Issue 1, Monday 20 January 2003

Farewell to two good friends

The Peninsula campus said farewell to two long serving and valued staff members and friends at the end of 2002.

Campus director John White and property supervisor Fred Luca retired at the end of last year after 63 years of combined service.

Fred began as a cleaner during the campus's State Teachers' College days and became watchman when the teachers' college merged with Chisholm Institute of Technology. He was later appointed property supervisor, a position he held until his retirement.

John commenced as a lecturer in computing at the Caulfield Institute of Technology, progressing to hold many other academic positions when Caulfield institute became Chisholm. When Chisholm merged with Monash in 1990 he took on administration positions including deputy general manager.

	Both John and Fred were given moving farewells attended by many friends, colleagues and family. Pictured, John received a bust made by Bob Greaves from Education, and Fred will hopefully be able to catch a few with his retirement gift of a fishing rod and gear.

The Peninsula campus also said farewell to the Faculty of Arts last year. Arts staff were joined by other campus staff for a farewell get together and as a thank you for their contribution over many years to the campus. Arts coordinator at Peninsula Seamus O'Hanlon thanked the campus community for their support.

Monash and the Biosphere

The Peninsula campus is officially part of a world first UNESCO project as it falls within the boundaries of the Mornington Peninsula and Westernport Biosphere Reserve.

Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems that are internationally recognised for promoting conservation solutions for the sustainable use of a significant biodiversity.

While there are already  425 reserves in 95 countries including Australia, the Mornington Peninsula and Westernport Biosphere is unique in that it is the only one with an urban population located within its boundaries.

Wine Technology and Marketing director and Biosphere planning committee member Dr Mary Cole, recently attended the official launch of world's newest biosphere, which was officiated by Dr Peter Bridgewater, UNESCO's Secretary of the Man and Biosphere Programme.

Biosphere reserves serve in some ways as 'living laboratories' for testing and demonstrating integrated management of land, water and biodiversity. The research potential within the Mornington Peninsula and Westernport biosphere is immense considering its unique urban nature combined with its flora, fauna, farming and tourism diversity. 

Dr Mary Cole, the Hon Dr David Kemp, Federal Minister for Environment & Conservation, and Dr Peter Bridgewater of UNESCO at the official launch of one of the world's newest biosphere.

Award winning set 

Pat Morton from the George Jenkins Theatre was recognised for her artistic and creative talents by the Music theatre Guild of Victoria last year.

Pat received the Design Award for her set design of the Last Supper from the production of Jesus Christ Superstar held at the Frankston Cultural Centre in May last year.

The annual awards ceremony were held at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre and 59 productions statewide were considered for the awards.

Orientation for 2003

All staff are invited to participate in this year's Orientation morning tea and welcome ceremony for new students on Wednesday 26 February from 10.15 am in the George Jenkins Theatre. 

Anyone interested in taking part in the academic procession at the Orientation Opening Ceremony should advise Julie Ryan on extn 44015. Staff who require academic dress should also let Julie know of their highest qualification, where they received that qualification, their height and their head size for caps. 

Unfortunately, we are not always able to source the correct academic attire, especially for interstate and overseas universities in which case a Council gown will be provided.

Staff who wish to participate but who have their own academic dress, should still advise Julie as seats are set up on stage to accommodated those in the procession.

All campus staff are welcome to take part in the academic procession and join the morning tea held prior to the ceremony.

Authorised by the Office of the Campus Director - Peninsula 

Contributions can be emailed to julie.ryan@adm.monash.edu.au by 5 PM Thursdays.