What is the UNE Alumni Ambassador Program?
Our Alumni Ambassador Program is a volunteer initiative that engages dedicated UNE graduates to serve as advocates, mentors, and champions of the University of New England. Ambassadors play a vital role in career mentorship, alumni engagement and community building.
As ambassadors, you have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the university community by guiding current students and recent graduates in their career development, strengthening alumni connections through regional events and networking opportunities, supporting recruitment efforts with your authentic UNE stories, and fostering a stronger, more connected alumni network.
Time Commitment
We understand that our ambassadors have busy professional and personal lives. The program is designed to be flexible, with time commitments that can be negotiated based on your availability and interests. Whether you have just a few hours to spare or can commit to more regular involvement, we'll work with you to find opportunities that fit your schedule.
Why become an Ambassador?
As a UNE graduate, you have experienced firsthand the transformative power of education at our institution. As an Alumni Ambassador, you would have the opportunity to:
- Expand your professional network with fellow alumni and industry leaders
- Develop leadership skills through mentoring and event participation
- Give back meaningfully to UNE and our future graduates
- Gain recognition through exclusive events and university acknowledgment
About the application process
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from UNE Alumni who are:
- Passionate about their UNE experience
- Committed to supporting current students and fellow alumni
- Available for regular volunteer activities
- Professional representatives of UNE values
- Located anywhere in Australia or internationally
Selection Process
The Alumni Ambassador Program maintains high standards to ensure our ambassadors effectively represent UNE's values and contribute meaningfully to our alumni community. As such, this is a selective application process. We carefully review all applications to identify candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong commitment to UNE's mission and values
- Availability to participate in program activities
- Enthusiasm for connecting with fellow alumni and prospective students
- Professional standing that reflects positively on the university
Applications are reviewed by the Alumni Relations team on a rolling basis. Due to ensuring a cross-selection of areas of expertise, we are only able to select a limited number of ambassadors each intake. Successful applicants will be those who best demonstrate alignment with the program's objectives and show genuine enthusiasm for advancing UNE's alumni engagement goals.
If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted for an interview. If your application is successful, you will be contacted within 4-6 weeks with details about onboarding and your first ambassador activities. All applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their application.
Applications for 2027 Alumni Ambassadors are now open
We encourage you to complete all sections of this form thoroughly, as this helps us understand how your unique experiences and skills can contribute to our alumni community.
Meet our 2026 Ambassadors
Click on the links below to find out more about our Ambassadors.
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Chelsea Schaefer (Mentor)
Chelsea is a founding Principal Solicitor of Moin Morris Schaefer. Chelsea is a highly experienced practitioner in Family, Children’s and Criminal Law matters. A UNE alumna and former Drummond & Smith College resident, she now serves as an Alumni Mentor Ambassador, drawing on her experience in legal practice, business ownership, and management to support emerging UNE graduates. -
Peter Carter (Mentor)
Peter is Chair of the Northern NSW Local Health District Board, bringing over 40 years of specialised experience in healthcare strategy, planning, innovation, quality, safety and management to the role. His distinguished career includes former CEO positions at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, as well as international experience as Chief Executive, Board member and Expert of the International Society for Quality in Health Care. -
Mandy Bishop (Mentor)
Mandy is an Australian actress, singer, producer and sometimes writer - best known for her many years with Sydney Theatre Company/Soft Tread Enterprises’ The Wharf Revue. Her diverse career spans popular television comedies and beloved children's series. Mandy has lived and worked in Sydney and New York. -
Sam Coupland (Mentor)
Sam brings a wealth of management expertise with a career spanning from Ernst & Young to specialist advisory firm FMRC. Along this journey Sam also developed and operated a large-scale cattle operation in north Queensland and has been the Mayor of Armidale Regional Council since 2022. -
Tahlia Hood (Mentor)
Specialising in advocacy and strategic communications, Tahlia is committed to supporting visionary leadership. She has been formally recognised for her professional and volunteer contributions with the New England Award and is continuing her academic journey by completing her MBA at the University of New England. -
Cameron Dawson (Mentor)
Cameron is Director of Employee Relations and Injury Management in the ACT Public Service, leading a team supporting conduct and performance management processes while ensuring compliance with employment frameworks. Having studied both on campus and online at UNE, Cameron is committed as an Alumni Mentor Ambassador to supporting the next generation of graduates in human resources, employee relations, and public sector leadership. -
Laila Mandoh (Mentor)
Laila is an award-winning Special Education Teacher, Faculty Head Teacher, and Founder of ProKids Consultancy. She is the recipient of the UNE 2023 Alumni Rising Star Award and a Certified Positive Parenting Coach. With extensive experience as both a Special Education and English Teacher across NSW public and private education sectors, Laila has supported diverse learners for over a decade. She established a pioneering Learning Support Faculty at Al Zahra College, an IB World School, and has since worked with hundreds of students, parents, and families across Sydney, supporting individuals with diverse learning needs and disabilities within schools and community organisations. -
Jeremy Fewtrell (Mentor)
Jeremy is the Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, bringing more than 28 years of frontline and executive experience to the role, including leading responses to the 2019-2020 bushfire season and recent severe flooding events. A former St Albert’s College resident who graduated with a Bachelor of Natural Resources from UNE and also holds a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University (2005), Jeremy is an experienced public speaker in the emergency services sector, frequently appearing as a keynote speaker, panel member, and media commentator on emergency response and community safety matters. He is a passionate advocate for community engagement, prevention, and education, championing compassion, professionalism, and technical excellence within the emergency services sector. -
Michael Barbour (Mentor)
Michael Barbour is the Group Head of Tax for Westpac Group, leading the organisation’s global tax strategy and management. With more than two decades at Westpac and earlier roles at top-tier accounting firms, he brings deep expertise in financial services taxation. Michael plays an influential role in shaping tax policy through his engagement with Federal Treasury, the Australian Bankers' Association, and his position as Chair of the International Banking Federation’s Tax Working Group. His responsibilities span strategic oversight of tax policy, risk management, and key business areas including Capital Management, Treasury, and Mergers & Acquisitions.
