Issue 9 Friday 29 October 2004

Campus Community Fundraising Lunch 

Over $1,460 was raised for the Cancer Council, Victoria at the Relay for Life Campus Community Fundraising Lunch on Thursday 28 October.  Members of the Caulfield campus community were entertained and enlightened by Doreen Akkerman, Director of the Cancer Information and Support Service (CISS) at the Cancer Council of Victoria.  Doreen certainly left many people thinking about how they would deal with everyday situations whilst also dealing with cancer treatment.

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Doreen Akkerman at the Relay for Life Fundraising Lunch

The organisers of the event would like to acknowledge and thank the following businesses for their generous support by way of donating prizes for the raffles:

Planet Cyber

Liana James Hair Salons

Caulfield Plaza Pharamcy

Zagames Corporation

Raceourse Hotel

Coles Liquorland

Restore Cafe

Gloria Jeans

Caulfield Newsagency

Monyx Retail Bookshop

Gryph Inn Bar & Bistro

Monash Sport

Staff enjoying good food, wine and company at the Relay for Life lunch

The funds raised at the lunch will be divided equally between the Relay for Life Events held at Murrumbeena (23 & 24 October) and Frankston (12 & 13 November).

Launch of ACCTIVE & 10,000 Steps Coast to Coast Challenge

Wednesday 27 October marked the launch of ACCTIVE and the 10,000 Steps Coast to Coast Challenge.  ACCTIVE is a joint initiative of the offices of the Academic Director and Campus Manager, the Monash Caulfield Health Service and Monash Sport and reflects the belief held by health professionals around the country that there is no single  diet or physical activity program, but a general consensus that multi-disciplinary approaches have the best chance of "making a difference" when it comes to improved health and well-being. 

Under the ACCTIVE program the first activity is the 10,000 Steps Coast to Coast Challenge.  Professor Richard Larkins, Vice-Chancellor congratulated the  200 plus participants for taking up the Challenge.  The participants in teams of ten have committed to walk, on average, 10,000 steps a day over 50 days.  The steps in the 50 day walk are equivalent to walking from Byron Bay in New South Wales to Carnarvon in Western Australia - the two widest points of the Australian continent.

Team Captains receive their showbags  in preparation for the 10,000 Steps Coast to Coast Challenge.

From l-r Professor Rob Willis, Ms. Alison Crook & Professor Richard Larkins displaying their support of the 10,000 Steps Coast to Coast Challenge

Read on to see how your team can increase its steps by participating in the following events!!

The Olympic Dream Fun Run - Sunday 21 November

During the 'Round the Bay in a Day' event on Sunday 17th October, Monash University and Monash Sport astonished event organisers by registering the second biggest team in its first outing! Those of you who participated in that now have the chance to make your presence felt at this landmark fixture on the running calendar. Even if you did not ride last month come and join in the fun and show your mettle on the running/walking track (could we rename it Round the Tan in an Hour?). Victoria's largest fun run/walk, the 15th Annual Olympic Dream Run is sponsored by the Herald Sun and is a great chance for you to show your Monash colours.

The Olympic Dream Run - always held on the third Sunday in November - will start at 9am on Sunday 21st November close to the revered 'Tan' running track. Have fun either running or walking around our course which showcases the City of Melbourne and our parks and gardens. Now is definitely the time to be training to achieve your personal best on one of the fastest 10km road racing courses.

Interested in the run? Interested in the walk?

Monash Sport definitely is and is willing to support Monash runners (staff, students, graduates and Monash Sport members) by equipping them with a FREE specically designed Monash Sport tee shirt. There will also be free sports drinks available after the run. We are even offering training sessions for only $5 per 90min session, to help make the journey easier. These training sessions, conducted by experienced running coach Mark Robinson, are scheduled to commence on Thursday 28 October at 5 pm and to continue every Thursday (dependent upon demand) for the next four weeks. Meet at the Seminar room in the Sports Centre at the Clayton campus. Other sessions may be conducted from other locations if the need arises. These sessions are not compulsory but may be beneficial for you to attend if you
are wondering where to start your training.

