Session Details

There's so much that needs our attention in modern life. Work, family, kids, education, hobbies, friends, rest, etc. It's a lot.

If we think of our lives as a garden, some aspects are getting plenty of water and sun, while others are looking... a bit wilted. A good gardener knows that every plant needs the right conditions in order to thrive - and so do we.

How do we create these right conditions, so all aspects flourish? How can we identify and learn from our strengths to bring energy and wisdom to our challenges?

This interactive, evidence-based workshop draws on positive psychology, play theory, systems thinking and Taoist philosophy to create a template for bringing balance, flow (and fun!) to your day.

Participants will be guided through a series of exercises, games and writing prompts to find and celebrate their key strengths, and reflect on how they can apply these in all elements of their lives.

This hands-on session explores how university staff can confidently and ethically use generative AI tools in their work.

As AI technologies like Microsoft Copilot and SparkAI become increasingly embedded in university systems, there is an urgent need for professional staff to build foundational AI literacy—defined not only as technical proficiency, but also as the ability to critically evaluate, adapt and ethically apply these tools in diverse workplace contexts.

Despite the growing presence of AI in daily workflows, many staff lack the confidence or understanding to use these technologies effectively. This session provides a supportive space to assess your current level of AI literacy, address common concerns—including fears of being replaced, ethical ambiguity or lack of clarity about data privacy—and explore the capabilities and limitations of tools such as Copilot and Spark.

Through live demonstrations and collaborative exercises, participants will experience firsthand how Spark can enhance creativity, streamline collaboration and support co-design of workplace outputs.

Learn how you can expand your networks to improve outcomes for the University and for yourself. You'll take away tips that can be used in almost any social or professional setting to feel comfortable meeting new people.

You'll have the opportunity to put these into practice as you are guided through short-burst introductions to friends and colleagues you've not yet met.

This is for you if "networking" terrifies you and if you need a safe space to try some new social techniques, or if you want to meet some new colleagues.

This panel discussion will dive into the transformative potential of teamwork that spans different business units.

We will showcase three projects: The ESOS compliance initiative, Co-Designing the implementation of the Student Equity and Disability Services (SEDS) Review recommendations, and enhancing faculty collaboration for Murmuk Djerring.

In each of these cases, we will highlight how strategic partnerships between lead business areas and the EPG PPMO and Service Improvement teams produced exceptional results.

Discover how blending deep subject matter expertise with structured project delivery methodologies helps untangle the complexity more quickly and effectively and drives success.

Facilitated by George Habib, this session will unpack the key strategies and lessons learned from these collaborations. You’ll gain insights into how to better leverage varied strengths within your teams and how by working with others across the University, you can build on these strengths and achieve more. This session offers practical takeaways that will inspire you to reach out and collaborate with each other to solve our problems together.

• Julia Cleghorn (She/Her), Manager - STEM Outreach, Faculty of Science

• Ellen Tunumafomo, (She/Her), Senior Coordinator – Indigenous Engagement & Outreach, Faculty of Science

• Shu Ezackial (They/Them), Senior Coordinator - STEM Outreach Programs, Faculty of Science

The Melbourne Professional Education (MPE) may be one of the newest entities within the University, but many of its staff have worked together for years in the former MSPACE.

Rather than relying on ‘the way things have always been done,’ MPE embraced the chance to innovate—bringing together staff from all levels and teams to collaborate on targeted business areas and shape a new direction.

The Finance Firefighters stepped in to manage a potentially serious Workday implementation issue with major implications for MPE.

The Data Squad identified and consolidated vast amounts of existing information to support new strategic directions.

The Fixers faced the toughest challenge: designing practical solutions to internal process issues while safeguarding against any negative downstream effects.

This presentation shares techniques, insights and tools that can be adapted and applied in other areas of the University.

The focus of this presentation is on the meeting protocols, supports and strategies developed to ensure all advisory group members can fully participate in discussions regardless of neurotype or role in the institution. These include practices that support comfort, agency and psychological safety, helping members share their ideas, comment on the ideas of others and ask critical questions.

The presenters will outline how these practices have helped create the conditions for trust and creativity within the group, while also addressing common challenges faced in traditional meeting environments in terms of navigating both neurodiversity within teams and academic and professional staff working in partnership as colleagues. Importantly, they will offer practical suggestions that any team across the university can adopt to create more inclusive and effective meetings.

By making meetings more accessible and supportive for neurodivergent staff, these strategies also benefit neurotypical colleagues.

