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Discover Avondale University

Feel Better.
Teach Better.

With The Lift Project.

A 10-Week course full of practical, evidence-based strategies to lift the health and wellbeing of teachers and their students.

Available now
Self-Paced + bonus webinars with Dr. Darren Morton
Only $50 per teacher 
(50% off introductory offer until 31 Dec. 2025)

SIGN UP TODAY →
Introductory
No prior experience required
Self Paced
Progress at your own speed
10 Weeks
1 Hour Per Week
Digital Badge
Awarded on completion
Endorsed by the Australiasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine.
Certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Our Commitment to Health & Wellbeing

Partnering with The Lift Project to deliver this life-changing health and wellbeing program is central to Avondale University's commitment to nurturing the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of our students, staff, and the wider community.

10 Engaging Lessons. Over 100 Insights.

The Lift Project - Lesson 1 - Limbic System

Lesson 1 - Your Limbo is listening

Learn about your Limbo (Limbic System) and why how you speak to yourself and others influences how you feel. In this lesson you learn strategies for how to increase your speech positivity ratio. 
The Lift Project Lesson 2

Lesson 2 - Motion creates emotion

You have millions of nerves distributed throughout your body called 'proprioceptors' that tell your Limbo how you are moving. Learn how to give your Limbo a lift by moving dynamically!
The Lift Project Lesson 3

Lesson 3 - Blue and green should often be seen

What’s so great about the great outdoors? In this lesson, uncover the science behind how the outdoors can lift your mood—and how to make the most of it.
I liked the videos and found them beneficial to share with students as well. This created great discussion within my classroom. The workbook was also easy to read and understand.
The Lift Project Lesson 4

Lesson 4 - Together feels better

Happiness is contagious—and you can be the spark. In this lesson, discover why our moods spread and learn simple, powerful ways to boost the wellbeing of those around you (and yourself).
The Lift Project Lesson 5

Lesson 5 - Feelings follow your focus

Want a simple way to boost your emotional wellbeing for the next six months? This lesson reveals a powerful technique to help you focus on the positive—past, present, and future.
The Lift Project Lesson 6

Lesson 6 - Food feeds your mood

One of the most exciting discoveries in modern health is that your gut is your ‘second brain’—and it plays a major role in your mood. In this lesson, you’ll uncover the secret to a happy gut—and a happier you.
The Lift Project Lesson 7

Lesson 7 - Rest to feel your best

Most people are sleep deprived and are suffering for it. In this lesson, learn the cure for the three sleep-stealing culprits of our time and how to avoid them.
The Lift Project Lesson 8

Lesson 8 - Stress Less

Do you need to turn down the heat and open the valves on stress? Learn how in this lesson as well as what might be the most powerful and profound way to establish work-life balance.
The Lift Project Lesson 9

Lesson 9 - Giving is living

You have a unique contribution to make, and doing it can fill your life in every way. Discover how to find and take action on your life purpose in this lesson.
I love the positivity, [and] the fact that the course takes sophisticated research and presents it in a simple, yet powerful way.

Lesson 10 - What does it take to flourish?

According to research, there are five things you need in life to flourish. Discover what they are in this lesson. Do all five to thrive.

Case Study : St. Philips Christian College

Building a Culture of Wellbeing with The Lift Project
“Doing The Lift Project has helped me be more present in my classroom… having those intentional cues to go outside or take a moment really just makes you feel happier—and your class is getting a better version of you.”

— Chloe Edwards, Teacher
Investing in the Wellbeing of Teachers
Like many schools, St Philip’s recognised the increasing need to invest in the wellbeing of their staff. While traditional PD offered information on managing work-life balance, it often lacked practical follow-through or failed to truly engage participants. The school sought something different—an initiative that was grounded in science, practically applicable, and capable of bringing staff together in a meaningful way.

Enter The Lift Project, which combines lifestyle medicine, neuroscience and positive psychology into a 10-lesson video series, each accompanied by a weekly wellbeing challenge.

A Culture Building Exercise
The leadership team at St Philip’s rolled out the program during scheduled staff meetings, playing one short, engaging video per week. “We were able to fit the videos into our staff meetings," said Peter Muddle, Deputy Principal, "They were short and punchy, and staff were able to take a few key takeaways and implement them straight away.