If you are interested in registering your interest in this fun event and would also like to enrol in the training sessions (please note there is a $5 fee per 90 minute coaching session), please contact zoe.davis@monyx.com or
david.collopy@monyx.com. Registration for the Olympic Dream is via the website indicated below. Note that Monash Sport will not receive entry registrations but once you have entered make sure you contact us for additional support.

Friends and family of Monash runners are welcome to run with us and can purchase a tee shirt to display your allegiance!

For more information and to officially enter, log on to:
http://www.kinscrest.com.au/olympic_dream/
and then let either David Collopy or Zoe Davis know you have entered.  

Take a Step in the Right Direction

Monash staff are encouraged to take a step in the right direction and join Occupational Health Safety & Environment (OHSE) and Monash Sport in the annual campus walk (walks to be held at each campus).  The annual walk is part of the OHSE recently expanded health promotion program, which encourages staff to lead a healthy life style.

This year all participants have the chance to win a pair of Adidas training shoes, donated by Adidas and personally fitted by an Adidas fitting specialist.  In addition an electronic pedometer can also be won. Do join us. You should end up feeling fitter and you may be fortunate enough to win a prize.  Details are as follows:

Caulfield Campus Walk

Friday 26 November, 1.05 pm, outside the main entrance of S Block. Sir John Monash Drive

The walk will be approximately 2.5 kms, and take about 30 minutes. It will be followed by a free fruit snack and drink for all participants (you can also bring your own lunch and we will keep it for you while you walk). 

Each participant will also have the chance to enter the draw for the sports shoes and pedometer. This draw will take place after the Clayton walk on the 30^th November 2004, so participants from all campuses will have the opportunity to win the major prizes. There will also be spot prizes at each walk.

Everyone will also receive some valuable health information on forming your own walking groups, safe walking etc.

If you are have not exercised recently or have a serious medical condition you should first check with your doctor before joining us for the walk.  

What do I bring?          Hat, drink, and comfortable shoes. Wear sunscreen

What if it rains?           We will still walk so wear a raincoat!

Further information?   Contact Angela Wall or Ann Tapley, Occupational Health Advisors at the  Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Department on 9905 1014 or email                                                               Angela.Wall@adm.monash.edu.au or Ann.Tapley@adm.monash.edu.au

 To register, simply email Sophie.Tseung@adm.monash.edu.au with your name and which campus walk you would like to attend by no later than the close of business the day before each walk. 

Relay for Life Movie Night

'Bridget Jones - The Edge of Reason' premiere screening

Monash Peninsula Relay for Life Team is delighted to announce that they
have secured a premiere screening of 'Bridget Jones - The Edge of
Reason' on opening night, as a fundraising event.

When: Thursday, 11 November , 7 pm
Where: Frankston Cinemas
Cost: $9, $8 for students

For further details contact Tanya O'Brien on extn 44317 or email
mailto:tanya.obrien@adm.monash.edu.au.

Relay for Life Shopping Tour

As part of its fundraising activities for the Relay for Life Event, Frankston the School of Network Computing is holding its annual shopping tour on Saturday 20 November.  Price is dependent on the number of people attending, and includes luxury coach transport, delicious two course lunch (main meal and dessert) and all the shopping you can get!!

25-29 Shoppers - $43.00

30-34 Shoppers - $40.00

35-39 Shoppers - $35.00

40+ Shoppers - $31.00

So, as you can see, the more people who attend, the cheaper the day will be, leaving more money to shop with.  Also, males are most welcome!! 

Australian University Games

See the results and story from the Australian University Games held in Perth this year at:

http://www.sport.monash.edu.au/sports/aug.html

Department of Fine Arts Graduate Exhibition Fundraiser Raffle

Tickets are now available from any Third Year Honours student in the Ceramic or Glass Department for their annual Graduate Exhibition Fundraiser Raffle. Tickets are only 50c each or five for $2.00.  The nine winning artworks can be viewed at the cabinet located in Merlins Cafe. 

