The portal provides a simple and secure way to report incidents or hazards on campus.

This new portal is part of our commitment to creating a safer, more efficient environment for everyone at La Trobe.

For more information, refer to the User Guides.

For additional support, reach out to the Health & Safety team at ohs@latrobe.edu.au

Thank you for your support during this transition.

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Why did you choose La Trobe’s Digital Health course?

Digital Health wasn’t something I discovered in a classroom, it grew out of lived experience. I come from Nepal, where access to healthcare often depends on geography, weather, and timing. I’ve seen people walk hours to reach a health facility, only to arrive too late. I’ve also worked on telehealth programs and digital tools in rural settings and realised that technology, when used thoughtfully, can change outcomes; not by replacing care, but by extending it.

I chose Digital Health because I wanted to understand how systems really work, why good ideas fail, and what it takes to design solutions that people can use and trust.

What have been your favourite subjects in the course so far?

My favourite subject has been Digital Health design and implementation, particularly through the lens of systems thinking. It finally put into words something I have felt for a long time: that healthcare is never just about technology. It’s about people, workflows, culture, leadership, policy, and context, all interacting at once.

Systems thinking helped me see why small changes can have big ripple effects, and why digital health solutions must fit into existing systems. It deeply resonates with the work I’ve done in rural health and continues to shape how I think about design and decision-making.

What have you found most challenging in the course so far?

The most challenging part has been accepting the complexity of healthcare systems. There are no simple fixes. Ethical considerations, user resistance, limited resources, and policy constraints all matter, and they often conflict with each other. It can be overwhelming at times, but that challenge has also been grounding. It’s taught me that responsible digital health work requires patience, humility, and collaboration. Change doesn’t happen fast, but it can happen when people are willing to listen and adapt.

Please share a bit about yourself – what do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy quiet moments spent thinking, writing, and reflecting. I like meaningful conversations and learning about peoples’ lived experiences. Music helps me slow down, and I’m drawn to work that centres dignity, care, and community. Whether in aged care, digital health, or everyday life, I value human connection and empathy above all else.

Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time?

In five years, I see myself working in digital health in a grounded way that supports health systems and provides better service to patients, especially in rural and underserved communities. I want to contribute to solutions that are practical, ethical, and designed with patient needs in mind.

More than titles or roles, I hope to remain someone who listens deeply, designs thoughtfully, and never loses sight of the human side of healthcare.

Students of the Master of Digital Health complete their studies equipped to lead meaningful change in healthcare. Combining practical insights with digital innovation, they are industry-ready to shape healthcare delivery with clinical skills, technical fluency, and strategic thinking.

Learn more about La Trobe’s Master of Digital Health course or get in touch with our team of Enrolment Advisors via (+61 3) 9917 3009 or onlinecourses@latrobe.edu.au. 

The post Master of Digital Health student spotlight: Pratima Mahata appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

This event is designed to support women, trans and gender-diverse founders who are underrepresented in the startup ecosystem.

Applications from individuals across these communities are welcome. The pitching component is open to women, trans and gender diverse founders, but all are invited to attend as part of the audience.

What you can expect

The Female Founder Pitch Night offers a unique opportunity to connect with a community of changemakers.

Guests will have the opportunity to:

• Network with an ever-growing community of investors, founders, service providers and startup operators.
• Pitch their startup idea, or support four incredible, early-stage founders as they pitch their solutions to global challenges.
• Vote for their favourite pitch of the night.

This event is ideal for students studying business, entrepreneurship, innovation, STEM, communications, design, or anyone who is curious about the startup world. 

Don’t miss out on this evening filled with networking, innovation, and celebration!

Event details

Female Founder Pitch Night

Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026, 6pm to 8:30pm 
Location: Digital Innovation Hub. Level 2, Eagleworks Innovation Centre within the Jenny Graves Building, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083. Map Ref: G8. 
Presented by: La Trobe University x The Startup Network 
Cost: From $14.36 (free for pitching founders) 

The post Pitch an idea or show your support at the Female Founder Pitch Night appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

What if you’re good at everything… but not the best at anything? 

Once, my tutor said to me, 
“Niharika, you’re a jack of all trades – but have you mastered any one?” 

I awkwardly laughed and moved on, not realising how much that line would stay with me. 

