Meet Our Reps

2025 University of New England Student Council Representatives

Kristy Sillman (Chair)Image of Kristy Silman, Chair of the University of New England Student Council

Hi! My name is Kristy, and I am a current Bachelor of Laws student based in Brisbane, QLD. I started with UNE as an alternative entry candidate before applying direct and am currently completing my studies full time online. I have the privilege of being the Chair of the UNESC and am looking forward to the future to see how we can provide further unified voice and represent our diverse student body. The team and I will look to gain a deeper understanding of all aspects of the university so as to ensure we are a successful in our endeavors in representing the students. I will look to establish this committee as a core area of the university, so students understand what we do, and to help every student feel valued, supported and heard

Anjula Rawat (Residential Rep)Anjula Rawat Residential Representative for the University of New England's Student Council

Hello! I’m Anjula Rawat, a Master’s student in Agriculture at the University of New England, where I began my studies in February 2024. Originally from Nepal, I chose UNE for its focus on agriculture. Living on campus at Wright Village, I get to experience UNE’s vibrant community while immersing myself in hands-on learning. Outside of academics, I balance my life with hobbies like knitting, crocheting, learning piano, cooking, and traveling. As a residential representative on the UNE Student Council, I advocate for students’ needs and aim to make campus life more inclusive and supportive. My goal is to foster a welcoming environment, encourage connections, and ensure every student’s voice is heard. I’m excited for the journey ahead and to continue making a positive impact on campus life!

Anam Shabir (On-campus Rep)

Anam Shabir, on-campus representative for the University of New England's Student Council

As a Master's candidate in Quantitative Ecology at UNE, I am eager to serve as an on-campus student representative, championing the interests and concerns of my peers and junior students. My objective is to bridge the communication gap between students and faculty, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Leveraging my established connections with UNE academics and staff, I aim to empower international students and those hesitant to express themselves, boosting their confidence and academic resilience.
With a research Master's degree previously and current masters with interdisciplinary science units, coupled with PhD ambitions, I am uniquely equipped to provide academic mentorship. As a dedicated advocate, I will attentively address student concerns, champion their rights, and foster collaborative relationships with authorities. Apart from studies, I am gaining valuable skills in management sector & doing volunteer works in university and with some nature conservation agencies of Australia. My greatest strength lies in empowering others to pursue their dreams, embracing optimism, and investing in personal growth. If anyone can learn one thing from me that must be: 'Being stubborn towards your dreams is the key to achieve anything in life. Never give up on your dreams.

Belinda (Bel) Cunningham (Accessibility Rep)Bel Cunningham, accessiblity rep for the University of New England's Student Council

My name is Bel Cunningham, I am currently studying a Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education online, after completing a Diploma ofEducational Studies in 2023. I am in my 3rd year of study and hoping to apply for my conditional approval at the end of 2025, so i can start teaching in 2026.  I would like to become a special and inclusive education teacher - whether that be in Mainstream, a Support Unit of a School for Specific Purpose Teacher. I will endeavour to help as many children reach their goals as possible and I look forward to continuing to build my skills and knowledge as I progress through my career. I joined the student council to both build my skills in community engagement, but also help others with within the UNE community to have a voice and represent students who have additional needs and ensure UNE is accessible to all.

Deborah (Deb) Russell (Online Rep)Deb Russel, online rep for the University of New England's Student Council

Deb Russell is a former corporate affairs and communications professional making a career change into law. As an Online Student Representative, Deb is an advocate for supporting students who are learning remotely to get the most out of their university experience. She brings practical experience from 15 years' in corporate communications, engagement, and leadership. She has led large and remote teams, and been a trusted advisor to CEOs. Deb’s personal motivation is to help create a better world through innovation and social progress. Outside work, she has been a volunteer primary school ethics teacher and past Board Director at 100 Women, an Australian charity that aims to enhance social and economic outcomes for women and girls in Australia and developing nations. Her contributions to university life include serving as an elected Student Representative on the University of New England (UNE) Student Council, an Executive of the UNE Law Students' Society, a Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) Leader for Law units, and a commencing Peer Academic Mentor. Deb holds a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) from UNSW and is studying a Bachelor of Laws (3 years) online at UNE while working and living in regional NSW.

Nivetha Sivarajah (International Rep)Nivetha Sivarajah , international rep, University of New England's Student Council

Nivetha is a second-year PhD student in Agronomy and Soil Science at the University of New England. Her PhD research focuses on microplastic pollution in agricultural soil. She is an active member of the UNE community, serving in various leadership roles, including International Student Representative on the Student Council, Resident Leader at Wright College, and President of the Postgraduate Student Society. Her dedication to student engagement at Wright College earned her the award of “Resident Leader of the Year” in 2024. Nivetha has also engaged in organising networking events such as Postgraduate Nights to connect fellow postgraduate students. Beyond UNE, Nivetha has a deep commitment to community service and social impact. Nivetha engaged in numerous social action projects with underprivileged communities since 2016, through the British Council’s Active Citizen Program and the Manitham Student Voluntary Organisation in Sri Lanka. She authored a book detailing her journey and experiences working to uplift marginalized groups in Sri Lanka. As the first generation to attend university, Nivetha is passionate about educating and empowering the next generation and advocating for environmental sustainability.

