• Business council appointment

Monash's principal adviser, International and Government Relations, Mr Ian Porter, was recently elected national chairman of the Australia Southern Africa Business Council.

The council aims to increase business links and improve trade and investment with South Africa, by organising trade missions and liaising with business and government in both Southern Africa and Australia.

According to Mr Porter, the council is largely made up of people who are interested in doing business with Southern Africa, but also includes academics and others with a diverse range of interests in the region. The council has branches in all states of Australia as well as the ACT.

• Making Music

The Making Music Series, featuring the outstanding ensembles of the School of Music - Conservatorium, is to commence on 13 May in the Robert Blackwood Concert Hall with a performance by the Monash Wind Symphony and guest group Grainger Wind Symphony.

The months' concerts feature a wide repertoire and a variety of performers. Other ensembles performing in the series include the Viva Voce mixed choir, the Monash Women's Choir and the New Monash Orchestra.

Making a special guest appearance on 19 May, the University of Michigan Glee Club choir, in Melbourne for the first time, will perform with Viva Voce and the Monash Women's Choir in the Music Auditorium.

Winfried Rademacher, Professor of Violin in Trossingen, Germany, will be performing with the New Monash Orchestra on 26 and 27 May, and in a solo recital with local pianist Elena Mogilevsky on 29 May. Rademacher, who makes regular concert appearances throughout Europe and America, is well known in Germany for his outstanding ensemble performance techniques.

Bookings and inquiries can be made at the Alexander Theatre Box Office on 9905 1111.

• Strictly university business

The travel coordinator training presentations held by American Express recently were well received by Monash staff, according to travel liaison manager Ms Sally Addison.

More than 100 staff attended the information sessions held at Clayton, Caulfield, Peninsula, Parkville and Gippsland campuses. American Express donated door prizes at each session and the Southern Pacific Hotels donated a complimentary dinner for two, won by Ms LeeAnn Hilborn from materials engineering at Clayton campus.

Staff who were unable to attend the sessions can email Ms Addison for the information kits handed out at the sessions at sally.addison@ adm.monash.edu.au