Please contact Bec Ryan on : becca_blue@hotmail.com

to purchase your tickets.  Prize winners will be notified by mail if not present at the Department of Fine Art Graduate Exhibition opening night of Tuesday 23 November, 2004.

Futureground 2004

International design research conference on Caulfield Campus Hosted by Faculty of Art & Design,  17 – 21 November 2004

Monash Art & Design is proud to be hosting the Design Research Society’s (UK) International Conference ‘FUTUREGROUND’ on Caulfield Campus from November 17 - 21, the first time the conference has been held outside Europe.

The conference will debate directions emerging from leading-edge design research around the world and will cover an extensive range of topics including human-centred design, sustainability, architecture, industrial design, engineering, philosophy, visual communication, design practice and education amongst many others.  It will also feature a forum, 'The Third Degree', in which the 'comfort zones' of current research will be vigorously challenged.  

 Keynotes will be presented by:

• Professor Mark Burry, Director Spatial Information Architecture Laboratory,
  Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology;
• Dr John Armstrong, Department of Philosophy, Melbourne University and author of three books:  The Secret Power of Beauty (2004), Conditions of Love (2002) and The Intimate Philosophy of Art (2000),
• Clive Dilnot, design historian and theorist,  Parsons School of Design, New York

Supporting the central theme – ‘Futureground’ - will be discourse around design as both cultural activity and production; mapping the discipline's development; and research in an industrial context. Particular emphasis will be on the opportunities this presents for reconsidering the nature of design and an exploration of the scope for future research.  

With 200 papers, 8 daily parallel sessions, and representatives from 100 universities in 32 countries, FUTUREGROUND will be an exceptional opportunity for delegates to discuss, exchange and reflect on the latest developments in leading-edge international design research.  

The conference will be head-quartered in the Art & Design Building and will also use Building K and Building B level 2 lecture theatres.   Should you see anyone wandering around looking lost, please direct them to the Art & Design Building or to one of the Conference Campus Guides posted around the campus, who will be wearing red conference t-shirts..  Ample conference signage will also be in place. 

We know that the Caulfield Campus community will warmly welcome our international guests and make them feel ‘at home’ with typical Australian hospitality, friendliness and helpfulness.   

For the duration of the conference, Denis Masseni, Conference Manager, is the contact in the event of any queries.  Contact the Faculty of Art & Design Office on Ext 32707. 

Further information about FUTUREGROUND is available at www.futureground.monash.edu.au  j

P.A.C.E. Launch

(Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education)

On Friday 5 November, the Faculty of Art & Design and the Faculty of Engineering will host a function to formally announce Monash University’s partnership with PACE - Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education.   

Monash becomes the first Australian university to join the elite group of PACE institutions for the advancement and promotion of computer-aided design/engineering applications in a collaborative virtual environment.  The group includes universities from the USA, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Mexico and China.  

PACE is a corporate alliance established in 1999 which links General Motors Global and its Australian subsidiary Holden, EDS, Sun Microsystems and UGS to support strategically-selected key academic institutions worldwide with computer-based engineering tools to prepare mechanical designers, engineers, and analysts with the skills to compete in the future. 

Through in-kind educational contributions by PACE Partners of computer hardware, software, training and technical support, the PACE program facilitates the training of undergraduates, postgraduates and academic staff in industry-specific applications which contribute to the long-term promotion of innovation and excellence in the development of industrial systems and products.   

The program will allow integration across disciplines through the Faculty of Art and Design and the Faculty of Engineering, and provide Monash with access to potential research collaboration with other PACE institutions globally, and offer potential for research collaborations between Monash University and PACE partners such as Holden. 

The Art & Design PACE facilities will be housed in the award-winning Art & Design Building at Caulfield Campus. The PACE Engineering Centre will be housed in a new architect-designed facility in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Clayton.   

