Looking to one another for inspiration

A message from the Executive Dean of Health Sciences Professor Suzanne Chambers:

Reflecting on the recent passing of Pope Francis I’m sure we have all contemplated on what his leadership has meant to us, to our work, and to the world. In 2024 Pope Francis advised educators “It is not enough to prepare students for competitive careers: it is necessary to help them discover fruitful vocations, to inspire pathways of authentic existence and to integrate the contribution of each individual within the creative dynamics of the larger community.” The words of Pope Francis encourage us to be aspirational, to look to each other for inspiration, and to ourselves demonstrate authenticity in all that we do. This advice resonates strongly with the work of the Faculty of Health Sciences and how our staff enact this stance with our student body, our professions, and our community.

On the evening of Tuesday 29 April, we celebrated the feast day of our faculty patron Saint Bernadette, with the first of our Aquero Lectures for 2025. This year’s lecture, a joint presentation from the School of Allied Health and the ENVISAGE program, focussed on 'Championing rich and dignified lives: empowering caregivers, families and communities raising children with developmental concerns or disabilities'.

It was a timely presentation as it coincided with the week of the Jubilee of People with Disabilities, which is part of the Vatican Jubilee Year for Pilgrims of Hope. Audience members were treated to an insightful talk from the chief investigator and parents of ENVISAGE. This multi-faceted program makes a significant and sustainable difference in the lives of people with disabilities, their families, carers and service providers – and ensures a thriving community is one that is inclusive, one that empowers all members of its population and helps them flourish. If you missed out on this wonderful presentation, you can find it on our Aquero Lecture Series page. We had an engaged turnout for the lecture with a number of maternal child health nurses attending, some of whom are subsequently promoting the program within their own networks, and as a result of which, VACCA (Victorian Aboriginal Child & Community Agency) will help us promote ENVISAGE’s First Peoples programs to Indigenous communities.

Our colleagues in Nutrition and Dietetics, Melbourne, Student Life and Associate Professor Krista Maglen (Campus Dean, Melbourne) continue to nurture the successful ‘edible garden’ on the Melbourne Campus. Early April saw the second distribution to our students of fresh vegetables from the garden with the distribution of 100 dinner kits with fresh greens (spinach, rocket, silver beet, bok choi, lettuce, and herbs), homemade basil pesto (made by garden group volunteers and our very own Nutrition and Dietetics staff), and bags of dry pasta. Students were deeply appreciative noting how this activity made them feel cared for. A great contribution to all involved and a beautiful way to embody Pope Francis’ words to ‘integrate the contribution of each individual within the creative dynamics of the larger community.’