Monash Memo - articles - 26 March 2002

The significantcontribution made by women to the Monash community was highlighted attwo recent events.

The inaugural Women's Professorial Dinner, heldlast month and sponsored by vice-chancellor Professor David Robinson,celebrated the contribution and achievements of the university's 31female professors.

After a welcome by Professor Robinson, EmeritusProfessor Maureen Brunt spoke about her experience as the only femaleprofessor at Monash in 1965 and the first woman in Australia to beappointed a professor of economics.

Monash's first female Business andEconomics dean, Professor Gill Palmer, also addressed the gathering,describing the path she had taken before arriving at Monash in 2000.

At the second event, more than 170 men and women celebratedInternational Women's Day during a lunch organised by the Women'sLeadership and Advancement Scheme, Equity and Diversity Centre.

Centrecoordinator Ms Barbara Dalton said that International Women's Day hadbeen celebrated in Australia since 1928, and the celebration at Claytonwas just one of many gatherings taking place around the world on 8March.

The guest speaker for the lunch was Ms Dawn Casey, thedirector of the new National Museum of Australia in Canberra. Ms Caseyspoke on her role at the museum and of her experience as an IndigenousAustralian woman in a senior public service position.

National Museumof Australia director, Ms Dawn Casey.