Other related services
USQ offers its employees and students services to assist in balancing the demands of life and work. These include:
Parenting room
The room, located in K Block, Room 221, is equipped with a table and chairs, a high chair, mini boil, a lounge chair, sink (with hot and cold water and soap dispenser), fan, heating, microwave oven, refrigerator, notice board and internal telephone. The access code is available from the USQ Nurse, located in Student Services.
A parenting room is also available on the Springfield Campus on Level 4 of the USQ Building A for student and staff use. A baby change table is available in the Disabled Access toilet on Level 1 and Level 4. The parenting room contains a table, chairs, lounge chairs and computer for student use. Parents can use the Level 4 kitchenette at all times to access facilities such as a sink, fridge, microwave and hydroboil.
Additional baby change facilities
Also located at a number of different locations across campus are male, female and unisex toilets with baby change facilities.
Parental Support Group
The USQ Parental Support Group provides an opportunity for parents working at USQ to meet and network with other parents who are balancing work and family responsibilities. The Equal Opportunity Unit within Human Resources arranges informal meetings and employees who have expressed an interest in the group are advised of the date and venue. For further information, contact the Staff Equity Officer on +61 7 4631 1673.
Child care
Located on campus, the Mirambeena Children's Centre is a community child care centre, managed by the Mirambeena Children's Centre Association Inc (Toowoomba), a non-profit organisation whose members are the parents of children enrolled at the Centre and University representatives. The Management Committee of the Association consists of parents and representatives from the Faculty of Education at USQ and can be contacted on +61 7 4630 1989.
Additionally the Student Guild, with the support of the University, is offering an Adjunct Childcare Service for students and staff attending lectures on the Toowoomba campus with students and staff attending lectures having first priority. The Tiny Tots Creche is located at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre and operates Mondays to Fridays from 8.45am to 1.00pm. For more information contact Kate Fox at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre on +61 7 4631 2595.
Vacation care
The Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre at USQ offers a regular vacation care program for children during school holidays. Children participate in a variety of sports and activities from 8.00am to 6.00pm. For more information contact Kate Fox at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre on +61 7 4631 2595.
Health care
Located on the Toowoomba campus, USQ Health Services provide a confidential service to all USQ employees and students. While Doctors are available for consultations during semesters only, a campus Nurse is available Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 4.00pm, throughout the year. Employees can either choose to pay a discounted fee at the time of consultation or payment can be processed through Medicare. Students with a Medicare and Health Care Card are bulk billed.
Counselling services
USQ's Employee Assistance Program provides a free, professional and confidential counselling service for all USQ emploeyes and their immediate family members who are experiencing personal or work-related difficulties.
Publications
The Commonwealth Government in conjunction with various other organisations has published an information kit titled Balancing Breastfeeding and Work. The kit is available to employees through the Staff Equity Officer.
More information
Contact the Staff Equity Officer for information on managing a work/life balance visit the Managing Work Life Balance site.