Issue #275 March 2008

NOTE: Items for inclusion into the weekly Medicine E-Bulletin are to be emailed to ebulletin@med.monash.edu.au no later than 5 pm Fridays.

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Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowships

Closing Date:               Tuesday 1 April, 2008

Postdoctoral fellowships are offered to provide Victorian scientists, who have recently completed a PhD, with support for an additional year of research based on their thesis work.  The application must establish that the research will be greatly enhanced by having the candidate spend a further year with the same research group (ie where the recipient was a PhD candidate).

For further information please refer to:  http://www.cancervic.org.au/apply_for_funding

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Quality in Postgraduate Research 2008 Conference

Date:               Thursday 17 – Friday 18 April, 2008

Venue:             Stamford Grand Adelaide, Modeley Square, Glenelg, Adelaide

For further information please refer to:  http://www.qpr.edu.au/2008

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Systems Thinking for Improving Health: Understanding both Process and Outcome

Presented by Professor Allan Best, Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Canada

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The Inaugural AMREP World Health Day Symposium

The Inaugural AMREP World Health Day Symposium

Research supporting policy and practice
in low- and middle-income countries

Monday, 7 April 2008, 8.30am-5pm
Coppin Hall, 313 Punt Rd , Melbourne , VIC , AUSTRALIA

This symposium is hosted by the AMREP* Global Health Research Consortium
Registration is necessary - at http://www.med.monash.edu.au/epidemiology/iphu/events/

The symposium will bring together researchers, practitioners and policy-makers from academia, research institutes, government agencies and NGOs, to exchange experiences, case-studies and ideas on the links between research and improving health program effectiveness and policy in low- and middle-income countries.

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Fetal Therapy: A Clinical and Experimental Symposium

Thursday 17^th April 2008, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton

The Monash University Healthy Start to Life Research Initiative and Southern Health present a multidisciplinary symposium on “Fetal Therapy” as part of Southern Health Research Week. This one day meeting will highlight current and future therapies for fetal disorders, including invasive and non-invasive fetal surveillance, fetal surgery, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory therapies and uteroplacental vascular manipulation. The program of invited speakers includes paediatric surgeons, obstetricians, sonologists, fetal physiologists and other non-clinical scientists.

Further program details are available from:

Hayley Dickinson (Hayley.Dickinson@med.monash.edu.au) or

Euan Wallace (euan.wallace@med.monash.edu.au)

Registration by email to: Lisieux.Jones@med.monash.edu.au

Place: Lecture Theatre 2, Monash Medical Centre

Time: 09.00-12.00 and 14.30-17.00

(As part of Research Week, the inaugural David de Kretser Lecture “Clear thinking versus wishful thinking” will be delivered by Dr Alan Finkel, Chancellor of Monash University at 12.30, Lecture Theatre 1, MMC)

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Centre for Health Economics Seminar

The Centre for Health Economics is pleased to announce the following seminar:

Wednesday 9th April 2008 (1pm - 2pm) - "Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and Labour Force Participation: An econometric analysis of clinical prevalence data" presented by Associate Professor Anthony Harris

Centre for Health Economics Seminars are held in the RB Scotton Room,
2nd Floor, Building 75
Monash University
Clayton, 3800

Further Details are attached.  For details about upcoming seminars please visit the Centre's website at: http://www.buseco.monash.edu.au/centres/che/seminars/index.html

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Health Sciences E-Learning Seminar: Getting the best from Gen Y

Getting the best from Gen Y: simple e-learning strategies to enhance classroom teaching

This presentation will demonstrate how new approaches to e-learning (using virtual learning environments) can be adapted for a range of health-related disciplines to:

-motivate, inspire and support student learning

- work with Generation Y learning styles

- extend student learning within the classroom and beyond

- facilitate independent, student-led learning in collaborative groups.

When: Wednesday, 2 April, 1.00-2.00pm (BYO lunch)
Where: Room G4.32, Peninsula Campus

RSVP and further information: Robyn.Benson@med.monash.edu.au

Presentation details:
This presentation will demonstrate how new approaches to e-learning developed in the Faculty of Education can be adapted for teaching in the health-related disciplines.

The presentation builds on the 2007 e-learning seminar by Suzy Edwards (Faculty of Education). Suzy will explain the principles underpinning e-learning. Belinda will demonstrate examples of online learning from the innovative new Health Science unit, Communicating Health.

Belinda will discuss how her students work in groups using e-learning to explore theory, critical perspectives and key practical skills. She will outline the teaching strategies used to assist students to integrate theory with practice as they collaboratively develop their own sophisticated digital materials in response to real-world health communication problems. Examples of student work will include online materials and resources such as interactive websites, short videos, TV/internet advertisements, educational brochures and information booklets, public health advocacy and social marketing campaigns.

