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Staff Edition
Thursday 28 May
All the important campus news, events and opportunities for ANU staff.
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Images: On Tuesday 26 May, the Walk for Truth, led by First Nations leader Travis Lovett and centred on truth telling, received a warm welcome from the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃcommunity (despite the rain) as the walkers passed through our campus on their way to Parliament House. Photos: Multimedia Team/ANU
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National Reconciliation Week is held annually from 27 May to 3 June and encourages all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and the role we each play in reconciliation.
This year’s theme, All In, is a call for everyone to take meaningful action towards reconciliation every day. Explore more.
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- The overall results from the April–May 2026 ANYOU staff survey are now available to view. .
- Goal setting for 2026 should be completed by all staff in Focus. For more information, visit the and .
- Semester 1 ends on Friday 29 May. The examination period begins on Thursday 4 June and ends on Saturday 20 June. Please be mindful of students sitting exams by keeping noise to a minimum.
- The public holidays in June fall on Reconciliation Day (Monday 1 June) and King’s birthday (Monday 8 June). This could be a great opportunity for staff to maximise their leave.
- June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate and recognise LGBTQIA+ communities, histories and contributions. Across ANU, we’re proud to foster a community where people are encouraged to feel safe, supported and celebrated for who they are.
- are available for all staff, to support a healthy campus this winter.
- It’s a bumper issue this week as On Campus will be taking a break on Thursday 4 June. We’ll be back the following week.
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There will be two special events held to celebrate the University’s 80th Anniversary on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August.
An all-staff barbeque will be held on Friday 14 August near the University Avenue lawns.
Celebrations will continue with a Community Day in Kambri Precinct on Saturday 15 August, between 10am–4pm. The day will feature engaging displays, live music, interactive activities, and more, showcasing the creativity, diversity and excitement of all that ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃhas to offer to the wider Canberra community.
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Get involved in Community Day
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We are inviting Expressions of Interest from staff to be part of the Community Day program by sharing engaging, public-facing experiences that bring their work to life in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
, and help create a day that celebrates 80 years of impact, curiosity and discovery.
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For 80 years, Australia's national university has been shaped by people like you. As we mark this milestone, staff, students and alumni are invited to share what ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃmeans to them.
Share a photo of yourself or a favourite part of campus, and say why you’re proud to be part of the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃcommunity. By taking part, you’ll help the University celebrate the diversity, depth and range of experiences that have shaped ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃover the past 80 years. .
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ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃ80th Anniversary Trivia
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This week’s trivia question is:
What is the name of the creek that runs through ANU?
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Congratulations to our recent trivia winners, staff winner Buddhi Kothalawala and student winner Lauren Evans. Please contact ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃCorporate Communications to collect your prize.
Last week’s question and answer:
What is the common name of the duck breed seen most on the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃcampus? Bonus point for knowing the scientific name. Answer: Australian Wood Duck (Chenonetta Jubata)
Did you know? Unlike many ducks, Australian Wood Ducks prefer grazing on land rather than swimming to forage for food which is why you’ll often see them waddling around lawns and open spaces across campus instead of spending all their time in the water.
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Draft Sustainability Policy consultation
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Staff and students are invited to provide feedback on the draft ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃSustainability Policy until 11 June 2026.
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Since introducing monthly leave reminders in March 2025, we have been tracking balances in On Campus to encourage staff to take regular breaks and reduce their leave liability.
In May 2026, the University’s annual leave liability was $44.5m, an increase of $1,824,808 compared to April 2026. However, it remains $416,279 lower than it was at the same time last year.
Planning leave can help support a healthy work-life balance. Read the  to understand how best to utilise your leave.
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Time to make your super count
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With the end of financial year just around the corner, it’s a great time to check in on your super and see if there are steps you can take before the financial year wraps up. Extra contributions before EOFY could help grow your balance, reduce tax, or unlock government incentives.
UniSuper’s consultants are available to help you make sense of your super with straightforward general advice. This service is available to all, not just UniSuper members, at no extra cost. .