In our increasingly interconnected world, the ability to transcend cultural boundaries is crucial for unlocking untapped potential in both students and staff.

This presentation explores innovative programs that foster global citizenship and intercultural understanding at the University of Melbourne, with a special focus on Asialink Education's role in enhancing Australia-Asia engagement.

We'll examine the transformative impact of initiatives such as international partnerships and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects in the Asia-Pacific region.

Through real-world examples from youth summits, international forums, and school partnerships, we'll demonstrate how these programs break barriers, build strengths, and create resilient, globally minded individuals.

Attendees will gain practical insights into implementing and leveraging these initiatives to cultivate a more inclusive, diverse, and internationally engaged university community, with a particular emphasis on strengthening Australia's connections with Asia.

This presentation will outline the Deep Work Mondays (DWM) concept, the methodology of its 6-month trial (commenced November 2023), and its subsequent successful integration into standard team practice for over a year.

The trial involved pre-, mid- and post-implementation surveys to capture qualitative and quantitative data on productivity, professional development, well-being and team culture, alongside Jira-based task monitoring.

Key findings from the trial demonstrated significant self-reported improvements: 90 percent of participants reported very positive productivity gains by the trial's end.

DWM also facilitated enhanced professional development, reduced stress levels, improved work-life balance by mitigating the "Monday blues," and fostered a more supportive and respectful team communication culture.

Now embedded for over 18 months, DWM has proven to be a highly popular and effective strategy. This session will share the practical implementation details, challenges encountered, and lessons learned, offering a replicable model for other professional staff teams across the University seeking to enhance effectiveness, boost morale, and cultivate a culture that values deep, meaningful work.

On a random work-from-home day in September 2022, Melissa was experiencing period pain significant enough that it left her struggling to get through her day. But with a meeting moments away, like the endless times she and many others before her, she 'soldiered on' to attend. It was right after this meeting ended that an idea sparked: the University needed to provide menstruation, perimenopause and menopause leave that was accessible, practical and respectful of natural life events that approximately 61 percent of University staff directly experience—and Melissa was determined to not take no for an answer.

This passionate spark turned into a proposal and became a mission to demystify and destigmatise menstruation, perimenopause and menopause experiences in our workplace. It directly led to the groundbreaking inclusion of Special Leave (clause 1.22) in the 2024 Enterprise Agreement, the launch of the thriving Period and Menopause Staff (PAM'S) Network in March 2025, and more—coming soon.

Join Melissa as she walks you through her inspirational journey. She will share practical advice and lessons learned so you can adapt them to the change making ideas you’ve considered—or even dreamed—of bringing to reality!

Accessibility can feel intimidating to a beginner. The fear of getting it wrong can sometimes stop us from taking that first step. Plus, we’re all busy! So where can you start?

Learn some ‘small steps’ you can take to make your work more accessible for staff and students.

Beyond the small steps, be inspired by the ‘giant leaps’ that panel members have taken, using access needs to spur creativity, adaptation and innovation.

This presentation explores how the Office of Indigenous Employment and Development (OIED) is unlocking untapped potential across the University by leading with innovation, resilience and cultural integrity.

In alignment with the University’s Murmuk Djerring Strategy, particularly Signature Project 1.1: the Indigenous Employment Plan, OIED delivers impactful programs that advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, visibility and voice across all levels of the institution. 

Key initiatives, including the Melbourne Indigenous Professional Employment Program (MIPEP) and the Gahgook Indigenous Cultural Education Program, are reshaping the University's workforce through truth-telling, capability building and systems change. These programs strengthen cultural safety, promote Indigenous leadership and career progression, and engage non-Indigenous staff in meaningful learning and allyship. 

Grounded in Indigenous-led principles, OIED’s work demonstrates how targeted, culturally-informed approaches can create lasting impact—fostering a university community where equity, belonging and opportunity are embedded into everyday practice.

• Sonia Harvey, Director, Office of Indigenous Employment and Development

• Yemmuraki Egan, Project Lead- Gahgook, People and Community, Office of Indigenous Employment and Development

• Julie Matricardi-Old, Program Manager – MIPEP, People and Community, Office of Indigenous Employment and Development

• Katie Possingham, Operations Coordinator, Melbourne School of Psychological Science

• Lauren Sanders (She/Her/Hers), Operations Coordinator, School of Social and Political Sciences

Julia’s passion for events and community building began at just 14 years of age when she volunteered to run a local youth music event. She was moved by the positive effect it had and knew instantly she would pursue a career in events.

