in determining the ultimate tournament winners.

Freehills Champions - Fiona and Fitch
20/9/05

Beating out a quality field, Fiona Prowse and Andrew Fitch claimed the Freehills Cup, 42 storeys up 101 Collins St in the offices of major MAD sponsors, Freehills Law Firm. Winning from closing opposition arguing against the UN abolishing the security council veto, Fi and Fitch knocked out opening opposition Sophia and Hayley, closing government Roshena and Sarah, and opening government Tim and perennial internal comp finals bridesmaid Jake. The best speaker award for the competition was awarded also to Andrew Fitch.

Annual Party - Get Your Tickets Now
9/9/05

Tickets for MAD's prestigious Annual Party are now on sale! Friday September 23 (Grand Final Eve) is when Cerone's Bar in Malvern will play host to MAD's last big social event of the year. Always classy, always entertaining and always steeped in just the right mixture of finger food and alcohol, Annual Party is an event where MADdies can let their hair down and enjoy a few casual drinks in a stylish and classy environment while getting jiggy to hits new and old pumped out by our very own MAD DJ (probably Timmy J, God help us all). With tickets set at under $20 for members, it's as affordable as it is unmissable. Details In Coming Up or contact Lisa Browne, MAD Social Director.

Freehills Final this week
6/9/05

After 2 fantastic semi finals, the final of the 2005 Freehills BP competition will be held this Monday at Freehills Offices in the city. In the "room of death", top ranked Sim, Amit and Special Guest without the special guest, along with the MAD Idols were voted out, while in the other room the girls beat the boys from Trust Us and the Curries. This leaves Fiatch, Football for different reasons, Ladies of Asia and Chicks with guns to fight out the final. 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.

MAD AGM - Vote Early, Vote Often
4/9/05

MAD's form of democracy is far superior to Big Brother's, because not only can you vote out housemates, you can also vote them in! Yes, it's 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 - why don't the Iraqis love it as much as us? Come celebrate democracy with us at 1pm on Monday September 19 in L3.

Freehills Semi Finals draw announced
1/9/05

The finals of MAD's premier (indeed, only) BP competition are to be held this coming Monday night (September 5) in the Law Building from 6pm. Participants have been notified and MAD looks forward to a great turn out, particularly for the much anticipated debate in the "room of death". More details in the Coming Up section.

Even Lower Rego for Womens IV - Find a Partner Now!
1/9/05

After some reconsideration, the MAD Executive has agreed to further sponsor women to go to the Australian Women's IV to be held in Canberra this year. Registration for MAD debaters is now just $50, and adjudicators will be fully sponsored. There are plenty of women looking for partners to debate with, so if you're interested contact External Officer Jasmine Moseley to help you get matched up. Check out the ANU Women's website here for all the latest news.

Public Debate Goes Off!!!
1/9/05

Over 350 people packed out every available seat in the Central One lecture theatre this week to witness the 2005 Vice Chancellor's Public Debate. The VC provides fantastic support for the club in many ways, and another example was a global email sent out to the Monash community which led to such a fantastic turnout. Of course not all the credit can go to the VC - with thundering speeches from Bruce Billson and Tim Costello setting up a whirlwind debate, one man can be thanked for pulling the whole thing together - Public Debates officer Sashi Balaraman. Images of the event were taken and will appear on this site shortly, email the webmaster for further details. Many thanks to Stephen Parker, Bruce Billson, Tim Costello, Brett Inder, James Ensor, Carla Lipsig-Mumme and Kylie Lane for taking the time out to support this great MAD event.

Trade Or Aid for Developing Nations?
Public Debate This Tuesday Aug 30!!!
23/8/05

The posters are popping up everywhere, the speakers have been confirmed, now we simply wait for The Vice Chancellor's Public Debate to begin. The likes of World Vision CEO Rev Tim Costello, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Foreign Affairs Hon Bruce Billson, Monash Uni lecturer Dr Brett Inder and 2005 World's Best Speaker Kylie Lane are set to battle it out on the topic "That this House Supports Trade, Not Aid, For Developing Nations" in the Central One Lecture Theatre (Building 63) at Monash Clayton campus, with the debate chaired by Monash University Vice President Prof Stephen Parker. Light snacks and refreshments, great speakers and a packed venue are all promised, courtesy of the Vice Chancellor's generous support and funding of this exciting event. Further details can be found on the Public Debate page.