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UniSuper has provided this information to help us better service our employees. Consider UniSuper Limited’s PDS and TMD on its website and whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances. UniSuper Ltd (ABN 54 006 027 121, AFSL 492806) is the trustee of UniSuper (ABN 91 385 943 850). UniSuper Management Pty Ltd (ABN 91 006 961 799, AFSL 235907), which is licensed to provide financial advice, operates UniSuper Advice.
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From Tuesday 2 June to Tuesday 7 August, the ANU–Civic Loop Bus will trial an updated route, including new stops at Liversidge Apartments, Lennox Crossing and Crawford School of Public Policy.
The Daley Road stop outside Johns XXIII has returned to service, while the Yukeembruk Village and Wamburun Hall stops will no longer be included.
This is the final adjustment for the current trial, and staff and students are encouraged to share feedback to help inform future improvements to the service.
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Is your smartphone helping you think, or thinking for you?
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The average person checks their phone 58 times a day. ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃresearcher Associate Professor Rachael Brown wants us to ask a simple question: who’s really in control?
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Mental Health Strategy update
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The University is advancing a range of actions under the , (published December 2025).
While there has been a gap between consultation and formal implementation of the strategy, work has continued across the University, with the and colleagues across ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃadvancing actions through business-as-usual activity, governance and change initiatives. Priority actions identified for 2026 are now underway, supported by dedicated funding and governance support.
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Video: Inclusive & Respectful Communities
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Harmful Behaviours Disclosure Tool
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If you experience, witness, or believe you have caused harm, support is available.
A disclosure is an informal and confidential process that allows you to access support, or to simply inform the University that something has happened. The University’s Harmful Behaviours Disclosure Tool facilitates both identified and de-identified disclosures.
Identified disclosures will connect you to a Student Safety & Wellbeing case manager or the Staff Respect Consultant, who will reach out to offer trauma-informed support. They can also explain formal reporting pathways if you choose to seek action against an alleged perpetrator.
De-identified disclosures enable the University to look at patterns of behaviour and implement broader community responses.
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2025 Harmful Behaviours Report
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Content warning: This message references harmful behaviours, including sexual misconduct, harassment and violence. If this content causes distress or impacts your wellbeing, support is available through .
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The University has published its 2025 Harmful Behaviours Report, reflecting our ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability and action to prevent and respond to harmful behaviours across our community. The report is available on the Respect@ANU webpage.
Professor Joan Leach, Acting Provost and Senior Vice-President, said the report highlights our ongoing commitment to a safe and respectful community, and acknowledges the students who have come forward to share their experiences, and the staff supporting prevention, education and response efforts.
While progress has been made, areas for improvement remain. ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃis committed to strengthening prevention, support and accountability, to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.
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ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃSport and Fitness Passport
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ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃSport now accepts Fitness Passport memberships, making it easier for staff and students to access gym facilities and stay active on campus.
Fitness Passport members can enjoy access to ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃSport’s facilities, including cardio and strength equipment, group fitness classes and more. Whether you’re fitting in a quick workout between classes or building a regular routine, there are plenty of ways to stay moving at ANU.
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Indigenous Cultural Awareness training
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Staff are invited to take part in interactive Indigenous Cultural Awareness training led by Anaiwan man, Dave Widders. Through storytelling and shared learning, Dave provides practical insights into Aboriginal history, communication and building meaningful collaborations in the workplace.
The first session will be held on Tuesday 14 July, with registrations closing on Sunday 5 July. For more information, email HRD.Development@anu.edu.au
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Professional staff development schemes
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Looking to build new skills or take the next step in your career? Applications are open for the Professional Staff Scholarship Scheme (PSSS) and the Professional Staff Development Endowment Fund (PSDEF), which support access to funding for study and professional development opportunities.
Applications close on Friday 3 July.
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Support for your career and your caring role
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Applications are now open for the Carers’ Career Development Assistance Fund, which supports staff with caring responsibilities to access career development opportunities.
The fund helps cover reasonable care-related costs. Eligible opportunities include attendance at national and international conferences, workshops and symposia that support career progression.
Applications close on Friday 7 August.
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Senior leadership updates
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Appointment of General Manager, ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃCollege of Law, Governance and Policy
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Cris Alves has been appointed General Manager of the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃCollege of Law, Governance and Policy.
