Staff Wellbeing Month is back… and bigger than ever

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It’s one of the highlights of the working year at Macquarie – when we take some time out to prioritise our personal health and wellbeing, joining with colleagues across the whole campus for the University’s annual staff wellbeing event.


And this year everything is bigger and better, with the 2019 program extending all the way from 12 September to 9 October, giving more staff a chance to get involved.

Vice-President of Human Resources, Nicole Gower, says the expansion of the event reflects the University’s commitment to the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of staff.

“Extending wellbeing week to a month allows for greater participation and a more sustained focus on health and wellbeing,” she says. “I would like to encourage staff to be proactive about their health and to take the time to attend some of the events – there really is something for everyone in the program this year.”

We’ve listed highlights of the Wellbeing Month program below – the full schedule can be found on the Wellbeing Month website. With popular events always booking out quickly, make sure you register early.


Staff Wellbeing and Health Expo
Thursday 12 September, 10.30am – 2pm

Wellbeing Month kicks off on R U OK? Day with a huge expo outside MUSE (18 Wally’s Walk). You’ll be able to get a mini-health assessment, discuss your health with MQ Health professionals, get active at the Sport and Aquatic Centre stall, win great prizes and much more.

The ‘Macquarie Uni Moves’ app will be launching at the expo, in partnership with SportAus and UniSport. This pilot program encourages the University community to get active and commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Sign up for the ‘Move it Macquarie’ challenge at the Expo for your chance to win prizes (more details below).

Free health checks and hearing checks

Free health checks will be available throughout Wellbeing Month outside MUSE (18 Wally’s Walk). Hearing checks will be available on Wednesday 18 September at the Australian Hearing Hub (16 University Avenue – book here).

Free staff massages
Tuesday 8 October, 10am – 4pm

Qualified massage therapists provided by Medibank. Book now or try your luck with a 5-minute walk-in appointment.

I want to be more active

Free lunchtime exercise classes Running at the Sport and Aquatic Centre throughout Wellbeing Month, and all participants have a chance to win a membership.
Sports and Aquatics Centre Wellbeing Month membership deal $30 for 30 days. Only available at the Wellbeing and Health Expo on Thursday 12 September.
Lunchtime seminar – How to be an everyday athlete – long term lifestyle changes Tuesday 24 September, 12 – 1pm


I want to get hands-on

Free art class: Moments of stillness – still life watercolour workshop Thursday 19 September, 10am – 12pm
Bush care: contribute to bush regeneration on campus Thursday 26 September, 2 – 3pm
Indoor plant workshop with staff from the Faculty of Science and Engineering Plant Growth Facility Wednesday 2 October, 10 – 11.30am


I want to focus on mental wellbeing

Wellbeing Month Launch and Lunchtime seminar on mental health Thursday 12 September, 12 – 1pm
Lunchtime seminar: Every… body is beautiful! The impact of social media on body image Wednesday 18 September, 12 – 1pm
Lunchtime seminar: Helping others helps you! Make the most of your volunteering leave Thursday 19 September, 12 – 1pm
Seminar: When does anxiety become an Anxiety Disorder, and what to do about it? Thursday 26 September, 10.30 – 11.30am
Workshop: Why awareness matters – An introduction to mindfulness practise Tuesday 1 October, 12 – 1pm
Lunchtime Seminar – Feeding the Inner Lion: Helping children overcome their fears, worries, and shyness Wednesday 2 October, 12 – 1pm
“Portraits of Recovery” by Jo Lander – reducing the stigma of mental health in men Wednesday 2 October, 1.15 – 1.45pm
Lunchtime seminar: Eating our way to happiness Thursday 3 October, 12 – 1pm
Lunchtime seminar: Declutter your life and take control of your stuff! Wednesday 9 October, 12 – 1pm


I want to focus on my health

Lunchtime seminar: Preventative Health – check it, don’t regret it Tuesday 17 September, 12 – 1pm
Seminar: Females’ hearts at risk! Wednesday 18 September, 10.30 – 11.30am
An afternoon walk with cardiologist Dr Rominder Grover Thursday 19 September, 2 – 3pm
Lunchtime seminar: Men’s problems – avoid them or fix them Wednesday 25 September, 12 – 1pm
Lunchtime seminar: Safe and Sound? Take a noise diet! Tuesday 8 October, 12 – 1pm 


I want to win prizes!

There are loads of prizes up for grabs during Wellbeing Month, including Garmin Vivofit activity trackers, a NutriBullet, free gym memberships, personal training vouchers and much more.

  • Visit the stalls at our Staff Wellbeing Expo on Thursday 12 September and fill in your lucky draw card for your chance to win a lucky draw prize.
  • Download the ‘Macquarie UniMoves’ app and sign up to the ‘Move it Macquarie’ challenge at the Expo. The three individuals with the highest number of ‘moves’ at the end of the challenge will receive a prize pack, and the first 50 to sign up to the app and challenge will receive a $10 Macquarie University outlet voucher and go into the draw for a $100 Rebel Sport voucher.
  • Attend the Macquarie University Hospital ‘Tour with a Twist’ on Tuesday 17 September and win one of five vouchers for the Healthy Weight Clinic.
  • Attend the lunchtime seminar by Macquarie Hearing on Tuesday 8 October and you could win Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones.
  • Enter the lucky draw every time you attend an exercise class at the Sports and Aquatic Centre to win one of two six-month gym memberships.
  • Sign in at one of the seminars to go into a weekly lucky draw. All staff who attend a seminar will also qualify for the grand prize draw at the end of Wellbeing Month.

View the full schedule and register for events on the Wellbeing Month website.

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    1. Hi there,

      Yes, HR’s advice is that the Sport and Aquatic Centre’s lunchtime exercise classes are designed to be completed in your normal lunchbreak, but all Macquarie staff are encouraged to speak with their manager balancing Wellbeing Month event attendance with their regular duties.

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