In this episode Alcy Meehan - Student Equity Evaluation and Partnerships Officer, within the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion division at Deakin University, interview students Maddie and Zach.

Throughout the episode, Maddie and Zach, share their experiences of what it was like transitioning into tertiary education from a rural, regional and remote background. Maddie also provides insights into the supports available to students with a disability. And Zach discusses the role of mentoring as a student residential leader and the importance of creating social networks while studying.

This episode of Respect. Belong. Thrive. is sponsored by Community Bank at Deakin University. In an Australian first, Deakin University and Bendigo Bank and Adelaide Bank have partnered to create Community Bank at Deakin University, with profits being returned to the Deakin community. This episode was made possible by the Community Strengthening Fund, which provides financial assistance through sponsorship and grants to Deakin Community projects, events and other initiatives.

https://www.deakin.edu.au/business-and-community/community-engagement/bendigo/deakin-university-community-bank

https://www.deakin.edu.au/business-and-community/community-engagement/bendigo/deakin-university-community-bank/community-strengthening-fund

If you would like to learn more about support for students with disability visit: https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/student-life-and-services/health-wellbeing-and-safety/hwb/disability-support

To learn more about living on Res at Deakin visit https://accommodation.deakin.edu.au/
If any of the content within this episode has caused you distress and you need to seek support, you can contact:

Lifeline

• 13 11 14
• https://www.lifeline.org.au/
• 24 hour crisis support

Beyond Blue

• 1300 22 4636
• https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Deakin Staff or Students can also contact:

• Safer Community: call 9244 3734 (Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm) or email safercommunity@deakin.edu.au
• Employee Wellbeing Service: call 1300 687 327 (business hours)

For closed captions visit: https://video.deakin.edu.au/media/t/1_ih24p4l6