CONSTELLATION
Student Support & Wellbeing
First Response: A Whole-of-University Approach to Student Wellbeing
Monday 29 June 2026 · 8:30am – 10:00am AEST · Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort (Minyama 3) · Included in full registration
You don’t need a wellbeing background to make a difference when a student is struggling – you just need to know what to do next. This hands-on session equips academic and professional staff with practical skills and confidence to recognise distress, respond effectively, and connect students with the right support at the right time.
This session brings together expertise from two universities to introduce the foundational models shaping contemporary student support: triage and intake frameworks, and the stepped care approach that ensures students access the right level of help at the right time. Through scenario-based discussion and practical activities, participants will explore referral pathways, challenge assumptions about what student support looks like, and leave with a concrete, personalised resource to guide their response. Whether you’re new to these conversations or looking to sharpen your skills, this session meets you where you are.
Facilitators
Sarah Rose
Associate Director Student Experience, Australian Catholic University · Vice-President, ANZSSA
Currently the Associate Director of Student Experience at ACU and the Vice-President of ANZSSA. With over two decades in the education sector across senior schools, adult education, and tertiary education, Sarah brings extensive experience. Her background includes governance roles on school, NGO, and social justice boards.
Sarah is adept at strategically developing projects, fostering collaboration, and effectively leading and managing teams and processes. Her commitment lies in supporting student success and enhancing their journey through higher education. Throughout her career, she has overseen teams responsible for transition programs, orientation, support for student veterans, leadership development, peer mentoring, and ongoing support for at-risk students. Sarah played a pivotal role in evaluating and improving the first-year student transition experience.
Laura Mulherin
Manager CAPS & Principal Psychologist, RMIT University
Laura Mulherin is a Manager and Principal Psychologist at RMIT Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS). She is an AHPRA-registered psychologist and counselling-endorsed supervisor with more than 20 years’ experience working in tertiary education settings.
Laura has extensive experience leading a multidisciplinary counselling service, supporting complex student presentations, and developing trauma-informed, student-centred models of care. She holds postgraduate qualifications in Psychology and Philosophy, as well as an Executive MBA. Laura is passionate about creating trauma-informed, student-centred approaches to wellbeing and developing practical strategies that build staff capability, foster connection, and support thriving university communities.
Russell Campbell
Head, Counselling and Wellbeing, Griffith University
Russell Campbell is a psychologist specialising in the delivery of quality student services in the Higher Education sector and is currently Head of Counselling & Wellbeing at Griffith University. With over 30 years of experience as both a practitioner and leader, Russell has worked across secondary education, vocational training, employment services, and universities—supporting students from all walks of life to thrive personally and academically.