Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award Finalists
Recognises and celebrates innovative initiatives and solutions development by an individual or team to promote, enhance or protect the health, safety and wellness of our staff and students.
Individual Finalists
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Dr Jason Girkin - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Jason is nominated for his tireless efforts and long-standing commitment to our University's Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), since 2019. The IBC is instrumental in assisting our University to meet essential legislative requirements, make informed decisions and monitor microbiological practices. The time and expertise that Jason volunteers on a regular basis demonstrates his passion for good and safe science, his positive can-do attitude and his willingness to be a team player.
School of Medicine and Public Health
Dr Eleonora Leopardi - School of Medicine and Public Health
Nora has worked tirelessly to promote student and staff wellbeing and engagement at the Central Coast Clinical School. From trivia and therapy dogs to inspirational messages and free food she has designed and delivered a comprehensive and thoughtful program, which has enhanced the wellbeing of all.
Human Resource Services
Sharon Stow - Human Resource Services
Sharon has demonstrated exemplary dedication and innovation in developing and implementing the WHS Dashboard. This initiative is a testament to her vision and commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing. The dashboard has not only improved safety outcomes but has also created a culture where University leaders are empowered to actively participate in our University's safety journey. This initiative is a shining example of her outstanding commitment to enhancing and promoting safety.
Team Finalists
Competency Access Isolator – NU Team
Dr Alexander Gregg - School of Engineering), Amanda Hill - Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment, Andrea Thomas - Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment, Josh Bywater - School of Engineering, Lachlan Barrell - Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment
A collaboration between the College of Engineering, Science and Environment and professional engineering student teams organisation, NU Teams saw our University take home the Most Innovative WHS Idea (Large Organisation) prize from the Hunter Safety Awards and the WHS Technology Initiative at the Australian WHS Awards. The Competency Access Isolators System requires students to scan their ID cards to determine if they hold the appropriate training and competency to access workshop and lab equipment.
The Wollotuka Wellbeing Team
Hannah Pipe - Indigenous Education and Research, Phoebe Sanders - Student Central
The Wollotuka Wellbeing program is a culturally responsive, best practice wellbeing initiative that is already being recognised nationally for its innovative contribution to student wellbeing and cultural safety. Covid quarantining necessitated a shift in student wellbeing approaches for Indigenous students across our institution. In response, the Wollotuka Wellbeing Team dedicated themselves to developing a vital new support initiative featuring culturally informed resources contributing to a safer and healthier environment for Indigenous student being and learning.
Take Time to Take Care initiative
Tina Imig, Emily Keating, Ben Collis, Charlotte Ross, Sharni Knight, Jesse Mitchell, Chris Totterman - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Sylva Ohnutova - Change and Improvement Team, Megan Clark - HR Services
Safety is a top priority at our University. The 'Take time to take care’ initiative is a whole-of-University approach to raising awareness, combatting complacency, and encouraging proactive practices among staff and students. The initiative aims to create a culture where everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and wellbeing and looks out for others. It has resulted in a 20% increase in staff reporting hazards and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff and students.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.