ANU Womens News: Novice Cap and Rego Set
23/8/05

After much deliberation, ANU Women's 2005 convenor Simone Gubler has announced that the novice rule introduced by MAD in 2004 will remain in place. An experienced person will be any woman who has either: (a) debated at 2 Australs, or (b) debated at 2 Worlds, or (c) broken at Worlds. Any team which doesn't includes two experienced women will be unable to break. In addition, registration has been set at $150 and $100 for adjudicators. MAD will sponsor debaters $50 to bring the price down to just $100. This represents fantastic value, and we encourage all women to now consider making the trip up to Canberra over midsemester break. Check out the ANU Women's website here.

Worlds Trials
23/8/05

Trials for the 2006 Dublin Worlds will be held on Sunday September 18, from 10am. In order to trial, you must complete and return the trials form to the MAD email account. Registration for the tournament has been set at EUR 345, which converts to approximately AUD $558. Latest transfer rates are available at xe.com. Further info about trials can be found in the Coming Up section, and more info about the tournament at www.worlds2006.com.

More Public Debate Details Confirmed
7/8/05

The Vice Chancellor's Public Debate has a venue! Central One, in Building 63, will play host MAD's annual event, setting the stage for a packed auditorium, hosting some amazing speakers. World Vision CEO Reverend Tim Costello heads the lineup of stars, which now includes Ms Kylie Lane, The Hon Bruce Billson MP and Dr Craig Thorburn. Further details can be found on the Public Debate page.

MUDS BP training day this Sunday
7/8/05

On Sunday August 14, Melbourne University Debating Society (MUDS) have kindly agreed to host a BP Training Day for all MUDS and MAD members. The focus of this day is for first years and other novices to gain valuable experience in BP debating in the leadup to internal competitions, Worlds trials and the Melbourne and Sydney invitationals at year's end. Some of the best Victorian debaters of recent times will be involved in the debates as adjudicators and/or debaters, so don't miss this busy day. The day will begin at 11am at the Melbourne Uni Law School (pictured right). Further details...

Call for MDR applications!
5/8/05

The Monash Association of Debaters is advertising for positions on the editorial board of the Monash Debating Review, MAD's own debating journal. There are five positions on the board and we are inviting applications for those positions. It is not essential, but it is preferred that the applicants have some knowledge of word processing, and possibly have some experiance in the publication of journals/magazines. Applications close on Friday August 26. Applications should be sent to monash_debaters@hotmail.com.

MAD in Hong Kong!
2/8/05

MAD�s President Jacob Clifton has just returned from training school debaters in Hong Kong. The �Summer Workshop� was organized by the Hong Kong Parliamentary Debating Society (HKPDS) which is a made up of university students from Hong Kong University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Polytechnic University Hong Kong. In addition to Jake, three other trainers attended the Workshop, Logan from Malaysia and Loke and Min from Singapore. All the students enjoyed the workshop and their British Parliamentary debating skills improved immensely over the week. MAD would like to congratulate the HKPDS for organizing such a successful workshop.

New Silvertongue editor, Fiona, calls for articles by Friday!
2/8/05

The MAD Exec is proud to announce the co-option of first-year Fiona Prowse to the MAD exec in a capacity as Silvertongue editor. Fiona and previous editor Chloe McCardel will work together to produce a bumper edition as soon as possible. The new Silvertongue will be published on August 15, hence the deadline for articles for this edition is August 5 - that's this Friday. Get writing now and get those articles off to Fiona ASAP!

Register for Freehills Now!
2/8/05

MAD's internal British Parliamentary Competition, the Freehills Cup, will begin next Monday night in the law building. Entry is open to teams and individuals, but entries must be in by THIS FRIDAY. Email your name, email, phone number and whether you're registering as a team or individual to Intenal Comps Officer Staggy ASAP.

