The Centre for Dark Matter Particle Physics is committed to providing equitable access to Centre events and opportunities for all members, as outlined in our Code of Conduct. This includes supporting members with carer responsibilities, such as parents and guardians of children, and those caring for dependent family members due to age, illness, or disability.
Carer responsibilities can affect a member’s ability to fully engage with Centre activities, including workshops, conferences, travel, and other professional opportunities. To help ensure these opportunities remain accessible, the Centre provides financial support to assist with care-related costs. This may include travel costs for dependents who need to accompany Centre members to Centre-supported events, or the cost of arranging care for dependents either at the event location or at home while the carer is away.
Carer support is available year-round and can be requested via the Member Portal. Members with carer responsibilities are encouraged to submit an application outlining their needs so that the Centre can work with them to identify appropriate support arrangements.
The Centre also recognises the importance of scheduling events in ways that consider members across different Australian time zones (Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra/Sydney/Melbourne) as well as the university calendars and public holidays specific to each state. Differences in semester dates, mid-semester breaks, exam periods, and public holidays are taken into account to support equitable access and maximise participation across the Centre.