The introduction of PACE in Australia is a milestone event, and Monash’s involvement is the result of a number of factors, including its long-term relationship with GM as both a primary educational partner and as a result of a strong recruitment relationship which has seen the employment of a number of Monash graduates; strength in design, engineering and manufacturing; and Monash’s interest in enhancing the design and engineering curricula by incorporating PACE products and processes. 

At the launch, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Larkins, will provide the Welcome Address, and the Hon Tim Holding, Minister for Manufacturing & Export will be the guest speaker.  Senior executives will represent each of the PACE corporate partners.  

The event will include software demonstrations which will illustrate the scope of activities that the PACE program will facilitate within the Faculty of Art & Design and the Faculty of Engineering.  The Faculty of Engineering will also be hosting a Digital Design conference at the Clayton campus.

Campus Nurse Report  

Judy Evans, the Campus Nurse this month writes the following: 

My report this month starts with asking the question...Have you taken time out to focus on your health?

We all have busy work and home lives, and if you listen to yourself and your work colleagues it always seems that we are claiming to be ‘time poor’ in all areas of our life.  We demand our bodies to give us 100% when what we give in return is usually inadequate sleep/rest, inadequate food/water intake, inadequate exercise and add to that a fair degree of stress.  Our bodies work hard compensating for our regular mistreatment but eventually we will feel our bodies saying ‘enough is enough’.

So, we get the house clean, we get the car serviced, the kids get the sport and school work schedules met, and we give over and over to our workplace.  But.....when do we take the time to nurture and care for the ‘factory’ that carries us through our lifespan? 

When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked?

Have you had a recent papsmear or prostate check?

Do you know if your blood cholesterol and sugar levels are within normal range?

Why do we always put our bodies and health at the end of the list? 

Health authorities have shown through research that the old adage of Prevention is better than Cure was in fact very true.  This is now proven through evidence-based medicine and research.  

Lifestyle risk factors include smoking, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol, low levels of physical activity, and excessive stress.  When these factors are not in balance our health is at risk.   Through early detection, correct assessment and management we can positively impact on our future health outcomes.  So why is it so hard to get people to have a regular (twice a year) appointment with their General Practitioner? 

A visit with your GP is not only when you have a viral illness or an injury.  Take the time to discuss your health, your health history and to identify potential risk factors.  Don’t add this on to the end of your consultation with the doctor.  Make an appointment to specifically check your health status and risk factors.  

Not wanting to sound sexist, but females would never consider going to the hairdresser for a hair cut, and asking for a ‘fit-in’ perm!  The males, well I will let you guys tell me your story. 

So the message for this month is:  take the time to invest in your health.  I am sure that your family and friends think you are worth it.

 Judy Evans, Campus Nurse 

Cycle into Caulfield

Everything you need to know to get to Monash by bike, including connecting to the train system.

The key presenter of the course, Associate Professor Frank Fisher, will pass on hints based on more than 35 years of daily road cycling. He provides advice to make your ride safer and more enjoyable, tips on riding in traffic, parking, security, linking bike and train travel and emergency repairs. The course also includes optional group ride at a time to be arranged with participants.

Suitable for absolute beginners or sometime riders alike! Free of charge to Monash students & staff, so come along and be motivated!

Two sessions: Tues 30 Nov & Tues 7 Dec, 4-6pm
Venue: Clayfield Room, A1.38, Caulfield campus
RSVP and further info: carol.jackway@sims.monash.edu.au or phone 990 31398

Caulfield Profiles

If you would like to be "profiled" in the next edition of Offcourse, please contact Christel Kent via email: christel.kent@adm.monash.edu.au  

Monyx Messenger

Take a look at Monyx Food & Beverage's monthly newsletter.  Please click on the following link to view the current edition of Monyx Messenger:

http://www.monyx.com/food/messenger.html

The monthly newsletter will keep you up-to-date with specials, features and upcoming events.

Caulfield Moves

Are you or someone you know making a move this year either to a new job, a conference or through a collaborative venture? Please let  Offcourse  know. 

Authorised by the Office of the Campus Manager 

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