Explore, Learn, Experience: Berwick Campus News

Berwick Campus Manager, Kathy Racunica, Manager OHS&E, David Patterson, Australian Cancer Research Foundation CE, David Brettell, Marketing & Student Recruitment Executive Officer, Sharmaine Squire, Hawthorn FC CEO, Ian Robson & Director Environmental Sustainability, Paul Barton at the launch of the 2008 10 000 Steps.

10 000 Steps Challenge Launched at Berwick

The 2008 10 000 Steps Challenge was launched at the Berwick campus Monday, 15 September. Monash University staff, students, family and friends were encouraged to take the stairs, leave their cars at home and make an effort to walk 10 000 steps a day in a bid to build a healthy community. Occupational Health, Safety and the Environment Manager, David Patterson encouraged participants to walk for their own health. "Too often we focus on the 'safety' aspect of OH&S, it's really vital to address 'health' too," said Mr Patterson.

More than 2000 people have pledged to take on the 10 000 steps challenge. Monash University Director of Environmental Sustainability, Paul Barton praised the participants for not only making a positive impact on their health, but the environment. "Small actions on mass can make a difference. By using 5000 steps in place of our cars, we will reduce carbon emissions by 20 million black balloons," Mr Barton said.

At the heart of the challenge is health awareness. Marketing and Recruitment Executive Officer, Sharmaine Squire is taking on the Great Wall of China in her own 10 000 Steps Challenge to raise money for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. Ms Squire, who has recently had two family members affected by cancer felt compelled to do something to honour her family members. "I am both excited and nervous about it. The purpose of this walk is for me to raise funds for cancer research," Ms Squire said of the trek.

Australian Cancer Research Foundation CE, David Brettell thanked Ms Squire for her support and wished her well on the trek. Hawthorn Football Club CEO, Ian Robson, in the spirit of the footy finals, motivated 'steppers' to complete the challenge, "10 000 steps seems impossible at first. It will get easier. Like a big block of chocolate, you only eat a bit at a time.

Image from TRU HRD student, Liam Smith's, research with Zoos Victoria into linking emotional arousal in zoo experiences with visitor attitudes and behaviour.

Berwick-based Tourism Research Unit (TRU) Turns Five

The Tourism Research Unit (TRU) celebrated its 5th anniversary in grand style this month. Guests, including representatives from Parks Victoria, Tourism Research Australia and Zoos Victoria joined together to recognise the depth of the team's research and their future direction.

Director and founding member of TRU, Professor Betty Weiler, said the group's success is a result of forming strong partnerships with key industry organisations and people. "TRU developed from the ground up. We've built good long-term relationships and are guided by reserach that is important to our partners," Professor Weiler said.

These partnerships include relationships with both metropolitan and regional councils the City of Frankston and Baw Baw Shire, state bodies Tourism Victoria, Zoos Victoria and Parks Victoria and commercial organisations. Research with these partners has allowed TRU to make a significant contribution to communities in Victoria, interstate and internationally. "We work with people, organisations, innovators and leader who want to make a difference and be at the top of their game in what they do," Professor Weiler explains.

To find out more about TRU, click here.

Above: Samantha Jones and Media Officer elect, Nate Leslie, enjoy the succss of his campaign. Below: Presidential candidates Nick McLellan and Jarrod Potter make their votes count.

Berwick Students go to the polls to elect their leaders for 2009

The American presidential race took a back seat to the Monash Union of Berwick Students (MUBS) elections this month as students took to the polls to decide their leaders for 2009.

Candidates campaigned fiercely to win the votes of their fellow students. Presidential candidate, Nick McLellan, recruited a team of supporters to help spread his message to voters, while Media Officer hopeful, Nate Leslie, let signature pink badges and posters do the talking.

More than 300 students voted in the election. Current MUBS Social Coordinator, Nick McLellan took out the presidency just 10 votes ahead of current MUBS Vice-President, Jarrod Potter. "This was the closest election that I can remember," said long-serving MUBS Student Services Manager, Annie Wyatt.

2008/2009 MUBS Board Members

President: Nick McLellan

Vice President: Matt Spencer

General Secretary: Bridget McIlroy

Welfare Officer: Vaimoa 'Mo' Asa Leausa

Education Officer: Jade Mittlemair

Social Coordinator: Tristan Vogrig

Media Officer: Nate Leslie

General Representatives: Dashiel Kharanda & Christopher Rosetti

Social Activities Officers: Rebecca Nicholas & Jenna Casamento

BISA International Representative: Adam Wong

For more news and information from MUBS, click here.

Berwick staff and students rocked their pjs for the homeless.

Pyjama Games: Berwick Students and Staff Strut their Stuff on the Catwalk to Raise Money for the Homeless

Berwick staff and students took some fashion advice from Captain Snooze and donned their pyjamas on Friday 8 August to support the Melbourne City Mission and its work with the homeless.

Hosted by Health, Wellbeing and Development as part of the Global Friendship Program, the Berwick campus raised close to $300 to help the 23 000 homeless Victorians who go without shelter and a warm bed each night.

Pyjamas, both flanelette and satin, were on show as participants enjoyed a slumber party complete with party food and pillow fights. A highlight of the event was the crowning of the PJ Prince and Princess who battled it out on the catwalk for their illustrious titles.

For more news and information from Health, Wellbeing and Development, click here.

The trivia night helped raise money for the earthquake damaged Sichuan province in China.

No Trivial Pursuit: Trivia Buffs Put to the Test in a Show of Support for the Myanmar Tsunami and Sichuan Earthquake Victims

The Indian Ocean earthquake earlier this year caused devastating tsunamis to hit the Myanmar coast. Thousands of people were left homeless and more than 600 perished or went missing. Two Berwick campus students were directly affected by the Myanmar Tsunami.

The 2008 Sichuan earthqake in China left 70 000 people dead and 4.8 million homeless. Sichuan University has a close relationship with Monash University and is located in the centre of the earthquake zone.

The Berwick campus came together last month to raise money for disaster relief efforts in the Myanmar and Sichuan communities. 70 students, staff and friends of the university put their knowledge to the test with a fast-paced and highly entertaining night of trivia. The event was hosted by Monash Residential Service Berwick and Health, Wellbeing and Development with support from the campus and Meeting Point, who provided a delicious dinner for all participants.

The event was a great success with lots of heated debate, laughter, rivalry and more than $1000 donated to the relief funds. The top awards went to the teams from the Faculty of Business and Economics and MUBS who both won decadent and delicious chocolate hampers.

Fitter, Stronger, Faster: Monash Sport Comes to Berwick

Monash Sport opened its newest gym at the Berwick campus during semester break. The gym offers students and staff a complete work out with the latest fitness equipment. This marks the start of Monash Sport's presence on campus with group fitness activities planned for Semester 2 and more Berwick participants joining TeamMonash than ever before.

For more information about Sport at Berwick click here.

For more information about Monash Sport click here.

Previous issues of Berwick Campus News available here