Issue 10 - 5 April 2000

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A new approach to public health

Following the launch of the Monash Institute of Public health Dr Paul Talman provides the new institute director Professor Chris Silagy, centre and the minister for health the Hon John Thwaites with a demonstration of the latest in health care technology.

The organisation and delivery of health care in Australia took a decisive step forward last week with the launch of the Monash Institute of Public Health by the Victorian Minister for Health, Mr John Thwaites.

In launching the institute, Mr Thwaites said the establishment of such collaborative organisations would invigorate public health and were vital to the future of the health care system.

The institute has been established as a joint initiative of Monash University and the Southern Health Care Network in response to the rapidly changing nature of the organisation and delivery of health care in Australia.

The director of the institute, Professor Chris Silagy, said the institute would be a world-class facility for applied research into public health.

"The Monash Institute of Public Health is a unique development in Australian Health Care that brings together academic and professional groups that have a special focus on promoting quality of care and more effective health systems," Professor Silagy said.

"Today more emphasis is being placed on keeping the population healthy and minimising risk and harm caused by illness, accident or lifestyle. Hospitals are increasingly seen as short-stay, high-technology facilities, places where patients spend the minimal time, with the majority of acute care delivered closer to their home.

"There is also an increasing focus on health outcomes and consequences in terms of both quality of care and cost."

The Monash Institute of Public Health plans to draw on the collective expertise of the university, the network, other research institutes with relevant activities, general practitioners and the general community to develop expertise in the translation of research into best practice.

The participating groups of the Monash Institute of Public health are:

Further information on the Monash Institute of Public Health can be found at www.med.monash.edu.au/publichealth/


Supporting the local community in Malaysia

Students and staff at Monash Malaysia have formed three groups that are working together on a several projects and activities designed to assist the local community.

The most recent group to be formed is M3Care, which is made up of representatives of the Monash University Student Association and the Monash UNIX Group, a group of students who developed and currently maintains 'YoYo', the campus student server. The UNIX group works and operates in consultation with an advisory committee of Monash Malaysia staff.

In its first community project, M3Care is offering to create websites for not-for-profit organisations (NPOs) at no charge. The first to sign on to the project was Rumah Harapan, an organisation that provides mental health support services to the Malaysian community

Monash Malaysia pro vice-chancellor Professor Bignall believes the project will provide students with an excellent opportunity to share their knowledge and skills with various NPOs, while gaining experience that will enrich both their university life and future careers.

Another group at the campus is offering web page development training to local secondary school students. The group has already run a highly successful session, with more being planned.

A third group has been collaborating with the SMI Association of Malaysia to provide electronic commerce workshops designed to give managers an overview of the possibilities for extending the scope of their business through the Internet and private networks.

"Engagement with the local community is an area that we have been encouraging, and to see students and staff collaborating on these projects is most encouraging," Professor Bignall said.

Further information on the three projects can be found at www.monash.edu.my/community/Main.htm

At the signing of the agreement between Monash Malaysia and Rumah Harapan are, from left, head of the School of Business and IT Professor Robin Pollard, lecturer and course coordinator of the Bachelor of Computer Science Dr Hiew Pang Leang, head of the School of Engineering and Science Professor Robin Alfredson, executive director of Malaysia Care Mr Lee Chee Loi and pro vice-chancellor Professor Bob Bignall, with students involved in M3Care: chairperson Mr Wong Kok Leong, secretary Mr Leow Chee Han, treasurer Mr Dinesh Rudra and projects coordinator Ms Chong Pei-lin.


Items of interest from Council, 20 March 2000

Vice-chancellor's report

The vice-chancellor provided Council members with an update on the following matters:

Monash South Africa

Recent developments included the appointment of Professor John Anderson to the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor - Monash South Africa and the start to the construction of the campus.

Monash Malaysia

Council was advised that new enrolments at Monash Malaysia were above target. Further, Monash, under pro vice-chancellor Professor Bob Bignall, was preparing to expand the curriculum particularly at the postgraduate level.

Monash in Europe

Council was advised that a benefactor has indicated generous support to the university in order to further the objectives of Monash Centre - London and establishment of a centre at Prato.

Consolidated financial statements for the year ending 31 December 1999

The university's Consolidated Financial Statement and Report of Operations for the year ended 31 December 1999 were adopted.

