“We have a very long
and proud history and
it is the people past and
present that make this
place what it is.”
Over 130 years after opening Australia’s first school of pharmacy, Monash University
has released an inspiring documentary telling the story of a small school that went
on to become an international leader in pharmaceutical research and education.
The documentary Years of Determination:
From College to Faculty was launched in April at
a special premiere held at Parkville. Professor Bill
Charman, Dean of the Faculty, said the film pays
homage to the pioneers of the College/Faculty
and the profession.
“This film traces the roots of pharmacy in Australia
and highlights the generations of visionaries who
have established and grown the profession of
pharmacy, beginning in the newly settled Victoria
of the 1800s,” he said.
“Alistair Lloyd inspired this project when he
proposed capturing the history of the college
and Faculty, and it was wonderful to see our long
and proud history burst to life in a half-hour
documentary.”
Based on interviews with prominent pharmacy
identities, the film portrays the crucial events that
moulded the Faculty and the profession. The launch
signifies the culmination of 18 months of research,
editing and post-production work.
Jenny McDowell co-produced the film and said
the final product is something that will move
students, staff and alumni alike.
“It has been an honour to have worked on this
project and know that we have released something
that is really quite special,” she said.
“This film will evoke a lot of fond memories for
graduates and will help current students understand
and fully appreciate the rich history of the Faculty.”
Professor Charman agreed, saying that the films
captures the essence of what the Faculty is about.
“We have a long and proud history and it is the
people, past and present, that make our Faculty
what it is. The film tells the story of these people,
as much as the institution, and we now have a
tangible means by which to portray our compelling
history and story,” Professor Charman said.
The documentary is the second Faculty film
that has been released, following the launch
of The Sissons Mural Revealed in mid-2014.
Both films can be viewed online and a DVD has
been produced that can be collected from the
Monash University Student Services reception
at the Parkville campus (free of charge).
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