Wellbeing @ Monash and Monash Sport newsletter – April 2015
Browse the Timeout newsletter for information on what’s new in Wellbeing at Monash. Read about the latest Wellbeing and Monash Sport events, services and activities.
For information about latest events, special offers, discounts, and news, subscribe to the newsletter by emailing wellbeing@monash.edu
In the April edition:
- Wellbeing events and news
- Monash Sport news and offers
- TeamMONASH news
- Employee benefits and discounts
Wellbeing Events and News
Monash Global Walk Run
Hundreds of staff and students took advantage of the fabulous weather to participate in the Monash 
Global Walk/Run this week.
More than 600 Monash staff and students walked or ran their way across all Monash campuses and sites to support the work of Andrology Australia.
The event, presented by Wellbeing at Monash, together with Team Monash and Monash Sport provided a great opportunity for staff and students to come together and participate in a step toward better health.
Participants at Clayton warmed up to music on the Menzies lawn with Caroline Lawrence of Monash Sport and walk guide Martin Doulton then led participants through the campus, showcasing Rainforest Walk and the residential lake. Participants at the other sites also enjoyed the event, with Caulfield campus seeing their highest participation to date, with more than 60 people taking part.
Following the walk/run, participants enjoyed a health smart lunch and mingled with others, whilst donating a gold coin to Andrology Australia.
Paul Barton, Director of Business Support at Facilities and Services closed the Clayton event highlighting the importance of taking time to exercise at least five times a week. He also encouraged staff to continue their journey toward a healthier lifestyle by taking advantage of the many wellbeing programs available at Monash.
Join the Premier’s Active April Monash team
Join Premier’s Active April to be part of a state wide initiative to encourage Victorians to do 30
minutes of physical activity a day during April.
To participate all you need to do is register yourself and then create or join a team. And, if you create your team name starting with ‘TeamMONASH’, you’ll go in the draw to win some great prizes.
Every Premier’s Active April participant will also receive a range of giveaways including:
- 10 free passes to a participating YMCA or local government facility
- 15% off at Sportsmart in store and online
- one free hour tennis court hire at Melbourne Park or Albert Reserve
- a 2 for 1 ticket offer to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- a chance to win some great prizes including four tickets to the 2015 Toyota AFL Grand Final (GFAFL15/12), a $1,500 bike voucher or a GoPro Camera
Register now for Premier’s Active April 2015. You’ll feel great!
Easter is coming soon and its a day of celebration and indulgence. While it’s easy to go overboard at this great time, remember, it’s all about balance.
Here’s a great website to help you maintain that balance during the Easter Break!
- 10 ways to snack smarter over Easter
- A guilt free Easter
- Work off your Easter eggs
- Learn what’s really inside those tasty Easter treats
- Guilt free Easter options
Supporter of mindfulness? Vote for Monash at the Thinkable awards
Dr Neil Bailey from the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre is conducting research into the neural changes that take place as a result of mindfulness practice, and how these changes might help treat and prevent mental illness. 
The research is focused on the direction of attention and the improved ability to direct attention is thought to be good for mental health, as it allows us to focus on the moment, rather than rumination, anxieties, and worries. The ultimate goal of his research (along with his collaborators) is to get mindfulness practice into high schools as part of the core curriculum to reduce the rates of mental illness in our society.
Dr Bailey is currently applying for a Thinkable Award with a three minute internet video voted on by the general public – the video with the most votes receives $5000 to conduct their research.
To show your support, view the video and vote online here http://thinkable.org/submission/2037
Seminar series: Is retirement bad for your health?
The Monash Peninsula campus will be hosting a series of seminars looking into healthy ag
eing.
The three-seminar series will provide an opportunity to learn about contemporary perspectives on ageing and their relevance to ‘a good life’ in retirement, and recognise that adjustment to retirement is a process involving biological vulnerability, psychological and social challenges.
Additionally the seminar will discuss the changing needs, experiences and aspirations of older men and women, their capacity to learn and engage in new ways of thinking and doing things.