Belinda will then be available for discussion of the teaching ideas related to these examples.

Presenter details:
Dr Belinda Lewis is a lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University . She has played a lead role in Inter-professional Education across all 6 health-related disciplines at the Peninsula Campus. Belinda has a keen interest in examining the use of new technologies, including e-learning, in education for the health sciences. She has a reputation for developing and implementing innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Belinda was awarded a special commendation in the Dean’s Awards for Excellence in Education 2007.

Dr Susan Edwards is a lecturer in the Faculty of Education. She is interested in exploring the role of digital technologies in Higher Education. Suzy has received numerous awards for her innovative approaches to teaching and learning using information and communication technologies, including: the 2004 Monash University Award for Excellence in Online Teaching (with Marie Hammer); a citation for teaching excellence from the Carrick Institute of Higher Education in 2007; and the 2008 Monash University Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

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The Grant Institute’s Grants 101: Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop

Interested development professionals, researchers, faculty and graduate students should register as soon as possible, as demand means that seats will fill up quickly.

Date:               Monday 23 June – Wednesday 25 June, 2008

Time:               8 am – 5 pm

Venue:             University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales

For further information please visit:  www.thegrantinstitute.com

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Round 1/2008 - Postgraduate Publications Awards

Round 1/2008 of the Postgraduate Publications Awards (PPA) has been announced by the Monash Research Graduate School.  The PPA is designed to encourage research degree candidates to disseminate their research findings to a wider audience through publication in professional journals or books.  The PPA provides a living allowance for up to 12 weeks for research students whose theses are under examination and wish to use that time to write articles or books based upon their thesis.

• Eligibility: open to postgraduate research students who have submitted or are about to submit their thesis.  For Round 1, candidates must submit their thesis between 1 March 2008 and 31 May 2008.
• Value: equivalent to current APA rate ($20,007 p.a.) for a period of up to 12 weeks, and is taxable
• Application forms: attached (or download from www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/scholarships/other/index.html noting the Faculty instructions below)
• Closing date: Midday, Monday 31 March 2008

The original application and EIGHT copies should be submitted to:

Research Degrees Office
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences
Building 64, Clayton Campus
Monash University VIC 3800

For further information or questions, contact Research.Degrees@med.monash.edu.au or 9902 0046.

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Australian Federation of University Women Vic-Scholarship Program 2008

The scholarships listed below are offered only to female students who are enrolled at Victorian universities, or at the Victorian campuses of the Australian Catholic University .  Applicants are asked to demonstrate that they are or have been experiencing disadvantage in the pursuit of their studies. 

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Welcome and orientation for new postgraduate research students

Welcome and orientation program for newly enrolled doctoral and masters by research students including an overview of:

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MRGS Workshop 5: MS Word Fundamentals for Thesis Writing

This is a hands-on workshop and will introduce Word 2003 to help you manage your thesis writing.  It covers efficient text entry techniques, use and management of page formatting through the use of section breaks, captions, inserting pictures and graphs and how to use introduction to equation editor.

Date: Thursday 27 March, 2008

Time: 10 am – 1 pm

Venue: Computer Lab, Room G12, Monash Medical School

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MRGS Workshop 6: MS Word Advanced for Thesis Writing

This is a hands-on workshop for experienced users who are starting to write their theses.  This workshop will cover using   templates, using a master document, creating an automatic cross-referencing and alternatives to master document.

Date:               Thursday 27 March, 2008
Time:               2 pm – 5 pm
Venue:             Computer Lab, Room G12, Monash Medical School Building , Alfred Hospital

Bookings are essential.  To book, please visit  http://mrgs.monash.edu.au/exPERT-bookings/

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MRGS exPERT Workshop: Non-Academic Careers

This session will provide hints on exploring career paths outside of academia that offer opportunities to use your postgraduate qualifications and skills. Be introduced to some career management techniques that will help identify your work related skills and determine career goals. * possibilities in the broader labour market for postgraduates * identifying workplace skills * exploring career directions * Some worksheets will be provided to help this process.

Date:               Tuesday 1 April, 2008
Time:               10 – 11.39 am
Venue:             Theatre S11, Building 25, Clayton

Bookings are essential.  To book, please visit  http://mrgs.monash.edu.au/exPERT-bookings/

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MRGS exPERT Workshop - Session 1: Data management and exploratory data analysis

Content:  Data cleaning, format required for statistics packages, looking for anomolies; dealing with outliers;  missing values;  percentiles, median, IQR;  mean standard deviation;  bar charts;  box plots, histograms, scatterplots.

