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Health, Wellbeing, and Safety

Leaders Institute promotes and fosters a safe environment on campus and online for staff, students, and visitors. Health, well-being, and safety are primary responsibilities of both the Academic Board and the Executive Management Team. For more information, please see the Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Policy


Beach Safety

  • Always swim at beaches that have surf life-saving patrols and only between the red and yellow flags;

  • Read the safety signs and understand the meaning of the flag colours which will explain the conditions of the water;

  • If you are unsure about the conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard before entering the water;

  • If you are unsure about how confident you feel about the water, please stay in shallow water where you feel in control;

  • Swim with a friend where possible;

  • If you find yourself in trouble, stay calm and put your hand up for help.


For more information on beach safety check out Surf Life Saving Queensland.



Sun Safety

  • SLIP ON PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - Slip on protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. If you’re swimming a Lycra long-sleeve shirt can protect you from the sun;

  • SLOP ON SUNSCREEN - Slop on sunscreen that is SPF30 or higher. Apply to your skin at least 20 mins before leaving the house. Ensure it’s water-resistant and reapply every 2 hours;

  • SLAP ON A HAT - Slap on a hat, ideally a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face, nose, neck and ears;

  • SEEK SHADE - Seek shade! This can be under a sun tent, a tree or other cover from the sun. If there is no shade, take breaks from the sun and avoid the sun during the highest UV-rated times of the day;

  • SLIDE ON SUNGLASSES - Slide on some sunglasses that meet Australian standards.


For more information on Sun safety check out Surf Life Saving Queensland.


Safety on Public Transport

Public transport can be a great way to get around in Australia. There are lots of measures in place to help keep you safe. These include security officers, guards, help points, good lighting and security cameras.


Follow the below tips to stay safe on buses, trains, ferries and trams.


  • If travelling at night, plan to travel with someone you know;

  • If travelling alone by train or tram at night, choose the carriage closest to the driver or guard;

  • Inform the driver if you’re feeling threatened by others;

  • Tell a friend your travel route and let them know when you have arrived;

  • At night, wait for transport in a well-lit area with CCTV (security) cameras;

  • Check transport timetables to avoid long waits, particularly at night.


Respect and Disrespect

'Stop it at the Start' is an initiative between the Australian and state governments, designed to simulate a young person's engagement with social media. This initiative provides resources around the hidden trends of disrespect and tools for engaging with young people to encourage respect online and in the real world. LI seeks to clearly identify disrespectful attitudes and behaviours and proactively talk and teach about positive relationships.


If you experience harassment, bullying, unlawful discrimination or assault (sexual or otherwise) LI recommends that you:


  • seek support from a trusted source such as a family member, counsellor, one of Leaders Institute's Student Support Officers, or an external provider;

  • seek to appropriately limit the number of people you inform so that any investigations are impartial and your own privacy is protected;

  • report the incident by making a complaint using the Sexual Misconduct Incident Form. This can be done independently, or with the help of a trusted Leaders Institute staff member;


If you are not satisfied with the way your complaint is dealt with, you can seek further advice from an outside agency such as the Human Rights Commission or the Equal Opportunity Commission (QLD, ACT, NSW, NT,  SA, TAS, VIC, WA) or other relevant government agency.


Students and staff members may choose to report the incident to the police. In the case of an emergency please dial 000 for the police, fire, or ambulance. If the situation is not an emergency please call your local police station or you can make a report in-person at your nearest station. You may wish to make a formal report or draw upon the informal or anonymous reporting options offered by the different state police forces. You can take a support person with you when making a report to the police.


Wellbeing Support


  • beyondblue Support Service - Support. Advice.: Action Information and referral to relevant services for depression and anxiety related matters. Phone: 1300 22 46 36 http://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

  • Black Dog Institute: The Black Dog Institute is a world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

  • Blue Knot Foundation Helpline (formerly Adults Surviving Child Abuse): The Blue Knot Helpline provides information and short term counselling nationally via telephone for adults survivers of childhood trauma on 1300 657 380 (7 days a week, 9am to 5pm AEST) and email helpline@blueknot.org.au 

  • Carer Gateway: Are you one of the 2.5 million Australians who care for a loved one, friend or neighbour? Find out information about the support services available to you, on the Carer Gateway. www.carergateway.gov.au

  • Gambling Helpline: Starting to think gambling might be a problem? Find out about the signs of a problem and assess gambling issues and spending. Phone: 1800 858 858 http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/

  • Headspace: Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. We help young people who are going through a tough time. http://www.headspace.org.au/

  • Kids Help Line: Confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. Phone: 1800 55 1800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

  • Lifeline: 24 hour telephone counselling service. Phone: 13 11 14 http://www.lifeline.org.au/

  • Mensline Australia: A dedicated service for men with relationship and family concerns. Phone: 1300 78 99 78 http://www.mensline.org.au/

  • MI Networks: Offering access to relevant, up-to-date information, peer support and connections to local community networks, Mi Networks members provide a personalised response to the needs of individuals living with mental illness, their carers, friends and family members. Phone: 1800 985 944 https://missionsinterlink.org.au/mi-networks/

  • 1800RESPECT: National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling services 24-hour online support for workers and professionals. Phone: 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au/

  • Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (formerly VVCS): Open Arms provides free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, and their families. Phone: 1800 011 046 https://www.openarms.gov.au/

  • PANDA - National Perinatal Depression Helpline: PANDA’s National Perinatal Depression Helpline, funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments, provides vital support, information, referral and counselling to thousands of Australian parents and their families. Callers do not need to have a diagnosis of antenatal or postnatal depression to make contact with the Helpline, PANDA is keen to support any new parent struggling during pregnancy or after the birth of their baby, as well as their partner, family and friends. Phone: 1300 726 306 (Mon–Fri, 9am – 7.30pm AEST/AEDT). http://www.panda.org.au/

  • Parentline Parent: ParentLine is a telephone service for parents and carers of children 0-18 in New

  • South Wales. Phone: 1300 1300 52 http://www.parentline.org.au/

  • ReachOut.com: ReachOut.com Australia’s leading online youth mental health service. ReachOut.com is an initiative of the Inspire Foundation, an Australian non-profit with a mission to help young people lead happier lives. http://au.reachout.com/

  • Relationships Australia: Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities. Phone: 1300 364 277 http://www.relationships.org.au/

  • SANE Australia: SANE Australia is a national charity helping all Australians affected by mental illness lead a better life – through campaigning, education and research. SANE conducts innovative programs and campaigns to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends. It also operates a busy Helpline and website, which have thousands of contacts each year from around Australia. Phone: 1800 187 263 http://www.sane.org/index.php

  • The Butterfly Foundation: Butterfly provides support for Australians who suffer from eating disorders and negative body image issues and their carers. Phone: 1800 33 4673 http://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/


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