Events

This is a test meeting to see if we have mastered the Nova system.

Michael is a foundation student of Monash University and chairs the alumni group The Monash Pioneers comprising students from the first five years 1961-65. In 2022 he was made a Fellow of the University.

His professional life included the cofounding of the Australian Centre for Retail Studies at the David Syme Business School at Monash University and from 1995 - 2014 Managing Director of Retail Synergy Group Pty Ltd.

In 2013 he initiated the Sir John Monash Sculptural Project at Monash University and chaired the Project Board.  The statue by Peter Corlett OAM was unveiled by the then Governor of Victoria the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC in April 2015.

In 2016 former Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Tim Fischer AC asked Michael to join the newly formed Saluting Monash Council as the Victorian Director with the objective to obtain an honorary rank of field marshal for Sir John Monash.

Michael is a former member of Military History and Heritage Victoria and is currently a member of The Spirit of Australia Foundation, an Affiliate Member of Box Hill RSL Sub- Branch and recognized authority on Sir John Monash.

M.C. Ian Bentley

Photo Credit: Australian War Memorial, ART 02986
 

Prepare yourself for a mind-blowing and funny storytelling session in which three imaginative brains will conjure up an incredible story around their mystery objects! 

The catch? While some aspects may be purely fictional, some may be accurate! Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Bring your creativity, put your investigative abilities to the test, and take pleasure in an exciting, surprising, and magical storytelling session!

This is also a fantastic opportunity to invite a special guest and share the excitement!

M.C.:  TBA

Photo:  Anna Shvets via Pexels

Chris Banks has worked in zoos since 1969, based mostly at Melbourne Zoo. From 1969 to the late 1980s, reptile and amphibian husbandry and management was a major focus, as keeper and curator. He initiated Zoos Victoria’s international conservation engagement in 2000, commencing with a suite of project support in south-east Asia in 2000. 

Chris transferred to Zoos Victoria’s Wildlife Conservation & Science Department in 2012 and now manages international conservation partnerships in Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Uganda, Rwanda and French Polynesia; and two sister zoo  partnerships in Papua New Guinea and Uganda. His portfolio also includes Zoos Victoria’s annual international conservation grants program.

M.C.: TBA

Photo: Zoos Victoria   www.zoo.org.au 

Simon is a businessman and humanitarian. With 30 years executive experience, including 22 years
as CEO/Director of large private, public and not-for-profit organisations, he understands the
complexities of business and the critical importance of building a culture that unites people around
an inspiring purpose.

As the head of one of Australia’s largest private companies, he was responsible for 32 operating
entities, employing over 14,000 people. In 2011 Simon changed his focus from pursuing success
to pursuing significance. He left corporate life and took a voluntary role with the United Nations,
concentrating on reducing food insecurity and poverty across sub-Saharan Africa. He remained in
Africa without his family for 8 years.

Simon is a problem solver on a global scale. He has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to
successfully lead commercial teams in overcoming seemingly impossible tasks. His leadership of a
global consortium, responsible for identifying and overcoming the systemic issues causing food
loss and poverty in developing countries, resulted in over a million families living significantly better
lives today.

Simon now shares his knowledge and proven expertise to develop successful managers into
inspiring leaders. His clients in Australasia, USA, Canada and UK range in scale and scope from
sole proprietorships to large, international corporations in a broad range of industries. 100% of
Simon’s coaching fees are given to charity.

• Simon was appointed Senior Officer of the Order of
Australia for outstanding service to business and
humanity.
• He was finalist in the Australian of the Year Award.
• He received the Pride of Australia Medal for selfless
service to the disadvantaged internationally and
within Australian society.
• He received the Global Humanitarian Award (UN) for
impact and innovations in undeveloped countries.
• His work in combatting hunger was a critical
component of the UN/WFP being awarded the 2020
Nobel Peace Prize.
• He has led teams awarded the Australian Family
Business of the Year and the Leading Supply Chain
Company (Australasia).

M.C : TBA

Photo:  Provided by President Dorothy Gilmour

Dr Tucker is urrently a Fellow at the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Mt. Stromlo Observatory at the Australian National University.

'I have my hand in a variety of things, but the majority of my work involves Exploding stars called Supernova and Cosmology, the study of the Universe. A certain type of supernova, called a type Ia, can be used as a standard candle that can trace our Universe's history.

For this work, I am involved with a number of supernova surveys. I have been working on the ESSENCE Project, The CfA Supernova Search, The Carnegie Supernova Project and also using Mt. Stromlo's new SkyMapper telescope. I am one of the leads of the Kepler Extra-Galactic Survey, KEGS, a Kepler Space Telescope Key Program, to understand why and how stars blow. I am leeading a project to build a network of ultraviolet telescopes in the upper atmosphere which are being built at Mt. Stromlo.

I originally hail from Sacramento, California, USA. I did my undergraduate studies in Physics, Philosophy, and Theology at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA, and my PhD at Mt. Stromlo Observatory, the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. In addition research, I frequently give talks to school groups and the general public about Astronomy and have regular segments on various radio stations talking about Astronomy news and events. Among other things, I have developed a series of Astronomy coins in conjunction with the Royal Australian Mint, consulted on science fiction movies, advised on Astronomy-themed art projects, and has been featured in specials on the National Geographic Channel'. 

M.C. Noel Halford

Photo:  The Australian National University, Dr Brad Tucker

D.Shore

Ross from Auburn HS?

Ross from Auburn HS?

Ross from Auburn HS?