Issue 6, Monday 12 March 2001

Vale Brian O'Mara

Brian started at Monash in April 1986 as Deputy Comptroller working closely with then general manager Mr Peter Wade. 

Brian had a broad brief as deputy comptroller at the Clayton campus including management oversight to heads of branch as well as the control of accounting, payroll and staff information procedures.

Following the mergers between Monash and the Chisholm and Gippsland Institutes, Brian’s role changed to Director - Campus Based Services at Caulfield and Peninsula campuses with a management liaison role at Gippsland in 1993.

In his short time as Director - Campus Based Services, Brian had a substantial impact at both Caulfield and Peninsula campuses. He was instrumental in negotiating the closure of Queens and Princes Avenues to through traffic, exploring opportunities for parking on VATC property and providing areas for child care and a religious centre at Caulfield campus.

Many people who had the pleasure of knowing and working with Brian describe the avid golfer as cheeky and affectionate by nature.

He dearly loved his campuses and his pride and passion for the grounds saw him sparing no effort to make sure that every blade of grass was perfectly manicured. Even during his illness, he requested regular updates on the campus’s progress as was particularly interested in Caulfield developments.

Brian retired from Monash in August 1995.

Brian is survived by his wife Julie and daughters Kylie, Tracey and Jennifer.

Women's Day lunch

About 110 people enjoyed each other's company over lunch at the Caulfield Race Course to celebrate International Women's Day last Thursday.

The luncheon gave staff and students from the campus a chance to get together in an informal, social environment.

Radio personality, publisher and editor Ms Louise Adler provided an insightful presentation about some areas where women still face inequalities today, particularly when trying to secure a chair in the boardroom.

"There is a small number of women around boardroom tables in corporate Australia. Women aiming for success in this area can expect to meet opposition," she said.

She highlighted many unfair perceptions of women when doing the same
jobs as men such as being 'aggressive' rather than assertive or 'fussy'
rather than attentive to detail.

She said women needed to develop well-structured career plans in order
to succeed in climbing the corporate ladder.

The lunch was supported by Campus Director John White who provided drinks, Art & Design who donated the thank you gift for Ms Adler, IT & Business & Economics who provided funding that enabled students to attend, and the Student and Staff Services Division who provided financial assistance to all campus's Women's Day activities. 

Watch this space for a photograph in next week's Offcourse.

Goings on around campus 

East Caulfield Reserve

Work has finally been scheduled to commence on the much awaited development of the East Caulfield Reserve. 

This development is an initiative between Monash University, MONSU and the City of Glen Eira, which involves the refurbishment of the existing pavilion at East Caulfield Reserve, the construction of four tennis courts adjacent Building T, improvements to the walking track, landscaping and a refurbishment of the playground equipment.

The tennis courts will be constructed next to Building T, which will take up half of the ticket machine car park and long term will reduce the capacity of this car park. Parking in this car park during construction will also be limited. The bookings for the tennis courts will be managed through MONSU.

The date scheduled for commencement on site is Monday 19 March 2001. Any queries with respect to the development may be directed to Bradley Williamson, Facilities and Services on extension 32124.

Library

The refurbishment of the Library facilities within Building A is
scheduled to commence on Monday 19 March 2001. 

The majority of the work will be undertaken on level 2 where the main lending services counter and 'front door' to the Library will be relocated from level 3.

Other work involves the removal of the internal stair between levels 2 and 3 and miscellaneous works on levels 3 and 4. Library services during this time will not be disrupted 

Working with substances

An informal session is being held to update staff and students in Zone 28 (Buildings B, C, G & T) on their responsibilities under Occupational Health and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1999.

Where: Faculty of Information Technology Conference Room, Caulfield campus Building C Level 3 Room 3.22

When: 1 pm to 2 pm on Thursday, 5 April 2001

Conducted by: OHSE staff

Who Should attend:

• Safety Officers
• Health and Safety representatives
• Zone OHS committee members
• Supervisors of laboratories
• Supervisors of those who use chemicals in their work or study
• Anyone who uses chemicals in their work or study

The information session will enable you to:

• Become acquainted with the requirements of the legislation:
• Understand your responsibilities under the legislation: and
• Determine the process required in your work or study to comply with the legislation

Registrations for this should be addressed to Dave Baker on extn 51021 or your Safety Officer.

Staff induction

With a number of new staff joining the campus this year, the Campus Director's Office is running a staff induction session on Monday 23 April in the Clayfield Room at 3 pm. 

The program, which will be relatively informal and different to the university program that is held at the Clayton campus, is planned to help familiarise new comers with the campus. The aim is to give new Caulfield staff an overview of the campus including the structure and opportunities available. 

Afternoon tea will be provided and there will be drinks at the conclusion
of the session. A campus tour will also take place, which all staff are welcome to attend.

All staff are welcome. If you are interested in attending, please register with Helen Dunne on extn 31594.

Diary dates

Offcourse

For the next two weeks, articles for inclusion in Offcourse should be sent to Christel Kent. For information, contact Christel on extn 31000.