Issue 8 September/October 2005

 Relay for Life 

Twenty-six members of the Caulfield campus community will participate in the Relay for Life event at Murrumbeena this weekend.  Relay for Life is a fundraising event to support the Cancer Council of Victoria and involved teams of 10 or more people walking and/or running in a relay over 24 hours.

A fundraising lunch is being held on Wednesday 26 October at 12.30 p.m. in the K3 Foyer.  The cost of $20.00 per head includes a delicious buffet lunch with a selection of cold meats, antipasto and salads, Australian cheeses, dried fruit and nuts with crackers, fresh seasonal sliced fruit and an array of cakes for dessert.  Beer, wine and soft drink also included.  And remember that $10.00 from every ticket sold is donated to the Cancer Council (you will receive a receipt for taxation purposes).  Bookings and payment at the MONSU Service Desk - Level 2 of Building S.  Places are limited so book now!! 

Also available from the MONSU Service Desk are Relay for Life, environmentally friendly shopping bags.  The bags sell for $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00 - all funds raised going to the Relay for Life Murrumbeena event. 

Academic Director's Campus Event 

Approximately 100 staff attend the Academic Director's Campus event in the Clayfield Room on Thursday 1 September.  Some points of interest Rob mentioned were:

- improved signage of the multi-level car park has lead to increased usage

- another very successful Research morning held on 12 July - approximately 70 attended.  The focus of the morning was to share research ideas about linkage grants.  Academic staff and industry/business collaborators presented.

- Open Day - thanks to all staff who were involved.  Another successful day.

- Caulfield Campus Student Gallery - The space in D1.21 was officially opened on 18 August and will display student works.

(l-r Professor Amrik Sohal -Associate Dean Research - and Professor Rob Willis - Academic Director)

(l-r Mr. David Pitt, Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer and Professor Ron Weber, Dean Information Technology)

Wellbeing Happens @ Monash

Wellbeing Happens @ Monash - a program to promote physical and mental wellbeing for staff and students through simple exercise was launched by Professor Richard Larkins at a breakfast on Thursday 22 September.  About 45 staff attended the breakfast at the Caulfield campus and enjoyed fresh juice, seasonal fruits and healthy cereals.  The first event of the WHAM program is the 10,000 steps event - The Monash Challenge.

Staff enjoy breakfast at the launch of WHAM

Tucking into a healthy breakfast

The Vice-Chancellor via video-link to launch WHAM

Photos courtesy of Melissa Latu

get ACCTIVE - the Monash Challenge 

The current 10,000 Steps event - The Monash Challenge is well underway.  Over 80 teams across all Victorian based campuses and hospitals have taken up the challenge to virtually walk from sunny Port Douglas to Hobart.  The Fiery Footnotes, a Caulfield based team have already reached Hobart and are making their way back to sunny Port Douglas.  The Challenge finishes on Monday 1 November and all teams are encouraged to keep on walking - still some great prizes to be won. For updates on team progress

http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/ohse/wellbeing/wham-10000-steps.htm

 Ride to Work Day

Judy Evans, the Campus Nurse and Glen Cormick of Monash Sport coordinated staff and friends of staff for the annual Ride to Work Day on Wednesday 5 October.  Staff from many suburbs made the early morning start, cycling to the campus and enjoy breakfast compliments of Monash Sport. Look out for photos in the next edition of Offcourse.

 Equal Opportunity: What you need to know

The Equity & Diversity Centre's final workshop for 2005 will be "Equal Opportunity:  What you need to know" will be held on Monday 24 October in the Clayfield Room between 2.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m.  These workshops are designed to inform and empower staff to assert their rights and under their responsibilities under anti-discrimination legislation and University policies.

Participants will have an opportunity to revisit the basics and develop skills in responding to challenging scenarios that often present themselves in the workplace.  Workshops are interactive and explore the tension between the theory and practice of equal opportunity.

If you would like to enrol for this training please contact Leah Zaks via email:  leah.zaks@adm.monash.edu.au.

Touring Japanese Culture 2006  

8-26 January 2006 Cost $4900.00

This three-week tour of Japan covers a wide spectrum of cultural events
and experiences, from Buddhist sacred sites to the post-modern hybrid
that is Tokyo.

The itinerary emphasises the performing and visual arts, as well as
popular culture. Attend performances of traditional and contemporary
theatre and music, and visit temples, shrines and gardens. View
museums, art galleries and prominent examples of traditional and
contemporary architecture.

Conducted by Associate Professor Alison Tokita – an established
researcher and teacher in Japanese culture, particularly the performing
arts – this tour is for anyone with an interest in Japanese culture,
art and religion. A critical appraisal of cultural sites will be an
integral part of this program.

University accreditation: 6 credit points towards an arts degree.

