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. 

In this role, Brian had a broad brief 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.

At Peninsula, Brian was responsible for the design, construction and landscape of a new administration car park, developing a master plan for changes on the southern side of the campus and negotiating the lease and operating agreements with the Student Union Inc for occupation of the new building.

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.

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 60 people enjoyed each other's company over lunch to celebrate International Women's Day last Thursday.

The luncheon, organised by Jessamy Nicholas from the student union and Sue Newman from Community Services, gave staff and students from the campus a chance to get together in an informal, social environment.

The lunch was supported by a number of local sponsors including Red Hill Estate, Dromana Estate, Stonies Wines, Lintons Garden & Home, the Frankston Cheesecake shop and Bonza Balloons. 

MONSU Catering,  the Campus Director's Office and CITSU Bookshop also provided generous support as well as Student and Staff Services Division who provided financial assistance to all campus's Women's Day activities. 

Cathi Lewis and Sue Newman at the Women's Day lunch, which was held in the dining room of the Seahorse Tavern. 

Staff induction

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 Peninsula staff an overall 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 44338.

Faculty challenge

The third annual Challenge will be held tomorrow, Tuesday 13 March at lunch time on the oval. Teams must consist of at least three staff members and three students with a maximum of 10 in each team. Information kits have been distributed to all faculty and general areas.

If previous years are anything to go by, competition will be fierce especially in the egg and spoon race, limbo competition, tunnel balloon and the three-legged race. 

For further information, contact Tammy Byrne at the Student Union on extn 44217.

Notice board

The Monash Employment and Careers Services (MONSEACS) has relocated from the ground floor of building A to the ground floor of the Student Union building. 

Careers Counsellor Con Moraitis is available for consultation on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9.30 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 4 pm. To make an appointment to see Con, students should contact the Student Union Service Desk on extn 44217.

 Staff wishing to send mail to the Gippsland campus should note that there is no longer an internal service to the campus. All correspondence should be posted via Australia Post or couriered through Valley Fast Country Couriers.

When addressing items to the campus include the name of the person, the department followed by Monash University, Gippsland Campus, Churchill 3842. For further information, contact Michael Mirra on extn 44212 or Kevin Kenshole on extn 44392.

Don't forget to register with Michael Mirra on extn 44212 or Di Dibben at the Switchboard to enter the footy tipping competition. The cost is only $5 and you can submit you tips either electronically or via the card system. To be in it, the money must be paid up by 29 March.

The second Staff Social Club happy hour will be held on Thursday 5 April in the Seahorse Tavern from 5 pm. Watch this space for other activities planned for the year.

Peninsula Online

For the next two weeks, articles for inclusion in Peninsula Online should be sent to Christel Kent. For information, contact Christel on extn 44396.

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