Offcourse

Issue 3 May 2008   |    Email Offcourse - Christel.Kent@adm.monash.edu.au.

Unveiling of Artwork 

A number of staff and students attended the unveiling by Dr. Robert Nelson of a major piece of artwork by Sherrie Knipe on Tuesday 27 May. The artwork is located in Level 2 of Building B. Dr. Dan Wollmering, Course Coordinator within the Department of Fine Arts, kindly provided the following words on the sculpture:

"Sherrie Knipe's work titled 'In Sink' is a series of cast aluminium distorted forms that reference drains. Exaggerated, stretched and quirky, they are familiar objects that we encounter on a daily basis - and probably do not pay much attention to. In this context, the sculptural drains installed in a purpose-built wall - seem to float in their environment and are part of the internal architecture of the building - introducing notions of popular culture, entertainment and wonder.  

Currently, Ms. Knipe is an Honorary Research Associate in the Department of Fine Arts/Sculpture Studio and is represented in prestigious galleries in both Melbourne and Sydney. Originally from Queensland, she moved to Melbourne and completed her MFA in the Faculty of Art and Design - Sculpture Studio working with recycled timber, bronze and aluminium. "

The Monash Sculpture Studio has trained a number of prominent practising sculptors. Sherrie Knipe forms part of this tradition through her passion for the discipline, applied work/research methods - resulting in the production of work of a very high standard.

(In Sink)

(l-r: Dr. Robert Nelson, Associate Dean - Art & Design, Sherrie Knipe , Artist & Professor Rob Willis, Academic Director - Caulfield Campus)

Winner - 50th Anniversary 10,000 Steps Walking Challenge

Very pleased to announce that the "Hot 2 Trot" team was the winner of the 50th Anniversary Challenge.  Hot 2 Trot consist of staff, friends and family from the Service Centre located in Building A.  They did an outstanding walk finishing the Challenge in just over 2.5 weeks.  Second place was awarded to "Stride" - staff in Health Wellbeing and Development and third place was awarded to Monash College Walkers. 

Also pleasing to see that all teams finished the event well within the five week time frame.

Please look out for photos of the winning team in the next edition of Offcourse.

Worried about a Student or Staff Member?

It is vital that staff share concerns which may impact on the wellbeing and safety of everyone on campus.  No-one should have to carry the burden alone.

The Counselling Service at each campus has allocated time for staff to come and discuss any concerns they may have about the behaviour of staff or students.  At Caulfield, it is 9.00 to 9.30 a.m. on Wednesdays in the HWD Meeting Room B1.54 (Building B, Level 1).  No need to book, just come along.  If this time is not suitable, please contact the Counselling Service on ext. 32500.

Mental Health First Aid

Registration is invited for the next Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course at Caulfield campus scheduled for Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 July 2008.

Two very successful MHFA courses have already been conducted at Caulfield campus this year, and over 280 Monash staff have completed MHFA courses since late 2006. Feedback has been consistently positive.  

The MHFA Program was developed in 2001 at the Centre for Mental Health Research at ANU. It has been shown to be effective in improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma and increasing helping behaviours. Mental Health First Aid is the initial help given to someone experiencing a mental health problem before professional help is sought, and incorporates a 5 step action plan. 

For further information and/or registration please visit the Health, Wellbeing and Development MHFA webpage:  

http://www.adm.monash.edu/community-services/mhfa/index.html  

or call ext. 32500 to speak with Winifred Cunningham (winifred.cunningham@adm.monash.edu.au) or Michael di Mattia (michael.dimattia@@adm.monash.edu.au) at Health, Wellbeing & Development .  

Caulfield Campus Western Precinct - Information Session

Jessica Lightfoot, Director of Major Projects within the Office of the Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer attended the campus on Wednesday 21 May and provided an update on the Caulfield Campus Western Precinct Development. 

If you were not able to attend the session, a copy of the slides Jessica presented at the Information session are available for viewing via the Caulfield Campus Homepage.  A model of the Western Precinct Development is on display in the Service Centre (Building A, Level 1), where brochures are available for collection.

Monash Energy Challenge - Off Peak Power

Following the recent success of Monash Earth Hour which achieved an average energy reduction of 23%, campuses and staff will be asked to compete to reduce their off peak energy usage for the month of July.  There will also be a great prize for the registrant who provides the most innovative energy saving ideas.  

The Monash Energy Challenge - Off Peak Power campaign aims to reduce the university’s off peak electricity usage which at present is between 30%-50% of the university’s total electricity use, due mostly to computers, lighting, office equipment and air-handling and conditioning operating unnecessarily overnight and on weekends.  

During the month of July we would like you and your colleagues to take some simple steps to make a huge difference.  Make sure that you (or the last person to leave) switches off computers, lights and office equipment, air conditioning / heating (where possible), and where applicable, any laboratory equipment such as ovens and heating elements.  

To be part of the challenge, simply register your participation at http://monash.edu.au/green/index.html.

