Celebrating International Day of Families

Tomorrow, 15 May, is International Day of Families - a day to raise awareness of the challenges families face and to deepen understanding of the social, economic and demographic factors that affect them. The UN's 2025 theme of family orientated policies for sustainable development highlights the important role such policies play.

ACU's commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion is demonstrated through our family-friendly workplace policies and support initiatives. To mark International Day of Families, ACU staff member Martina (Tina) Donaghy shares how flexible working has supported her to balance work and family life.

Tina was delighted when she became a first-time mum later in life. Following a period of parental leave, Tina was keen to maximise the time she spends with her baby daughter Layla, while she is young.

Working as a Career Educator at ACU's Brisbane Campus, Tina requested to temporarily reduce her working hours from full-time to part-time when she returned to work. "I work three days a week, which is perfect for my caring responsibilities," Tina explained. "I start work at 8am and finish work at 4pm so I can pick up my daughter before it gets too late." This flexibility has given Tina the time to take her daughter to swimming lessons and other appointments.

Tina's supervisor, National Manager Careers and Employability Martin Evans, is supportive of staff with family responsibilities. Martin worked with Tina to develop an arrangement that suited both the team and Tina's personal needs, which included working on-campus majority of the week, with one day working from home.

Martin states that he was able to work with Tina to better understand her situation to review options for flexibility, and to develop a solution that worked well for both her family and for ACU. "We were pleased to welcome Tina back to work following her parental leave and have been continuing to successfully work with Tina to manage further flexibility around her duties as a new parent."

"I love my careers role" Tina said. "I have a supportive and positive team, and I like partnering with areas of the university to improve employability outcomes for ACU students."

"There is a great sense of community. Working three days gives me enough time to be able to contribute meaningfully to work and to the team."

Working options at ACU

We recognise that everyone has different needs and responsibilities at work, at home and in the community. Staff are encouraged to view the resources available online before considering options and starting a conversation with your supervisor.

Share your story

We are on a mission to shine a light on the incredible support we offer each other at ACU to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment. Are you a working parent, a grandparent, looking after elderly or sick parents, or navigating a child or family member with diverse needs? If you have a story to share about how you have been supported, please email the Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) team at GEDI@acu.edu.au.

For more information on how ACU celebrates equity, diversity and inclusion, visit our webpage.

Looking for ways to foster inclusivity within your team? Get inspired by ACU's Celebrating Inclusion Calendar available here.

Support for working parents

• ACU working parents Workplace group
• Flexible working
• Parental Leave Policy
• Equity, diversity and inclusion