ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

 

The countdown is on for ANUSA After Hours this Saturday, with Chifley Medows set to come alive with live music, a buzzing atmosphere and plenty of energy! 

Join Genesis Owusu and more leading Australian artists to celebrate 80 years of ANU – live and loud on campus. 

Bargaining for the University’s next Enterprise Agreement continues.  So far, we have held   meetings on 17 September, 24–25 September, 8 October and today 15 October, with a further meeting scheduled for tomorrow 16 October 2026. The next meetings are scheduled for 29-30 October 2026.

Yesterday, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) applied to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for a protected action ballot order. A ballot allows eligible union members to vote on whether to authorise specified forms of industrial action. At the time of publication, the FWC has not yet determined the outcome of the application.

The University considers the application premature given the early stage of bargaining.

Bargaining is progressing well, with 26 clauses discussed so far. Discussions have helped clarify proposals, identify provisions that are working well and progress potential amendments. Further meetings are scheduled, with a number of core issues, including substantive salary negotiations, ahead of us.

The University remains committed to constructive bargaining and reaching an agreement that delivers fair and financially sustainable pay and conditions for staff, as articulated in the .

We will continue to keep staff informed as bargaining progresses.

If you have any questions, please send them to enterprise.bargaining@anu.edu.au.

In an address at ANU this week, President of the Republic of Palau Surangel S. Whipps Jr called for urgent action at next month’s COP31 climate negotiations, where an ANU contingent will join global leaders in Türkiye.

He spoke candidly about the scale of the climate challenge, the power of Pacific leadership and having the grit to change the rules.

"Together, we now have the opportunity to create a defining 'Blue COP31'. Put the ocean climate nexus where it belongs at the heart of the global climate response." 

Coral Bell School researcher Dr Maria Tanyag will bring her expertise in gender and climate justice to a panel at the pre-COP31 events in Fiji. 

Joining government representatives from Fiji, Kiribati and Tuvalu, and Pacific feminist and women's movements groups, Dr Tanyag will discuss how national policies can better address gender inequality and the impacts of climate change. 

Representing Activist-Academic Alliances for Gender and Climate Justice, a research collaboration funded by the ANU Gender Institute, she will highlight the role of research and grassroots activism in advancing gender and climate justice across the Pacific. 

What do we lose when an old paddock tree disappears? ANU research and decades of farming experience are informing efforts to protect Australia's farming landscapes, in a new book calling for stronger conservation policies and practical action on farms. 

At the launch of Paddock Trees Under Threat, ANU expert Distinguished Professor David Lindenmayer AO and ACT Senator David Pocock discuss the research and action needed to protect these ancient trees. 

“The compelling case for changes in policy and practice is backed up by an extraordinary amount of data that comes from decades of research and monitoring, as well as stories straight from farmers about their on-farm experience,” said Senator Pocock. 

Four ANU doctoral researchers showcased their work exploring entrepreneurship, gender, community and identity in a panel with Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Australia, Her Excellency Ms Yasoja Gunasekera as part of Immersia 2026. 

“Bringing together the first all-female panel of Sri Lankan PhD candidates from the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at ANU to share their research with Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Australia created a valuable opportunity to strengthen cultural connections and make visible the contributions of Sri Lankan women to academic life at ANU," said panel moderator Dr Sean Perera. 

"Events such as this recognise the importance of diversity within our academic community, by reflecting the stories we tell and the contributions we celebrate.”  

A library can be many things: a place to study, a gateway to knowledge, a space to meet, browse the shelves, follow a curiosity, or settle in with a book.

As he steps into the role of University Librarian, Tom Foley reflects on the job he calls “an honour, a custodian role” and what makes a library worth trusting.

Following a competitive recruitment process ANU is pleased to announce the appointment of Jayde de Bondt as Director, Experience, Wellbeing and Inclusion, commencing in early January 2027. 

Jayde joins ANU from Monash University, where they served as Director, Respect, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI). In this role, they led university-wide strategies and initiatives to create safer, more inclusive and respectful environments for students and staff. 

Jayde brings extensive experience in higher education and public policy. They coordinated the Victorian Tertiary Primary Prevention Network, served on the Group of Eight Gender-Based Violence Working Group and contributed to significant policy reform as Co-Chair of the Victorian Government's LGBTIQA+ Taskforce (2019–2024) and a member of its Women's Health Advisory Council (2024–2026). 

We look forward to welcoming Jayde to ANU and extend warm thanks to Lisa Kennedy for her continued leadership of the team until Jayde commences. 

This October, you don't need to be an Olympian to go for gold. You just need to roll up your sleeve. 

Australian sporting legends Cathy Freeman, Ian Thorpe, Michael Klim, Cate Campbell and Cooper Woods are backing Australian Red Cross Lifeblood's Go for Gold, Give Plasma campaign. 

Plasma is Australia's most-needed donation, helping create life-saving treatments for people living with immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, burns, trauma and other serious conditions. 

Ready to make a life-changing difference? Join the team, this October and help give someone else a fighting chance. 

Menopause affects everyone differently, with symptoms that can impact physical and mental wellbeing, work and financial security. 

UniSuper is offering ANU staff and their families an expert-led webcast with practical advice, as well as access to 360Health, a virtual health and wellbeing program. 

Whether you're experiencing menopause or supporting someone who is, explore the resources and practical strategies available. 

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. 

Looking for a way to bring your team together and boost workplace wellbeing? 