MAD Idol this Monday!
26/7/05

This Monday meeting, see the (wannabe) stars of MAD show off their talents in this year's installment of MAD Idol! Over the past couple of years, MAD's picked up far too many performing arts and music students, ensuring that enough people who believe they have some sort of talent will embarrass themselves for our amusement and entertainment. Make sure you're there to watch or join them!

British Parliamentary Debating - Starting this Monday
19/7/05

A massive Monday is coming up in week 2 of semester. In our Monday Meeting, the stars of MAD will conduct a British Parliamentary (BP) Debate, giving a demonstration of this fun and engaging style to whet your appetite. Following the meeting we'll head to our new Monday afternoon abode in Wholefoods, then at 5pm we'll get together in L3 (Law building) for member training, where the basics of BP will be explained by Australs grand final adjudicator and 3-times Worlds debater Doug Stewart. Finally, we'll head over to the Green Week Mastermindless trivia comp, to show off just how mighty and cunning we are. See you on MAD Monday!

MAD Mondays - Back for Semester 2!
15/7/05

MAD begins a whole new semester and a whole new style of debating! British Parliamentary (BP) debating dominates semester 2, with 15 minute prep times, points of information, 8 people and four teams in every debate, this whole new style is nothing like what you might have done at school! Make sure you come along and find out all that we'll be up to this semester in H8, at 1pm. As Jake Clifton represents MAD in Hong Kong on a training tour, Vice President Michael Stagg will give an Australs report and excited Exec members will let you know what's coming up this semester. Due to the Unibar's closure, MAD will now move to Wholefoods Restaurant following each Monday meeting this semester.

MAD does Queensland Australs!
13/7/05

We travelled to Brisbane, visited Dreamworld, launched the latest MDR, crowned our very own AIDA life member, partied hard in true MAD spirit, broke more adjudicators than ever, and almost every team nearly made the finals! In what was meant to be a rebuilding year for Monash, with half of our team members attempting to defend the Australs crown despite never debating at an Australs before, MAD's young contingent took all before them. First year Amit Golder ranked 20th in all of Australasia, Andrew Fitch and Doug Stewart were honoured with adjudicating the Grand Final, and Prasanna Venkataraman, Tom Chapman and Claire Lindsay also adjudicated in the finals. With so much success despite lacking a vast amount of experience, MAD should continue its domination of this wonderful tournament well into the future. Even better, MAD's Tim Sonnreich was fittingly honoured with life membership of the Australasian Intervarsity Debating Association, following amazing personal success and his years of assistance in developing debating talent throughout Australasia. Congratulations to UQ for hosting a fantastic tournament, and to USYD for winning the title, as MAD looks forward to coming back even stronger in Wellington, New Zealand, in 2006.

Melbourne Uni wins send-off debate
29/6/05

Representing Monash, Jake Clifton, Fiona Prowse and Michael Stagg lost out to Melbourne Uni's Sarah Kemeny, Jess Moir and Seamus Coleman in a bizarre split decision at the Australs sendoff debate, held at the Prince Alfred Hotel. A great crowd of MADdies and MUDSettes watched Melbourne successfully argue from the affirmative that the government should not fund offensive art, with MAD's Sam Kastelan and Tim Sonnreich awarding the debate to MUDS, whilst MUDS's Liz Sheargold gave the debate to MAD! As a result of Melbourne winning the debate, MAD treasurer Ravi Dutta will have to wear a pink MUDS Matriarchy t-shirt on the first day of Australs.

MAD-MUDS Sendoff Debate Night Venue Change
23/6/05

Contrary to previous reports, the MAD-MUDS Australs sendoff debate night will now be held at the Prince Alfred Hotel, not the DAV's offices. In the final event before the Australasian debating championships, a Monash team made up of Jake Clifton, Fiona Prowse and Michael Stagg will take on Melbourne Uni's finest in front of a (hopefully) large and boisterous crowd of hecklers and well-wishers at the Prince Alfred Hotel on Wednesday June 26 at 6:30 pm. (more info)

MAD-MUDS Sendoff Debate Night Announced

5/6/05

In the final event before the Australasian debating championships, Monash (Jake Clifton, Fiona Prowse and Michael Stagg) will take on Melbourne Uni in front of a (hopefully) large and boisterous crowd of hecklers and well-wishers at the ~~DAV's offices~~ Prince Alfred Hotel on Wednesday June 26 at 6:30 pm. Click here for further info.

