15 December 2006
Message from the Rector
This is the last staff newsletter for 2006.
We have made it though another graduation week! At this
time each year I marvel at the complexity and intensity
of the numerous functions that culminate in the celebration
of Grad week – from the marking of exams and assignments
through to the collation of results and on to organizing
the various functions. All of this is planned in great detail
and in close collaboration with the Defence side of ADFA.
The celebrations last week went off without a hitch. Everyone
that to whom I have spoken, including senior military and
university officers, were glowing in their praise of the
achievements of our students and of the success of the organisation.
I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who
played their part for their commitment and professionalism.
On Friday, myself and many of the University staff attended
the Commandant's Morning Tea which was also attended by
the Commander of ADC Major General David Morrison. The value
of the cooperation between both sides of the campus is highly
regarded and I would like to thank all of the staff for
their efforts to make this partnership so successful.
The event was an opportunity to thank and farewell a number
of staff from the Academy. In particular, many of you will
have have met the Academy Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer
Steve Griffiths. Steve is moving on and is replaced by Warrant
Officer Ross Chavasse from the RAAF. I thank Steve for his
support and contribution over the last three years and wish
him well at his next posting.
As many of you already know, in 2007 Mr Laurie Olive, Director
of Finance Personnel and Planning will be retiring from
the University. As this event draws near I can now share
with you some details about his replacement.
I am pleased to announce that Mr Graeme Brookes has accepted
the position of Director of Operations, as this position
will now be called.
Graeme joins us with over thirty years experience as a
manager in education and training across the tertiary, public
and private sectors. He has a wealth of experience in commercial
tendering at both national and international levels including
tenders with the Department of Defence. Graeme has held
positions in International Education management at RMIT,
Griffith and University of Melbourne. In addition, Graeme
has also led teams on a range of international educational
projects funded by; AusAID, The Asian Development Bank,
The World Bank and several UN agencies.
Graeme will be joining us on the 15th January and will
be working closely with Laurie Olive for a few weeks to
ensure a smooth transition across the position.
Finally as the year comes to a close I would like to thank
all of you for your hard work and enthusiasm and commitment
in 2006. I wish everyone a happy and a safe break over Christmas
and New Year and look forward to working with you to make
2007 another successful year.
Best wishes
John Baird
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