Positive Psychology

The Positive Monash discussion group will return in Semester 2.  The group meets every Tuesday between 1.00-2.00 p.m. in Building B, Level 1, Room B1.54.

All are welcome to join this information sharing discussion group.  Come along to find out how to be happier and to get more out of life.  You can attend all sessions or select the ones which interest you.  Feel free to bring your lunch.

Upcoming Sessions:

OHS Consultant

Peter Fell, OHS Consultant - Caulfield campus now has an office in Building A, Level 1, Room A1.05.  For advice on OHS matters Peter can be contacted on ext. 31322. 

Bible Study 

Dr. Ian Beaman is interested to find out if any academic and/or general staff  would like to attend a lunchtime Christian bible study on campus.  The day, time and frequency could be a matter for negotiation.  Interested staff are requested to contact Dr. Ian Beaman on ext. 32027 or email: ian.beaman@buseco.monash.edu.au

Shiatsu Therapy 

Shiatsu therapy  is massage-style body work based on Eastern traditions.  Each treatment is tailored to suit each client's special requirements and may also include dietary and exercise options.  Shiatsu  provides a relaxing experience to reduce stress and promote health and wellbeing.

Sessions are generally 1 hour.  Staff and student discounts apply.

To make an appointment with Alex Caldwell, call the Health Service on ext. 31177.

Christmas Cheer Market   

 A Christmas Cheer Market will be held on Friday 28 November commencing at 4.00 p.m.  If you are interested in having a table/stall please contact Adeline Christie via email: adeline.christie@buseco.monash.edu.au

Women's Networking & Support Group   

 If you enjoy meeting other staff on campus over lunch, why not join the Caulfield Women's Networking & Support Group?  The group meets monthly on Mondays and always has interesting speakers.  If you would like to join or have further queries, please contact Helen Dunne on ext. 31595 or via email: helen.dunne@adm.monash.edu.au

Campus Book Club

The Campus Book Club meets on a monthly basis and would welcome new members.  If you would like to join please contact Wendy Plones via email:  wendy.plones@buseco.monash.edu.au

The Quilting Group

Members from the Women's Networking Group and other staff continue to meet each fortnight as part of the Quilting Group.  Their current project is making quilts for MECWA Nursing Homes, but would welcome new members to assist on their next project, quilts for Berry Street Kids.  No experience necessary, all are welcome to join.  If you would like to join, please contact Adeline Christie: adeline.christie@buseco.monash.edu.au

Witnessing of Documents  

 If you need documents witnessed, please contact Christel Kent who will provide you with names of staff who can assist.

If you are qualified to witness documents and you are happy to be added to the list of those who can assist, please contact Christel Kent by telephone ext. 31000 or via email: christel.kent@adm.monash.edu.au

Caulfield Profiles

In this edition of Offcourse, we profile Sharmaine Squire, Executive Officer, Marketing & Student Recruitment Division - Advancement.  The Advancement Division has recently relocated to Caulfield Campus  .....

What is your role here at Monash Caulfield and how long have you been with the University?  

I work in the Marketing and Student Recruitment Division, which is part of the Advancement portfolio. I am the Executive Officer to the Divisional Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment. I have been in this role for two and a half years. 

Where were you before coming to Monash? 

Before coming to Monash I worked for the Cheltenham and Regional Cemeteries Trust for three and a half years as Executive Officer to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Trustees. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I don't actually have a lot of spare time but last year I starting weekly art classes near where I live, which really is a lot of fun. I do volunteer work with St Vincent De Paul for their Compeer programme. This programme has been developed for people suffering depression and the volunteers have one on one times with their companion.  

Do you have a favourite quote you would like to share? 

One of my favourite quotes is "to be the best you can be everyday". A bit boring maybe, but motivating. 

What was the name of the last novel you read/or are reading?  

The most recent book I am reading is a book called "A New Earth, by Awakening to your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle. I learned of this book when I recently went to a spiritual breakfast at Caulfield and the presenter was talking to us about it and recommended reading it. I am about a third of the way through it and I too recommend it as a good read.

Have you done much travelling?   

I have done a little bit of travelling over the years, but one thing I have planned for September this year is to do the Great Wall of China Trek for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. I am both excited and nervous about it. 

The purpose of this walk for me is to raise funds for cancer research. My sister passed away from cancer in April this year and my dad passed away with cancer approximately 18 months ago and I have been feeling the need to do something, to contribute. I learnt of an organisation that co-ordinates the Great Wall of China trek and raises funds for various charities, including Autism Spectrum Australia, The Spastic Centre and the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. It also acts as the co-ordinator for a whole range of other treks which include Kilimanjaro, The Kokoda Trail, Trek for Tibet and others.  

If I have inspired anyone on the campus to join me in September, that’d be great and I’d be happy to discuss it further and can be contacted via email.

 If you would like to be "profiled" in an upcoming edition of Offcourse, please email me at christel.kent@adm.monash.edu.au.