Noting that the format and content of the report presented to Council was largely determined by the requirements of the government, the vice-chancellor advised Council that a short annual report suitable for a wider range of interested readers would be developed.

Membership Committee of Council

A report from the Membership Committee providing recommendations on the filling of vacancies on the Committees of Council was accepted.

Details of the university committees including terms of reference, Chairs and secretaries can be accessed at: www.adm.monash.edu.au/unisec/com/comind.htm

Other business

Council welcomed two new members: Mr Glenn Barnes and Ms Dale Halstead. Mr Barnes is currently executive general manager, Business and Personal Financial Services, National Australia Bank Group. A graduate of Melbourne University in Agricultural Science, Mr Barnes has had experience in manufacturing, research and development, sales, marketing and general management. Ms Halstead was declared elected as the general staff member of Council to fill a casual vacancy for a term ending 31 December 2001. Ms Halstead is located at the Peninsula campus counselling Monash staff and students and is also the president of the Monash Branch of the NTEU.

Council appointed as acting dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, Professor Allen Russell from 7 March 2000 to 30 June 2000.

Council received a presentation from Professor Claes Tingvall, director of the Accident Research Centre. Professor Tingvall outlined the growth of the centre since its establishment in 1987 and commented on its success in attracting funding from a diverse number of funding bodies for the centre's multidisciplinary research in many areas of injury prevention.

Agendas and minutes for meetings of Council can be accessed at www.adm.monash.edu.au/ unisec/cnt/cntind.htm

Queries should be directed to Mr Phillip Siggins on extn 52010 or email phillip.siggins@adm.monash.edu.au


Medieval and renaissance launch

At the launch of Monash's new Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies recently at Clayton campus are, from left, Professor Bill Kent from the History department, dean of Arts Professor Homer Le Grand and head of the new centre Dr Carol Williams.

Launching the centre, Professor Le Grand said the centre would build on the excellence already achieved in the area of medieval and renaissance studies at Monash.

"I am looking forward to the effervescence of research and cultural activities the centre will bring," he said.

The centre aims to support and generate research, develop and enrich academic courses, host seminars, develop a culture of medieval and renaissance performance and promote an annual performance series with broad public appeal.

Further information can be obtained from Dr Carol Williams at carol.williams@arts.monash.edu.au


Travelling on university business?

Information sessions on university travel policy and procedures will be held on all Victorian campuses during April.

The sessions will cover information on the Business Travel Team, how to make airline, hotel and car reservations and how to save your cost centre money by booking in advance.

Representatives from American Express International and Ms Sally Addison university travel liaison manager will be on hand to answer queries.

American Express International Inc has donated door prizes.

The sessions will run for approximately one hour and be held at the following times:

Bookings are not required. For further information contact the Travel Liaison Office on extn 56075.


Career profiles

The career paths of more than 70 Monash students and graduates are highlighted in a booklet released recently by Monash Student and Employment Service.

MONSEACS manager Ms Irmgard Good said the aim of the publication, Career Profiles, was to provide an insight into how the students achieved their career goals through course and career selection, work experience and extracurricular activities.

"All faculties at Monash, along with a range of employer organisations, contributed to the cost of producing the booklet," Ms Good said.

Copies of the booklet have been sent to all faculty deans. Staff members wanting to obtain their own copy should contact Ms Marie Sutton on extn 53151.

A headline act

The New Monash Orchestra is a headline act in this year's Frankston Guitar Festival to be held in April.

The performance will feature Rodrigo's 'Concerto Andaluz for Four Guitars'. Written in 1966, it is thought that this work is being performed for the first time in Melbourne. Inspired by the music of Andalucia, it captures the colour and spirit of Spain and displays the virtuosity of the soloists.

The orchestra will be conducted by Mr Andre de Quadros. Soloists include Mr Anthony Field (head of Guitar at the VCA), Mr Owen Thompson (lecturer in Guitar at VCA), Mr Ken Murray (lecturer in Guitar at Melbourne University) and Mr Charles Steventon (completing a masters degree at Melbourne University).

The performance will take place at the Frankston Cultural Centre on 16 April at 4.30 pm. Tickets are available through the Frankston Cultural Centre Box Office, telephone 9784 1060.

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