Candidates for Election

I am a Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the University of New England, with 17 years’ experience across childhood and primary settings nationally and internationally. At the tertiary level, I have taught undergraduate and postgraduate units in literacy, inclusion, professional experience placement, and STEM education, and have contributed to curriculum review and unit development in Queensland and New South Wales.
I also bring experience in university governance and committee work. As a member of the International Student Task Force, I have actively contributed to institutional decision-making, participating in strategic discussions to enhance international student support, strengthen recruitment and retention, and improve overall student experience.
As a University Council committee member, I am committed to advancing high-quality, inclusive student experiences that support engagement, wellbeing, and success for all students, particularly those from diverse and international backgrounds. I will champion equity and inclusion in decision-making, promote innovative, future-focused teaching, and strengthen connections among research, practice, and real-world learning. I am dedicated to transparent, ethical governance and to supporting sustainable strategies that enhance student outcomes, strengthen internationalisation, and position the university for continued growth, innovation, and long-term success.

My name is Coast. Two years ago, I nominated for Council and like many of us (me included) I assumed it handled the day-to-day issues: workloads, faculty and school budgets, marking relief. But I quickly learnt that Council governs. It sets direction, approves strategy, holds the Vice-Chancellor accountable. The decisions that shape our working life at UNE begin at this level.

I care deeply about UNE and its future, its people and the regional communities UNE was built to serve. And I want to continue to strongly represent the views of academic staff and fearlessly push for responsible governance. I will work for better support for staff and student well-being, improvement in our finances, reduction in inefficient processes, and a research and teaching culture that is truly inspiring.

I am proud of what we achieved over the last two years. UNE reduced its annual deficits without the job cuts that have gutted universities and families across Australia. Our Council became more diverse, more open to staff and student voices, and included more members with university experience.

The appointment of a new Chancellor will be one of Council’s most important decisions, and I want to ensure UNE gets the best person.

UNE is not alone in experiencing an extended period of complex and existential challenge, but it is imperative that the Council, academic and professional staff build our own path through this together.

I have lived and worked in Armidale and at UNE for over 10 years and have committed myself to the significant efforts underway to build safer, more equitable and inclusive working and studying environments. My leadership in re-establishing the Queer Ally Network and training staff and students (2019); Diversity Advisory Committee Chair, contribution to the re-establishment of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee 2025, and election to its inaugural chair, speak both to my experience with university level governance and to my ability to work in multidisciplinary teams of academic and professional staff, together with members of the Executive.

In addition to my legal training and extensive experience in Australian and international social policy reform and advocacy, I offer robust and critically engaged discussion, attention to policy and legislative detail and a collaborative approach to solving problems. Please reach out if you'd like to discuss my candidature; if elected, I am committed to open conversations about council matters, contributing to a culture of openness and shared purpose.

I would bring to Council a practical and informed professional staff perspective, together with strengths in stakeholder engagement, operational finance, problem-solving and business improvement. I am committed to transparency, accountability and sound governance and believe a positive workplace culture is fundamental to UNE's success. Professional staff play a critical role in supporting students, academics and institutional objectives, and Council has an important role in fostering an environment where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute.
I have worked at UNE for the past 10 years across Research Services, Graduate Research and Student Journey, providing me with an understanding of UNE’s operations, strategic priorities and the needs of staff and students. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with academic and professional staff across a range of portfolios, supporting research, student success, operational planning and institutional initiatives. These experiences have given me insight into the opportunities and challenges facing UNE and the importance of balancing strategic decision-making with effective implementation.
I am passionate about ensuring UNE remains a sustainable, innovative and student-focused institution while maintaining a supportive environment for staff. If elected, I will approach the role with integrity, diligence, representing professional staff while acting in the best interests of UNE.

I have been a professional staff member for several decades. I am passionate about UNE, the unique value of our higher education institution, and the importance that UNE holds in our New England community. Fairness, transparency, teamwork, care of, and for each other, are the core values I offer to the role.
I have a working history in the acquisition of teaching and research materials, establishing online resources, supporting academic staff, undergrads, post grads and researchers.
In my current role in the Graduate Research School, I work closely with Higher Degree Research candidates, scholarships, the International Office and academic staff.
The importance and value of professional staff is frequently taken for granted. Professional staff are the central core binding agents that hold our university ship together. Professional staff are often under represented in university discussions and deliberations.
I am a UNE Alumni, Ally, and been a previous WHS representative, professional staff member of the UNE Equality and Equity Committee, and was previously elected to Council, (but unable to complete my term due to a workplace restructure).
I remain committed to the institution, for upholding our institutional values, for working together to overcome our institutional weaknesses, and strengthening our resilience.

