Big cuppa more than a weak tea
More than 60 staff and students gathered for the 'Women in Technology Big Cuppa' on 29 May 2007.
Heather McEwen, Marketing Manager at the College, kicked off the event by welcoming everyone and saying that the Cancer Council hoped to raise $8 million from Australia's Biggest Morning Tea this year and that every dollar donated for the raffle tickets, and in gold coin donations, helped the Cancer Council to reach this goal.
"There are few of us in this room who won't be touched by cancer in some way, whether it is something that we have experienced personally, or whether it has affected family, friends or work colleagues," she said.
"It is important that we support each other when this does happen - especially our work colleagues with whom we spend an enormous amount of time, and that we get to know very well over the years."
She went on to say that it is a sad fact that 1 in 3 people will develop cancer before the age of 75, but the good news is that with events like the Big Cuppa we are helping to further research. More than 50% of people are surviving cancer because of advances in detection, diagnosis and treatment, and everyone's cuppa is helping.
Dr Ed Bertram, Head of Scientific Programs at the Australian Phenomics Facility had '15 minutes of fame' to talk about the role of engineering and computer science in unravelling the Human Genome, before he discussed a little of the research that the Facility is involved in. Some of this research has isolated mutations in the genome that cause cancers.
Ed then drew the raffle prize of a three-course dinner for two, with wine, at Boffins Restaurant, University House which was won by Wendy Jellett, a PhD student with the Solar Group in the Department of Engineering.
Lucky door prize winners included Brendan, Matthew, Pamela, Debbie, Ljiljana and Jill.
Many thanks to the supporters who donated prizes:
- University House: Dinner for two at Boffins
Paulette Lieby: Lunch at The Gods
Teatro Vivaldi's Restaurant: Lunch for two at Vivaldi's
College IT Group: USB Thumb Stick
NICTA: 2 Myer gift vouchers valued at $50 each
Heather McEwen: Teapot paperweight
Paul Melloy: Who found money in his Student Services budget for lunch
Professor John Richards: Who matched funds dollar-for-dollar from discretionary budget to donate to the Cancer Council.
The College raised $201.00 at the event. With matching funds this brings us up to $402.00 If you missed out on donating, and would like to do so, you can make a donation at RSISE Reception by COB Thursday 31 May.
Dr Parastoo Sadeghi's Recipe for "Baghali Polo with Morgh", a traditional Persian dish (rice with broad beans and chicken) was a smash hit and if you missed out on some, you can find her recipe here.
And a big thank you to volunteers who donated prizes, sold raffle tickets, organised the tea, baked and cooked the goodies, laid tables, packed up, took photos, made last minute dashes to local supermarkets to grab paper plates and spoons and who generally gave 'above and beyond the call of duty.'
They know who they are. Their support means that the organiser has been heard to whisper that she may be persuaded to do it again next year.
