Issue 7, Monday 12 September 2005

'Let's get Physical'

Wellbeing happens at Monash

If a healthy workplace is a happy workplace then the Peninsula campus has some great opportunities to thrive.

The Wellbeing Happens at Monash or WHAM program is a joint initiative between the Vice-Chancellor's Office, Occupational, Health Safety and Environment and Monash Sport, and is being launched across all Monash campuses on Thursday 22 September.

The aim of the program is to promote health and general wellbeing at work and home, and will be kicked off with the launch the Monash 10,000 steps 'campus versus campus' challenge by Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins together with one of Australia's most famous walkers (you need to attend to find out who the special guest is).

The 10,000 steps challenge involves teams of up to 10 taking 10,000 steps each day for 38 days to cover a virtual walk from Port Douglas to Hobart. The walk commence on 25 September and finishes on 1 November.

The steps are counted using pedometers and teams' progress will be monitored by team captains who will also be responsible for encouraging their team members to reach their daily goals. There are prizes to be won!

So get your walking shoes on and take the challenge - remember we will be competing against other campuses so let's show them how healthy we are!

Round the Bay in a Day - a personal view

First year paramedic student Ben Tatti (pictured) is looking forward to undertaking the riding challenge 'Round the Bay in a Day' with other Monash staff and students and is keen to encourage others to participate.

"How many goals have you set in your lifetime and actually achieved
and enjoyed the satisfaction of  that achievement?  'Round the Bay in a day' is a goal that many people have but never complete. This year Monash Sport has set about encouraging 200 people to ride in Round the Bay. These people range from students, the senior deputy vice-chancellor, staff, alumni and friends all sharing the same vision of completing a challenge.

"The best thing about the challenge is that it caters for a variety of fitness levels and enthusiasts, starting with a 50 km ride, 100 km ride or for those more dedicated cyclist the full 210km, which starts at Docklands to Sorrento, Queenscliff and returning to Docklands.

"This year I have decided to enter with the Monash team to compete in the 210 km ride. The most important factor for me about riding with Monash is that everyone rides together with the ambition of achieving the same goal, and most importantly the pace is set at the slowest person! It may seem like a mission impossible scenario but guaranteed those who ride in Round the Bay will complete the ride with the team.

"I took up the ride this year as a personal challenge as riding is one of my favourite forms of exercise. And there isn’t a better way to spend a day then on the bike with a great group of people riding  along one of the most scenic roads in the world.

"While 210km may appear an awful long way, but if it’s the first time you have set yourself a challenge on the bike, why not start by selecting 50km? Then next year after you enjoyed the 2005 day so much set a goal of doing 100km…you get the drift!

"The challenge has now been laid out and the date has been set Sunday
16 October, so join up with the Monash Sport team and be part of the
biggest team that Round the Bay has ever seen entered!"

Monash backs nursing scholarship program

The School of Nursing at the Peninsula campus is backing an Australian Government scholarship program designed to further the careers of nurses working in aged care.

Australia’s ageing population means there will be increased demand for professionals able to deliver high quality care for seniors. Nurses working in Frankston and across the Mornington Peninsula are encouraged to apply under the postgraduate program.

Visiting the campus, local Federal MP Bruce Billson, said the Australian Government was investing almost $150 million in a range of initiatives to help expand the tool-kits of people working in the aged care sector.

"Scholarships of up to $10,000 are available to help nurses working in aged care homes undertake further study and training in dementia care, palliative care and other similar higher education programs," Mr Billson said.

Mr Billson recognised the university's commitment to running one of the finest nursing schools in the country and the Peninsula campus's range of relevant courses, particularly the Graduate Certificate of Nursing specialising in Gerontics.

Applications for postgraduate continuing education scholarships close on 23 September. Further information and application forms are available from the Royal College of Nursing Australia on 1800 11 66 96.

Deputy Head, School of Nursing Ms Meredith McIntyre, Academic Director Professor Phil Steele, Mr Billson and Clinical Laboratory Officer Patricia Booth look to encourage nurses to undertake further study in aged care related issues.

New gear brightens up the grounds

Works Branch staff at the Peninsula campus will be hard to miss now they have  been decked out in new fluoro yellow and blue uniforms.

Modelling the new attire from left to right are Jim Faulds, Alan Reynolds, Joe Rack, Owen McKenzie, Pat McDonald and Tony Bateman.

According to Works Branch Manager Greg Brown the bright uniforms are not just a fashion statement.

"Work safety was a priority when designing the new uniform as these staff often work in situations around roads and traffic where they need to be visible," he explained.

The Peninsula campus is the first to introduce the new attire for outdoor staff.

Security snippets

Mil Keys

Just a friendly reminder that anyone entering a building after hours with a mil key or remaining on site after hours should advise security on extn 44318. Security should also be advised when you are leaving the premises. This is a requirement set by Occupational Health Safety and Environment and is a condition of holding a mil key.

Security on campus

Once again all staff and students are reminded to close and lock the doors to their offices and rooms when left unattended. Even if for a short trip to the toilet. We have once again been hit by an opportunistic thief when the occupier of the room ducked out for a few second. It is imperative for the safety of your valuables that you do not leave them unattended and unsecured.

 Tenancy advice for students

Students needing support and advice to resolve a renting dispute can make an appointment to see the Monash Residential Services Tenants Advocate
at Community Services every second Tuesday afternoon.

The Tenants Advocate can provide specialised information on your renting rights and responsibilities, and can provide legal support to help to resolve renting disputes. The next scheduled day for appointments at Peninsula campus is Tuesday 13 September.

Common areas of rental dispute include:

• Bond refund disputes
• Getting repairs done
• Privacy
• Rent increases
• Breaking a lease
• Notices to vacate
• Other housing related problems

Assistance and advice will be provided without an appointment where
possible, however appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appointment, contact Community Services on extn 44223 or visit the website for further information

Note: Appointments can be arranged at any campus convenient to you regardless of where your course if based. If you need advice outside the scheduled appointment times at your campus you may email the University Tenants Advocate, Kylie Evans or visit another campuses for an urgent appointment.

Peninsula notes

Business and Economics Breakfast

The next Business Breakfast will look at 'Surviving and Thriving in a Plastic World', by Professor Steve Worthington on Tuesday 20 September.

Professor Worthington, from the Faculty of Business and Economics,  is widely published in academic and practitioner focused journals. In the seminar he will chart the evolution of a cashless society, the proliferation of payment cards and discuss how to use them best.

The seminar will be held at Josephine's Restaurant, the Briars Historic Park, Nepean Highway, Mount Martha. Cost: $35 per person. RSVP to Narelle Krueger by 16 September. Registration at 7.15 am for breakfast at 7.30 am.

Change of school name

The school structures of the Faculty of Information Technology were disestablished at University Council on 11 July. New campus-based schools have been established. The School of Network Computing will now be known as Peninsula School of Information Technology.

Authorised by the Office of the Academic Director - Peninsula  

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