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May is here, bringing some cooler days along with it. As the leaves turn and fall, and mornings start to feel crisper, now is the time to keep focused on your wellbeing. Read on to learn more about what’s on offer at Flinders this month.
Want to access resources and information on healthy mind, healthy body, healthy workplace or healthy finance? Visit the Thriving@Flinders webpages.
Improving Wellbeing through gut health - 11 May - limited places left!
Discover the powerful connection between gut health and overall wellbeing at our upcoming 2-hour event: Improving Wellbeing Through Gut Health. Led by Dr Alyce Martin, Senior Research Fellow, Head of Gut Hormones, Health & Disease Lab, and Dr Jake Robinson, Microbial Ecologist specialising in Restoration Genomics & Biodiversity-Health
Connections, this interactive session will walk you through the latest research and practical strategies for optimising your digestive health.
If you have registered and can no longer attend, please cancel your session via the Staff Learning Portal so someone can attend in your place.
Register here via the Staff Learning Portal.
2026 Your Voice Survey
Now is the time to share your feedback about what it’s like working at Flinders.
The 2026 Your Voice survey launched this week, and we want to hear from you. On Monday you would have received an email from Xref Engage with your secure and anonymous link to complete the survey.
The survey covers a range of topics such as job satisfaction, values, leadership and more. This survey only happens every two years and is a valuable opportunity to share your thoughts. Survey closes on 29 May. Remember, you can win some amazing prizes just for completing the survey and choosing to enter the draw.
Thriving@Flinders: Spotlight
Name: Dr Farah Jafarpisheh
Role: Technical Officer, Teaching Support
How long have you been at Flinders?
I first joined Flinders in November 2015 as a PhD student, and it’s been quite a journey since then! During my PhD, I worked across different roles including Technical Officer, Demonstrator, and Tutor. Since 2022, I’ve been working as a Technical Officer within the Chemistry discipline.
What supports your wellbeing at Flinders? For me, it’s definitely the people. Being part of such a supportive, friendly, and positive environment makes a big difference. Feeling connected to
colleagues, having those everyday chats, and sharing small moments really supports my wellbeing. I also love spending time by the lake—especially on sunny days. A walk around the lake helps me reset and recharge.
How do you keep yourself thriving? I try to keep a balance by staying connected with others, maintaining a positive mindset, and making time for creative activities. I really enjoy painting, dancing, creating new things, and baking—they help me switch off, recharge, and come back with fresh energy (and sometimes cupcakes to share!).
What’s your wellbeing tip for others? Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to do something that makes you happy—it rarely shows up!
2026 Campus Activation
Check out the amazing campus activation activities and events on offer over the next few months! Find something to get involved in and connect with fellow staff members.
Happy Canvas – SOLD OUT
This relaxing and creative event brings people together through art, mindfulness and connection. Following the success of the first session in April, the remaining three events are already sold out!
If you are interested in coming along, please contact Dr Farah Jafarpisheh and get your name added to the waitlist.
RAP Indigenous Market Day – 22 May
Yungkurrinthi invites staff and students to come together for a relaxed Market Day on Friday 22 May, from 10:00am - 2:00pm, in the heart of the campus. Browse a diverse range of local Indigenous owned businesses, support First Nations entrepreneurs and enjoy a live set from local DJ, producer and Fresh 92.7 host Amorositie. Take time to unwind as you explore the stalls and get creative with Silk Painting by Kumarninthi, which is proudly supported through Thriving @ Flinders, campus activation.
Keep your eye out for more Campus Activation events throughout the year here.
Give for Good 2026 Blood Drive
Step up and help save lives with the Flinders University Lifeblood Team during the Give for Good 2026 Blood Drive. Your gift of life could help a cancer patient, a newborn baby, or patients undergoing heart surgery.
Whether you’re booking your first donation or returning after some time away, every donation can save up to three lives! Visit the Lifeblood Teams home page to register, update your team and book your donation.
Our nearest donation centres are:
- Bedford Park campus: Marion Donor Centre | Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
- Darwin Darwin Donor Centre | Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
- Tonsley mobile donor centre 25 May – 27 May: Tonsley Innovation District- 2 MAB Eastern Promenade, Clovelly Park 5042
- Renmark pop-up donor centre 11 – 12 June: Greek Orthodox Community Hall, 291 Renmark Avenue, Renmark 5341
Staff members who donate blood or plasma are entitled to up to two (2) hours of paid leave per donation, up to two (2) times per year, subject to supervisor approval.
Curious about blood donation? Enrol in an information session that explores the benefits of blood donations and how they are used. It will also provide a chance for you to learn who can donate and provide practical tips to help you feel comfortable and confident with the process: Health and Wellbeing Course - iEnrol
Training and information sessions – All staff
My career journey: Navigating career success in Higher Education – 12 May
Are you looking to build your career within Higher Education or expand your networks at Flinders University? Come along to this informal event and hear from leaders who have done exactly that. In May, we will hear from:
- Marc Davies, General Counsel and University Secretary
- Kim Murphy, Director, Student Administration Services
- Adam Gardner, Director, Business Intelligence and Planning
This is an interactive session, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions of those who have successfully navigated their careers. It’s also a great way to practice networking and build connections across the organisation.
Register here.
NAB: Keeping pace with the cost of living – 14 May
Many of us are thinking about the cost-of-living pressures lately.
Our banking partner NAB will be delivering a special 1-hour session for Flinders staff exploring ways to make your money go further.