The series begins on Thursday 9 April at the George Jenkins Theatre, Peninsula Campus, McMahons Rd, Frankston from 2pm-3.30pm
For more information view the information flyer
http://mon.clients.squiz.net/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/128722/Is-retirement-bad-for-you.pdf
Are you ready to quit? A Monash success story…
Today is Sharon’s 50th day as a non-smoker and she feels great. Her youngest son has also stopped smoking, her partner has reduced his smoking, and her oldest son is preparing his mind for the possibility of quitting! What a great success story! To read Sharon’s full story click here.
For more information on quitting and to register your interest in q QUIT program, click here.
Join a SWAP program!
Want to make a difference to your health in 2015, with the convenience of an on site program? 
Why not grab a few of your colleagues and register for one of the many SWAP wellbeing activities available to Monash staff.
Join a fitness class like boxing, pilates, yoga or zumba from just $8.50 per session (minimum 10 participants). All programs can be arranged at a time and location suitable to your work group.
Learn more about the range of SWAP programs.
Mindfulness for wellbeing, resilience and performance
Register to take part in a 3.5 hour Mindfulness Workshop through. The workshop will explore:
- the science, principles and practice of mindfulness
- its applications in areas including wellbeing, mental health, and resilience
- its role in leadership development
- the capacity of mindfulness to enhance information processing, decision making and performance.
Supervisors are encouraged to take part in this 3.5 hour program which in addition to the above 4 points, also looks at what you can do as supervisors, to assist in the embedding of the mindfulness practice.
The mindfulness program for supervisors is available online.
Up to one in 10 Australian women will experience depression during pregnancy. This increases to one in seven in the year following birth. Anxiety is thought to be even more common. We can all play a vital role in supporting expecting and new parents.
Other programs available include:
For only $65 Entertainment™ Memberships are packed with hundreds of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers for the best local restaurants, cafés, attractions, hotel accommodation, travel, and much more!
Available as a traditional Entertainment™ Book -or- Digital Membership on your smartphone, your Membership gives you over $20,000 worth of valuable offers valid through to 1 June 2016!
Order either Membership type before 15th April 2015, and you’ll receive over $155 worth of Early Bird Offers which you can use straight away!
Purchase your book online or contact Margaret Croxford, Faculty of IT, Phone: x32039 or 0418223008 or margaret.croxford@monash.edu
Monash Sport news and offers
AFL Tipping Competition – Win a TV!
To celebrate the return of the AFL season, Monash Sport has launched a Monash wide AFL footy tipping competition, and we want to give you the first shot at winning some great prizes this season! Do you think you are the best tipster at Monash?
You’ve got to be in it to win it, sign up today to be in the running to claim the following prizes for the best tipsters at Monash:
1st – 50 inch Full HD Smart LCD TV
2nd – 1 year Fitness + Aquatics membership at Monash Sport
3rd – PlayStation 4
4th – Fitbit Charge
5th – Fitbit Flex
Individuals can also set up their own private leagues within this new system. Simply create your league after you have registered via the website. Who is the best tipster in your office?
Make sure you register via: http://afltipping.monash.edu/
Staff Membership promotion now on – Stay Smart and Stay Active!
For a very limited time, Monash staff can receive four weeks free on new Monash Sport memberships! This is on top of the generous staff discount that you already receive!
Simply sign up online (or over the counter at any of our locations) to receive the discount. Hurry, the offer ends on 31 March!
Semester 1 Group Fitness Timetable – out now!
The Semester 1 Group Fitness Timetable is now in full swing.
With all your old favorites as well as brand new classes, there is something for everyone on the new timetable. Enjoy the all-new Energise, Core and Abs and Zumba Gold. Keep an eye out around the centre and on our website for the new timetable.
Group Fitness classes at all campuses are included in all Fitness and Fitness + Aquatic memberships. Not a member? Join today! Monash University Staff get a discounted rate.
We want your feedback!
In order to build the best team, we all need to work together. Please let us know your thoughts on any of our programs, SWAP, Group Fitness, etc via our online feedback system. Let’s kick some goals together!
Monash University Sport Masterplan – staff feedback required!
