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Dear Alumni,
Yesterday we faced the stark and tragic fact that many in our University
community had their lives changed forever by the bushfires that swept through Victoria at the weekend
– one of the worst natural disasters in recent times. With over 170 deaths
currently reported, the trail of human and physical destruction is impossible
to comprehend. We know that we have lost members of staff, students and La
Trobe alumni in this tragedy – and our thoughts and condolences go out to all
family and friends of those who have perished. We have set up various forms of
support for staff who have lost their homes.
Many of our campuses were close to, or in the path of the firestorms and while
not completely clear of danger, we can report that all so far remain unscathed.
But our staff, students and our wider communities are suffering and we will
continue to support them to the best of our ability. I have listed below some
of the activities already underway across the University and also ways in which
you might want to help as individuals.
Accommodation Bendigo:
The University responded to an early request from the Emergency coordination
services for short term accommodation. We had 9 people stay in our student
residences on Sunday night, and 6 last night (Monday). We will continue to make
this available for the next two weeks and will work with the Housing Authority
on strategies for accommodation once students return to the campus. We are also
working to make some self-contained accommodation available should affected
staff need this for the short to medium term.
Accommodation Beechworth: We have made 92 beds available to fire fighters and
other volunteers at present, and are ready to make more available if necessary.
Accommodation Bundoora: We have made self contained accommodation available to
affected staff and this offer has already been taken up. We are also assembling
any whitegoods and furnishings that we will be able to make available if
requested.
Our local communities: We are liaising with local governments and the
communities directly surrounding our campuses to discuss how we can assist with
their longer terms responses to the bushfire devastation.
Financial contributions: There are many staff who have indicated they would
like to make a financial contribution to assist colleagues who have been
severely affected by this tragedy. To enable this to happen easily, we have
established the La Trobe University Staff Bushfire Appeal where staff can
contribute through payroll deductions over the next three pay periods. If you
would like to make a donation to the broader community, the Victorian
government has set up the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal in partnership with
the Red Cross, with further information available at www.redcross.org.au
or 1800 811 700.
Donating blood: There are many people who are injured as a result of the fires
and receiving medical care and donations of blood are keenly sought. Blood
donations are organised through the Red Cross (phone 13 14 95). The Red Cross
will take details and make arrangements for you to make a blood donation at a
local collection point.
Supporting volunteers: A large number of staff and alumni have volunteered
during this crisis and we thank you all for your continuing dedication and
bravery during the most horrific of circumstances. We are supporting our staff volunteers
with flexible leave and working arrangements.
Counselling services: Counselling for staff has been organised through the
University's Employee Assistance Program. The EAP provider, ResolutionsRTK has
mobilised a specialist team to assist people regarding the bushfire.
If you have any further suggestions regarding assistance and support for our
community in these difficult circumstances please email Dr Muyesser Durur, Executive Director, People and
Culture on m.durur@latrobe.edu.au or mob: 0427 120 888.
Regards,
Paul Johnson
Vice-Chancellor
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BENDIGO CHAPTER NEWS
The Vice Chancellor opens Kilmartin Court
On Thursday 11
December 2008, staff and alumni attended the naming of Kilmartin Court
in recognition of Professor Leslie (Les) Kilmartin, Pro Vice
Chancellor, La Trobe University Bendigo Campus and Dean, Faculty for
Regional Development, 1995 to 2003. Over 100 staff (past and present)
and other alumni were present. Read more
Downtown Lecture Series: 'The Politics of Water in Victoria'
We
will kick-off our 2009 Downtown Lecture Series with a presentation from
Mr Ian Tulloch, Co-ordinator of the Sociology and Politics Program at
the Bendigo Campus. The Lecture will commence at 6.00pm on Wednesday 25
February 2009, at the La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre, 121 View
St. Bendigo.
Ian will present: “The Politics of Water in
Victoria”, an examination of the most discussed political issue in
Victoria today – “water.” Read more
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ART HISTORY CHAPTER NEWS
After a very busy and successful 2008 we are embarking on an even
busier 2009. Our committee met for the first time this year on Friday
6th. This year’s executive comprises Catherine Thomson, President;
Elspeth Riggall, Vice President; Margaret Baulch, Secretary and Norma
Levin, Treasurer and Membership.
Our committee numbers eleven
and is a very active group. We enjoy association through our committee
members with other organizations such as the Fine Arts Network (FAN),
Friends of the National Gallery Library (FOGL) and the Association of
Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (ADFAS).
We will be visiting
the studio of Juan Ford in February. Juan’s work is represented in many
major galleries in Australia. Last year, with the assistance of the Art
History Chapter, one of his paintings, From Grave to Cradle was
purchased for the La Trobe University Art Museum.
