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In 2020, DUSA explored ways to engage with students during the COVID lockdowns, overcoming the barrier of physical location. This led to the development of student-led initiatives, where many members of our DUSA Crew proposed wonderful program ideas they wanted to run.
These initiatives not only allowed students to connect with their peers, but also enabled our student leaders to deliver programs they were passionate about – fostering leadership development. One such initiative was the Mocktail Workshop, developed by Olivia and Ally in 2020. Delivered online via Zoom, it allowed Deakin students from around the world to engage, connect, and learn to make fun drinks during a challenging time.
As lockdowns began to ease, the workshop transitioned to an in-person format, now held twice a year at our Burwood and Geelong campuses. The program continues to evolve with new themes, activities, and mocktails, supported by our DUSA Crew volunteers who assist our leaders in facilitating these workshops.
Our leaders are dedicated to mentoring new leaders, preparing them to take the next step in their leadership journey with confidence and competence. Through this mentorship, they not only transfer essential skills and knowledge, but also empower the new leaders to bring fresh ideas and perspectives. This approach ensures the program's ongoing success and innovation, fostering a cycle of continuous improvement and leadership development.
The program has had a positive impact on students and gained significant popularity. We hope to see you at one of our upcoming workshops!
Interested in becoming DUSA Crew volunteer? JOIN TODAY
Olivia – Original Mocktail Workshop Co-Creator
My name is Olivia, and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws. During the COVID-19 pandemic I created the Mocktail Workshop. Not only was it a great thing to pass time while we were all at home, it also gave people the opportunity to enjoy a creative drink that also tasted really nice.
I personally don’t drink and have always felt a little left out when going out. I realised that a lot of people were in the same boat due to health reasons, religious reasons or personal choice. So, I set out to find what the nicest mocktails were and if people were interested in joining me to make them!
Turns out we got a massive crowd! I am really proud of this achievement and the programme has gone through a lot of change since I started it in 2021. We have developed new mocktails, created take home glasses, and have met many new friends along the way.
I hope that the students who attend get to have fun and a break from study, meet new people and enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage that looks just like a cocktail.
If you are looking to develop your leadership skills getting into the DUSA crew programme is a great way to start. You meet many new people, get to help out on events, and develop your leadership skills. I highly recommend everyone attend or to create their own programme as it is worth the time and effort.
Junyi – New Mocktail Workshop Leader
Hello, Junyi here. I'm a Bachelor of Computer Science student, love hiking, gym training and video games. If you ever tried pepperberry leatherwood honey, you'll know why it is my favourite.
The DUSA Mocktail Workshop is not only fun, but also a great opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle without alcohol – especially for people who cannot drink. It is hard to get everyone to make something for the first time, even with other helpful DUSA Crew members. However, once they hold their rainbow mocktail cup and let us know they will take the mocktail recipe and try more with their friends, that is awesome.
The great leadership development skill and engagement opportunity I’ve had should be everyone's reason to join the DUSA Crew program.
Amy – New Mocktail Workshop Leader
Hi, I’m Amy and I’m a domestic student in my second year studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science (exercise and nutrition science). I’ve been a part of the DUSA Crew since my first trimester at Deakin and joined the Leadership Development Program (LDP) this year. I like reading fantasy and classics, writing and journalling.
I wanted to help develop this workshop to create a fun event that everyone could enjoy. I’m quite new to running events and this is the first program that I have helped develop. Contributing to this one and seeing our ideas turn into reality was amazing. I feel like the students got to make friends while doing a shared activity. I saw students talking with each other, working together to make shared mocktails, and exchanging contact details at the end of the workshops. I feel like this workshop became a place for new friendships to form.