Silvertongue Editor Applications Called For

1/6/05

Due to the sad resignation of our Silvertongue Editor, we now have a vacancy to be filled on the Executive. The Executive is hence calling for applications for the position of Silvertongue Editor. Applications should be emailed to monash_debaters@hotmail.com, and applications close Monday 18 July at 5pm. The Executive will consider all applications immediately at their following meeting, and anticipates that applicants will be notified of their success by July 25. All members are most welcome to apply, and whilst specific publishing/editing skills are a bonus, basic computer knowledge should suffice.

Sorensen Final Won, Best Speakers Announced!

23/5/05

Sriram Rao, Prasanna Venkataraman and Ajay Kevat, in a clean sweep of the all-star adjudication panel, have comprehensively won the Martin Sorensen Cup for 2005. Arguing for each person to have their HIV status printed on all driving licences, the hardliners from Team JFK, Samuel Kastelan, Jacob Clifton and Fiona Prowse were gallant in defeat, with no adjudicator giving the result by more than 3 points. In front of a great crowd in the unibar, the Martin Sorensen Cup was awarded to the negative by the adjudication panel of Lana Lubomirska, Michael Smith, Kylie Lane, Hayley Parkes and Stephen Worcester. In addition, the award for best speaker of the tournament was split 3 ways. Jacob Clifton and Fiona Prowse enjoyed some consolation in losing the final with this prize, along with Andrew Fitch who shared the spoils of being MAD's best speaker in its premier 3 on 3 competition for 2005.

Battle of the Sexes - Girls Win!

23/5/05

The Monash Grudge Match between teams 1 and 2 for Australs has been won by the underdogs, Monash 2, in a controversial 2-1 split decision. Jacob Clifton, Michael Stagg and stand-in Andrew Fitch proposed that there be equal prize money in sport, specifically tennis, however some believe things went awry when this argument was linked into the broader struggle of Labor rights. (Sorry Jake.) Sarah Norman, Jasmine Moseley and first-year Fiona Prowse rode over the top to victory, arguing women's rights would be sidelined as a result of the action.

Monash Australs teams announced

17/5/05

Following a high standard stage 2 trails last Sunday, Monash's line-up of teams for the upcoming Australasian Championships in Brisbane has been announced.
Monash 1 - Jacob Clifton, Dev Kevat and Michael Stagg
Monash 2 - Sarah Norman, Jasmine Moseley and Fiona Prowse
Monash 3 - Sriram Rao, Roshena Dutta and Hayley Parkes
Monash 4 - Ravi Dutta, Ned Douglas and Amit Golder
Monash 5 - Ajay Kevat, Lillian Goldsmith and Victor Finkel
Monash 6 - Sashi Balaraman, Dylan Younane and Samantha Gash
What a fantastic line-up and good luck to all teams!

Kylie Lane awarded life membership

16/5/05

In today's Special General Meeting, long-time MAD member, reigning Australasian champion and World's best speaker, Kylie Lane, was honoured fittingly with life membership of the Monash Association of Debaters. President Jacob Clifton and long-time member Andrew Fitch spoke to the motion, which was passed unanimously by all present. As an Australasian champion and World's best speaker, Kylie's debating credentials alone were worthy of recognition, and when combined with her administrative assistance to the club, through involvement in the Asia tour, Women's IV and several MAD executive positions, and then her personal involvement and fostering of talent within the club, made clear the need to recognise her alongside other greats of the club with life membership.

