Issue 10 Monday 29 November 2004

One Millionth Customer through the doors at Caulfield Library 

The Caulfield and Sir Louis Matheson branches of the Monash University Library have just recorded more than a million users this year.
It is the first time the Caulfield Library has reached the milestone and the first time since 1996 that the Matheson Library has recorded similar numbers, when 1,070,048 visits were registered.

The millionth user of the Caulfield Library was Master of Information Technology student Mr Allan Alexandersen Johansen who visited the library on 29 October. The millionth user of the Matheson Library was second year Bachelor of Commerce student Mr Jovy Ismail who came through the doors on 3 November. To mark the occasion Mr Johansen was presented with a $100 gift voucher for the bookshop. Mr Johansen, who often visits the branch, said he felt very lucky as it was the first time he had won anything and appreciated the voucher which he has now spent at the bookshop.

Caulfield Library manager Mr Robet Hornett said the increase at Caulfield could be attributed to growing numbers attending the Caulfield campus, longer and more flexible hours of library operation, a marked increase in the number of international and part-time students enrolled at the campus, as well as improved facilities such as the number of computer workstations available for use and the development of electronic resources available to students.

"The 2004 count indicates a 100 per cent growth in users since 2001. In that year we had a total of 501,100 customers through the door. This year we anticipate a door count in excess of 1.1 million," he said.

(l-r Mr Robet Hornett, Manager Caulfield Library & 1,000,000th customer Allan Alexandersen Johansen)

Update on 10,000 Steps Coast to Coast Challenge

Coming up to the half-way mark of the 10,000 Steps Coast to Coast Challenge, sees two teams from the Faculty of Business & Economics (the Marketing Marauders and the Random Walkers) neck and neck.  The 50 day virtual walk commenced on Sunday 31 October and teams have now travelled through Broken Hill, Coober Pedy, Uluru and the Gibson Desert.  The way these two teams are moving, they may be back in Byron Bay by the time the virtual walk is complete on 19 December.

(Happy walkers just outside Walgett)

Vice-Chancellor's Christmas Message

Professor Rob Willis, extends an invitation to all members of the Caulfield campus community to a Christmas function on Tuesday 7 December in the Clayfield Room between 12.00 noon and 1.30 p.m.  Professor Richard Larkins will be in attendance to deliver his Christmas message to the Caulfield campus.  Light refreshments and beverages will be served.  Please RSVP via  email to Christel Kent:l christel.kent@adm.monash.edu.au by Friday 3 December.

Take a Step in the Right Direction

Approximately 45 people participated in the third annual Occupational Health Safety & Environment (OHSE) and Monash Sport walk  on Friday 26 November.  The annual walk is part of the OHSE's recently expanded health promotion program, which encourages staff to lead a healthy life style.

Due to the warm weather, the walk was held at the East Caulfield Reserve rather than the Racecourse.  Delicious in-season fruits, bottled water and Spring Valley fruit juices were provided to all participants to keep up their hydration and energy.

Caulfield Campus Meditation Sessions  

The 8 week meditation program organised for Caulfield campus by Community Services has been spectacularly successful and well attended by staff and students.  The final session on Thursday 2 December on Buddhist meditation is to be conducted by Dr. Ross Moore.  Ross is a lecturer in the Department of Theory of Art and Design on this campus and a practising artist in his own right.  He has been studying Tibetan Buddhism since 1983.  As a regular teacher at Tara Institute for Buddhist Studies ( Brighton) he has had extensive experience introducing Buddhist meditation to Western students.  He is particularly fascinated by the links and differences between mystical and scientific traditions.  "To begin meditation is to embark on a process of self discovery and transformation so precious that one will wonder why one didn't start before" he says.  In this session Ross will introduce some basic meditation techniques as well as conduct guided meditations.  These will be suitable for everyone irrespective of whether or not one has an interest in Buddhism. 

The last session of the meditation program will be held in T3.01 on Thursday 2 December from 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.  You are very welcome to attend even if you have not attended previous sessions.

Massage Summer Special!  

Monash staff are invited to enjoy a massage at discounted student prices at Monash Caulfield Health Service.

Pay $30.00 for 1 hour (normal staff price - $40.00) or $20.00 for 1/2 hour (normal staff price - $25.00). 

Appointments are available Tuesday and Thursday 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Discount available during December, January and February.

Call the Health Service on ext 3 1177 to make an appointment.

Campus Nurse Report  

Judy Evans, the Campus Nurse is on long service leave until the end of January, trekking through India.  So, the following health tips are provided by Dr. Jill Grogan of the Caulfield Health Service:

Tip No. 1: Exercise (especially walking) has great benefits for the
control of diabetes. Everyone over 40 should have their blood sugar
level checked regularly - please ask your GP.

Tip No. 2: Do you know that exercise, in particular walking, is one of the best ways to prevent osteoporosis!

Tip No. 3:  Walking is an excellent way to reduce high blood pressure (or prevent it becoming elevated). It is important to check your blood pressure regularly, the frequency depends on your age - please ask your doctor.

Caulfield Plaza  

Have you been to Caulfield Plaza lately???
The Plaza is your convenience centre over the Christmas period with
Coles, Liquorland, the Commonwealth Bank, a Chemist, and a hairdresser as well as a wide selection of food outlets.

There is also a brand new FLORIST & GIFT SHOP - WHITE LILY FLOWERS & GIFTS recently opened. The perfect place to find a unique gift
for Christmas.

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 an 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

Michael Di Mattia, Counsellor with Community Services, Caulfield is profiled in this month's edition of Offcourse.

What is your position and how long have you been with the University?
I work as a psychologist in the Counselling service, providing individual counselling to students and staff. I also present in a number of group programs. I have been with Monash since April this year.

Where did you work before you came here to Monash Caulfield?
Prior to commencing at Monash, I worked in Community Health for several years as a counsellor/educator with adolescents and young adults.

What is your favourite/ most inspiring quote?
My favourite quote is one by Samuel Beckett:

"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better".

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy movies, catching up with friends, going to the footy and running.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?
This is a tough one. Either Scotland or Ireland.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?
This is the most difficult question of all. All I can say is that I hope to still enjoy whatever I am doing.

If you would like to be "profiled" or would like to nominate someone 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