Open to everyone – even if you aren’t a NAB customer. Register here.
Salary Packaging options - 25 May
Want to Pay Less Tax and Keep More of Your Pay?
Salary packaging could save you hundreds—or even thousands—each year by lowering your taxable income. That means more money in your pocket for the things that matter most.
Some of the most popular items to salary package include:
- Novated car leases
- Laptops & Tablets
- SMART Rewards & so much more….
Book into the 1-hour webinar here.
Training and information sessions – Professional staff
Coaching skills for leaders – 13 May
This full day workshop builds confidence and capability in coaching conversations, helping leaders develop people, performance, and engagement.
Facilitated by Julie Lines, ICF Credentialed Coach (PCC), and Philippa Hurford, ICF Credentialed Coach (ACC).
This workshop will equip participants to:
- Understand the difference between coaching conversations and other conversations you will have as a manager/leader.
- Be able to identify when coaching is the right approach.
- Gain familiarity with coaching models and core coaching capabilities.
- Consider the importance of psychological safety and learn how to create it.
- Learn how to use a coaching approach to raise awareness and commitment to action.
- Experience coaching, from both sides of the table – give and receive feedback.
- Appreciate what is required to set-up a conversation for success.
Register here.
Creating a healthy performance culture – 14 May
This workshop is delivered by Tracy Maxted from the Missing Think and is designed to support leaders embed clarity, accountability, and trust while fostering a positive and productive team culture.
Come and 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 here.
Building Collaborative Partnerships – 19 May
This program develops the skills needed to build trust-based relationships and work effectively across teams and strategic partnerships. Participants will learn the leadership and communication skills to be able to work with internal stakeholders and strategic partners to build a shared vision, identify challenges and agree on
strategies for working together for mutual benefit. Register here.
Persuasive presentations – 20 May
This session is about developing the confidence and skills to communicate with clarity, presence, and persuasion. Find out more about how to manage nerves, build confidence, tailoring the message, and how to structure a presentation.
Register here.
Strategy development and delivery – 21 May
Join Adam Thompson from Thompson Organisations and unravel the mystery about strategy. Gain the knowledge and tools to think strategically and deliver it at any level of the organisation. This is an interactive workshop where you develop strategy and execution plans.
Register here.
Emotional intelligence in the digital age – 26 May
Dr Nathan Jones, Director of the Mood Institute is facilitating a practical, research-informed workshop that helps build the emotional skills required to think clearly, communicate authentically, and lead wisely in an increasingly complex digital environment. In an AI-driven world where information moves faster than attention, emotional intelligence (EQ) has become the defining human advantage.
Register here.
The inner edge: Managing self – 27 May
This half-day workshop is a reflective and practical session focused on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and values-driven behaviour. Facilitated by Fiana Wei from Adaptive Psychology, participates will participate in a series of interactive activities, reflective exercises, and group discussions, to develop strategies to better understand themselves and others, challenge unconscious biases, and align actions with personal and organisational values.
Register here.
High performing and resilient teams – 28 May
Building a team which is resilient, adaptable and high-performing is the most effective use of any leader’s time. In this workshop, with Tracy Maxted from The Missing Think, participants will identify the elements of a high-performing team within their context, diagnose when things aren’t going as planned, and learn how to develop a psychologically safe, productive and synergistic team.
Register here.
Unmasking imposter syndrome – 2 June
Angela Giacoumis from Emotous delivers a high-impact sessions helping participants to recognise and dismantle the self-doubt and limiting beliefs that fuel imposter syndrome. Develop practical tools so you can back yourself, speak up, and own your achievements.
Register here.
Essentials of project management -3 June
If you are interested in project management, this workshop with Lisa Twyford from Clear Decisions is the perfect introduction. Learn the foundation principles to help you plan, organise and control activities with confidence.
Register here.
Navigating difficult conversations – 4 June
Learning to navigate difficult conversations with confidence is a vital skill in any professional setting. Tracy Maxted from the Missing Think, will provide practical strategies for managing conflict, building a collegiate spirit and fostering collaboration. This workshop is ideal for leaders looking to improve their conflict management skills and strengthen their professional interactions.
Register here.
Customer service essentials – 11 June
Jess Aghdam from Emotous is facilitating an interactive workshop that supports frontline staff with a practical introduction to the core skills for delivering outstanding customer service. Learn essential techniques for rapport building, managing difficult interactions, and creating positive impressions in every customer contact.
Register here.
Ways we are Thriving@Flinders
Boost your dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin levels with TJ Power
We all know dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are the feel good neurotransmitters and hormones. But do you know how to boost them? In this engaging podcast, neuroscientist TJ Power shares provide practical and science-backed strategies to boost these feel-good chemicals and support your mental wellbeing. Listen here.
Thriving@Flinders website – Training and development
The Thriving@Flinders website is packed with resources, tools and information to support your wellbeing and professional growth. With options for both academic and professional staff, there are so many ways to build your skills and take charge of your development. Find out more about the way we support you to take control of your training and development here.
Movement snacks
Breaking up our sitting time with short bursts of movement has loads of benefits! It can improve blood flow, increase energy levels, enhance focus, and support your overall wellbeing. Movement snacks can include a variety of exercises and activities such as stretching, walking, stair climbing, or a quick five-minute body weight workout. Get your colleagues involved and start snacking.
Thriving@Flinders website
The Thriving@Flinders website is your hub for all things wellbeing. Explore the ways we support your wellbeing at Flinders by checking out the multitude of resources, links and activities on offer.
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