MUDS Public Debate

9/5/05

This Wednesday, May 11, the Melbourne University Debating Society is holding its annual public debate on the issue of "Abortion: Are We Failing Women?" MAD strongly encourages its members to turn out in force for this event to be held on Wednesday at 6:30pm, in the University of Melbourne's Law School Lecture Theatre 102. With an array of expert speakers including Dr Leslie Cannold and Prof Loane Skene, and the prospect of audience questions, finger food and post debate drinks, this promises to be a fantastic night out. Check the Upcoming Events section for further details.

ADAM Success!

25/4/05

MAD has completed a clean sweep at the recent ANZAC Day tournament at Melbourne University (ADAM), winning the tournament, taking out the best speaker prize and winning the public speaking. Tim Jeffrie, Fiona Prowse and Sriram Rao (Mushi) won the grand final in a 7-2 split decision. Tim Sonnreich was also in the grand final as part of a composite team, and took out the best speaker prize. Fiona Prowse and Sriram Rao also featured in the top ten speakers for the tournament. Another Monash team - Samantha Gash, Chloe McCardel and Dev Kevat made it to the quarter finals. Finally, Amit Golder was crowned public speaking champion, and fellow MADdie Julian Campbell was also in the grand final of the public speaking.

15/04/05: The application forms for Australs trials are now available. You can download a copy here. Forms must be returned by Thursday the 28th of April - either hand them in to Jasmine, return them to the office, or email them to monash_debaters@hotmail.com. More info about Australs can be found in the Upcoming Events section. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Also, don't forget to register for ADAM!

12/04/05: Well done to "The Very Supportive Team" (Amit Golder, Victor Finkel, Fiona Prowse), who yesterday defeated "Team Australian Idol" (Ajay Kevat, Ned Douglas, Kitty Howe) in the Freshers Final, on the topic "That we should censor the internet". In a high-standard debate, The Very Supportive Team convinced the five adjudicator panel from the affirmative. Fiona Prowse was also named best speaker for the tournament. Don't forget to register for the Martin Sorensen Competition - and anyone with website skills is encouraged to apply for the co-opt position of webmaster on the executive.

06/04/05: Melbourne University is holding a debating tournament over the ANZAC day weekend, called "ADAM" (ANZAC Day At Melbourne) - for more details, check the Upcoming Events section (where you'll also find information about Australs trials). In other news, the deadline for the submission of articles for the next edition of our magazine, Silvertongue, is the 11th of April. Send articles, photos and general rants to madsilvertongue@hotmail.com. The Freshers Final is on this Monday at 1pm in H8 - come along to see the best of MAD's future battle it out for the first internal competition trophy for the year. Finally, due to the resignation of our secretary at the start of the year, we now have a vacancy on the Executive. The Executive has decided to take pity on Ravi, the current webmaster and treasurer, and co-opt someone to take up the position of webmaster. The Executive is calling for applications for the position of webmaster. Applications should be emailed to monash_debaters@hotmail.com, and applications close on the 22nd of April, at 5pm. The Executive will consider the applications at the next meeting. Anyone can apply, however a knowledge of computers, especially HTML programming, is highly preferred.

28/03/05: Well done to the teams and adjudicators representing MAD at Easters! Monash 2 (Tim Jeffrie, Fiona Prowse, Ned Douglas) broke 3rd and made it to the semi-finals, and lost in a narrow 2-1 split decision. Monash 3 (Jake Clifton, Claire Lindsay, Victor Finkel) broke 4th and Monash 1 (Samantha Gash, Julian Cambell, Amit Golder) broke 9th, and both made it to the quarter finals. Sam Kastelan led the charge on the adjudication front, adjudicating the grand final. Also, Jake Clifton was ranked 2nd best speaker, Fiona Prowse 4th best novice (5th overall), and Ned Douglas equal 9th best novice (equal 13th overall).

23/03/05: Good luck to all the teams and adjudicators leaving for Easters tomorrow - we're sure you'll do us proud! Also, the first two rounds of the Freshers Competition were held on Monday night - a high standard of debate was enjoyed by all. The next two rounds are on the first Monday back from the break - so don't forget!