Date:               Wednesday 2 April, 2008
Time:               2 – 4 pm
Venue:             Theatre H2, Building 11, Clayton

Bookings are essential.  To book, please visit  http://mrgs.monash.edu.au/exPERT-bookings/

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MRGS exPERT - Workshop 1: Using windows and file management

Do you have trouble findng your way around Windows?  This course will introduce class participants on ways to navigate through this operating system, and how to use menus, short cuts, and importantly, how to manage files.  This is a workshop  aimed particularly at those unfamiliar with the Windows format, especially new research students returning to study.      

Date:               Thursday 3 April, 2008

Time:               10 am – 1 pm

Venue:             Studio 7, Short Course Centre, Building 51, Clayton

Bookings are essential.  To book, please visit  http://mrgs.monash.edu.au/exPERT-bookings/

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MRGS exPERT - Workshop 2: Using windows and file management

Do you have trouble finding your way around Windows?  This course will introduce class participants on ways to navigate through this operating system, and how to use menus, short cuts, and importantly, how to manage files.  This is a workshop  aimed particularly at those unfamiliar with the Windows format, especially new research students returning to study.      

Date:               Thursday 3 April, 2008

Time:               2 – 5 pm

Venue:             Studio 7, Short Course Centre, Building 51, Clayton

Bookings are essential.  To book, please visit  http://mrgs.monash.edu.au/exPERT-bookings/

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MRGS exPERT Workshop: Editing and your thesis

This workshop will show you how to become a more effective editor of your own work (and avoid the things that really annoy examiners). It will consider how editing fits into the writing process, when to edit, what knowledge you need to edit effectively, and provide practical examples and activities. Together with the workshop making your thesis more readable, this will provide you with tools to revise your writing effectively.

Date:               Monday 7 April, 2008

Time:               2.30  – 4.30 pm

Venue:             Conference rooms, Monash University Club, Building 50, Clayton

Bookings are essential.  To book, please visit  http://mrgs.monash.edu.au/exPERT-bookings/

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MRGS exPERT replay: Relating to your supervisor

Watch this pre-recorded DVD of this very successful session.  The quality and success of a student’s educational experience is strongly dependent on their relationship with their supervisor or supervisors.  This workshop provides the opportunity to explore aspects of this relationship.  During this session, speakers will draw upon their own experiences to discuss what expectations supervisors have of their research students and what rights and responsibilities a student has with regard to establishing and maintaining good supervisory practices.  Potential difficulties can arise within a supervisory relationship, so this session also provides strategies that students can use to overcome problems.

Date:               Monday 7 April, 2008

Time:               2.30  – 4.30 pm

Venue:             Seminar and Lounge Room, Ground Floor, Building 3E, Clayton

Bookings are essential.  To book, please visit  http://mrgs.monash.edu.au/exPERT-bookings/

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2008 Scholarship Supplement for a student with a disability or long-term medical condition

Closing Date:   Wednesday 26 March, 2008

The award is intended to assist a postgraduate research student with a disability or long-term medical condition with the extra expenses incurred during the pursuit of their degree.

Two awards for 2008 are available.  The award pays a stipend of A$6,000 for the 2008 academic year only.  Payments will be made in fortnightly instalments.  An award made to a part-time student will be taxable.

For further information please refer to:  www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/scholarships/

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Australian Stem Cell Centre Postgraduate Joint Scholarship Scheme

This prestigious PhD scholarship scheme aims to attract exceptionally talented students into Australian Stem Cell Research.  Two scholarships will be awarded in the 2008 round.  The value of each award is $24,520 per annum for a period of 3 years with an additional thesis allowance of $840.  
For further information please contact:  nancy.Ilaya@stemcellcentre.edu.au

Closing Date:   Tuesday 1 April, 2008

See Scholarship details and application instructions below

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New MPA Website

The MPA is excited to announce its brand new website at its brand new (and easy-to-remember) home at mpa.monash

Although still partially under construction, the new site is packed with essential information for postgrads, including up to the minute details on seminars and social events.

Bookmark www.mpa.monash.edu.au now!

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New MPA Postgraduate Lounge at Clayton

NEW!!! The MPA postgraduate lounge has arrived at Clayton. Located on the first floor of the campus centre, this first class facility includes three small meeting rooms for group work which can be booked, a large comfortable lounge area, a workbench and wireless connection for using your laptop, a large desk for meetings or having your lunch, a kitchenette and newspaper subscriptions.
The room is accessible 24 hours a day only to registered postgraduate students.

