No images? Click here
The sun is shining (sometimes), there are ducklings paddling in the lake, and the Christmas Pageant is coming to town! It’s hard to believe summer is just around the corner and there are only two months left this year.
As the invitations for end of year events start rolling in, it’s the perfect time to refocus on your wellbeing. Keep reading to learn more about what’s on at Flinders to support you to thrive!
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”
– Anne Lamott
Thriving@Flinders: Spotlight
Name: Glen Heaysman
Role: Library Specialist (Data Governance) - all things records and information management, especially Content Manager.
How long have you been at Flinders? Two and a half years, and prior to this state government, and local government roles.
What supports your wellbeing at Flinders? First and foremost, working in the Library. I’m so lucky being surrounded by colleagues who I can have a laugh with and really enjoy my workday. Also, flexible working options and, when on campus, a meander outside on the manicured lawns amongst the native trees is a great way to clear the cobwebs.
How do you keep yourself thriving? I’ve battled severe weight issues my entire life, but this generally doesn’t slow me down. I am one of those people who is awake and full of beans at 5:30am and still going until around 11:00pm. It wasn’t until my wife went through a breast cancer journey a couple of years ago that the adage rang true - you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. Now I’m eating healthier and running after a very active grandson. Also, I continue to thrive by avoiding no-trip-a-phobia - I always make sure I know where and when my next holiday will be. Port Douglas, Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii are all favourites so far, but I’ve still got a lot of places to explore.
What’s your wellbeing tip for others? Spend an hour or so during the weekend on workday lunch meal prep. It really doesn’t take very long, and you can grab a healthy meal as you’re running out the door in the morning, and it only costs a few dollars. My go to is chicken, rice, and mixed vegetables or a spaghetti bolognese jam-packed with vegetables during the cooler months. Summer is more likely to be a salad - my favourite now is any combination of quinoa, feta, cucumber, beetroot, cranberries, cashews, or whatever else you’d like to throw in there. Also, the EAP is awesome if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or just want to get a fresh perspective on something. It’s 2025, we talk about, and manage, our mental health now!
End of Year Staff Event – 21 November
Registrations are now open for the 2025 End of Year Event!
Get your ticket here.
Join us for a fun afternoon filled with arcade games, crafts, food, ice-creams and most importantly – great company!
Come with your colleagues and maybe even find new friends.
If you want to see the type of activities on offer, you can have a look at the photos from last year's event here - but also expect a few new options for 2025.
Can't wait to see you there.
Campus Activation in 2026
Do you have a bold idea for 2026? Applications are now open for the 2026 Campus Activation Initiative.
Get creative, think big, and tell us about the activity you want to bring to life. This funding takes your idea and makes it into an experience that brings people together and makes Flinders a vibrant place to work.
Applications close 20 February 2026. See the application form and guidelines and don’t miss out!
Screen, Film and Television - End of Year Screening – 13 November
Spend a balmy evening under the stars at the Flinders End of Year Screening proudly presented by the Flinders Screen, Film and Television students.
Enjoy complimentary fairy floss, popcorn and soft drink but don’t forget your own blanket! Bring your colleagues, family or friends – everyone is welcome. Register here and celebrate our amazing students.
Bupa Mindplace Clinics - Until 31 December
Staff can now access 20% off psychological services at Mindplace, our growing network of mental health clinics offering accessible, compassionate mental health care across Australia, open to everyone—not just Bupa members.
Services include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness-based support
- Talking therapy
- Introductory psychologist matching consultations
- Digital resources for ongoing support
Our corporate partnership with Bupa provides access to private health insurance at competitive rates. Find out more about the corporate health plan options here.
Coming Soon: Leadership Excellence Program 2026
Keep an eye out....in the next few weeks we will be opening applications for the 2026 Leadership Excellence Program. This program is open to academic and professional staff who are currently managing staff (HEO8-HEO10, academic levels B and C).
The program is designed to build the capability we need to navigate complexity, lead with purpose and drive meaningful outcomes now and into the future. Are you ready for the challenge?
For any questions or further information, please contact Sallyann Shearer.
Training and information sessions – All staff
Online mindfulness and meditation - each Tuesday
Do you need to take a pause and breathe? Join Chris O’Grady, Flinders Counsellor, every Tuesday for a 15-minute online mindfulness meditation at 12:00pm.
Sessions run until 17 December 2025 and will resume on 19 January 2026.
Everyone is welcome, just register here.
Build connection and reduce workplace loneliness - 17 November
The Diversity Council Australia (DCA) are offering a free 1.5-hour session on Building Connection and Reducing Workplace Loneliness.
All Flinders staff currently have access to DCA resources and events. If you haven’t logged in before, it's a quick process to create your Flinders account:
- Go to the DCA registration page.
- Enter your Flinders email address and complete your details.
Once you’re set up, you can explore and register for a range of DCA courses and events.
Training and information sessions – Professional staff
2026 Professional Mentoring Program
Looking to get ahead in your career? Want to have more clarity or professional drive? Maybe you need a mentor. Flinders is proud to offer a formal mentoring program to our professional staff. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and professional insight.
Are you a HEO5 or above? Consider giving back and being a mentor. Mentors provide an important role in supporting the professional development of our people.
Find out how to apply as a mentor or a mentee here.
Ways we are Thriving@Flinders
The Mindful Spiral
Nature is a powerful tool that can help to manage, stress, improve your mood, and provide other healing effects.
The Mindful Spiral is a free resource, created by clever Flinders student Kiora Hemmings, for students. However, this is just as useful for staff!
The website provides tools and techniques that can help you feel connected to the world around you. Visit the Mindful Spiral today to explore how you can connect with nature.
Eat the frog first
Do you sometimes struggle with procrastination or motivation? It can be easy to avoid the things that are hard. A great way to avoid this is to train and strengthen your anterior mid-cingulate cortex (aMCC). The more things you get done – the stronger this part of the brain becomes. Wendy Cole has provided a great productivity hack: FROG!
F: First. Pick your 'frog' (or the thing you are avoiding and procrastinating about) the day before.
R: Remove distractions. Give yourself space and permission to focus. No notifications, extra tabs, or a phone.
O: Optimise your energy. When do you work best? Is it morning, or perhaps the afternoon. Set aside the time that works for you.
G: Get it done: Every time you act instead of procrastinating, you make your aMCC a little stronger.
Previous editions of Thriving@Flinders
If you missed out on any previous editions, you don’t need to worry. All past editions can now be found on our website here!
Contact Us
For any queries, or to promote your staff wellbeing initiative, please contact us on: thriving@flinders.edu.au.
Flinders University
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park South Australia 5042