10 December 2020

Farewell 2020! To get you in the festive spirit, we’re giving away some gift cards

Who’s happy to see the end of 2020? What a year it’s been – full of challenges, hardship and stress, but also a shining example of how our University community can pull together to get through difficult times. We’re so proud of all of you for persevering with online study, and for showing your resilience, adaptability and spirit.

Now’s the time to start feeling those #SummerVibes and to celebrate the holiday season, however you and your family observe it. With Victoria now in ‘COVID-Normal’, let your hair down a little and enjoy the weather, gatherings and freedom that summer brings.

To help set the festive mood, we’re giving away seven Coles Myer gift cards, ranging in value from $50 to $150. See below for your chance to win.

But first, take a moment to think about how you can look after yourself and others, and make the most of the break – while still having loads of fun.

Party smart

We’ve all got a lot of catching up to do! But remember: drink alcohol moderately to avoid harming yourself and others around you, and to avoid a bad hangover. Download an app like DrinkCoach to track how much you’re drinking and don’t forget the simple trick of making every second drink a glass of water.

You may come into contact with other legal and illegal drugs over the summer. Remember you can say no and that it doesn’t take much to become addicted. If you’re having trouble with drug use, contact the Alcohol and Drug Foundation for support and resources.

Make sex a positive experience

Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, you’re dating or you’re open to casual experiences, always practise safe sex and be in control of your sexual health.

Any sexual encounter you have must involve enthusiastic consent – each person must clearly and willingly agree to engage in sexual activity in that moment and be able to verbally give consent. Someone who is significantly affected by alcohol or drugs, is unconscious or is underage doesn’t have the capacity to provide consent. Basically, if it’s not an enthusiastic ‘yes’, then it’s a ‘no’.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual harm, or domestic or family violence, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Safer Community. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Form new connections

The festive season can be quite a lonely time for many people. Feelings of isolation or sadness may be even stronger this year, especially for international students unable to return home due to limited travel options. If you’re facing some time on your own, are feeling homesick or aren’t sure how to cope with a changed routine, consider these ways to connect. You might even make some friends for life!

Meet other Deakin students online

Our [email protected] Facebook Group is a space that’s all about connecting, sharing and supporting. Introduce yourself, share your story and see if others are keen to meet up for a group meal, sporting activity or community event. We also have dedicated Facebook groups for international students and Cloud Campus students, as well as the Deakin Buddies app for Cloud students. Or follow Deakin Life on Facebook or Instagram to stay up-to-date with uni news and events.

Get involved with community organisations

If you’re an international student, contact Study Melbourne, Study Geelong or Connect Warrnambool for helpful information and resources on local clubs, groups and events. The Salvation Army runs free Christmas events across Australia, including meals, carols and more. They can also help if you need support with food hampers or gifts this Christmas.

Try volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to meet amazing people in a safe and supportive space. There’s heaps of different ways to volunteer, so check out the Volunteering Victoria website for opportunities, including details on volunteering as an international student or if you’re on a visa, and volunteering during the festive season.

Win one of seven Coles Myer gift cards!

Kick off your festive season by scoring one of seven Coles Myer gift cards – valued at $150, $100 or $50! To enter, submit the below form by noon on Thursday 17 December. Only one entry per student is permitted.

We’ll notify the winners by email on Friday 18 December, and publish their names in our next #SummerVibes blog on Monday 4 January.

And congratulations to Duyen Tran, winner of the $200 Deakin summer pack!

Terms and conditions

The promoter of this competition is Deakin University ABN 56 721 584 203 of 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong VIC 3220.

1. Information on how to enter forms part of these Terms and Conditions. By entering, entrants agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and entries must comply with these Terms and Conditions to be valid.

2. This competition is governed by the laws in force in the state of Victoria, Australia.

The competition

3. The competition is free to enter and is strictly open only to current Deakin students. Students must complete and submit an entry form in the manner set out in the Terms and Conditions.

4. Staff employed by Deakin and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter the competition.

Competition period

5. The competition period is from noon, Thursday 10 December to noon, Thursday 17 December.

Prizes

8. There will be a prize pool of seven Coles Myer gift cards, comprising goods to the value of $550. These prizes are funded by Bupa.

9. The total prize value is $550, and includes one Coles Myer gift card worth $150, two Coles Myer gift cards each worth $100 and four Coles Myer gift cards each worth $50.

How to enter

10. Students must complete the entry form.

Selection and notification of winner

11. The prize recipients will be randomly drawn. Winners will be contacted by email.

12. The gift cards will be mailed to the prize recipients.

13. Prizes are not transferable and are not redeemable for cash. Deakin’s decision is final and binding – no correspondence will be entered into. Deakin accepts no responsibility for late, lost or misdirected entries or other communications. Entries will be deemed void if forged, manipulated or tampered with in any way.

14. Entrants consent to Deakin using their name, image or voice for promotional purposes. Entrants agree to make themselves available for a photograph and interview in the event that theirs is the winning entry and if requested by Deakin.

15. Prize recipients consent to their name and photograph being published on Deakin social media and other digital channels if requested to in any and all forms as determined by the Division of Student Life.

Privacy collection, use and disclosure statement

Personal information provided to Deakin University by entrants will be used to notify the winner of the competition. A photograph of the winners may be published on Deakin University’s social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, WordPress and Instagram and other digital channels such as the Deakin Life blog.

Deakin University complies with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) in its treatment of personal information. Entrants have a right to access their personal information held by the University. Requests for access to personal information are managed under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic).

The University’s information privacy policy may be viewed at https://theguide.deakin.edu.au or by contacting the Privacy Officer at [email protected].