At the time, it felt like one of those things you hear, think about briefly, and forget. Like advice that sounds important, but not immediately relevant. 

Turns out, it became something I kept coming back to and it only got deeper over time. 

Jack of all trades, but master of none, 
Would it be better just knowing one? 
Am I good at anything I’ve ever begun, 
Or just trying everything for the fun? 

It didn’t hit all at once. Just small moments. Quiet comparisons. Watching someone be really good at something and thinking – that’s impressive… and slightly inconvenient for my self-esteem. 

Because when I looked at everything I’d tried, it all felt a bit scattered. 

I used to be into art – something I was good at, something people noticed, but never something I took further. Singing was fun, but not something I stayed with long enough. I got into basketball for a while, then slowly retired (not officially – just by not putting in the effort). 

And then there was dancing – something I’m actually good at. I perform, I enjoy it, and I keep coming back to it. Not because I have to, but because I want to. 

I’m just… not the best at it. 

Even academically, I’ve always been somewhere in the middle. Doing well, but not quite that student. 

From where I stood, it felt like I was doing a bit of everything – but not really becoming anything. 

What made it more confusing was how others saw it. 

Because from the outside, it didn’t look like that at all. 

People came to me for help. Friends opened up to me when they were struggling. Somehow, I became the “advice person” – which felt ironic, considering I’m still figuring things out myself.

And that made me pause. 

Because while I was questioning what I was good at, others seemed to think I already had something. 

Maybe that’s what being human is – you can have a bit of everything. 

Maybe I’m not great at singing, but I’m a good listener. 

Maybe I didn’t stick with basketball, but I learned how to show up when something mattered. 

Maybe I’m not the best dancer, but I enjoy it – and maybe that counts for more than I thought. 

Somewhere in between all of that, something shifted. 

It reminded me of the movie 3 Idiots – how sometimes it’s not about being the best at something, but about genuinely enjoying what you do. 

The doubt didn’t disappear completely. 

But it stopped feeling like the whole story. 

Because I started to realise that mastering something doesn’t just come from trying: it takes consistency, patience, and the willingness to stay. 

And honestly, that’s something I’m still working on. 

Maybe I just haven’t found that one thing I want to stick with long enough. 

Or maybe I’m still figuring out if I even need to. 

But for now, I think that’s okay. 

Because not everything has to turn into something you master. 

Some things can just be things you enjoy. 

Things you try, experience, and carry with you – even if they don’t show up as results. 

Jack of all trades, still mastering none, 
But I’ve stopped feeling sorry – I’m learning, and life’s fun. 

The post Jack of All, Still Figuring It Out appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

La Trobe students are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to join TEQSA’s first Student Advisory Panel.

Australia’s national quality regulator, TEQSA, is expanding the student voices they engage, beyond elected student representatives. This is a unique opportunity to share your perspectives and help inform national higher education quality and standards.

Panel members will provide insights on what’s working well across the sector and where improvements are needed, helping ensure student voices are central to decision‑making.

Students from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, international students, first‑in‑family students, students with disability or lived experience of mental health or neurodivergence, LGBTQI+ students, regional and remote students, mature‑age and part‑time students and students in coursework or research programs.

Expressions of interest are open until Thursday 30 April 2026.

Find out more and express your interest today!

The post Have your say in Australian higher education appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Hearing tests are conducted by Master of Clinical Audiology students, under the supervision of qualified Audiologists. The clinics offer a supportive, friendly environment and help to identify potential hearing concerns early, while providing valuable hands‑on clinical experience for La Trobe students.

Clinic dates for adults

• Thursday 14 – Thursday 28 May (availability varies by day)
• For adults or children ages 8 years and above
• Appointments available from 8:30am–4:30pm

Clinic dates for children

• First Monday of every month, starting 2 March 2026
• For children aged 8 months to 8 years
• Appointments available from 8:30am–4:30pm

Location

La Trobe Communication Clinic (LCC)
Level 4 – Health Sciences 1
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus

Enquiries

For more information or to make an enquiry, contact Dr Michelle Loeliger (Audiology Department Clinic Coordinator) at m.loeliger@latrobe.edu.au.