Full details  www.arts.monash.edu.au/japanese/jpsculturetour.html

Bookings and enquiries: Tel (03) 9905 2275
japanese.studies.centre@arts.monash.edu.au

Monash Print Services - Christmas Cards 

Personalised Christmas cards may now be ordered through Monash Print Services.  The minimum quantity is 50.  Prices and styles can be viewed on the Monash Print Services website:

http://mpsdocushare.adm.monash.edu.au:8080/docushare/dsweb/view/Collection-245

Buddhist Meditation 

Formal meditation classes with Allys Andrews from the Tara Institute have ended for this year.  However, Jenny Koadlow from Community Services is coordinating a Meditation Interest Group.  If you would like to continue with meditation then feel free to join Jenny at T3.09 on Mondays between 12.00 and 12.45 p.m.  There is no charge for these classes.  Wear comfortable clothes and remember Community Services have purchased cushions for use during these sessions, so participants no longer need to supply their own. 

Upcoming Campus Events 

Back to Caulfield - Reunion Event - Tuesday 15 November 2005 - Register and find out further information at: 

http://www.monash.edu.au/alumni/reunion/

Music Recital - Duo Sol - Wednesday 16 November - Clayfield Room.

Academic Director's Campus Event - Tuesday 29 November - Clayfield Room

Further information will be provided closer to these events.

Campus Nurse Report   

Now is a good time to review your diet.  Ask yourself:

   *      Do you drink 6-8 glasses of water a day?
   *      Do you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables every day?

For information on a healthy diet, go to the 10000 Steps website A-Z of
Nutrition section at
http://www.10000steps.org.au/nutrition.htm

To squeeze more steps into your day remember to:

   * use the stairs rather than the lift;
   * walk to the shops or station rather than drive;
   * throw away the TV remote and get up to change the channel;
   * walk to see your colleagues at work rather than using the phone or
     sending an email

Fitness Tip

• Surround yourself with supportive people.
• Decide what kind of support you need: Do you want them to remind you to exercise? Ask about your progress? Participate with you regularly or occasionally? Allow you time to exercise by yourself? Go with you to a special event, such as a 10K walk/run? Be understanding when you get up early to exercise? Spend time with the children while you exercise? Try not to ask you to change your exercise routine?
• Share your activity time with others.
• Make a date with a family member, friend or co-worker.
• Be an active role model for your children.

And above all, have fun while keeping yourself as healthy as is possible.

Thanks from Judy Evans (Campus/Practice Nurse)

 The Global Corporate Challenge 

Very pleased to report that the Monash team is still leading in the Global Corporate Challenge.  The finishing date for this virtual walk is 8 November - an awesome effort by all participants who started this Challenge way back in May!!. If you see or know any of the members of the Global Corporate Challenge:  Jill Grogan (Health Service), Margaret Croxford (IT), Rosemary Demirtas (IT), Peter Lausch (Library), Louise Oliaro (Social Work), Martin Doulton (Monash Sport), Bala Balachandran (Business & Economics), pass on some words of encouragement as they head into the home straight.

Caulfield Profiles

This month Natalie Pestana of MONSU Student Assistance is profiled.  

What is your position here at the Caulfield campus?

I wear a few hats here at Caulfield. My main job has been working at MONSU Student Assistance Front Desk, however, recently I have been concentrating on publications.  I am currently editing next year's student diary and a Student Rights Handbook and content for the MONSU Caulfield website.   

I am also working one day a week based in the Academic Director's Office as an OHS Compliance Officer.  Part of this new role is to liaise with faculty and other Monash University departments to ensure they have staff to act as Safety Officers and Emergency Wardens and making sure these staff have had the appropriate training.  I'm also assisting Building Wardens with carrying out the required two test evacuations each year and acting as a liaison person between OHS&E Unit and the Academic Director's office.  

How long have you been at the Caulfield campus?  Where else have you worked at Monash?

I have been here for just over three years. I have worked briefly as a casual Front of House usher at the Performing Arts venues at Clayton.  

What do you like to do in your spare time?  

I love photography and have just started my own developing. As much as digital is a new era for photography, nothing beats the quality of film and the excitement I get when I can see my prints develop in the trays. I also like going to live music and theatre.  

Do you have a favourite quote you would like to share?  

'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars'. Oscar Wilde

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I'd like to see myself doing what makes me happy and that it will pay the rent and bills!

Have you done much travelling?  If so, where was your favourite destination? If not, do you have plans to travel soon?

Yes, I love to travel. I spent a year on university exchange in San Diego, after that I came, worked and saved and spent six moths travelling around the US, Europe, UK and Asia. My favourite places were Isle of Skye (Scotland), Prague and Paris. I am hoping I have a chance to visit a friend in Holland next year, or if not, Byron Bay is a place I've wanted to go for ages.

 If you would like to be "profiled" in an upcoming edition of Offcourse, please email me at christel.kent@adm.monash.edu.au
 

Monyx Messenger

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Caulfield Contributions can be emailed to Christel.Kent@adm.monash.edu.au