As we officially settle into the cooler months, winter offers the perfect time to get cosy and take the time to pause, reflect and refocus. This is important to ensure you can keep yourself thriving!

All through June, we have activities, events and resources to support your wellbeing. We’re also inviting you to share your thoughts and be heard.

Grab a warm drink, and take a moment to read about what’s on offer at Flinders.

Have your say about the future of wellbeing at Flinders

We’re passionate about creating a workplace where staff feel supported and can truly thrive. If you’ve been reading Thriving@Flinders for a while, you know wellbeing is at the heart of what we do.

We have put together a short and anonymous survey to better understand wellbeing experiences at Flinders. Your feedback will help us to identify what’s working well, where we could focus, and what else we might do to support you.

It will only take a few minutes. Participating is a meaningful way to influence and shape our approach to workplace wellbeing. Don’t miss a chance to be heard and speak up here.

Something that helps you thrive (personal or professional):
Now that the mornings are colder, it’s harder to get out of bed – but I never regret taking my dog Tito for a walk. I’ve seen some incredible things on our morning walks, stunning skies, wildlife and even a kangaroo hopping across the oval last week! I never get home and feel worse than before I left.

Your number one tip for others to thrive?
Laugh. A good giggle with friends is one of my favourite things in the world (and I’ve got kids – so that’s saying something!).

Campus Activation Events

Women in Tech at Tonsley - 26 June

Hear from amazing keynote speakers and an engaging panel discussion. This a great opportunity to connect and build meaningful connections at Flinders. You’ll also learn practical strategies that you can apply professionally and personally. Register for this free event here.

Upcoming Campus Activation events next month include:

• NAIDOC Week 8-9 July
• Flinders Living at Home 15 July
• Reality Balance VR Meditation 24 July
• Flinders Book Club 30 July

Further information and registration links for the above events will be provided through upcoming editions of Thriving@Flinders and the website. Book time in your calendar and keep your eyes peeled for more.

Mark your calendar and be ready to book into this amazing staff event. More details coming soon!

Training and information sessions - All Staff

Mindfulness for stress reduction and resilience – 11, 18 & 25 June 

This program is delivered by Chris O’Grady, Counsellor, Flinders University.  Through guided practices, reflective exercises, and discussions, participants will learn strategies to improve focus, regulate emotions and cultivate self-compassion for both their personal and professional growth. To register, visit the Staff Learning Portal.

Headspace Real Talk – 16 June

Headspace Real Talk: a conversational approach supporting people at Flinders. The WHS team have arranged this in-person short, practical workshop for staff on how to have relevant, safe and supportive conversations with people in the university who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

This workshop will:

• Introduce you to the NIP it in the bud framework
• Notice changes in a person's mood or behaviours that may indicate mental health difficulties
• Inquire how to start a conversation to ask if someone is okay
• Provide timely and appropriate support

To register for this in-person event, please click here.

This webcast is open to all Flinders staff – even if you aren’t a Bupa member. Register here.

UniSuper Super Fundamentals – 18 June

In partnership with UniSuper, we’re offering a practical session that simplifies the world of superannuation. Maybe you haven’t really thought about it, or perhaps you’re starting to consider retirement. Regardless of your own stage, this session is designed to help you feel more comfortable about your financial wellbeing.

Spend 60-minute with UniSuper Consultant Melanie Carvill as she takes you through:

• What super is
• Defined benefit vs accumulation
• How super can be invested
• Insurance options

This session is open to all staff – even if you aren’t a UniSuper member. Register here.

Menopause awareness for staff – 20 June

This is a great way to dive into the world of menopause. You’ll gain an understanding of menopause, and how it can impact you or those around you. The session will also capture the ways menopause is supported at Flinders. Register for this session through the Staff Learning Portal.

Conversations about performance – 23 July

This course for supervisors and managers explores all aspects of having conversations about performance. The workshop will be practical and focus on discussing how participants might apply strategies to their own situations. 

Topics for discussion include:

• Understanding performance within an overarching performance management framework
• Authenticity in performance conversations
• Using a coaching framework to talk about performance
• Creating opportunities to receive feedback and strategies for responding constructively

To register, visit the Staff Learning Portal.

Training and information sessions - Professional Staff

The following four development sessions are available to professional staff, and registrations are via the Staff Learning Portal.

Complexity and systems thinking (for HEO8+) – 19 June 

In an increasingly complex world, the ability to navigate and manage complexity is a crucial skill. This workshop is designed to equip you with the tools and insights needed to thrive in complex environments.

Delivered by Adam Thompson, this workshop is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their problem-solving skills and make a meaningful impact in their organizations. Don't miss this opportunity to master the art of navigating complexity and driving systemic change. Register via the Staff Learning Portal.

Strategic Networking – 25 June 

Performance conversations for success – 2 July

How do we lead for a culture that delivers on team and University outcomes AND is a positive and productive place to work?  A key role of leaders is to create a culture where staff are excited to come to work, feel valued and highly motivated to make a difference!  Unlocking this healthy performance and accountability culture can lead to improved performance and delivery of organisational outcomes. 

This workshop, delivered by Tracy Maxted from the Missing Think, is designed specifically for those who lead and have responsibility for others.  In this workshop, explore the tools and approaches to:

• set yourself and others up for success using clarity and empowerment
• deliver feedback in a way that results in positive change and builds trust and accountability
• foster mindsets which are open to learning, change and challenge. 

Register via the Staff Learning Portal.

Staff Awards

Professional Staff Awards

The 2025 Professional Staff Awards are officially open! These awards celebrate and acknowledge the amazing work of our professional staff. Nominating that colleague who always goes above and beyond us a great way to show your appreciation for the work they do. Find out more about the rules and eligibility here or submit your nomination here. Nominations are open until 1 August 2025.

Reconciliation Awards

The Flinders Reconciliation Awards recognise the individuals and teams that are actively working towards reconciliation. These awards are open to all staff. Find out how to nominate here or submit your nomination here before 29 August 2025.

Nutrition and healthy eating - Recipe club

This is a great way to swap and share healthy recipes and gain some delicious new additions to your cooking collection.  To join the recipe club, simply submit your details to thriving@flinders.edu.au with the response RECIPE. You can always attach your favourite healthy recipe to get us started too.

Recipes will be uploaded to a shared Teams site so we can all get involved and cook the tastiest meals yet.

Don't forget if you would like some personal nutrition information and you are a UniSuper member, you can book in for a 360Health appointment to discuss.

Wills and Living Wills - Staff Discount

Turner Freeman Lawyers have offered Flinders staff a 25% discount on basic wills and living wills and packages.

We are currently gauging interest to offer access to an on-site Will Clinic through Turner Freeman Lawyers. This would allow for interested staff to meet with a legal specialist for 15 minutes and learn more about the will process, and the steps to take to prepare for an appointment.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, let us know by emailing Thriving@Flinders.edu.au.

If there’s enough interest, Flinders will identify a suitable time for a clinic at the Bedford Park campus.

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