15/03/05: This Thursday is Commencement Dinner - the first social event for the year. It's at the Balti Indian Cafe in Lygon St, at it's from 7:30 onwards. Tickets are $22 for members ($27 for non-members) and you get a full Indian banquet dinner, and all you can drink alcohol. For more details, check the Upcoming Events section. To buy a ticket, pop down to the MAD office during lunchtimes the next few days, and someone will be there to sell you a ticket.

06/03/05: A reminder to all that Member Training is on in the Law Faculty this Monday. You can also pick up tickets to Commencement Dinner, the first social event for the year at the Monday Meeting or member training, or just drop by the MAD office sometime and see if anyone's there. More details about Commencement Dinner can be found in the Upcoming Events section.

21/02/05: The MAD executive has today decided to withdraw the proposed bid for Easters 2006. Also, Monday meetings have been moved to H8 this year (at the bottom of the Menzies building).

02/02/05: MAD is kicking off 2005 with a bang! First up, there's O-week, where MAD has a tent. Check out the Upcoming Events section for more details on how to join MAD for another year, and how you can help to sign up more members. Also, the national novice debating championships are coming up early this semester, over the Easter weekend - check out Upcoming Events and www.westers2005.com.au for more details. In addition to sending teams and adjudicators to Easters, MAD is bidding to host Easters 2006. To apply for a position on the bid committee, the tournament committee (or both) or tournament convenor, email the president at j_clifton13@hotmail.com

02/02/05: MAD would like to congratulate their friends at Thammasat University in Thailand who won the Thai National Environmental Debate Tournament over the weekend. Congratulations also to Billy who was names best speaker of the tournament. All 4 of the debaters who won the Championship participated in the 2004 Asia Tour.

02/02/05: During December 04, prior to Worlds in Kuala Lumpur, three of MAD's finest debaters and adjudicators trained debaters at universities in Thailand and then Malaysia as part of MAD's fifth 'Asia Tour'. Kylie Lane, Roland Dillon and Jacob Clifton taught 6 fantastic groups of debaters who ranged from beginners to competent Worlds speakers. It is hoped that the Asia Tour will continue in 2005.

05/01/05: MAD has capped off a successful year with a very successful worlds tournament. Kylie Lane from Monash A was ranked the best speaker in the world, beating her nearest contender by 5 points - read about it in The Australian here. Her teammate, Andrew Fitch, was equal sixth best speaker.. After sending the largest contingent in the world, MAD had two teams break - Monash A (Andrew Fitch and Kylie Lane) and Monash C (Tom Chapman and Jacob Clifton). Both teams made it to the semi-finals. Furthermore, MAD had seven adjudicators break - Tim Sonnreich and Amanda Wolthuizen broke to the Grand final, Hayley Parkes adjudicated the ESL grand final, and Dev Kevat, Cassie McGannon, Michael Smith and Samantha Gash also broke as adjudicators. Congratulations to all those who broke, and to all the other debaters and adjudicators that represented MAD at this tournament.

30/12/04: MAD sent a small contingent to compete in the UKM preworlds tournament in Malaysia over the 23-24 of December. Roland Dillon was a member of the team that won the Championship. Monash A (Kylie Lane and Andrew Fitch) also competed in the Grand Final whilst Monash C (Jacob Clifton and Tom Chapman) made it through to the Quarter Finals. Kylie Lane, Andrew Fitch and Roland Dillon were named 2nd, 3rd and 4th best speakers of the tournament respectively!

24/10/04: MUDS are having a final training night and drinks session this Tuesday. The drinks will be at The Clyde, which is located at the corner of Elgin St and Cardigan St in Carlton (Melways 43 H3), and it'll probably start around 7:30-8:00ish. Given the level of support that MUDS has provided to the various MAD social events this year, it would be nice if as many MADdies as possible went along.

19/10/04: Congratulations to Kylie Lane and Jake Clifton, for winning the 2004 Freehills British Parliamentary Competition. The pair won from Closing Government on the motion "That negative political advertising campaigns are unethical". Well done to the other teams in the grand final for providing what was an excellent debate. Congratulations also to Tim Sonnreich, who was named Best Speaker for the competition. Also, the History section has been updated, with information about past winners of Internal Competitions now available. If you can fill in any gaps, email me

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