Dear students, can you believe it’s week 11? Just 3 weeks left of the session. Where has the time gone!?
The Australian federal election – your vote counts
It’s time to vote in the Federal Election, happening this Saturday, 21 May. We are incredibly lucky to live in a country where our leaders are democratically elected - #grateful. I for one am looking forward to enjoying a democracy sausage sizzle on Saturday (something I missed during my years in the U.S.) and casting my vote. If you’re unsure how to vote, where to vote, or who to vote for, these resources may help:
- Practice completing your ballot papers correctly using the Australian Electoral Commission’s voting tools.
- And here’s a link to find your nearest polling location (on or before election day).
- Vote compass is a tool developed by political scientists to help you explore how your views align with the major parties.
IDAHOBIT 2022
IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia) is run by Australian charity organisation Minus 18 and is aimed at improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth. Held yesterday, the University hosted a range of awareness raising events and activities, including the launch of our Southern Sydney Campus’ Rainbow Stairs. Although these days and symbols of support can seem quite small, the impact for someone, seeing those stairs on a daily basis, and knowing they have the support of their University and peers, can be life-affirming.
University news
For students interested in reading up on the many amazing things that happen around our University on a daily basis, our Media Centre is a great place to visit/bookmark. You’ll find everything from research stories, leadership appointments, alumni and student accomplishments, plus much more. For example, recently, we welcomed a new scholarship to help disadvantaged students become the next generation of nurses, we announced a new chair of our Global Enterprises, and we also welcomed an election commitment to fund an Energy Futures Skills Centre on campus, delivering courses to train and re-skill the clean energy and clean manufacturing workforces of the future.
Couch Conversations
Finally, in case you don’t already know about Couch Conversations, it’s never too late to make new connections and expand your friendships circles. Whatever your motivation, whether it’s to share experiences, develop cross-cultural friendships, practice your conversational English skills or hear about tips and tricks for work, study and play – everyone is welcome to join the Couch Conversations. Highly recommend.
Covid is still around
Please make sure you get vaccinated and keep up with your vaccination schedule.
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy the rest of the week, and don’t forget to vote!
My best,
Trish