Spring has arrived, and our campus is putting on a show for the mid-semester break. Take some time to enjoy the outdoors, but keep an eye out for nesting wildlife and give animals plenty of space. If you see warning signs, take care and follow the advice provided.

The University’s Enterprise Bargaining webpage has been updated with the ANU Log of Claims and other information about the bargaining process. You can also access the Log of Claims directly here.

The ANU Log of Claims sets out the University's broad priorities and principles for bargaining. It provides a framework for negotiations with bargaining representatives and reflects the University’s commitment to achieving an Agreement that supports our staff and enables the University to fulfill its teaching, research, and operational responsibilities.

The Log has been developed over recent weeks through broad engagement with our academic, professional and casual staff, as well as University leaders. During this time, we received a wide range of feedback reflecting the different experiences, priorities, and perspectives across our community. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in a consultation session or provided written feedback to date. These contributions have informed both the Log and the University’s broader bargaining approach and will continue to shape the University’s position as we move into detailed bargaining discussions. 

We will continue to keep staff informed as bargaining progresses. In the meantime, you can continue to send questions or further feedback about the new Enterprise Agreement to enterprise.bargaining@anu.edu.au.

Ahead of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the ANU National Security College hosted the Hon John Howard AC for a conversation about national security decision-making, Australia’s alliances and the changing geopolitics of the region.

ANU is reflecting on a decade of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led health research, highlighting how Mob-driven leadership is transforming research, policy and health outcomes.

The work of Yardhura Walani and the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics shows how Indigenous governance and community-led research can build trust, strengthen the Indigenous health workforce and deliver lasting benefits for communities.

The Australian Government has proposed reforms to the legislation governing ANU. The ANU Council welcomes the consultation and is making a formal submission to Government, supporting a legislative framework that reflects contemporary governance practice and the University’s distinctive national mission.

For Filipino-Australian writer Merlinda Bobis, the destruction of trees became a way of thinking about something much larger: how people, cultures and histories can be cut by violence, colonisation and displacement, and their remarkable capacity to survive.

It’s an idea at the heart of her latest novel, In the Name of the Trees, which won the Fiction Award at the 2026 ACT Literary Awards and has since been shortlisted for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.

As new ANU Chancellor Dr Gordon de Brouwer steps into the role of Chancellor at his alma mater, he reflects on what it means to be a national institution at this time in history.

“ANU has always been a pathbreaker – and still is leading edge on issues such as economics, science, the Asia-Pacific and national security.”

“I want to encourage knowledge-transfer and strengthen our role as the national university,” he says. “Truth and knowledge still matter.”

Director, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The Director, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) provides leadership across the School, developing strategic capability and fostering excellence in research, education, technology development and external engagement.

Applications close on Sunday 11 October, 11.55pm AEDT.

Today is R U OK? Day, a reminder that a conversation could change a life. This year’s message is ‘If you’re thinking it, ask R U OK? Any Day.’

If you’ve noticed a change in someone or feel something isn’t quite right, trust your instincts, check in and take the time to listen. Regular, meaningful conversations can help prevent small things from becoming big things. Checking in regularly builds trust and makes it easier to talk about what’s really going on, so people know they have someone to turn to when they’re struggling.

You can access mental health support and contacts at ANU. We also encourage you to take regular breaks and annual leave when you can. ANU staff can also access two days of wellbeing leave each year to focus on their mental and physical wellbeing.

For more information and resources, read the Health, Safety and Wellbeing September and October newsletter or visit the R U OK? website for tips on starting a conversation and supporting someone who might be struggling.

Congratulations to this week’s Get Active ANU winners: Clare Canham, Zac McCutcheon, Guy Alder and Rizqa Adhary!

It’s not too late to join the challenge and go into next week’s prize draw. Turn your daily commute, campus walks and runs into rewards this September with Get Active ANU. Every walk, ride or run counts towards your chance to win weekly prizes.

The final quiz results were very close! Congratulations to the Cyber Sense Scam Awareness Week giveaway winners!

Staff: Haynes C, Nihaarika S, Kirsty W

Students: James O, Jia Y, Sharon R

Want to sharpen your scam-spotting skills? Complete Cyber Sense training and keep building your cyber security awareness.