Teachers were then encouraged to take part in the optional “challenge by choice” activities—fun, practical tasks designed to apply the wellbeing strategies in real life.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of The Lift Project, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand the Foundations of Wellbeing - Comprehend the core principles of mental and emotional wellbeing, drawing from evidence-based strategies in neuroscience, lifestyle medicine, and positive psychology.
  2. Apply Practical Strategies for Mental Health - Implement daily and weekly challenges designed to enhance mood, resilience, and overall mental health, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.
  3. Promote Positive Lifestyle Changes - Adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle habits, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management, to support sustained wellbeing.
  4. Enhance Emotional Intelligence and Social Connections - Develop skills in emotional regulation, empathy, and building meaningful relationships, contributing to a supportive and connected community.
  5. Integrate Wellbeing Practices into Daily Life - Incorporate learned techniques into personal and professional settings, leading to improved engagement, energy levels, and overall life satisfaction.

Valuable Lessons and Resources

Live webinar with Dr. Darren Morton
Enquire about getting Dr. Darren Morton to run a kick off webinar for your school.
Lesson Workbooks
Each lesson is delivered in video, audio and workbook format*, so you can absorb the information in the way you find most engaging.
Posters & Additional Resources
The Lift Project has a numerous additional resources for educators, from posters about health and wellbeing, to bonus videos and additional content.
* Do you work at a Christian School? You can choose to use a Christian workbook that adds biblical wisdom to each lesson.

Meet Your Instructor

Dr. Darren Morton, PhD, FASLM

The Lift Project was developed by Australian-based Dr Darren Morton, who is an internationally recognised wellbeing expert with special expertise in Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Morton is an award-winning educator and researcher and has developed wellbeing programs that are used in over 10 countries (www.drdarrenmorton.com). Darren is an Associate Professor and Director of the Lifestyle Medicine & Health Research Centre at Avondale University.

Featuring Global Experts in Health & Wellbeing

Liana Lionov, President, Global Positive Health Institute
Liana Lionov, MD, MPH
President, Global Positive Health Institute and a visionary global leader in lifestyle medicine and positive health. 
Dr David Katz
Dr. David L. Katz
American physician, nutritionist and writer, and the Founding Director, Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, Yale University
Dr. Jill Gordon
Jill Gordon AM
Dr Jill Gordon is an experienced GP psychotherapist who has combined clinical work with academic roles.
Di Westaway OAM
Di Westaway, OAM
Di Westaway OAM is the Founder and Chief Adventure Chick at Coastrek.
Dr Jason Morton
Dr. Jason Morton
Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Science and Mathematics at Avondale University.
Dr. Simon Matthews
Simon Matthews FACLM
Adjunct Lecturer, Avondale University Wellcoaches School of Coaching

What participants are saying

  • I liked building on from week to week learnings for ongoing wellbeing in The Lift Project. Nice balance of theory & practical application. Good resources to delve into for further learning. Easy going, encouraging approach by presenter Dr. Darren. Thanks for an enjoyable and uplifting course!
  • Darren's delivery is exceptional. Enganging and entertaining. Engaging and entertaining. Practical implementation based on strong theory that is delivered in everyday terminology.
  • I liked that it was educational but fun! The lessons were packed with a lot of information that I will use over and over again. I liked all the different resources that were attached to each lesson.
  • The videos were a good length - easy to watch and understand. It was all delivered in a really enjoyable way and I felt that these changes are easy to make and sustain into the future.

The Lift Project Professional Development - Sign up now!

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Please note:
Your details will be shared with Avondale University and The Lift Project as part of our partnership. Once you submit this form, a member of The Lift Project team will be in touch to confirm the number of participating staff, to finalise registrations, and arrange invoicing.

An optional ‘Train the Trainer’ session is also available for wellbeing coordinators or school administrators who would like to learn how to effectively roll out the program across their school community.

By submitting this form, you consent to Avondale University collecting your information for the purpose of responding to your enquiry and providing relevant information about the University. Your information will remain confidential and will not be shared with third parties.

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