Dear students, I hope you’re staying safe in the wild weather and please remember to check your SOLS, UOWmail and Moodle for wet weather (and other) updates that may impact your studies. I send my thoughts and love to all those currently affected.
As you may be aware, yesterday Tuesday 8th March was International Women’s Day. At UOW we are celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women all week long! This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, imagining a gender equal world, free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, where difference is not just accepted but valued. Keep a close eye on our social media to see more about how our students, staff and alumni are doing just that. The other day, I was thrilled to learn that the number of women in academic leadership is on the rise! #UOWproud
Local Woman of the Year 2022
To start us rolling with the celebrations, I’d like to share the wonderful news that UOW student Moemoana Schwenke has been named the 2022 Local Woman of the Year! At only 21, Moemoana made headlines when she travelled to Glasgow for the COP26 Climate Conference last year, a committed advocate for her homeland of Samoa and the Pacific Islands more broadly, she is the youngest person to have received this award and is so worthy. I am certain we will hear and see much more of her in the years to come. Go you Moemoana, we are so proud of the work you’re doing!
Also just a quick quote from Moemoana in the article above: "…my message to all young women is that no matter your gender, race or class, you can achieve anything you want. Just keep going."
UOW student representing Australia at the global Y20 Youth Summit in Indonesia
In more exciting news, UOW student Narayan Khanal will advocate for issues affecting young people during the Y20 Youth Summit, with just three other young Australians. A UOW medical student, Narayan will specifically focus on diversity and inclusion, particularly in humanitarianism and public health. This opportunity to speak on a global stage will allow him to raise awareness on the issues of equity in public health, greater intercultural dialogue and cross-cultural awareness, and the role of young people in informing public policy and decision making. We can’t wait to see the mark you make Narayan, well done!
Welcome webinars
You’ll now be in your second week of classes – I hope it’s all going well for you! If you’re still feeling a bit unsure of anything, there are plenty of resources available to you, so please take advantage of them. The Welcome Webinars in particular are great for new and returning students settling into university and campus life. Covering topics such as enrolment, employment, getting around campus and more, the interactive sessions will also allow you to have your questions answered.
Grand Pacific Health Centre now open
In very welcome news, students at Wollongong Campus can now access the Grand Pacific Health Centre (GPHC@UOW) in Building 11 for health and medical services. GPHC@UOW offers all students (domestic and international) bulk billing, meaning your consultations will be free. For more information, or to book an appointment, visit the Grand Pacific Health Centre website..
Clubs Day - Wednesday 9 March
Don’t forget, UOW Clubs Day takes place from 11am-2pm today! All of UOW’s Clubs will be out and about in the UniHall, so if you want to join a club or start your own, please come along, meet like-minded people, make new friends and embrace one of the best parts of life at UOW.
We still need to allow space for positivity
I have to say, it was lovely to watch the Mardi Gras coverage over the weekend, it felt like the uplifting news we needed. Though it comes at a difficult time, watching the fun, smiles, dancing, and love present at the festival was a fantastic reminder that between disasters and an unrelenting news cycle, we do need to continue celebrating the positives in our lives too. As humans, we need life affirming love, acceptance and fun. To all who celebrated, we stand with you, and we are proud.
Stay safe and well, get your boosters (pop-up vax clinics will be open on Wollongong campus this Wed and Thu), and as Moemoana says, just keep going! …
My best,
Trish