Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵis committed to fostering a psychologically safe, kind and culturally safe environment where the mental health and wellbeing of all members of our community are prioritised. Our sets the direction for ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵover the next five years. It responds directly to staff and student feedback, takes a preventative and systems approach that aligns with the Nixon Review.
The Strategy focuses on five action areas or "core pillars":
- Set things right, kindly – accountability, recognition and reward
- Invest in easier, simpler – responsive campus systems
- Strength in connection – a connecting community
- More care in more ways – partnerships in place
- Listen more, learn more – capacity building and reflective evaluation
Learn more about the Strategy and interact with its pillars:
Progress since the first Strategy
Since launching the first ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵMental Health Strategy in 2016, the University has recognised the serious health harms caused by sexism, racism, homophobia, abuse, harassment and all forms of discrimination.
There has also been growing awareness of the social and structural factors that shape mental health, including systemic pressures and inequalities.
Looking ahead to 2030
By 2030, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵaims for psychological safety, kindness and cultural safety in all we do to be a defining part of our identity.
The introduction of 2023 legislation on psychosocial workplace hazards reinforces the University’s responsibility to review and improve processes that affect mental wellbeing as does our duty of care to students. A range of initiatives are already underway to support a healthy and thriving campus community.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, the Mental Health Strategy Review Taskforce, led by Professor Lyndall Strazdins, reviewed and updated the University’s approach to mental health and wellbeing.
The Taskforce focused on prevention – hearing directly from staff and students about what was working and what needed improvement to build a culture of kindness, psychological safety and inclusion.
The aim was to identify initiatives that enhance the learning, working and living experiences at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵwhile meeting the diverse needs of our community.
The Taskforce concluded its work in July 2024 after hearing from 275 staff and students.
Their insights helped shape the draft 2025–2030 ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵMental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which was released for consultation earlier this year.
In May 2025, the University sought feedback from staff and students on the draft Strategy, and the Taskforce was grateful for the honesty and constructive advice provided. A feedback summary outlining key issues that were addressed is available here. This was endorsed by leadership.
As the University has continued to move through a period of significant change since late 2024 and throughout 2025, including the release of the Nixon Review report, it was essential to ensure the Strategy was strongly aligned with the Review’s actions before being finalised.
Combining community feedback with the Nixon Review response has strengthened the Strategy and ensured it is responsive to both the needs of our community and the broader institutional priorities ahead of its launch. It sets out clear, actionable steps toward a more supportive and sustainable university environment.
- Chair – Professor Lyndall Strazdins
- University Experience – Larissa Siliezar Mendoza
- Counselling Services (University Experience) – Lisa Kennedy
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives – Dr Jill Guthrie and Dr Fiona Cornforth
- Residential Experience – Felicity Gouldthorp
- School of Medicine and Psychology – Professor Bruce Christensen
- ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵacademic expert – Dr Lou Farrer
- Academic staff member – Professor Jo Ford
- ACT Health, Office of Mental Health and Well-being – Dr Elizabeth Moore
- Undergraduate, ANUSA disability and BIPOC student representatives – Mira Robson, Sonali Varma, Griffin Wright and Selena Wania
- ACT Health, Office of Mental Health and Well-being – Dr Elizabeth Moore
- Postgraduate student representatives – Abolfazl Amjadipour
If you have any questions or would like further information, please email inclusive.communities@anu.edu.au.
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