Media releases

Federation University Australia experts will take part in a new webinar series that will provide advice for people navigating life and work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The free weekly series is being run by Compassionate Ballarat, in conjunction with Federation University Australia.

Each week, a local expert in their field will offer practical advice on financial decisions, pharmaceutical needs, mental health and the use of social media.  

The series will also feature uplifting music and each webinar will finish with a short meditation session.

The webinars will take place on Wednesdays between 11.30 and 12pm and the series will begin on Wednesday 8 April 2020.  

The first webinar will be presented by experienced psychologist Sam Luxemburg, who will offer advice on the mental health tools to help navigate the coming months.

Federation University experts participating in webinars include:

• Dr Mary Hollick – caring for the carers
• Dr Evita March – the good and bad of social media during physical isolation
• Dr Matthew Wallen – fitness and health
• Dr Lynne Reeder – meditation  

Prominent Australian author, social commentator and psychologist Hugh Mackay will take part in the series on 22 April.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during each webinar.

The webinar can be accessed via the link: https://virtualclassroom.federation.edu.au/webinar

Quotes attributable to Federation University Adjunct Research Fellow and Compassionate Ballarat Steering Group member, Dr Lynne Reeder 

 “Humans are social beings who need each other – we have survived because we developed the social cohesion necessary for our mental and emotional health, and it is vital that we maintain that social cohesion during this time of physical distance.”

  “Compassionate Ballarat has developed these webinars to support social cohesion and community connection by providing useful information, music, resources and fun to brighten people’s lives at this uncertain time.”