The post Free hearing tests at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Book your donation now at the Lifeblood website and join the La Trobe University Lifeblood team or book via the Donate Blood app. Every drop counts.

Why give blood or plasma?

Lifeblood needs more than 1.7 million donations annually to meet the demand. With donor centres near all La Trobe campuses, it’s never been easier to give the gift of life.

Donate before May 14 to ensure your contribution is counted in the Tertiary Blood Drive (14 February – 14 May), where universities and TAFEs across Australia compete to save the most lives.

Currently, we stand 16th nationally with 262 donations in the Blood Drive – huge thanks to everyone who has made a donation as part of the team!

If you’re a new or existing donor – consider getting involved. If you donated but forgot to join the team, it’s not to late for your donations to be counted – simply join the Team however you book your appointments.

Also in good news, Lifeblood has made a change for life. More gay, bisexual and transgender people in long term monogamous relationships can now give blood or plasma!

How to get involved

• Join our La Trobe University Lifeblood Team if you haven’t already.
• Donate before May 14 to contribute to the Blood Drive – go solo or bring friends!
• Spread the word! Encourage others, share your experience, or help raise awareness – because Life is the reason.
• New to donating or feeling a bit nervous? Consider bringing a friend or check out @lifebloodau on Instagram and TikTok for tips.

Together, we can save lives. Let’s make a difference La Trobe University.

The post Join the life-saving community at La Trobe University appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

We are expanding our existing services to support you with your studies. For students who are currently on, or about to begin placement for your studies, we are increasing our support as we recognise that placements for students can add pressure and uncertainty at this time.

Financial and academic support 
Depending on your circumstances and course there are several supports available. If you’re feeling the impact, we may be able to support you with financial bursaries and scholarships to ease financial pressures. 

If you’re unsure where to start, Student Advising or Wellbeing Services can help point you in the right direction and provide advice about your study options as you approach Census date.

La Trobe is continuing to monitor the rising cost of living and may make additional services available.

This is a difficult period, and you are not expected to manage it on your own. Please reach out and make use of the support available to you—we are here to help.

The post Are rising costs of living affecting you? appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The pressure to “move on”

Many men feel pressure to quickly get over a breakup. This research suggests that well‑intended advice can sometimes make things harder, not easier.

What recovery really looks like

Healing after a breakup takes time. Real recovery involves space to process what happened and gradually rebuild. This includes:

• Refocussing on daily routines and study habits
• Reconnecting with interests, sports or social activities
• Slowly regaining emotional stability and allowing your motivation to gradually return

Why the right support matters

Support makes a difference, but only when it’s the right kind. The right support can help young men to better understand themselves at their lowest point. Some examples of helpful support include:

• Taking someone seriously.
• Hearing them out without judgment
• Avoid giving pressure, quick fixes, or “just get over it” advice.

You don’t need to rush your way out of a breakup. Real recovery takes time, so give yourself the space to go through it properly.

Some useful resources

• Men’s Wellbeing Podcast –Men’s Wellbeing Conversations — Episode 1: Breaking Up.
• Men’s Health and Wellbeing at La Trobe: Men’s wellbeing counselling is available In-person at the Melbourne campus and via Zoom for all campuses. Book an appointment to speak to a trained staff
• La Trobe University Crisis Line (after hours): 1300 146 307 Text 0488 884 100. Available 5pm–9am on weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays.

The post Men and break-ups – what research tells us appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Speak with a wellbeing professional

Each regional campus has a dedicated Student Wellbeing staff member available to meet with you face to face. They offer confidential counselling and supportive conversations to help you talk through what you’re experiencing and consider your next steps.

Connected support options

If you’re unsure where to begin, your campus wellbeing staff member can be a first point of contact. Your local wellbeing staff member can help connect you to the broader range of La Trobe Student Wellbeing and mental health services, including remote support and referrals to external services where appropriate.

Take the first step

To book an appointment, complete an enquiry form.

You can find out about the full range of wellbeing services here.

If you need to speak with someone urgently outside of hours, you can get in touch with the La Trobe Out of Hours Crisis Line on 1300 146 307 or text 0488 884 100 — available 24/7 on weekends and public holidays, and 5 pm–9 am on weekdays.

Whether you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or finding things difficult, support is accessible, local, and here for you.

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