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Paul Howard (Mentor)
With almost two decades of archaeological experience spanning Australia, Cambodia, Laos, and the United States, Paul brings expertise across Aboriginal, Khmer, Macassan, Historic, and Native American archaeological contexts. Holding a US Green Card and authorised to work in Australia and the UK, Paul has developed extensive compliance experience and project management skills across multiple jurisdictions. Specialising in stone artefact analysis, taphonomic processes, and photogrammetry, Paul combines technical archaeological knowledge with strong report writing and leadership capabilities. -
David Van-Ryswyk (Mentor)
David is the Managing Director of Syngenta Australia and New Zealand, a global leader in the agricultural industry with 20 years of experience driving commercial strategy across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. David has core expertise in optimising end-to-end supply chain and managing cross-functional teams. He is deeply passionate about agriculture, advocating for increased participation in the industry and fostering lasting professional relationships. -
Allira Cutmore (Mentor)
Allira is a qualified Social Worker with over 20 years of experience across diverse practice fields. Currently serving as Aboriginal Lead - Violence and Neglect (VAN) Services at Hunter New England Local Health District, Allira provides leadership across the district to improve clinical practice and cultural service delivery for Aboriginal clients and families as part of NSW Health's Integrated Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect Framework. Her practice is grounded in empowerment, anti-oppressive and decolonising frameworks that centre truth telling, healing and resilience for First Nations people. -
Steven Kastanias (Mentor)
Investment in infrastructure contributes greatly to national economic prosperity. For over 20 years, Steven has shaped the origination and delivery of complex infrastructure arrangements across Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. He has held numerous senior leadership roles within the private and public sectors, most recently as Partner in a global advisory firm and external appointments with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. -
Tess Meehan (Mentor)
Tess is an experienced teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the public relations and communications industry. She is skilled in government relations, event management, curriculum development, public speaking, and media relations. She is a strong education professional with a Graduate Diploma in Management and a Bachelor of Secondary Teaching from University of New England (AU) and was recently awarded the NSW Rising Star by the NSW Careers Advisors Association in recognition of her innovative and student-centred approach to career development. -
David Hall (Mentor)
David is a Principal Research Scientist (Soil Management) with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Western Australia, with more than 40 years' experience in soil management research. He has extensively researched plant soil and water relations and has published nationally and internationally. As an Alumni Ambassador Mentor, David brings exceptional capability as a project supervisor and technical specialist to support the next generation of agricultural scientists. -
Jenna Humphries (Mentor)
Jenna is a motivated transformation lead with extensive rail industry experience delivering complex, high-value projects and tenders. Skilled in data-driven decision making, business intelligence and stakeholder engagement to drive measurable improvements in performance and procurement. -
Peter Fitzgerald (Mentor)
A committed leader dedicated to delivering maximum value and positive impact across every role, Peter has diverse experience spanning operations, marketing, finance, customer service, programme and project management, application development, and business solutions. -
Grant Sainsbery (Mentor)
Grant is a construction environmental and sustainability leader with more than 25 years’ experience delivering some of Australia’s most complex nation-building infrastructure projects. He has worked across the full project lifecycle — from early approvals and strategy through to construction, crisis management and legacy outcomes — in both Australia and the UK.
Need advice with your career journey? Connect with a UNE Alumni Mentor.
Are you a recent UNE graduate or current student in your final year? If so, our new UNE Alumni Ambassador Mentorship Program is designed for you.
This program connects you with experienced alumni who are ready to share their knowledge, expertise, and real-world insights as you navigate your career journey. Whether you're exploring career options, transitioning into the workforce, developing new skills, building your professional network, or seeking advice on work-life balance and personal growth, our mentors are here to help.
What can you expect?
Through this program, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Gain insights into your chosen career field from someone who's been there
- Receive guidance on your transition from study to employment
- Develop professional skills and confidence
- Expand your network within your industry
- Learn strategies for achieving work-life balance
- Receive support for your personal and professional growth
How does it work?
Once you submit your application, UNE will carefully match you with an alumni mentor based on your career interests, goals, and preferences. We'll facilitate the initial connection, making it easy for you to begin your mentoring relationship. The time commitment is flexible and will be agreed upon between you and your mentor.
2027 mentee applications will open soon.
CONTACT US
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