Explore, Learn, Experience: Berwick Campus News

TRU, in collaboration with its partners, hopes to foster pro-environmtal behaviour in Australian zoos.

TRU Awarded ARC Funding for Zoos Partnership

One month after celebrating it's 5th anniversary, the Berwick-based Tourism Research Group (TRU) is in the spotlight again. The team has been awarded a prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant to undertake a three-year, multi-zoo, nation-wide research project aimed at enhancing the persuasion potential of zoos and other organisations to influence zoo visiotrs' pro-environmental behaviours.

The project, led by TRU Director, Professor Betty Weiler together with Australian Postdoctoral Fellow Liam Smith, will be undertaken in collaboration with Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Zoos Victoria, Zoos SA and Perth Zoo.

Professor Weiler and Mr Smith proposed that Australian zoos are uniquely placed to use their emotive wildlife experiences to persuade their visitors to engage in behaviours that may redress some of the threats to wildlife and their habitats.

The ARC has awarded the research team $314, 000 to undertake the project. With more than 14.4 million visitors attending Australian zoos each year, the funding will greatly assist TRU and its collaborators to make a significant impact on the environment by encouraging zoos to be an effective platform for pro-environmental behaviour.

To find out more about TRU, click here.

Still from 2007 Graduate work 'Calvin and the Dragon'.

Graduating Multimedia Students' Work in the Spotlight

The graduating class of 2008 will be presenting their work to their industry peers and supporters Tuesday 28 October. A diverse range of multimedia work including 3D, animation, game design, digital vdeo, educational applications, web applications, database programming and Flash Development will be on show.

Students will be on-hand to discuss their work with guests and provide demonstrations. The evening will culminate in the presentation of awards to the top performing students.

Details: Tuesday 28 October, 6.30pm (presentations begin at 7.30pm) in Building H Exhibition Space, Caulfield Campus

To find out more about the multimedia major at Berwick, click here.

Above: Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Phillip Steele (left) and Dr Glen Croy congratulate Berwick Secondary College student, Matthew Wills, for successfully partcipating in the 2008 High Fives Program.

It's High Fives All-Round as the Campus Celebrates the Region's Top Year 11 Students

The 2008 High Fives Program finished on a high note this month with participants, academics and school principals attending a presentation ceremony and afternoon tea. Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Phillip Steele presented the participants with certificates and made an inspiring speech that challenged students to tackle the problems facing the world today and tomorrow in a fitting conclusion to the program.

More than 90 of the region's top performing Year 11 students representing Beaconhills College, St Margaret's School, Berwick Secondary College, St Francis Xavier College, Cranbourne Secondary College, Koo Wee Rup Secondary College and Eumemmerring College attended the program hosted by Monash University Berwick Campus and the South East Education Steering Committee.

The students critical thinking and problem solving skills were put to the test in a series of academic workshops presented by some of Monash University's leading academics. A highlight of the program was the collaboration between participants and six third-year tourism students who assisted Dr Glen Croy's workshop 'Tourism the Media and a Community.' The students led tutorial groups where participants were asked to represent key community stakeholder groups and make crucial planning decisions for their town.

Third-year student Jimmy Marinas said the experience helped him make his decision to continue at the University in post-graduate research. "I really enjoyed mentoring the students. They're incredibly bright and understood concepts that I didn't expect they would. It's given me more confidence in front of a tutorial group and definitely helped me decide that I want to teach," said Mr Marinas.

The High Fives Program will continue in 2009 with a new group and tougher challenges.

For more news and information from the South East Education Forum, click here.

More than 500 VCE students attended the revision lecture series.

Hundreds of Local VCE Students Power-Up for their End of Year Exams with Revision Classes

More than 500 VCE students attended the Berwick campus this month to prepare for their end-of-year VCE exams. The not-for-profit revision classes hosted by the South East Education Forum and Monash University Berwick campus, have become an essential event for local students hoping to refine their exam skills and subject knowledge.

Students were offered revision lectures in 14 subjects, ranging from psychology to physics, led by some of the State's leading VCE teachers.

For more news and information about the VCE Revision Lecture Series, click here.

Group Fitness Arrives at Berwick

The new campus gym has kept students and staff fit for the last couple of months. Now we've upped the ante with the launch of group fitness classes.

An eager group of fitness fanatics attended the first class to be put through their paces in a gruelling pilates session.

A full program will be run in 2009 with a diverse range of sessions to suit everyone, including aerobics, body combat, yoga and pilates.

The classes are currently free for Berwick students and staff courtesey of campus management.

For more news and information about sport at Berwick, click here.

Berwick student Samantha Jones (centre), with Seasonal Vibes Youth Workers, Miranda (left) and Rachael (right), checks out the bus.

Berwick Students Focus on their Mental Health as the Exam Period Approaches

One in five people will suffer from Depression and one in four people will suffer from an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. High on many people's list of anxiety and stress triggers are exams. With this in mind, the team from Health, Wellbeing and Development dedicated a week to helping students reduce stress during the exam period and recongise the signs mental illness.

Students and staff were invited to experience different ways to promote a healthy mind, body and spirit such as relaxation, laughter therapy, group exercise, meditation and social activities.

City of Casey Mobile Youth Information Site, The Seasonal Vibes Bus took up residence on campus to allow students to seek counselling, advice or just unwind with music, xbox, playstation and DJ decks. Seasonal Vibe Youth Worker, Rachael Persico said the bus provided a comfortable place for students to talk about their issues. "We provide guidance on personal issues such as drugs, mental health, bullying, sexual health and transition to uni in a neutral environment."

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

To find out more about Depression and Beyond Blue, click here.

For more information about the City of Casey Seasonal Vibes Bus, click here.

Previous issues of Berwick Campus News available here