October 5, 2022

Message to students - 5 October, 2022

Dear students, I hope you enjoyed your mid-session recess and have taken the time for rest, relaxation and some fun. Can you believe October is here? We’re already coming into the end of the year so it’s important to make every moment count.

Study/life balance – here are some great resources

Some excellent resources are available to all students via the student support centre. For help with , and making the most of student life, definitely .

Sending support to our Iranian community

For many of us, the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa (Zhinia) Amini in Iran has underscored not just the importance of, but the fragility of women’s rights. UOW strongly supports the upholding of human rights globally and stands in solidarity with those working to achieve these goals. We recognise that this event has been deeply distressing to many, especially our Iranian community. If you need help and support, please access the .

October is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health awareness is so important, not only for us to recognise the signs in others, but also within ourselves. Giving mental health a platform ensures more people who need help are seeking it. The theme this year is ‘tune in’, encouraging you to take some time out this month to tune in, be aware of what is happening within you, and in the world around you. Being present by tuning in has been shown to help build self-awareness, help make effective choices, reduce the impact of worry, and build positive connections. put together by UOW Pulse that will help you tune in. As always, know that .

UOW’s student competes in the Asia Pacific 3 Minute Thesis semi-finals

The 2022 3MT Asia-Pacific Semi-Final is underway. Sarah Vogel from the School of Physics is representing UOW and is doing some amazing research into brain cancer treatment. If you have a spare 1-2 minutes today, you can learn more about Sarah’s research and vote for her in the Peoples' Choice. 

UOW students undertake beach sampling as research into microplastics

To combat the issue of microplastics, UOW students from across the University have been participating in a series of environmental events aimed at making them more aware of the dramatic situation on Australian beaches. Our students recently met at Belmore Basin in Wollongong to collect samples and assess there. All students interested in helping to battle the problem of microplastics are invited to volunteer with this program by joining a local monitoring group or completing their AUSMAP accreditation training to become team leaders. For more info, email Dr Trudy Costa at trudy_costa@uow.edu.au.

Global Climate Change Week

is happening this October and encourages Universities across the world to engage with each other, their communities, and policy makers on climate change action and solutions. UOW has been engaging in GCCW since 2015. Our theme this year is Planet-Positive Partnerships. From Tuesday 11 to Thursday 20 October, in collaboration with local and international partners, the team will be hosting online and hybrid seminars and discussions focused on the impact of our changing climate with potential solutions and mitigation strategies.

GCCW is going to be a great week, filled with planet-positive aspirations and inspiring stories, knowledge sharing and ideas, and discussions on how partnerships can maximise actions to protect our planet. will be happening on Tuesday 11 October at 4pm. You will hear from Katherine McConnell, Founder and CEO Brighte, alongside a panel of senior UOW climate researchers and community partners. There will also be a suite of wonderful in-person activities designed to support healthy and sustainable practices. for some fun and knowledgeable activities, including a that Healthy Cities Illawarra are putting on, , and much more!

Nowra host the 50^th Koori Knockout Rugby League tournament

In case you missed it, one of the country’s largest indigenous sporting events happened over the weekend in Nowra on the NSW South Coast and not far from our Shoalhaven campus. The annual Koori Knockout sees Rugby League teams from across NSW competing to be crowned champions and for the right to host the following years event in their hometown. The South Coast Black Cockatoos were last years winners, which explains why the knockout was hosted in Nowra this year. Congratulations to UOW student Nikita Wilson who won the open women’s title with her team the Dunghutti Connexions. Go Nikita!

Sophia’s story

And finally, I’d like to end on this and all round impressive human Sophia. Forced to leave school before completing Year 12 following cancer, she is now just months away from finishing her Bachelor of Medical and Health Science at the University of Wollongong. Way to go Sophia. We are proud of you. 

Enjoy the rest of your week.

My best,
Trish