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HomeCIRAAbout Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA)Working at CIRAInitiatives and activities

Initiatives and activities

DevCom’s initiatives and activities underscore the commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and diverse environment within the community. By organizing a wide range of events that cater to various cultural, educational, and social aspects, DevCom ensures that every member of Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy feels valued and heard. These efforts not only promote a sense of belonging but also enhance collaboration and mutual respect among the community members.

Through targeted programs like mentoring and recruitment reviews, DevCom is actively working to break down barriers and create equal opportunities for all. Furthermore, by addressing critical issues such as mental health, gender bias, and neurodiversity, DevCom is dedicated to building a more empathetic and resilient community. Their continuous efforts reflect a proactive approach to inclusivity, aiming to inspire positive change and growth within the organisation.

CIRA’s Movember participants

CIRA BBQ hosted by DevCom

One of CIRA’s many cultural events

Upcoming initiatives

  • 2x Personal & Professional Development seminar/workshops in collaboration with Curtin People & Culture.
  • 2x DEI & Cultural Progression seminar/workshops in collaboration with Curtin People & Culture and external partners.
  • Curtin ALLY Level 2 training in collaboration with Curtin People & Culture.
  • Staff & Student Climate Survey.
  • Recurring initiatives and days of culture, awareness and visibility similar to previous years!

Initiative from the last year

  • UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science: DevCom organised movie screening for “Picture a Scientist” and subsequent discussion of inclusive science workplace practices.
  • Professional Development: Profile writing workshop guiding students and early-career researchers on industry insider tips and how to promote oneself.
  • ICRAR Visiting Fellow for Senior Women+ in Astronomy: Dr. Isabel Perez from the University of Granada presented a research colloquium as well as seminar/workshops engaging with students and early-career researchers on topics like work-life balance, DEI and caregiver experiences.
  • Pride Month Rainbow Afternoon Tea: Alongside afternoon tea, DevCom prepared a suite of educational resources on LGBTQIA+ terms, informative guides on the different flags and the groups they represent.
  • Curtin ALLY Training: DevCom partnered with Curtin People & Culture to organise an ALLY training seminar at the institute.
  • Stronger Together – Women in STEM: DevCom also partnered with Stronger Together to host a workshop on “How to build meaningful mentoring relationships”.
  • New Staff & Student BBQ Mixer: Helping integrate new members of the institute, along with some show-and-tell and ‘human bingo’!
  • Acquisition of Table Tennis Table: A resource which has since seen much use and given members of the institute a reason to get up from their desk work and sneak in some physical activity whilst having a break from the mental workload.
  • R U OK? Day Morning Tea: Supporting the national drive to check in on the mental health of friends, colleagues and family more regularly.
  • End-of-year Culture Potluck: A well-loved annual activity to bring an assortment of cultural dishes to a shared lunch prior to the Christmas break!
  • Other engagement with days of culture, awareness and visibility throughout the year include: Wear it Purple Day, International Day of Peace, International Transgender Day of Visibility, International Day Against Homophobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), Lunar New Year and Diwali.