I'm honoured to nominate for the UNE Council as I want to ensure professional staff have a representative who is highly accessible, understands our daily operational realities, and isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions at an enterprise level.
I bring a practical mix of strategic and operational experience to the table. Before joining UNE in 2022, I spent 18 years in commercial business ownership with full accountability. Here at UNE, I’ve had the privilege of leading complex, resource-limited teams across the Student Journey and International portfolios, including deputising in executive capacities. I know firsthand the daily challenge of balancing strict regulatory compliance with the need to keep things moving.
UNE’s new Strategic Plan demands a reset of our 'Operational Fitness' and financial stability. To achieve that, we need governance that makes sense on the ground. My priority on Council will be ensuring that enterprise-level decisions remove roadblocks for professional staff, rather than creating more barriers. We have an incredible Professional staffing cohort that can deliver on the university's new strategy where and when our operational teams are given the practical support to execute it.
If elected, I will bring commercial rigour, calm judgement, and personal accountability to the Council.

I'm standing for Council because the next two years are critical for UNE.

We have a new strategic plan, an uncertain funding model, and are adopting AI faster than most of the sector. Navigating these changes requires governance willing to ask hard questions grounded in evidence, and measure decisions against the needs of the people this university exists for.

Before working at UNE, I directed a creative agency, where I developed skills in communication, strategy, and organisational change. Through UNE's Convenor Network, I help create spaces where staff can share honest perspectives on UNE's direction, allowing me to see what's working, and what isn't.

I’ve seen how UNE transforms lives, as well as opportunities we miss when decisions don’t reflect realities of our work. I also see potential in AI, but commitments to support staff rather than replace them need to be honoured, not just stated.

I believe governance should face outward, toward the communities we serve, and that decisions are better when informed by the people closest to the work. Having chosen to call Armidale home, I'm invested in UNE and its people. I'd welcome the opportunity to bring the experience, perspective and voice of professional staff to Council.

The prime motto for me is to upgrade the education experience of students enrolled at UNE and resolve existing problems for smooth academic progress.

My name is Charlotte Brunker, and I am an undergraduate student completing a double major in Mathematics and Neuroscience.

My journey at UNE began in the Pathways (Foundations) Enabling Course, where I experienced first-hand the transformative impact of quality teaching, opportunity, and academic support. This program helped me build confidence, discipline, and a deep commitment to my studies, while encouraging me to become more involved in the university community. As a woman studying in STEM, I was particularly inspired by a female unit coordinator whose leadership reinforced my belief that all students, regardless of their background, deserve the chance to pursue ambitious goals and access higher education. I also valued learning alongside peers from diverse ages, cultures, and life experiences.

Through my studies, I have developed strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. If elected, I would listen carefully to students, advocate thoughtfully on their behalf, and contribute constructively to discussions about the future of UNE. I believe students should have a meaningful voice in the decisions that directly shape their university experience.

I am seeking election because I want to ensure students continue to have access to the opportunities, support, and high-quality education that profoundly influenced my own academic journey.

I am a PhD student in Artificial Intelligence at UNE. Since arriving at UNE, I have realised that students can have very different experiences depending on their background, stage of life, and mode of study. Some students are starting university for the first time, while others have left jobs, families, or even countries behind to pursue their goals. Every student has a different journey, and those journeys deserve to be represented and respected.

I am standing for Council because I believe those different experiences matter. The decisions made today help shape the experience of current and future students, and I believe student perspectives should be part of those conversations.

I don't come from a student politics background, and I'm not standing to make big promises. What I can promise is that I will listen, ask questions, and do my best to understand the issues that matter to students. I believe respectful discussion, different viewpoints, and common sense are important when making decisions.

If elected, I will contribute constructively, ask questions when needed, and work to ensure that student perspectives remain part of shaping UNE's future.

My name is Tran and I'm a postgraduate student at UNE. I'm nominating for the position of Student Member on UNE Council.