Monash adopted a Sports Precinct Masterplan for the Clayton campus in 2011. As a result, the University is currently reviewing the masterplan to determine the likely demand from the future campus population for sport, recreation, and health and fitness activities; and from this, determine the need for facilities and spatial implications.
It is important that all stakeholders have an opportunity to participate, especially staff at Monash. Two forums have been scheduled for Clayton campus staff in mid-April, and you are invited to participate irrespective of whether you have or have not used any sporting service or facility at Monash.
The masterplan project is also investigating the demand and options for the provision of informal recreation facilities and spaces around campus, The details for the forums are:
Date: Wednesday 15 April
Time/ Venue: 12.00 – 1.00pm, Conference Room in the Campus Centre (Level 1, 21 Chancellors Walk)
Time/ Venue: 5.30 – 6.30pm, Greenview Room, Monash Sport (42 Scenic Boulevard, overlooks the Frearson Oval)
The Forum will provide background information about the project, and will seek information on the following questions/ statements:
1 What do you believe are the ‘core’ sporting and recreational needs and services for campus staff?
2 Do you believe that the current provision of both indoor and outdoor facilities satisfactorily meets this demand? If not, what are the key deficiencies or things that need to be changed?
3 Do you use the Monash Sport facilities and services now? If not, why not?
4 If you do use the Monash Sport facilities, what were some of the key factors in your decision to do so?
5 Are there any sporting or recreational facilities not currently provided on campus, but you believe should be considered for inclusion in the future?
6 Putting organised sporting and fitness facilities to one side, do you believe that the Clayton campus would benefit by providing places and facilities for staff and students to participate in informal recreational activities? By this I mean activities that are not team based, not organised by Monash Sport, and are generally participated in for their social and relaxation value, e.g. the table tennis tables near the Campus Centre, 3 on 3 basketball, skateboarding, etc. If you think there is a place for such activities, which ones do you believe staff would most like to see on campus?
7 In your view, when would staff be likely to use informal facilities, if they were provided?
8 And thinking about informal sporting and recreation facilities and activities, what factors or characteristics might be important in relation to their location, design and setting? Richard Simon (Simon Leisure) will be facilitating the session.
Can you please rsvp directly to Richard by email if you can attend pamela@simonleisure.com. If you cannot make either of the meetings, it would be helpful if you could respond to each of the above questions and email them to Richard, via the email provided.
TeamMONASH news
Mother’s Day Classic – Register today!
Get moving to help find a cure for breast cancer! Breast cancer strikes one in nine Australian women. The Mother’s Day Classic is the biggest community fundraising event for breast cancer in Australia. With over 80,000 people participating nationally, this walk/run event gives people the chance to make a real difference to the lives of those diagnosed with breast cancer.
When: Sunday 10 May 2015
Where: Alexandra Gardens and the Tan Track
Registration fees: $35-220
Options: 4km, 8km run/walk
See our website for more information.
Volunteer with TeamMONASH
Volunteering is a rich and rewarding experience for Monash University Staff.
As Monash University staff, you are entitled to two paid days per year for approved volunteering. You can step away from the desk and develop your personal and professional skills without compromising your work commitment.
What you gain from volunteering with TeamMONASH:
- Make a difference to your university
- Being an ambassador for with TeamMONASH
- Receive additional training
- Entitled two days special paid leave per annum
Am I eligible?
- If you are fixed-term and continuing staff at Monash University’s Australian campuses
- The work is undertaken Monday to Friday during business hours
- The work is not for more than two working days per annum
- The activity is not considered high-risk and is recognised as beneficial to the community
- The organisation offering the position is not-for-profit*
See our website for more information.
Emer Casey Fun Run!
Ovarian cancer is often dubbed the “silent killer”. It is the leading cause of death from gynaecological malignancy in the western world. The Emer Casey Foundation is dedicated to addressing these problems. This year the Emer Casey Foundation will support the fantastic research into ovarian cancer being carried out in Australia by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The funds will help researchers learn more about ovarian cancer and create better outcomes for women touched by the disease.
