It has been a busy month for Alice Springs Campus, with the run-up to Christmas now adding to the load of staff members. Lecturers are busy with resulting and exams, and administration staff with providing support for them.
The Girls Night In was held in the Desert Lantern Restaurant in mid-October and was well supported. The event was held in support of the Cancer Council here in the Territory with $3,000 raised on the night. Sue Tucker from the School of Tourism and Hospitality was the driving force behind the evening.
In October the Desert Lantern Restaurant also hosted the Total Look Fashion Parade. The evening, organised by Denise Corey, lecturer in hairdressing, showcased the talents of Alice Springs hairdressing students, and was well received industry representatives.
Students in Alice Springs for a community education weekend workshop were treated to lunch by lecturer Sharon Spencer and the Alice Springs Campus. The lunch was an opportunity for students to take time out of their busy weekend workshop to network and build relationships which will see them through the rest of their studies.
The first week of November saw the Desert Knowledge Symposium held at the Alice Springs Convention Centre. The Campus hosted a booth in the business showcase expo, where the focus was on higher education and research. A number of queries were generated and have been forwarded onto the schools for follow-up.
Alice Springs based researcher Josie Douglas spoke at the forum. The symposium is an opportunity for global perspective on living in desert regions and generated discussion on industry, social issues and the long term viability of living in desert regions.
Students from the School of Education (childcare studies) partnered with the Desert Lantern Restaurant to provide care for children whilst their parents enjoyed dinner in the restaurant. It was a great opportunity for students to have their studies translated into practice. Heather Wilson, lecturer in childcare, is hoping to expand the program in 2007.
Music lecturer Cain Gilmour organised the Big Lunch Out, with CDU VET music students holding a lunchtime concert at Centralian Senior Secondary College. The concert was well received by students and staff.
A number of staff members took advantage of the professional development sessions that were hosted on-campus during October and early November. These included AIM short courses held in late October, including the New Supervisor, Cross Cultural Awareness and Job Ready courses which were hosted by Jo-Anne Ruscoe and Peter Burkhard and as well as courses hosted by Elizabeth MacDonald. Plans are underway to ensure that all staff have completed mandatory training, and have opportunities to expand their knowledge about the University and its systems.
November saw the departure of two Alice Springs staff members: Jane Molloy, assistant to the head of school, Trades, and Andrew Gaff, remote field officer.
New arrivals include, Rita Stellar, administration assistant for the School of Tourism and Hospitality; Rachel Hower, People Management and Development; Jason McIntosh, Corporate Communications; and Mike Drew, School of Law and Business.
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