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What a year 2025 has been! As an organisation, we went above surviving and absolutely thrived. Flinders received recognition in research, teaching, Times Higher Education rankings, SAGE Athena Swan Cygnet Awards, and of course being accredited as a Menopause Friendly organisation. We continue to shine thanks to the dedication, passion, and values that you bring to life every day.
As we approach the end of 2025, it’s time to recharge and take time for you. Having a break allows you to come back to 2026 feeling energised and ready for more.
Want to access resources and information on healthy mind, healthy body, healthy workplace or healthy finance? Visit the Thriving@Flinders webpages.
End of Year Staff Event
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 End of Year Staff Event. It was the most well-attended and vibrant yet. It was fantastic to see colleagues connect over food, crafts, and arcade games. See if you were snapped in the photos here (then click on End of Year Event). A huge thanks also to the Events team who helped bring this event to life.
In addition to the event at Bedford Park, we also supported our colleagues located in the rural and remote campuses to come together, celebrate their achievements, and mark the end of another busy year. See some of the pics here (then click on End of Year Event). Thank you to everyone who took part!
ThriveWell 2026
Want to learn more about nutrition, exercise, bone health and cooking for your wellbeing? People and Culture have partnered with the College of Nursing and Health Sciences to pilot ThriveWell, a new program involving final year Nutrition and Dietetic, and Exercise Science Students.
This hands-on program includes practical cooking and exercise sessions, as well as interactive workshops to give you the tools and knowledge to thrive. The eight-week program launches on 10 February 2026. Spaces are limited to 20 participants. Register to secure your space by visiting Thriving@Flinders and scrolling to the ThriveWell Program!
Leadership Excellence program
The 2026 Leadership Excellence Program is open for nominations! This program is open to both academics and professionals (HEO8-HEO10, academic levels B and C), who have at least one direct report. Hear more about the program in this short video or check out the brochure and
nomination form by visiting the Organisational Development and Diversity page and clicking on the Leadership and Management box.
Congratulations to the OD&D Team!
The Association for Tertiary Education Management (ATEM) Excellence Awards were held on Wednesday 26 November. The OD&D Team were successful in winning a High Commendation for the Thriving@Flinders program - go team!
Thriving@Flinders: Spotlight
Name: Monika Nocun
Role: Senior IDS Platforms Analyst & Coordinator
How long have you been at Flinders?
I started at Flinders in March 2020, joining the Office of Graduate Research as a casual professional just before COVID hit. It was meant to be a short-term stop to support the OGR team while I looked for my next role in HR—I hold a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and spent most of my career in that field.
Five years and eight months later, I’m still here, now part of IDS Research Success. Life is full of great surprises when you let them in. 😊
What supports your wellbeing at Flinders?
Learning and growing—both personally and professionally—are essential to my wellbeing. I truly love learning, and Flinders provides outstanding opportunities through in-person and online programs, as well as external courses supported by the Professional Development Fund. Being in an environment that encourages curiosity, and development is something I deeply value.
How do you keep yourself thriving?
Over the last Christmas break I read Let Them by Mel Robins, and it made me pause and reflect on my relationship with myself. Since then, I’ve become a big fan of Mel Robins and her podcast, which has introduced me to guests who have had a lasting impact on me—especially Dr Stacey Sims, an expert in women-specific training and nutrition, and Clinical Professor James Doty, an expert in compassion, kindness, and the neuroscience behind them. I’ve become a little addicted to this podcast! What I love most is the quality of the guests and the research-backed information.
As part of prioritising myself, I joined a gym and now strength train three times a week. This has had a significant impact not just on my physical health but on my overall wellbeing. I’m also practicing being kinder to myself. I allow myself to be a work in progress, and I believe that if I show up every day, the world will reward me for it.
What’s your wellbeing tip for others?
- Prioritise your sleep. Good sleep is really important for our mental and physical health. Aim for a consistent routine of going to bed at a similar time each night and in line with your natural circadian rhythm.
- Be kind to yourself. Self-compassion is a skill. It takes practice, and you are worth it. One mindset that helped me to go to this space is imagining myself as a child I’m responsible for caring for. It immediately changes the tone of how I speak to myself.
- Train for strength and power. After our mid-30s we naturally start losing muscle mass and power, and this accelerates during perimenopause and menopause. Strength and resistance training are essential for maintaining metabolism, bone density, and body composition. They’re especially important for women’s long-term health and are strongly supported by Dr Stacey Sims’ research.
- Eat well. Support your body by eating plenty of protein and colourful vegetables. Nutritious food fuels your energy levels throughout the day.
Giving Back
December is a wonderful opportunity to get involved and support the WHS Foodbank Drive until 9 December. Non-perishable food items can be donated at any of these collection points:
- Education Building - room 4.07
- Sturt - staff kitchen level 0
- Registry Building - foyer level 0
- Health Sciences Building - reception area level 3
- HMRB - kitchenette level 7
- PSB - near concierge
- Engineering Building - level 4 IDS reception
- City Campus - level 7
- Library - near service desk
- Hub - outside the Tavern
- Social Sciences South lobby
Foodbank accepts all nonperishable items not past expiry date. All seals must be intact. Alternatively monetary donations can be made via the QR code, every $5 creates 10 meals to people in need.
Campus Activation in 2026
Don’t forget we are accepting applications for 2026 Campus Activation initiatives. Through this program we have funded amazing events for staff in 2025 such as:
- Library book club
- VR meditation
- Sri Lankan food festival
- Collective resilience keynote and workshop
- Women in Tech at Tonsley
- Naidoc week events
- RAP conference
- International Women's Day
- R u ok? Day conference
- Flinders Living at home
- staff end of year event
Have you got a great idea for an event in 2026? We want to do even more in 2026 to support creative connection, learning, and bringing our community together.
Applications are open until 20 February 2026 with events commencing from March. Find the guidelines and application form here and make Flinders an even better community.
Thinking about your nutrition during the festive season?
Sometimes we can have too much of a good thing, leaving you feeling less than ideal. This year, think about connecting with the telehealth nutrition services available through MetLife 360Health. Our partnership with UniSuper means that our members (and their families!) have free access to nutrition consults. Find out how to access these services here today.
Training and information sessions – All staff
Suicide Prevention for Universities – On demand
Universities Australia, in partnership with Suicide Prevention Australia, have released a new e-learning tool to help university staff and students build the skills they need to help prevent suicide. The e-learning package contains four modules including:
- Safe Communication
- Warning Signs, Risk & Protective Factors
- Responding to People in Distress
- Self-Care
Register through the Staff Learning Portal here.
Training and information sessions – Professional staff
2025 saw an explosion of activity of Professional Staff Development opportunities supported by the successful launch of the Staff Learning Portal. The portal provides professional staff with access to fantastic training and development options, including ever-increasing online learning opportunities.
In 2026, it only gets better! With a variety of topics and sessions – there is something for everyone! Keep an eye out for the new calendar and start registering soon. Don’t miss out on the amazing professional development opportunities offered here at Flinders.
Ways we are Thriving@Flinders
Invest in you
As the festive season approaches, make sure you take time to invest in you and your wellbeing. Small habits stack up and keep you grounded. It will look different for everyone, but common tools include prioritising movement, staying hydrated, and practicing gratitude.
The Power of a Two-Minute Shift
If you are looking for a quick boost but you only have two minutes – Lizzie Williamson is here to help. Listen here for tips on how you can boost your wellbeing throughout the day in just minutes.
Thriving@Flinders website
The Thriving@Flinders website is your hub for all things wellbeing. Explore the ways we support your wellbeing at Flinders here.
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