James Hede (Undergraduate Rep)James Hede, undergraduate representative, University of New England's Student Council

Hi, I’m James Hede, one of the Undergraduate Representatives for the UNE Student Council. I completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science at UNE in 2023, and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours. I have a strong interest in mental health and wellbeing, and I believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive community where every student feels valued and empowered. My studies in psychology have taught me the importance of empathy, communication, and understanding diverse perspectives – skills I will use as a member of the UNE Student Council to represent the interests of all students. I’m excited to be a part of the UNE Student Council and look forward to advocating for the needs of both the undergraduate student cohort and the wider student community.

Nico Edillo (International Rep)Nico Edillo, international representatives, University of New England's Student Council

Hi everyone! My name is Nico Edillo, and I am an international student from the Philippines, and I am one of the International Student Representative of our university's student council. I am currently studying Bachelor of Arts (Sociology Major) and Bachelor of Laws. Since beginning my studies post-pandemic, I have witnessed the remarkable growth and resilience of the international student community at UNE. As a full-time international student residing on-campus in Armidale and working casually in various jobs such as the foodservice sector, I have firsthand experience with the unique challenges that international students face here in Australia. Based on my background and experience interacting with other international students, I believe I am competent to represent international students at UNE and the entire student community. I am eager to work collaboratively to ensure that our student interests are represented and to contribute to the broader goals of our university.

Madeleine Hobbs (Online Rep)Madeleine Hobbs, online representative, University of New England's Student Council

I’m a Master of History student at UNE, starting from February 2024. I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa and came to Australia in 2003 with my family. After completing a BA Hons in sociology, I worked in the corporate world in IT and management consulting full-time for four decades while raising two children. Now retired, I am pursuing my passion for history with UNE, along with travel, community involvement, and a nerdy interest in city-building PC games. As an online and mature-age student, I appreciate our modern technological wizardry but do sometimes miss those human interactions. In my role as one of the five Online Student Representatives at UNE, I aim to understand and represent your needs, and through that, build closer connections among the student community and the university. Feel free to contact me anytime on my UNE email.

Carolyn Williams (Post-graduate Rep)Carolyn Williams, post-graduate representative, University of New England's Student Council

Let me introduce myself….I am Carolyn, a wife, mum of 5, nonni to 3 and a Mental Health Clinical Nurse, with 21 years in the profession. I live in Brisbane but originally I am from Tamworth. My second love, after my family, is travelling and learning about new cultures and their histories. That is part of the reason why I am studying a Master of History, online through UNE. I am thrilled to be one of two Post-Graduate student representatives in the UNE Student Council. Your student council are a dedicated, enthusiastic group of students from a wide variety of backgrounds and study areas, who are ready to get working with, and for you. As a post-graduate student, I understand the many challenges that students face when heading back to study after a break or continuing on in their studies whilst trying to juggle new careers. My aim,  as a member of the student council is to ensure that student voices are heard and changes are made in line with student needs.

Ellen (Ellie) Scott (Post-graduate Rep)Ellie Scott, post-graduate rep, University of New England's Student Council

Hi, I’m Ellie!
I’m a postgraduate student currently studying a Master of Arts (Writing) at UNE. Previously, I completed a Master of Teaching at UNE, and my love of writing led me to pursue further studies in this field. As a teacher and a parent of three, I understand the challenges of balancing online study with the demands of work and family life. I want to focus on helping postgraduate and parent students navigating their UNE journey. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Chris Burke (Online Rep)Chris Burke, online representative, University of New England's Student Council

I am 34 years old and have been studying at UNE for the past 2 and a half years in a bachelor of exercise and sports science, which I hope to turn into a bachelor of clinical exercise physiology. Previous to study I was a full-time farmer for 10 years on the outskirts of Tamworth where we still run a mixed farming operation. With the desire to move into another career I decided to return to study after finishing a Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business. [p-0I applied for the Student Council originally to keep track of what was happening for students within the university and to help my colleagues have a say in what was happening with their respective degrees. I have enjoyed a much more in-depth position than I was expecting and has really given the team (UNESC) a voice within the workings of the university and all that it entails.

Abbie Myers (Online Rep)Abbie Myers, Online Representative on the University of New England's Student Council

Hi, I’m Abbie, and I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Education (K-6) at the University of New England. Before starting my teaching journey, I spent years as a professional tennis player, which taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities I now bring to my studies and my role on the Student Council. As an UNESC member, I’m passionate about amplifying student voices and creating meaningful connections across the university. I want to ensure that every student feels supported and has the best possible experience at UNE. Outside of my studies, I enjoy keeping active, spending time with my family, and travelling to new places. I’m excited to contribute to the university community and to play a role in shaping the future of education

Phoebe Belford (Online Rep)Phoebe Beford, Online Representative on the University of New England's Student Council

Hi, my name is Phoebe Belford, and I’m proud to have been elected as one of the Online Representatives for the UNESC. I’m a passionate science student who thrives on learning new things and embracing new experiences. As a mother of five, including children with additional needs, I juggle the rewarding challenges of parenting and studying. I myself was diagnosed as neurodivergent in adulthood, inspired by the journeys of my own children, and this has shaped my perspective on inclusion and support. With a strong background in leadership, community involvement, and volunteering, I’m very appreciative for the opportunity to connect with and advocating for other. I’m always excited to meet new people, so please don’t hesitate to reach out!