A respected senior leader with experience across strategy, operations, organisational transformation and governance, Cris previously served as Acting General Manager and played a key role in establishing the College’s operational foundations during a period of change. Cris formally commenced in the role on 21 May.
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EOI – Acting General Manager, ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃCollege of Science and Medicine
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This key senior leadership opportunity is open to current ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃprofessional staff, on a full-time, fixed-term basis until September 2027.
Reporting to the Dean, the College General Manager provides strategic leadership and oversees high-quality operational and business services across the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃCollege of Science and Medicine.
The role requires extensive experience in leading change, managing financial and human resources, and working collaboratively to achieve priorities in a complex environment.
Expressions of interest close on Thursday 4 June at 11:55 pm AEST.
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ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃExperts in the media
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Several recent American university graduation ceremonies were interrupted by booing when guest speakers mentioned artificial intelligence. Citing threats to human jobs, some US students have even become “AI vegans’’. Xueyin Zha, of the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃIntegrated AI Network, told the protests speak to anxiety about how AI is being integrated into higher education.
On The Conversation’s podcast, Emerita Professor Margaret Thornton, of the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃLaw School, explained why the Tickle v Giggle discrimination case could be heading to the High Court. And in the , Dr Rubayat Chowdhury, of the Crawford School of Public Policy, discussed the vulnerability of Pacific Island nations to the global oil crisis.
Over the past week, more than 20 ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃexperts have provided commentary across a wide range of issues, including immigration policy and migration data, infectious disease outbreaks, cybersecurity and Taiwan.
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Military and Public Attitudes for Emerging Technologies on the Battlefield
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Tuesday 2 June, 12–1pm
Dr Paul Lushenko explores public and military attitudes towards emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones in warfare.
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The Philippine drug war killings before the ICC
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Wednesday 10 June, 5.30–7pm
Former ICC (International Criminal Court in The Hague) Judge Raul Pangalangan explores the implications of the Duterte drug war for international criminal law, democratic accountability, and the rule of law in the Philippines.
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Do you know how AI works?
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Thursday 11 June, 4–6pm and Wednesday 24 June, 12-2pm
Join Large Language Models Unplugged workshops to explore what happens behind the scenes when you interact with AI chatbots – no technical background required.
Register for free using the discount code ANULLM. Limited places.
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Research Symposium: School Attendance and Wellbeing
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Monday 15 June, 8.30am–5pm
This free hybrid symposium will bring together international researchers to explore the drivers of attendance and absenteeism, student wellbeing, and strategies for prevention and intervention. The symposium will be held at the University of Jyväskylä, with online participation available via .
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Anna Goldsworthy will be in conversation with Andrew Leigh.
Wednesday 10 June, 6pm–7pm
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David Solomon will be in conversation with Michelle Grattan.
Tuesday 16 June, 6–7pm
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- – Wednesday 3 June, 5-6.15pm
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Three questions with Ashton Dowling
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Ashton Dowling, Student Leader, Student Communications and Events, shares what he is most passionate about in his work, his favourite spot on campus and why he is proud to work at ANU.
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This week’s picture was taken by Petra Cooper, a Teaching Support and Recognition Officer from the Learning and Teaching portfolio, who captured this Autumn scene on campus.
“One of my favourite spots on campus. The trees create a beautiful natural frame.”
Got a photo you’re proud of?  and include a short description about why your snap is special to you.
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ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃSecurity – (02) 6125 2249
For life-threatening emergencies first call 000 (or 0000 if dialing from an internal phone), then call ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃSecurity.
Media hotline – (02) 6125 7979
Contact the media hotline during business hours or email media@anu.edu.au for media queries regarding the University and its operations, or to track down experts that aren’t listed in our .
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Help is available if you need it. The University has a range of information and services that can be accessed by managers and staff.
Whether it's a work-related issue or a personal one, the University encourages you to seek counselling support through the .
If you need to support a student in distress, please refer to developed by the team.
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ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃ, Canberra
ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃis a smoke-free campus, with all smoking products prohibited under the .
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906
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ºÚÁÏÌìÌà acknowledges, celebrates and pays our respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people of the Canberra region and to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.
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Have an article or event for On Campus? .
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