I believe students should have a real voice in university decisions. I want to represent all students at UNE, both campus-based and online students and help create a better experience for everyone. I want to ensure that UNE's commitment to "study shaped around your life, choose a university that puts you at the centre" actually works for every student.

I have experience creating videos and marketing in different situations. These skills help me communicate clearly and engage with others effectively. I've also been a leader in my club, where I organized activities, listened to members' ideas, and brought people together.

I'm reliable, organized, and genuinely care about student wellbeing. I'm committed to supporting and sharing positive ideas that can improve student life at UNE. I'll work hard to listen to students' needs and bring their voices to the Council.

Thank you for considering my nomination.

I am proud to nominate myself for a position on the UNE Student Council. I am guided by three core values: lifelong learning, integrity, and self-awareness, and I believe these are essential to effective student representation.

As a lifelong learner, I am committed to continually growing, listening, and adapting to the changing needs of our student community. I will actively seek out diverse perspectives to ensure all voices are heard and valued. With integrity, I will represent students honestly and transparently, advocating for decisions that prioritise fairness, equity, and the collective good. Self-awareness underpins my approach, allowing me to reflect on feedback, recognise challenges, and improve how I serve others.

The Student Council plays a critical role in representing student interests and improving our university experience. I will focus on strengthening communication between students and the university, supporting wellbeing initiatives, and ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities.

If elected, I will approach this role with dedication and accountability, working collaboratively to create meaningful, positive change. I am committed to being a respectful, thoughtful, and effective voice for all UNE students.

As a PhD student in Animal Genetics at UNE, I am passionate about contributing to a vibrant and inclusive university community and ensuring that students' voices are represented in the University's decision-making processes. I am seeking election as a Student Member of the UNE Council to advocate for the interests and wellbeing of all UNE students.
Since May 2025 to May 2026, I served as Student Club Coordinator, where I organised activities that promoted learning, connection, and engagement among students. I communicated with experts from different universities and invited them to present to our club, creating opportunities for students to broaden their knowledge, gain new perspectives, and engage with academic and professional networks. I also encouraged students to connect with one another and share their experiences and expertise, fostering a supportive and collaborative community.
These experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication, and organisational skills. If elected, I will listen to students, represent their perspectives with integrity and fairness, and contribute thoughtfully to Council decisions to help UNE remain a welcoming, innovative, and student-focused university.

I am a PhD candidate in Exercise and Sports Science at the University of New England, where my research focuses on improving ACL health and injury prevention outcomes for youth athletes. Alongside my studies, I serve as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Presbyterian Ladies' College Armidale.

My commitment to leadership and representation began at Australian Catholic University, where I served as Secretary before becoming the inaugural President of the ACU Blacktown Student Association. In these roles, I managed association finances, contributed to governance and strategic planning, and developed partnerships between students and local businesses that strengthened engagement between the university and the wider community while creating mutual benefits for all stakeholders.

Beyond the university sector, I have served as a committee member of Women's Wrestling Australia and worked with organisations including the Sydney Kings and Flames, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport.

I believe leadership is more than representation, it is about delivering outcomes. Throughout my academic, professional, and volunteer commitments, I have built a reputation for being proactive, accountable, and willing to take initiative. I am committed to ensuring student voices are heard, valued, and translated into meaningful action.

I am a PhD candidate in Ecosystem Management at the University of New England and currently serve as Vice President of the UNE Postgraduate Society, representing postgraduate students and supporting initiatives that strengthen our university community.
Before joining UNE, I spent more than ten years in higher education as an academic and leader, serving as an Assistant Professor, Head of the Department of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Head of the School of Geography and Environmental Studies. These leadership roles strengthened my experience in governance, strategic planning, collaboration, and advocating for the interests of staff and students while promoting academic excellence and institutional development.
I am seeking election to the UNE Council because I believe students deserve a strong, informed, and constructive voice in the University's decision-making. As an international student and active student leader, I understand the diverse perspectives, opportunities, and challenges within our student community.
If elected, I will advocate for academic excellence, student wellbeing, research and innovation, equity and inclusion, and transparent communication between students and University leadership. I will work collaboratively to ensure student voices are heard, respected, and reflected in decisions that shape the future of UNE.