When: Sunday 31 May, 2015
Where: Jells Park, Wheelers Hill
Registration fees: $25 online, $30 on the day
Options: 5km, 10 km run/walk
Registrations will open shortly, please see run4ec.com.au for more information. Or, contact us via participants@monash.edu
Employee benefits and discounts
Monash staff have access to a great range of employee benefits and discounts including accommodation, travel, travel insurance, airport parking and car hire and plenty more. Read more information in the range of employee benefits and staff discounts
Discount Book
Cheaper public transport travel for staff
All Monash staff (including sessionals and casuals) have the opportunity to participate in the Monash Commuter Club scheme and get 10% off their annual Myki pass which can be used on metropolitan trains, trams or buses all year round.
You’ll save $99.50 on a Zone 2 pass and $150.15 on a Zone 1 and 2 pass.
To avoid fare increases and the need to top up your myki for 12 months visit the Monash Commuter Club
Join BUPA and enjoy the benefits
Get Bupa hospital and extras cover by 31 May and choose one of three gifts as a thank you. See the current offer here.
Bupa provides staff access to the Monash Corporate Health Insurance Plan, with:
- A suite of health cover options not available to the general public
- Competitive premiums
- No GAP optical packages
- No GAP physio and dental for kids
- Switching from another fund is easy
- A single room or your money back # conditions apply
- Your premiums paid through direct debit/credit card*
For pricing and detailed information:
Visit the BUPA Corporate webpage:
- Username: monashuni
- Password: healthplan
Or see Cover for Corporate (pdf 3Mb), for more information about benefits see the Corporate Benefits Guide (pdf 388kb).
Join the Travel club
Travel Club is a private leisure club which gives you access to amazing holiday deals and travel products to destinations all over the world. Backed by the global Flight Centre Travel Group, Travel Club offers Monash University staff access to the best deals together with a dedicated, highly experienced consultant.As a member of Travel Club you will have access to specially negotiated holidays, products and services tailor-made for you.
And, as a bonus, all Monash University staff who register will receive a $50 gift voucher upfront, and one every year after that, to put toward their next holiday*. With Travel Club’s “Price Promise” you can be sure you’re getting the very best price, Travel club will beat any available quote you find*, that’s how committed they are to ensuring you have the best value experience every time you travel.
So register today and start planning your next trip. *Terms and Conditions apply.
Virgin Airlines Discount
Virgin Airlines is offering all Monash staff a 10% discount on domestic travel booked before the 31st March 2015. For more information go to Corporate Leisure Offer
Book your winter getaway with up to 50% off Peppers and Mantra Resorts
Staff have access to the exclusive Departure Lounge with discounted rates at selected Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree properties throughout Australia, Bali and New Zealand.
To book visit Departure Lounge and enter the password: monashstaff Rates are best when searching for 3 night+ stays.
For this month’s best deals, click here.
Enjoy a 10% discount on magazine subscriptions 
Staff can purchase a range of magazine subscriptions for themselves or for gifts. Available titles include Australian Geographic, Good Health, Gourmet, House and Garden, Money, Motor, Wheels, Top Gear, Women’s Weekly and many more.
To purchase click here.
10% off Rydges, Art Series and QT Hotels & Resorts
Get some great discounts on all Rydges, Art Series, QT Hotels & Resorts in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. As a Monash staff member, you will receive:
- 10% off all your accommodation bookings
- Best rates online guaranteed
To start saving:
- Visit Rydges, Art Series, QT Hotels & Resorts and select your preferred location and stay dates
- Enter the Monash Corporate ID: PC102298 in the text box and save 10% off the best rates
Other discounts available to staff include:
- Andrew’s Airport Parking – 20% discount for staff, 15% for family
- Avis car hire – reduced excess and 3rd day of weekend rentals free
- BUPA Optical – 20% off sunglasses and lenses
- BMW & Mini Corporate Program – complimentary scheduled servicing for 4 years / 60,000km, use of a BMW during scheduled servicing, corporate pricing, reduced dealer delivery charges
- Convenient Kitchen home delivery meals
- Lite n’ Easy – 7 day meal pack discount
- Travel insurance – special rates for staff