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The cool mornings and blustery weather are clear signs winter is here. It’s not all fog and gloom though – even during the cooler months we stay active, connected and engaged at Flinders.
Want to access resources and information on healthy mind, healthy body, healthy workplace or healthy finance? Visit the Thriving@Flinders webpages.
Thriving@Flinders wins the AHEIA Workplace Culture Excellence Award!
At the recent AHEIA Australian Higher Education Awards, Flinders University were the proud winners of the Workplace Culture Excellence Award for the Thriving@Flinders initiative.
This award is the culmination of a huge amount of work to build a culture of wellbeing, connection and inclusion for our staff, including a large range of events, resources and initiatives.
Some of the work under the Thriving@Flinders banner includes the multitude of campus activation activities, International Women's Day event, R U Ok? Day wellbeing conference, gut health seminar, the end of year staff event, and of course, our range menopause awareness and masterclasses. On top of this, we have telehealth services available through our partnership with UniSuper, and there are a wealth of wellbeing resources and supports for staff available on demand via the Thriving@Flinders website.
Thanks to all the Flinders community who have helped to make Thriving@Flinders a success!
ThriveWell Program - next round - July 2026
After the success of the ThriveWell pilot earlier in 2026, we are excited to offer this again! This program is designed and delivered in collaboration with the College of Nursing and Health Enablement. It supports our students here at Flinders, while also providing the opportunity for our staff to ThriveWell! The second round will be starting in July. If you want to take part – get on the waitlist here. Details will be announced soon via the Thriving website.
Free telehealth services for UniSuper members and their families
Want to access free telehealth services to support your wellbeing? UniSuper has a range available including:
- nutrition support
- fitness and mobility
- ask a clinician
- mental health assist
- expert medical opinion
- Menopause support
Remember, if you are a UniSuper member, not only can you access these services, but your family can too! All you need to do is download the 360Health Virtual Care app from Google Play and use the Flinders code when logging in.
Thriving@Flinders: Spotlight
Name: Jarrad Benson
Role: Manager, Prospective Students Team
How long have you been at Flinders: Since 2009
What supports your wellbeing at Flinders? In Marketing and Student Recruitment (MSR), we’re well supported by our leadership team, and there’s a range of wellbeing activities available for those who want to get involved. Having supportive colleagues also makes a big difference, particularly when navigating more challenging days.
How do you keep yourself thriving? Some days are better than others, and I think that’s important to acknowledge. Setting small, achievable goals each day helps me stay on track and maintain a sense of progress. I also stay connected with my team and focusing on purposeful work that makes a difference for prospective students. Outside of work, I make time for family and getting outdoors, which helps me reset and bring renewed energy back into my role.
What’s your wellbeing tip for others? Wellbeing looks different for everyone. Some people enjoy yoga, others prefer a walk around the lake, and some value social time with colleagues at the TAV. Others may focus on activities outside of work altogether. Whatever works for you, finding the right work–life balance is key. It not only supports your overall happiness but also helps you stay engaged and productive at work.
2026 Campus Activation
All campus activation events in June are sold out! If you missed out, make sure you get in quick for the sessions in July.
Global Engagement Trivia – 24 July
Join in some healthy competition and a fun way to connect with others all while learning at this facilitated trivia event.
Make sure you watch out for the Trivia tickets launching soon on the Thriving@ Flinders activities and events page.
A taste of permaculture – From design to practice – 28 July
Are you looking to live more sustainably? This is the session for you. Step into the hidden world of permaculture with a hands-on workshop. Chris Day from Everyday Sustainable Living will be teaching you about the principles of permaculture. Come empty handed and leave with an edible native plant for your garden. Start your journey today.
Register here.
Keep your eye out for more Campus Activation events throughout the year here.
Training and information sessions – All staff
Basics of investing your super – 18 June
All staff are invited to join UniSuper to learn the basics of investing your super. Whether you are planning to retire soon, or just planning ahead, this session can help you build the knowledge to make your money go further in the future. Learn the fundamentals of super investments and the choices available to you.
Register through the Staff Learning Portal here.
Ecosystem Design for Wellbeing: Shaping the Surroundings that then Shape Us – 18 June
Join Ceclia Macaulay and Katie de Araujo for a lively and practical webinar exploring design principles and whole system thinking to reduce friction and restore ease in daily life. Over 90 minutes, participants will learn about how their everyday environment influences their mind and capacity to operate. Register here.
