Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo

Monash gets WHAMed

28 September 2005

The Monash community is getting fitter and healthier following the launch of a university-wide program called WHAM - Wellbeing Happens at Monash.

From left, Miss Sally Trembath-Hastings, manager, Community Services; Mr Rob Paterson, campus manager, Monyx; Mr Paul Barton, manager, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE); Mr Martin Doulton, general manager, Sport; Dr Vicki Ashton, OHSE Physician; Mr Robin Coventry, director, Community Services and Ms Anne Ohlmus, projects manager, OHSE.

The program aims to promote physical and mental wellbeing for staff and students through simple exercise.

The initiative was launched last week by the vice-chancellor, Professor Richard Larkins, at a Clayton campus breakfast that was video-linked to other Victorian campuses.

Professor Larkins said WHAM would help people achieve their full potential in their work and professional lives, and help to create a stronger Monash community spirit.

Mr Paul Barton, manager of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, said WHAM supported the philosophy that overall wellbeing included physical fitness, mental health and emotional strength and resilience.

The university has kicked off its fitness program with the Monash 10,000 Steps Challenge in which 80 teams of walkers, drawn from all Victorian campuses, are "virtually" walking from the north coast of Australia to the south.

By walking a minimum of 10,000 steps each day, the 10-person teams will go from Port Douglas in Queensland to Hobart in Tasmania between 25 September and 30 October.

For updates on team progress go to the 10,000 Steps Challenge website.