Book Launch! Emergency and Community Food in Australia
Written by Associate Professor Fiona McKay, this timely book provides an overview of the evolution of food charity in Australia, from the early days of colonial settlement to the current system of food pantries and emergency relief.
Examining the social, cultural, economic, and political factors that have contributed to the growth of food insecurity in Australia, it provides a multifaceted and nuanced understanding of this key social issue, placing the situation in Australia in context with the wider region. The book explores the various forms of food charity that have emerged over the years – government-funded programs, religious and charitable organisations, and community-based initiatives – and the reasons behind them, including the rise of neoliberal policies, the decline of welfare programs, and the increasing prevalence of insecure work and low wages. The author highlights the voices and experiences of those directly affected by food insecurity, offering a critical analysis of the limitations and challenges of food charity as a solution to food insecurity, proposing alternative approaches that prioritise human rights, food justice, and systemic change.
More Information and to purchase
Seeking a 2026 0.2 FTE position
Dr Neha Lalchandani is seeking a 0.2FTE position for 2026, with potential to continue beyond this period. She welcomes the opportunity to discuss roles aligned with her expertise and interest in project management, healthy food retail, qualitative research, health social marketing, and the design and delivery of health promotion initiatives.
If you are aware of relevant opportunities or would like to connect, please get in touch by emailing n.lalchandani@deakin.edu.au
Have your say: Help improve staff communication
Deakin Strategic Communications are reviewing how we communicate with all staff across the University, and we want your feedback to help shape future improvements. Whatever your experience, they want to hear from you.
What is staff communication?
Staff communication is how we share the information you need, keep you connected, and support collaboration across the University. It covers university-wide updates – like the Executive newsletter, Network News and the VC Town Hall – as well as channels that celebrate achievements and help us navigate change together.
Read more about and take the survey
Uncertainty in Medicine Learning Module
Dr Mary Dahm, QPS member and teaching ethics and professionalism in the School of Medicine, has contributed to the development of the Uncertainty in Medicine Learning Module, created in collaboration with Dr Dimitrios Papanagnou (Thomas Jefferson University) and Dr Lekshmi Santhosh (UCSF).
Part of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundations’ Building Trustworthiness by Addressing Uncertainty in Medicine program, this free, self-paced online module supports clinicians and educators to:
- Communicate diagnostic uncertainty clearly and compassionately
- Build and maintain patient trust
- Strengthen team communication during care transitions
This project was funded by the ABIM Foundation, the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Would you like a web presence for your research?
Over the past 12–18 months, the Research Web Services team has significantly enhanced Deakin’s Research Web Ecosystem, creating a cohesive and aligned approach to the online presence of all research entities. This model now serves as our standard framework for responding to requests for research web presence.
Comprehensive details of the model, along with resources to guide researchers in requesting a web presence, are available on the Research Web Services SharePoint. For advice on promoting research, please contact Faculty Research Marketing via our group inbox.
The research web services team recently ran a showcase on the new services and governance model to for research audiences. Recording links are provided below if you were unable to attend the sessions:
- Research Web Ecosystem model – Making research shine online [28:47m]
- Research Web Ecosystem model – Cost and Governance [33:49m]
Researcher Service station
The Faculty Research Marketing team has launched a one-stop hub to help researchers communicate research impact. There are resources and tutorials on everything from promoting research on the web, to guidance on social media, to photography and video production. Learn more
2026 Interdisciplinary Incubator Grants Scheme is open, closing 31 Jan 2026
We are calling for proposals led by Deakin University Early and Mid-Career Academic Researchers (EMCRs) for project funding up to AU$12,500 per project.
Read the revised Guidelines and Selection criteria on our website.
Our recent annual report highlights the advantages and opportunities that our programme and network afford and you can read about current and past SSN-funded projects here.
Watch a recording of our recent information session here where you can:
- assess the suitability of this grant for you
- learn more about the programme and the application process; and
- hear from colleagues across STEM and HASS who are planning to submit an application and looking for cross-faculty collaborators
Please forward this to any colleagues who may be interested, and we look forward to receiving applications for streamleader positions and/or the Interdisciplinary Incubator scheme.
Please direct any inquiries to Carina Truyts, SSN Coordinator at ssn-info@deakin.edu.au
Go back to the December 2025 Newsletter