Kuru Wiya Kuru Palya (Anti-racism program)
As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan commitments, we aim to promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies and providing anti-racism programs. Reconciliation SA's anti-racism program, Kuru Wiya Kuru Palya, is designed to instigate behaviour change through greater understanding.
Reconciliation SA aims to create a safe learning environment that encourages people to embrace difficult conversations, confront and dismantle systemic racism and prejudice in all its forms. This is a multi-part program:
- Pre-survey - to establish interpretation/knowledge and a baseline of awareness and understanding
- Workshop 1 (three hours) - Kuru Wiya is a structured and facilitated session aimed at fostering understanding.
- Intermission (two weeks) - Participants are provided with a workbook and information to complete prior to workshop 2
- Workshop 2 (two hours) - Kuru Palya is a facilitated discussion between presenters and participants
- Post survey - this survey assesses changes and increased awareness of participants.
Register through the Staff Learning Portal here.
Conversations about performance – 23 June
This course for supervisors and managers explores all aspects of having conversations about performance. It’s a practical session and focuses on applying strategies to real workplace situations. The session will cover understanding performance, authenticity in conversations, and creating opportunities to receive feedback.
Register through the Staff Learning Portal here.
Mindfulness for stress reduction and resilience – 24 June
Mindfulness for Stress Reduction and Resilience is a three-week, science-based program designed to equip staff with practical mindfulness tools to effectively manage workplace stress and build personal resilience.
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. Session Themes:
- Session 1, 24 June: Understanding Stress and Building Resilience
- Session 2, 1 July: Enhancing Focus and Concentration
- Session 3, 8 July: Emotional Regulation and Cultivating Self-Compassion
Register here
Leadership fundamentals – 1 July
How you navigate the transition into your first leadership role can have a huge impact on your career and your confidence. This session is designed to make the move into leadership a little bit easier by exploring key concepts, skills, and behaviours of great leaders. Build a strong foundation for your leadership journey. Register here.
Headspace – Multiple dates
The Headspace University Support Program are offering 30-minute lunch and learn sessions exploring themes around suicide postvention. Develop the skills to navigate a complex time and know how you can access support. The sessions are available across a variety of dates and times to ensure everyone can access these tools.
Book a session a time that works for you here.
Training and information sessions – Professional staff
Persuasive personal brands – 16 June
Join Sharon Ferrier to develop your personal brand and understand the factors of persuasion. This is an interactive workshop learning the five ‘Ps’ of marketing principles. Learn the tools and see the change in the way you work.
Register here.
Ways we are Thriving@Flinders
Stronger Together: Groups supporting men’s wellbeing in South Australia
This free webinar is hosted by leading South Australian men’s wellbeing groups and will explore the many different ways that men across SA can find connection, support and community.
June 15-21 is Men’s Health Week. This is an opportunity for men to prioritise their health and wellbeing including both physical and mental health. Take a moment and reflect on the ways you could improve your wellbeing or help those around you to improve theirs.
Register here.
Thriving@Flinders website – Mental Health Reflection and Support
The Thriving@Flinders website is packed with resources, tools and information to support your wellbeing and professional growth. Sometimes we need a little extra support, and the Mental Health Reflection and Support page provides practical guidance, tools, and pathways to help you feel your best.
Why joy is the secret to great work – 10 June
What if joy isn’t the reward for great work, but the way great work happens?
In this energising episode, Dr Chloe Lim explores the serious business of joy and why playful excellence may be one of the most underestimated forces in learning, leadership and life. It will challenge the long-held belief that play is a distraction and instead reframe it as a powerful pathway to deeper engagement, creativity
and impact. At a time when burnout is worn as a badge of honour and mediocrity has quietly become the norm, this conversation invites us to rethink what excellence really looks like. From classrooms to boardrooms, and in the everyday moments that shape how we show up, Chloe makes a compelling case for joy as a discipline, not a luxury.
Drawing on her unique journey from molecular biologist to performer, alongside
research in play, positive psychology and leadership, Chloe shares practical
and thought-provoking insights on how joy, story and curiosity can transform
the way we learn, lead and connect.
Register here
Asthma and the flu: What you can do to stay well this winter
Winter is here and brings coughs, cold, and flu – all of which can impact asthma. Our corporate health partner Bupa have prepared suggestions for ways to stay well and manage your asthma this winter. Learn more here.
Speak with NAB
Our corporate banking partner NAB offer a range of services that are available to Flinders staff. If you want to learn more about the products or even speak to a consultant about how they could help you find out more here.
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