The ALLY Network is an initiative of the Equal Opportunity Unit at Flinders University designed to enhance University culture by creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for members of the Flinders community who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, intersex, questioning and queer (GLBTTIQQ).
Why have an ALLY network at Flinders?
What is an ALLY?
What an ALLY is not
What to expect from an ALLY
Expectations of an ALLY
Becoming an ALLY
Contact an ALLY
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Barber becomes Patron of ALLY Network
In May 2008 Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Barber became the Patron for the ALLY Network. In doing so, he believes he makes a clear statement that he supports diverse sexualities on campus and that he does not tolerate discrimination or harassment or bullying.
Why have an ALLY Network at Flinders?
Recent Australian research and anecdotal evidence shows that prejudicial behaviours based on sexuality frequently occur in schools and tertiary institutions, including Flinders University. This is despite the existence of anti-discrimination legislation and policies. A visible presence of ALLYs on campus goes some way in creating a safer and more welcoming environment for both new and current members of the Flinders community who do not identify as heterosexual by:- Proactively addressing prejudicial behaviours and language
- Providing a safe place for people to talk about issues related to sexuality and/or gender identity
- Educating people about issues related to sexuality and/or gender identity
What is an ALLY?
ALLYs are staff and students who are knowledgeable in, receptive to and understanding of GLBTTIQQ issues.ALLYs provide a safe place to talk for members of the Flinders community who seek support in a confidential environment.
ALLYs act as a contact point for staff or students and are able to discuss GLBTTIQQ issues in essays, curriculum, finding information, resources, support, coming out and other life issues.
ALLYs are representative of the entire Flinders community and are therefore not identified on the basis of their sexuality.
What an ALLY is NOT
An ALLY is not:- someone with ready-made answers
- necessarily a counsellor, nor necessarily trained to deal with crisis situations
- necessarily able to provide assistance with the grievance process associated with harassment or discrimination.
The Equal Opportunity Contact Officers and Equal Opportunity and Diversity Officers are available to provide this.
What to expect from an ALLY
- An open, accepting attitude
- To be listened to, to be understood and be able to explore the issues
- Confidentiality
- A wide variety of referral avenues both on and off campus
Expectations of an ALLY
- Completion of essential training and interview process.
- Act as a role model for the University in terms of their language and behaviour.
- Proactively addressing behaviours considered prejudicial towards sexual diversity.
- Knowing when to refer on / seek further assistance.
- Attending occasional ALLY meetings and information sessions on various issues.
Becoming an ALLY
Because most people grow up in a world that is predominantly heterosexual, our beliefs, attitudes and behaviours are often shaped by this, with assumptions made and entrenched in our culture. However this ‘one size fits all’ model does not necessarily accommodate GLBTTIQQ people. The process of alliance to GLBTTIQQ people and GLBTTIQQ issues can take time. For this reason, awareness training and information sessions that examine heterosexist assumptions are an essential part of becoming an ALLY.All ALLYs are subject to a screening process and training. Undertaking the training does not necessarily lead to becoming an ALLY and you may decide the role is not one you feel comfortable with and so choose not to become an ALLY.
If you are interested in becoming an ALLY, please email equal.opportunity@flinders.edu.au or contact (08) 8201 3735.
Contact an ALLY
Look for an official ALLY sign on an office door.
Contact details
| Name | Position | Department/Faculty/Organisation | |
| Barbara Baird (Assoc Prof) | Women's Studies | barbara.baird@flinders.edu.au | |
| Jess Bartley (Ms) | Student | bart0245@flinders.edu.au | |
| Josh Bedson (Mr) | Student | Flinders Campus Community Services (FCCS) | beds0008@flinders.edu.au |
| Gill Blacket(Ms) | Digital Resources Librarian | Library | gill.blacket@flinders.edu.au |
| Alan Branford (Dr) | Associate Professor | School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics & Engineering | alan.branford@flinders.edu.au |
| Lesley Bretag (Mrs) | Counsellor | Health, Counselling and Disability | lesley.bretag@flinders.edu.au |
| Heather Brook (Dr) | Women's Studies | heather.brook@flinders.edu.au | |
| Toni Crisci (Ms) | Disibility Advisor | Health, Counselling and Disability | toni.crisci@flinders.edu.au |
Margaret Davies (Professor) | Associate Dean (Research) | Law | margaret.davies@flinders.edu.au |
| Kate Douglas (Dr) | Senior Lecturer, Honours Convenor | English, Creative Writing and Australian Studies | kate.douglas@flinders.edu.au |
| Anne Hayes (Ms) | Psychologist | Health, Counselling and Disability | anne.hayes@flinders.edu.au |
| Mary Heath (Assoc Prof) | Associate Dean (Teaching) | Law | mary.heath@flinders.edu.au |
| Christian Kotz (Mr) | Student | kotz0008@flinders.edu.au | |
| Deb King (Dr) | Senior Research Fellow | National Institute of Labour Studies | deb.king@flinders.edu.au |
| Oliver Lacota (Mr) | Student | laco0007@flinders.edu.au | |
| Anthony Langlois (Associate Prof) | Head of International Relations | School of International Studiesdies | anthony.langlois@flinders.edu.au |
| Liz McNeill (Ms) | Part-time Tutor | School of Nursing and Midwifery | liz.mcneill@flinders.edu.au |
| Paul Marks (Mr) | Lecturer | Legal Studies | paul.marks@flinders.edu.au |
| Joey Mazanek (Mr) | Student | maza0002@flinders.edu.au | |
| Donna Neilson (Ms) | ESOS Compliance Officer | Enrolment Services, Student Centre | donna.neilson@flinders.edu.au |
| Adam Odell (Mr) | Student | odel0006@flinders.edu.au | |
| Chris O’Grady (Mr) | Student Equal Opportunity Advisor | Health, Counselling and Disability | chris.ogrady@flinders.edu.au |
| Lisa O'Neill (Ms) | Manager | Equal Opportunity and Diversity | lisa.oneill@flinders.edu.au |
| Donald Pate (Professor) | Deputy Chair, BA Board | Archaeology | donald.pate@flinders.edu.au |
| Marcus Patterson (Mr) | Student | Law | patt0088@flinders.edu.au |
| Sophie Pointer (Dr) | Assistant Director | School of Medicine, Research Centre for Injury Studies | sophie.pointer@flinders.edu.au |
| Damien Riggs (Dr) | SocialSciences | damien.riggs@flinders.edu.au | |
| Andrea Rohde (Ms) | Counsellor | Health, Counselling and Disability | andrea.rohde@flinders.edu.au |
| Anne Thompson (Dr) | Director | Drama Centre | anne.thompson@flinders.edu.au |
| Jan Thompson (Ms) | Undergraduate Nursing Programs Coordinator | School of Nursing and Midwifery | jan.thompson@flinders.edu.au |
| Paula Williams (Ms) | Disability Advisor | Health, Counselling and Disability | paula.williams@flinders.edu.au |
| Bevin Wilson (Mr) | Senior Lecturer/ Coordinator | Yunggorendi, First Nations Centre for Higher Education and Research | bevin.wilson@flinders.edu.au |
| Andrew Wood (Mr) | Head of Health and Student Counselling | Health, Counselling and Disability | andrew.wood@flinders.edu.au |
| Jackie Wurm (Ms) | Project Officer | Yunggorendi | jackie.wurm@flinders.edu.au |
| Rossi von der Borch(Dr) | Academicstaff | Political and International Studies | rosslyn.vonderborch@flinders.edu.au |
