Everyone a winner as CQU Melbourne Carnival connects
CQUniversity Melbourne students have traded exams and final assignments for skill testers and fluffy prizes, with a well-deserved study break as the busy campus celebrated its end-of-term Carnival.
Hundreds of students flocked for fun games, challenges and food on Wednesday 30 September, ending a big month for thoughtful initiatives to boost student wellbeing and connection on campus.
Student Health Promotion & Connection Project Officer (International) Si Feng and Academic Learning Centre Lecturer Dr Vicky Chang led event coordination, while Peer Advising Specialist Grace Tkalcevic managed an enthusiastic team of student volunteers.
Dr Chang paid tribute to all the staff and students who helped make the day a success, including the enthusiastic Campus Team.
“It was wonderful to see staff from different teams working alongside our student volunteers, with everyone happy to step in and help wherever needed,” she said.
Fun feeds connection
Volunteers included Buddy Leaders, Student Ambassadors, and other enthusiastic students, and Ms Tkalcevic said student leadership was key to the success of the event.
“It really highlights the amazing culture of teamwork and peer support we have at CQU,” she said.
Ms Feng said the Carnival was a popular opportunity to relax and celebrate and built on a range of recent student wellbeing programs.
“The idea came after our cultural event earlier in the term, which showed us how excited students were for activities to do together,” she said.
“The Carnival offered simple, fun games to help students switch off from study and life pressures, and to build friendships.”
Building culture
The Carnival built on momentum from the inaugural Multicultural Day in August, celebrating the diversity of CQUniversity students, staff and the broader Melbourne community.
Hundreds of participants enjoyed cultural food, activities and games, as staff and students shared their cultural heritage.
September also saw the teams deliver the Campus Kindness Open Pantry program and the Breakfast Club, providing free food to help students stretch budgets and eat healthy as end-of-term deadlines hit.
Alongside these, the Student Health Promotion and Connection team also provide a popular monthly food pantry for students to stock up.
Sam Sirsat is Coordinator Student and Campus Experience at CQU Melbourne, and said the support made a big difference to students.
“Food insecurity can have a profound impact on student health, wellbeing and the ability to fully engage in university life,” she said.
“It was wonderful to see students accessing what they needed and taking ingredients home to prepare meals that work for them.
“These initiatives are about more than providing food – they create a campus environment where students feel supported, included and able to access practical support when they need it.”
CQUniversity Melbourne is home to more than a thousand students, including international students who moved across the globe for their studies.
Learn more at CQU Melbourne.