But growing up in a financially disadvantaged household, Julia struggled to afford basic school equipment. It was only thanks to a scholarship from Western Chances, a local non-profit supporting promising young students, that Julia was able to complete her education. It was here she learned the importance of community and teamwork.

In 2013, defying advice to gain experience at a larger company, 20-year-old Julia Truong founded JT Production Management (JTPM). Her determination and strong work ethic led to quick growth, repeat clients and staff hires.

Winning the 2016 Victorian Young Achievers Award boosted the business' profile, resulting in JTPM opening its first office. This led to Julia finding her purpose and resilience. , and here are the tools that helped…

JTPM was a rapidly growing event agency until the 2020 pandemic, which caused a 90 percent booking loss. However, Julia's leadership led JTPM to pivot, developing digital services like web development and live streaming. This resulted in client retention and a tripling of business size by 2021. What threatened to end JTPM spurred its expansion and new ventures.

In this session, Julia will share her go-to leadership skills and how she redefined her business with agility.

In the journey of leadership, hindsight often reveals invaluable lessons. This presentation will dive into the transformative power of cultivating safe spaces for highly functional teams through personal storytelling and practical insights.

Drawing from real-world experiences, the session will explore the pivotal shift towards a growth mindset and the often-challenging terrain of navigating team dynamics with empathy and understanding.

We will unpack moments where kindness, especially amidst adversity, proved to be a cornerstone of building trust and fostering psychological safety.

Discover how embracing vulnerability, practicing active listening and offering compassionate feedback can unlock a team's full potential. This isn't just about being "nice" - it's about a strategic approach to leadership that prioritises human connection and empowers individuals to thrive.

This session is designed for anyone interested in leading groups effectively and creating environments where individuals feel safe to contribute, innovate and grow – ultimately leading to more resilient and high-performing teams. Prepare to reflect on your own leadership journey and discover the profound impact of leading with kindness.

• Sebastian Cortes Lopez (He/Him), Product Owner, Current Students, Digital Product Portfolio – Business Services

What happens when we tap into the collective energy of our university community to drive sustainability?

This workshop will explore how every staff member—regardless of their role—can be a changemaker in shaping a greener, fairer future. From joining our Sustainability Advocates program, running low-impact events, or leading change through Green Impact, to embedding sustainability into daily decision-making, this interactive session will highlight practical, inclusive pathways for involvement.

Together, we’ll break down perceived barriers, amplify staff voices, and celebrate how sustainability can be both a personal and professional opportunity for growth and impact.

You’ll leave inspired, connected, and equipped to unlock the untapped sustainability potential in your team and workplace.

This presentation aims to show how one question—raised during an unsuccessful interview—sparked a journey of curiosity, collaboration, improvement, opportunities and ultimately, global travel.

A simple comment about how students book academic progress appointments sparked an investigation into processes and to meaningful and sustainable change. Through persistence, curiosity and working across teams, we identified opportunities to streamline and improve, from harnessing system capability to manage downloads in bulk, creating visual grade reports for better decision-making, changing processes to reduce committee workloads, with more improvements on the horizon.

These outcomes didn’t happen overnight—progress was made through incremental changes, learning from setbacks and always asking, “Why do we do it this way, and how could we do it differently?”

Saying yes and throwing my hat in the ring to opportunities also led to further opportunities: Participating in the Enterprise Performance Group Capability Development Program and being awarded the 2024 Universitas 21 Professional Staff Scholarship, which enabled me to visit four universities across Canada, the US and New Zealand to benchmark academic progress processes.

This presentation aims to introduce University staff to the benefits of mindfulness practices, specifically focusing on breathing techniques and movement exercises.

Mindfulness has been increasingly recognised for its positive impact on both physical and mental well-being, enhancing resilience, reducing stress, and improving overall quality of life.

We will explore how incorporating mindful breathing and movement into daily routines can help staff manage work-related stress, improve focus and boost productivity.

This session will explore how personal confidence impacts visibility, influence and growth in the workplace. Through practical insights and reflective activities, participants will learn how to challenge self-limiting beliefs, speak up more comfortably and advocate for themselves and their ideas — even when it feels uncomfortable.

Designed for those who’ve ever held back from stepping forward, this session aims to empower participants to bring their full selves to work and contribute with clarity and confidence.