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60 seconds with … Graeme Farrington

10 December 2008

Graeme Farrington
 

Name: Graeme Farrington
Org unit: Science
Title: Manager - Biological Sciences Service Areas
Dept: School of Biological Sciences

How long have you been with Monash University and what are some of the memories you have of the early days at Clayton?

I started at Monash University in February 1964, spent two years in the Australian Army from 1967-1969 (including a stint in Vietnam), returned and have worked continuously at the University since.

Being part of a fledgling university, Monash staff were aware that they were developing a new culture and it was typified by optimism, genuine camaraderie and a definite "anything is achievable" attitude.

What roles have you had at Monash?

I've had numerous roles but all have been within the same department (but with a succession of name changes of the latter). I was originally employed as an electron microscope technician. I extended into Limnology Field technician, vertebrate specimen collector for the department museum and later I was asked to manage the Animal House and Jock Marshall Reserve. I subsequently added the botany experimental area, genetics glass houses and the management of school field vehicles to my list of responsibilities.

What is it about your job that has held your interest or is particularly satisfying?

Probably the great variety of tasks and responsibilities and the quality of the people that form the biological sciences community.

What have been some of the greatest achievements for yourself or your department in your time at Monash?

On a personal level, winning the inaugural Vice Chancellor's Award for Exceptional Service for General staff. At a departmental level, successfully negotiating amalgamations with other departments.

Where do you see Monash in another 44 years?

Monash will be the hub of a worldwide complex. Undergraduate teaching will be exclusively online, with students selecting units from an array of international universities and practicals. Workshops will only relate to exclusive postgraduate studies conducted at specialist universities. Specialist student streams will derive from primary school level with enhanced scholarship systems.

What plans do you have for your future?

I plan to retire at the end of the year.

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

Any wild place in the world where you can fly-fish. Both the natural world and the past-time of fly-fishing are beautiful.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Take great care when catching 85 kilogram male grey kangaroos.

What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?

That I'm not grumpy, simply dour.

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