To arrange access and register your ID card please go to http://www.its.monash.edu.au/students/labs/swipe/

Please note: Registration can take up to 5 working days to process before you can access

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Postgraduate lockers at Caulfield

As a result of MPA's successful lobbying, all Caulfield based faculties have contributed to finance lockers for postgraduate use.  These lockers are located in the basement of buiding H, room A1.39 building A and room T2.04, Building T. They are for postgraduates' use on a daily/casual use.

Please bring your own lock and remove it and all belongings at the end of the day when you leave the campus. This system is based on your sense of fairness and cooperation with your colleagues and will be revised at the end of semester 1/2008 by the MPA

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MPA conversation groups at Caulfield & Clayton

These informal classes are held every Tuesday in semester. They will help postgraduates practice general and academic oral skills, such as expressing an opinion, asking for clarification, getting
information and discussing current events. They are also a great opportunity to meet other postgraduates, make new friends and to gain more confidence in speaking English.

Clayton
Date: Every Tuesday starting 4 March Time: 11:00-12noon
Venue: MPA Seminar Room 1- 51, 1st Flr, Campus Ctre, Bldg 10

Caulfield:
Date: Every Tuesday starting 4 March Time: 2:00-3:00pm
Venue: Room 2.25 (Syndicate Room) Building H

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MPA Compass calling for submissions

Compass is actively seeking articles on research (it's academic), postgrad life (experiences) and opinion pieces (commentary). We also publish photos, stories and humorous pieces. All first-time published contributors receive MPA "gift packs" in thanks.

Visit the current issue of the magazine at http://mpa.monash.edu.au/compass_online/index.html

Contact Kim, our Publications Officer, on kim.smith@adm.monash.edu.au for publishing guidelines.

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Call for Postgraduate representatives on university committees

Being a postgraduate representative on one of the university committees is a great way of serving the community, improving your leadership skills and adding that extra "oomph"
to your CV that could make you the outstanding candidate for a job.

Currently there are a number of fantastic opportunities to apply for:

Inclusive Practices Student Equity Committee
Education Committee
Education Policy and Programs Committee

For all vacancies, further information and application forms please see the MPA representation page at

http://mpa.monash.edu.au/representation/university-committees.html

Interested? Need more information?  Would like to send in your application? Please email Christiane.Momberg@adm.monash.edu.au

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Call for nominations for the MPA Executive Committee 2008/2009

The MPA is now calling for nominations for the Monash Postgraduate Association Executive Committee for the 2008/2009 term of office.

Nominations must be made on the official nomination form. Nomination forms can be obtained in hardcopy directly from any MPA office, or hardcopies and electronic forms can be sent on request by calling 9905 3197, or emailing mpa@monash.edu.au.

Nominations must be signed and submitted in hardcopy to the Returning Officer, Executive Services, Building 3a, Clayton campus, Monash University, no later than 12:00 noon on Monday, 31 March 2008.

The committee term begins in May and runs for one year. The MPAEC meets monthly to discuss issues of relevance to postgraduates and to make decisions on behalf of the postgraduate community at Monash. This can involve writing policy, responding to University proposals, planning seminars and running social events.

There are a total of 15 positions on the MPAEC: six campus-tagged representative positions and nine general representative positions. The six campus-tagged positions (one each for Berwick, Caulfield, Clayton, Gippsland, Parkville and Peninsula ) are open only to postgraduates enrolled on the corresponding campus. The nine general representative positions are open to all postgraduates on all campuses. Postgraduates may apply for only one position on the MPAEC. No more than two research and two coursework postgraduates from the same Faculty may hold positions within the nine general representative positions.

Please contact Ms Dina Galanopoulos on 9905 3196 or by emailing dina.galanopoulos@adm.monash.edu.au if you would like further information.

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New student representatives on Faculty's Research Degrees Committee

The faculty is pleased to welcome Ms Amy Herlihy and Mr Janahan Dharmarajah as the student representatives on the Faculty's Research Degrees Committee.  Both Amy and Janahan are in the second year of their PhD at Monash, and have volunteered to represent all research students of the faculty.  HDR students are welcome to contact Amy and Janahan with any matters or ideas they would like addressed by the committee.  Please contact:

• Amy: amy.herlihy@mcri.edu.au
• Janahan: Janahan.Dharmarajah@med.monash.edu.au

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WINNERS ANNOUNCED! Mollie Holman Doctoral Medal & VC's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence 2007

Congratulations to Dr Michelle Halls from the Department of Pharmacology for receiving the prestigious Mollie Holman Doctoral Medal for 2007.  The medals have been awarded annually for the best doctoral thesis in each faculty since 1998, in honour of Professor Mollie Holman, a distinguished research scholar and vigorous champion of postgraduate research education.  Dr Halls received the award for her thesis entitled "Characterisation of the signalling pathways of the relaxin family peptide receptors, RXFP1 and RXFP2".