Later, in
February we will celebrate the 90th birthday of the convener of the Art
History Chapter of Alumni, M/s Rae Alexander. Rae was instrumental in
setting up the Alumni and has continued to support the Chapter in many
ways over the last twelve years. Read more
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PROFILES
 Shueh-li Ong
Graduate Diploma, Music Technology, Interactive Multimedia 1990
Recipient
of a visa awarded only to "Artists of Extraordinary Ability" by the US
Govt. and American Federation of Musicians, this Australian born
Singaporean cutting-edge show designer and master class lecturer is at
the forefront of the global progressive music scene. But despite the
imposing credentials, Shueh-li Ong is just a “curious bugger at heart”
with her eyes on the scale and feet firmly on the ground.. Read more
MBA (TechMgt) 2006
Looking
back on his “rocky” path, Boeing ace Reece Lumsden gives an inspiring
account of how taking a measured risk can pay off, big time! With goals
of completing the Boston marathon and applying for astronaut candidacy
with NASA well within his grasp, not even the sky’s the limit for this
La Trobe MBA graduate.. Read more
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| Careers And Employment: A range of Alumni Careers resources is available online, using La Trobe CareerHub. When registering, please select the service area "Graduate". Please email careers@latrobe.edu.au for further information. |
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE
La Trobe Student Career Mentoring Program
Would you like to develop your own coaching, leadership and communication skills? Are you interested in using your knowledge and experience to help guide students as they embark on their career? Become a mentor in the La Trobe Student Career Mentoring Program and you can help nurture final year students to become better informed graduates with an increased chance of securing meaningful employment at the end of their degree. Mentors are required to attend an introductory event, meet with their mentee a minimum of five times between April and October, and attend a celebration at the end of the program.
+ share your experience + support a student +
Applications Close 6 March, 2009
For more information and an application form, go to: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/careers/employers/engage/mentoring.html
or contact: Patricia Brown, Careers and Employment, T: 03 9479 3524E: p.brown@latrobe.edu.au
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La Trobe Alumni Lifestyle Benefits - Show your Alumni Card and Save
Travel and Accommodation
Subscriptions and Memberships
Products and Services
La Trobe Services
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The next edition of E-News @ La Trobe will be published on Friday 6 March 09
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IMPORTANT LINKS
CHAPTERS
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GET CONNECTED
 La Trobe Alumni Group
 La Trobe University Page
EVENTS
Visit to Juan Ford’s Studio
Indonesia’s 2nd Australian Alumni Awards Dinner
21 February 2009
At the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta More details
School of Biological Science 1993 – 1996 Reunion
All Bio
Science alumni who graduated between 1993 – 1996 and their partners are
cordially invited to attend this awe inspiring event!
Saturday 21 February 2009, starts 7:30pm
Eagle Bar, La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus
More details
Bendigo – Downtown Lecture Series: 'The Politics of Water in Victoria'
6.00pm on Wednesday 25 February 2009
La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre, 121 View St. Bendigo
More details
Degas Exhibition, National Gallery of Aus, Canberra
Talk by Jane Kinsman
Trip to Bendigo Art Gallery for The Golden Age of Couture (TBA)
LA TROBE INTERNATIONAL NEWS
The La Trobe Times, La Trobe International's Online Newspaper, is now online at http://www.latrobenews.net.au/
RESEARCH AT LA TROBE
Caution should be exercised when inducing labour in women who have no clinical indications for the procedure.
Dr Danuta Loesch has been studying families affected by a faulty gene, Fragile X, for more than twenty years.
PODCASTS
Liam Lenten discusses the ins and outs of analysing sports
Ken Harvey discusses medicine control and regulation
John Carroll discusses the desire for the soul to crave meaning
ODYSSEY TRAVELS
La Trobe is a member of Odyssey Travel - a non
profit company providing educational travel for the over 45's. The company is
made up of twenty-five member universities, colleges and partner organisations
throughout Australia,New Zealand and Asia.
The host organisation is the University
of Wollongong. Programs
are currently operating in more than forty countries and there is also an
extensive in-bound program for overseas participants. As this is Odyssey's 25th
anniversary, Alumni can benefit from a discount of $250 on 2009 programs.
Further information is available via email from Cliff Picton who is La Trobe's representative on the Odyssey
Board, or via the Odyssey Website
FEATURED BENEFITS
NEW BENEFITS PARTNERS
Alumni Benefits are a great way to promote your business and maintain a link with your alumni network. We would welcome Alumni to be involved in this program. Please contact alumni@latrobe.edu.au if your business would like to be part of the Alumni Benefits program.
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Reece Lumsden