Issue 9, Friday 6 August 2004

Record attendance at Peninsula campus Open Day

Nearly 2500 prospective students and their parents attended Open Day at Monash Peninsula Campus, the largest numbers in three years.

Many people took this opportunity to meet and speak to staff and students in various faculties while also exploring the facilities and services on offer at the campus.

While the great weather may have played a part, the great turn-out could be attributed to increased interest in various new courses being offered in 2005. Donna Cohen from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences was inundated with questions about the Diploma of Health Sciences, while brochures on the Bachelor of Internet Systems and Commerce disappeared like hotcakes.

From top left: A nursing student takes the blood pressure of a prospective student, the Faculty of Education information area, young prospective students enjoying the woodwork, and Donna Cohen speaks with a parent and student about the Diploma in Health Sciences.

As the sun shined on, people took to enjoying a cappuccino and a free sausage catered for by the Student Union, who also provided some uplifting music. Meanwhile the presence of a helicopter on campus certainly excited some people. At lunchtime, there was short appearance by 101.9 Fox FM, followed by a thirty minute Lion Dance performance.

From top left: The Lion Dance, Jugularity, visitors taking a look at the helicopter, and a demonstration by the Paramedic students.

By all accounts the day was a huge success – from giving prospective students and their parents a taste of the academic and social aspects of university life, to the staff and students being able to showcase their course and work at Monash University.

Australian Studies subjects offered from 2005

The National Centre for Australian Studies, based at Clayton, has seven new offices at the Peninsula Campus and is looking forward to offering two new Australian studies units in 2005.

In April this year, the National Centre for Australian Studies (NCAS) moved into new offices on Level 4, Building A at Peninsula Campus. NCAS, based at Clayton since 1988, was initially established as an Australian Research Council Key Research Centre. With its international reputation in Australian Studies, the Centre now attracts students from around the world including Asia, North America, and Europe.

NCAS has developed an innovative undergraduate and postgraduate teaching program. Research supervision as well as postgraduate programs in Australian Studies, Communications, Tourism, Publishing, and Editing are offered. The Centre is also a leader in the field of flexible online teaching, regularly collaborating with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to produce high quality multimedia educational resources to complement teaching programs.

From left: David Dunstan, Jenny Hocking, and Sally Batten on Open Day.

The Centre is delighted to have the opportunity to base its extensive research program and future teaching initiatives at Peninsula Campus. In 2005, for the first time, students will be able to choose two first year Australian Studies subjects at Peninsula Campus - AUS1060 Contemporary Australia and AUS1070 Sport in Australian Society, which can be taken as part of the new major in sport management recently approved for 2005 and conducted by the Faculty of Business and Economics.

Contact: Dr David Dunstan, Director of National Centre for Australian Studies.

Relay For Life launch

Relay For Life is a 24-hour event that raises funds for the Cancer Council of Victoria. So far the organising committee, which consists of Monash and Monyx staff, and members of the general public have managed to raise $300,000. Supporters of Relay For Life include MONSU, Monash, Monyx, the Frankston City Council, Nova 100 FM, the Frankston Police and the Navy to name a few.  

On Wednesday 11 August, the Relay For Life committee will again launch the official fundraising and promotional drive for the event. The launch is free and open to anyone who is interested in supporting the event, whether it be as a volunteer, team captain, or sponsor.

In 2003, the launch featured comedians Dave Grant, Christine Basil, Peter Rowsthorn and other entertainment. This year comedian Dave Grant, who recently performed on Rove Live, will be making another appearance for the cause.

From left to right: Comedians Peter Grace, Christine Basil and David Grant, and committee member, Ravi Chand.

Peninsula notes

Business Associates breakfast

Vice-Chancellor of Monash University, Professor Richard Larkins will be the guest speaker at the next Business Associates' breakfast on Tuesday 17 August 2004. Professor Larkins will be presenting strategies on ‘Linking the university with the Business and Education communities'.

Relay For Life sausage sizzle

The Peninsula Relay For Life team – “Footprints on your Heart”, held a sausage sizzle at the Mitre-10 store in Karingal. Taking the opportunity to maximise the fundraising dollar, they also sold their tried and true chocolate frogs and soft drinks as part of the "Super Meal Deal” for $3. This included a sausage, frog and drink….what a bargain!

Business could have been brisker, but overall approximately $250 was raised. Thank you to all the helpers who kindly donated their time.

The “Super Meal Deal” will be coming soon to the campus – keep an eye out at the next sausage sizzle.

Photo: helpers at the Relay For Life sausage sizzle.

Farewell for Winnie Stewart

Director of Monash Children's Centre, Winnie Stewart is due to retire on August 14. The Committee of Management warmly invites all present and past friends and colleagues of Winnie to celebrate the fond farewell of our friend and director.

This special evening is to be held at the centre on Thursday 12 August, 2004 at 7.00pm. To assist with catering, please RSVP by Monday, 9 August to Tanya O'Brien.

And the winner is…  

Congratulations to Jill Robbins from the Faculty of Education on winning the dozen bottles of wine for submitting her text-book list on time. Staff at the bookshop are appreciative of the support from the lecturers for their timely submission of text information. By receiving this information early they are able to provide a prompt service to students and avoid additional costs.  

Congratulations Jill. Do you need a corkscrew?  

The bookshop staff

Authorised by the Office of the Academic Director - Peninsula