Parents and Carers at UOW

Family responsibilities take many forms and may include caring for children, older family members, people with disability, and members of extended family networks. UOW values the contribution that parents and carers make to their families and communities and is committed to supporting staff to balance caring responsibilities with work and career commitments.

UOW recognises and values the diversity of family relationships and structures. References to spouses, partners, carers, parents and family members are intended to be inclusive of all families and relationships, including those of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and other sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTIQ+) identities. The University is committed to ensuring all staff can access the entitlements and support available to them in an equitable and inclusive way.

We offer flexibility and a range of benefits to help you with your family responsibilities. Including:

  • Carer's leave
  • Parental and surrogacy leave
  • Partner's leave
  • Keeping in touch program
  • Parenting rooms
  • Flexible work arrangements, such as part-time work, working from home and job-sharing are supported where possible in line with operational needs
  • Lactation breaks
  • Childcare centre on campus

Parental Leave

  • Available regardless of gender, and is inclusive of diverse family structures 
  • Primary carer leave: 14 weeks at ordinary pay or 28 weeks at half pay (eligible employees) 
  • Return to work grant: may be taken as salary supplement on return to work, or as paid leave for up to 12 weeks at ordinary pay or 24 weeks at half pay for eligible employees.   
  • Adoption leave, foster parent leave and surrogacy leave 

Further information on parental leave entitlements and eligibility can be found in the UOW Staff Enterprise Agreement and Leave Procedure.

Australian Breastfeeding Association Accreditation

The University of Wollongong is proud to be a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace, having successfully achieved accreditation with the Australian Breastfeeding Association in 2024.

We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment for nursing parents and students, and recognise the numerous benefits breastfeeding offers for both infants and mothers. Parents are welcome to breastfeed their babies wherever they feel comfortable, and there are also rooms available on all campuses for those who prefer a private space for breastfeeding or expressing.

Parents and Carers Action Plan

The Parents and Carers Action plan was developed to outline actions that UOW will take to enable equal opportunities for those with parental and/or carer responsibilities. Parental and carer responsibilities are diverse and may include caring for children, people with disability, the elderly, or extended family. UOW acknowledges the challenges faced by parents and carers in balancing these responsibilities with work and/or study, particularly when returning after extended leave.

The goals align with the UOW Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategic Commitment and with the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Policy.