Congratulations also to Dr Cathryn Hogarth from Monash Institute of Medical Research for receiving the Vice-Chancellor's commendation for doctoral thesis excellence.  Dr Hogarth received the award for her thesis entitled "Regulated importin expression throughout spermatogenesis".

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Music and Emotion Study

Music can have a powerful effect on our emotions and how we see things in the world.  To scientifically examine this phenomenon, the Music Psychology team at Monash University is currently looking for participants to rate their emotional responses to films with varying types of music playing in the background.

To be eligible to participate, you must:
• be aged between 17-50 years
• not be on anti-hypertensive or mood stabilising medication
• be right handed
• have no uncorrected visual or hearing impairment
• have not participated in the Monash PSY2031 or BNS3041 music/film practicals
• have not consumed any stimulants in the four hours before the study

The study will take place at the Monash University Sleep Laboratory, located at the Caulfield Campus, 900 Dandenong Road, Caulfield East. You will be required to attend two 1 hour sessions, one week apart.  The second session can be located at either the Caulfield or Clayton campus.

If you are interested in participating, please phone Sherilene Carr on 0418 993 102 or email sherilene.carr@med.monash.edu.au.

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Research Fellow (2 positions) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

The protein crystallography unit at Monash University, headed by Professor Jamie Rossjohn, ARC Federation Fellow, seeks two talented scientists to join his group (see http://www.med.monash.edu.au/biochem/staff/rossjohn-lab.html)

One position is to work in collaboration with the ARC Centre of Excellence in Functional Microbial Genomics, (http://www.microbialgenomics.net/), in the infection area of the laboratories’ research.

The second position is to join a group looking into the structural basis of immune responses central to adaptive and innate immunity. Projects cover investigations of proteins involved in infectious diseases, and techniques of protein crystallography and molecular biology are used.

The Research Fellows should have a knowledge of structural biology and protein crystallography.

Appointment will be made at a level appropriate to the successful applicant’s qualifications, experience and in accordance with classification standards for each level.

All applications should address the selection criteria. Please refer to “How to Apply for Monash jobs” below.

Salary range: $60,019 - $64,427 / $67,818 - $80,535 pa Level A PhD/Level B plus superannuation

Duration:Twelve-month appointment

Location:Clayton campus

Enquiries:Ms. Margaret Bills on 9905 8022 or email margaret.bills@med.monash.edu.au.

Ref No: A088801 

Applications close: Friday, 11 April 2008

Applications:By email addressed to Mrs Reenu Johnson at reenu.johnson@med.monash.edu.au

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14TH Annual Matthew Campbell Memorial Evening

Friday 11 April 6.15pm South 1 Lecture Theatre, Bldg 64, Clayton Campus

The WILDFIRE Matthew Campbell Memorial Evening (MCME) is held annually in memory of Matthew, a medical student who died tragically in a car accident in his second year, but who was passionate about and active in promoting Indigenous health. As such, the event runs annually not only to commemorate Matthew and his positive work, but also to inform and inspire Monash medicine and allied health students and staff about Indigenous health issues.

While past MCMEs haven't been themed, this year's will have the theme of: "Strong Foundations, Strong Future: sharing stories about Indigenous child health". There will be 3 or 4 speakers on the night, including a doctor, an Indigenous health professional and a Monash medical or allied health student who has undertaken an Indigenous placement. Speakers will share stories on their various experiences in and opinions on child health in remote Indigenous communities as well as in urban settings. 

For more information, please contact Madeleine Finney-Brown, WILDFIRE’s ATSI Health Advocate at mafin4@student.monash.edu.au or Teresa Neale, School of Rural Health , 99051327 (teresa.neale@med.monash.edu.au).

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THRIVE at The Alfred

Hundreds of staff members across Monash University have completed the *THRIVE* program and learned strategies for relaxing, sleeping better, overcoming worry and procrastination, becoming more assertive and balancing the challenges of work. Before and after measures show a significant decrease in a number of stress related symptoms and an increase in positive feelings. THRIVE at The Alfred begins Monday 14th April, 12:30p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and runs for eight consecutive weeks. Register your interest now and get your Tools for Resilience Insight Vitality and Empowerment. Details can be found at: www.adm.monash.edu.au/community-services/thrive/ To register please contact Michael Di Mattia on 9903 2500 to arrange a 10 minute interview to register for the program.

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