Round 3 of the Carers' Career Development Assistance Fund (CCDAF) is now open. Grants of up to $2,000 are available to help eligible ANU staff with caring responsibilities cover costs such as childcare, dependant care or travel for a dependant while attending significant conferences, workshops or symposia.

Applications close 5pm Friday 18 September.

Looking to build your knowledge and confidence around inclusion, respectful relationships and wellbeing? The Inclusive and Respectful Communities (IARC) team is running a series of workshops for staff and students from Monday 14 September.

Sessions cover topics including: understanding gender-based violence and responding to disclosures, LGBTIQA+ ally training, understanding harmful behaviours and bystander intervention, and neuroaffirming practices.

All workshops will be held in person on the Acton campus, with online opportunities to follow later this year.

IARC is also seeking expressions of interest for a pilot workshop on trauma-informed practice. To register your interest, email respect@anu.edu.au.

Professor James Batley from the ANU Department of Pacific Affairs spoke to the ABC about Australia’s in-principle agreement with Solomon Islands on a landmark new treaty. He discussed Canberra’s significant financial commitments under the proposed deal and the importance of transparency and accountability measures as negotiations near completion. 

Dr Andrew Hughes from the ANU School of Politics and International Relations spoke to B&T about the growing use of AI-generated political advertising, warning that stronger regulation is needed to address its potential influence on future elections. Associate Professor Wayne Morgan from the ANU College of Law spoke to the ABC about the ACT’s unique 99-year leasehold system, explaining what expiring leases mean for homeowners and why the risk of losing a property is extremely low. 

Over the past week, ANU experts spoke to the media about a range of issues, including online abuse against female politicians, ‘water batteries’ as complements to renewables, and the World Nomad Games. 

Immersia returns next week with a packed program of events celebrating the cultures of Asia and the Pacific, including performances, workshops and immersive experiences across campus.

Thursday 16 September, 12–3pm

Get creative and bring a boomerang to life with Aaron Chatfield from Dreamtime Connections. This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore Indigenous art symbols, animal footprints and visual storytelling while painting a unique keepsake to take home.

Thursday 17 September, 1–2pm

Step inside the iconic Mongolian ger and discover the sights, sounds and traditions of Mongolia. Experience calligraphy, music, dance and wrestling in a celebration of the country’s rich culture, artistry and movement, all within a space designed for gathering, sharing and connection.

Thursday 17 September, 10.45am –11.45am

Get moving with a beginner-friendly fusion of Bollywood beats and Zumba led by Krisha Jilson from Zumba Zest Canberra. Enjoy catchy music, expressive moves and feel-good choreography while celebrating Indian culture, community and connection. No dance experience needed, just bring your energy and get ready to move.

Friday 18 September, 12–2pm

Experience Tibetan culture through calligraphy, traditional musical instruments, distinctive costumes and Gorshey, a traditional Tibetan circle dance. Presented in collaboration with the Tibetan Community of Canberra, this interactive showcase celebrates the stories, traditions and creative practices that continue to shape Tibetan cultural life today.

How did you come to be at ANU?

Through the ANU Digital Plan. Our digital transformation has an ambition to create accessible and inclusive digital experiences for students and staff. In 2022, ITS established a Digital Accessibility Practice to contribute to this ambition. Inspired by the university's values, commitment and user focused intentions of the Digital Plan I wanted to contribute and be part of this journey.

What are you most passionate about in your work?

Learning from staff and students with disability about their experiences of work and study with disability at ANU and collaborating with our extensive and multi-talented community of staff and students with disability, accessibility stakeholders and IT colleagues to improve accessible experiences of work and study at our university.

What is your favourite spot on campus and why?

The Kambri precinct offers a place of connection for me, whether for cultural event, a social catch up, a bite to eat, a workshop to attend or a service to visit, there will always be someone to connect with at the Kambri precinct.

What makes you most proud about working at ANU?

This role focusing on Digital Accessibility has provided me with an opportunity to meet and work with a vastly talented community of people that work and study with disability, and has introduced me to a diverse range of people across the university who are strongly committed to making our university a place where we can all participate in and thrive.

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 Experts Guide.

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 Employee Assistance Program.

If you need to support a student in distress, please refer to this guide developed by the Student Safety and Wellbeing team.