A few $100 Safe Work Month Grants are still available to support activities that promote physical, mental and social wellbeing. Think group walks, healthy morning teas or mindfulness sessions.

To apply for a grant, or see what other teams across ANU have done so far, . 

From 15 December, staff with approved Wattle access in 2026 will no longer have access, except for select College and central business administrators who will retain access into 2027. 

Please download any Wattle course materials you need before 15 December. 

After this date, staff can or their College’s education support team until the end of 2027. Wattle is scheduled to be archived and decommissioned after this period. 

For more information, visit . 

Looking to build your confidence, develop new skills or take the next step in your career?

The ANU Professional Staff Mentoring Program connects staff with experienced senior colleagues to share knowledge, build networks and support career development. 

Whether you're looking for guidance or keen to share your experience as a mentor,  

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professional staff are invited to share their perspectives and help shape how ANU puts its Indigenous commitments into action. 

Hosted by the ANU Indigenous Strategy Special Committee (ISSC), these forums will explore opportunities to strengthen workplace culture, leadership, career development and progression. 

Your feedback will help inform practical recommendations and priorities for the next three to five years, including support and investment as part of the ANU By 2030 Strategy. 

Three 90-minute sessions will run between 26 October and 6 November. You only need to attend one, as each session covers the same topics. . 

For questions, contact the First Nations Portfolio forum support team at paris.chen@anu.edu.au. 

Applications for the ANU Educational Fellowship Scheme (EFS) are now open, closing Friday 30 October. 

Find application guidance and resources on the webpage or reach out to your for advice.  

Upcoming workshops: 

For enquiries, contact efs@anu.edu.au. 

Share your experiences and satisfaction with research infrastructure at ANU, including digital tools and resources, through a . Your feedback will help ANU better understand the needs of its research community. 

For questions, contact rie@anu.edu.au. 

Know someone making an outstanding contribution to health and medical research? 

Nominations are now open for the 2027 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Biennial Awards, recognising individuals and groups advancing research, innovation and excellence across the sector. 

Award categories open for public nomination include Consumer Involvement, Ethics and Integrity, Research Quality and Science to Art. The Outstanding Contribution and Peer Review Excellence awards are by invitation only. 

Nominations close Friday 11 December at 5pm AEDT. 

. 

Dr Liz Allen from the ANU School of Demography spoke to  about claims that dopamine-driven lifestyles are behind Australia's declining birth rate. Dr Allen argued that fertility trends are shaped by a range of factors, including housing affordability, economic insecurity, and uncertainty about the future. 

Dr James O'Donnell from the ANU School of Demography spoke to  about how important SBS language radio programs are to bilingual and migrant families. Dr Romney Smith from the ANU School of History featured in the podcast, exploring how Viking-era raids were planned, organised and executed, and what they reveal about medieval warfare. 

During the week, ANU experts also provided commentary on , , the , and . 

Friday 23 October, 6.30–10pm 

The 2026 ANU Formula Sport Gala celebrates the achievements, innovation and teamwork of the University’s Formula Sport community, bringing together students, supporters and industry partners to recognise the dedication behind student-led motorsport engineering. 
 
Discover our student talent, engineering excellence and the impact of hands-on learning at ANU. 

Monday 26 October, 6pm  

What happens when a fungal outbreak threatens humanity's survival?

Catch the gripping post-apocalyptic thriller The Girl with All the Gifts at Arc Cinema, as part of the Science. Art. Film. series. 

Follow Melanie, a young girl who may hold the key to humanity's future, then join ANU experts for a fascinating discussion exploring fungi, parasites, evolution and the science behind the story. 

Thursday 29 October, 11am–1pm  

Generative AI is transforming the way research is conducted, bringing new opportunities, challenges and questions for scientists across disciplines. 

Join the ANU Integrated AI Network for an open, cross-disciplinary panel discussion exploring what these changes mean for the future of research and how researchers can navigate the evolving AI landscape. 

Thursday 29 October, 12–2pm 

From exciting prototypes to interactive displays, discover the ideas and research taking shape across the ANU College of Systems and Society. 

Head to the ANU Sports Hall to explore projects showcasing the creativity and innovation of our students and researchers. Get an up-close look at their work through posters, prototypes and hands-on displays. 

Saturday 28 November, 9.30am–2pm 

Bring the family along for a fun-filled celebration, with an interactive science show, reptile zoo, Indigenous performance, face painting, balloon modelling and a special visit from Santa, with gifts for the little ones! 

This free event is open to ANU staff and their families, with two sessions to choose from: 9.30–11.30am or 12–2pm. Registrations close strictly on Friday 20 November, so be sure to secure your spot! 

Welcoming visitors to ANU? Make their stay convenient and comfortable with accommodation right in the heart of campus. 

Combining heritage charm with modern comforts, University House offers welcoming , complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site parking for guests and easy access to the . 

ANU staff can also access discounted accommodation rates for bookings paid through a GLC. 

For the best rates and a seamless booking experience, contact the University House Accommodation team directly at accommodation.unihouse@anu.edu.au. 

Stay on campus. Stay connected. Choose University House. 

ANU Security - (02) 6125 2249   

For life threatening emergencies first call 000 (or 0000 if dialling from an internal phone), then call ANU Security.   

Media hotline 24/7 - (02) 6125 7979   

Contact the 24/7 media hotline for media queries regarding the University and its operations, or to track down experts that aren’t listed in our .

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.