Candidates for UNESC Election 2026

As an online Master of Counselling student at UNE, I understand both the flexibility of online study and the challenges it can bring, including maintaining connection, accessing support, balancing study with work and family commitments, and feeling part of the wider university community.

Alongside my studies at UNE, my professional experience as an academic has given me extensive experience in online higher education, student support, mentoring, and academic leadership. I believe this background will help me listen to students effectively, understand their concerns, and represent their perspectives constructively.

If elected, I would actively listen to students, raise their concerns constructively, and work collaboratively with UNESC and UNE to improve the online student experience. I would particularly advocate for stronger engagement, accessible support services, clear communication, and meaningful opportunities for online students to participate in university life.

I would be honoured to represent UNE’s diverse online student community.

My name is Phoebe Belford, and I am seeking your vote for re-election in a student representative role. Currently finishing my Bachelor of Science, I bring a data-driven, analytical perspective to student governance, and I am enthusiastic about bringing the experience from my past term into a future one, as I finish my degree.

As a neurodivergent, online student and parent living in regional NSW, I am intimately familiar with the reality of the modern study. Advocacy requires more than just a voice; it requires an understanding of the systems that govern our education. I am committed to using my voice to amplify the voice of others in an inclusive manner.

I love UNE for study with extremely supportive staff. I have previously studied online completing an MBA in 2007 and an MCom in 2010. I am currently studying an MA in English as a retirement project. From 2013 to 2020 I was involved in vocational psychology. My specific area of expertise was academic credentialism so I am well placed to monitor standards of delivery to ensure your qualification is worthwhile. I have also had some experience in supervising Master of Education projects. In terms of committee experience I have been on boards for kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools. I am currently on the Program Planning Committee for Hawthorn U3A - an organisation providing adult education courses for over 1700 members in south-eastern Melbourne. I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the functioning of the SRC.

I am an online undergraduate student who understands both the opportunities and challenges of studying remotely. I am nominating to ensure online students have a practical, informed and consistent voice in UNE Student Council.

My priorities would be accessible communication, timely information, meaningful consultation, and equitable access to academic and student-support services regardless of location. I would listen carefully to students' concerns and suggestions, identify common issues, and provide clear updates about matters raised with the Council.

I bring 15 years of experience in public sector work, together with well-developed skills in listening, research, clear written communication, respectful discussion and working constructively with diverse stakeholders.

I would represent online students impartially and with integrity, whilst contributing positively to practical solutions that improve their UNE experience.

I’m Luke, a postgraduate economics student at UNE, studying entirely online from Queensland.

My work is in industrial policy and manufacturing supply chains, built on a dissertation completed through UNE. I’ve done that study around work and life, at a distance, navigating the same portals, forms and processes as every other remote postgraduate.

I know where the friction sits: finding a supervisor when you can’t drop by an office, and piecing together candidature requirements from documents that assume you already understand them.

Postgraduate and research students are a distinct cohort. Our problems aren’t lecture timetables and assessment deadlines, they’re supervision arrangements, milestone processes, funding clarity, and the isolation of doing serious independent work without a peer group down the corridor. Those issues deserve a representative who has actually lived them recently.

If elected, my priorities are: clearer and earlier communication on decisions affecting candidature, genuine parity of experience for remote postgraduates, and better-signposted support for research students.
I’ll listen, I’ll follow up, and I’ll represent the students who aren’t in the room.

Hi, I’m Emmanuel! I’m a first-year Bachelor of Biomedical Science student, and outside of my studies, basketball has shaped who I am. Throughout my junior years, I represented my state, my country, and competed at an international level — experiences that taught me discipline, teamwork, and what it means to show up for others, on and off the court.

Coming into university life, I want to bring that same spirit of support into this role. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle study, sport, and everything else life throws at you — especially as a young athlete trying to find your footing. My goal is to be someone students can genuinely turn to: whether that’s a fellow athlete needing guidance, a first-year feeling overwhelmed, or anyone simply looking for a friendly, approachable presence who’ll listen and help where I can.

I believe leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about making people feel seen and supported. I’d love the opportunity to bring warmth, reliability, and real care to this role, and to help build a community where every student feels backed.

I am experienced, honest, and hard-working (with the data to prove it). In high school I was marked "Excellent" (A - Equivalent) for Effort 94.12% of the time and "Very Good" (B - Equivalent) the remaining 5.88%.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to representing you in the UNESC!

I am seeking election as an Online Student Representative because I want to contribute to a university community where online students feel connected, heard, and able to participate. Studying online can offer valuable flexibility, but it can also mean that opportunities to connect with other students and become involved in university life are less visible or harder to get involved. Sometimes, simply feeling disconnected can make it easier to remain on the sidelines rather than feel confident getting involved. I would like to help create greater opportunities for online students to connect with each other, engage with the University and have their voices heard. I believe representation should involve actively seeking students' perspectives, especially for those who find it difficult to come forward when they need help or advice. If elected, I would be an approachable and proactive representative. I would seek feedback from online students, listen to the issues and ideas that matter to them, and advocate constructively for improvements. I want online students to feel that they are not simply studying through UNE but are an active and valued part of UNE.

I am a Bachelor of Language Studies student. Having studied online at UNE since 2023, including travelling to four intensive schools and having classmates from a quite diverse range of walks of life, I understand the economic, accessibility and social challenges relevant to distance education and thereby align with UNE Student Council’s values of equity, advocacy and impact to enable equal opportunity and provide support throughout one’s student journey.

As an Online Representative, I will work with the rest of the UNESC to represent you, including:
- Providing a forum where all students are being represented with integrity, especially relating to academic grievances
- Ensuring the SSAF that we pay for every trimester is appropriated for genuine service improvement
- Organising initiatives such as Student Summits

I bring to UNESC my extensive experiences working within committees, such as (currently) RACI and AusYGN, including communicating with stakeholders both within and elsewhere, running meetings, facilitating discussions and event organisation - I am keen to help deliver meaningful outcomes as part of maintaining UNESC’s mission of representing student interests with impartiality. I believe in genuine commitment to creating a lasting legacy for the benefit of the wider UNE student community, present and future.

I am seeking election to the UNE Student Council because I am passionate about representing students with fairness, integrity, and respect. I believe every student deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported throughout their university journey, regardless of their background, study mode, or personal circumstances. As a council member, I would be committed to advocating for an inclusive and equitable learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed.

I strongly support the UNESC's commitment to serving students impartially and without bias. I value collaboration, open communication, and evidence-based decision-making, and I believe these principles are essential in fostering a positive student experience. I am dedicated to listening to diverse perspectives, promoting meaningful student engagement, and contributing to initiatives that enhance academic success, wellbeing, and a strong sense of community. I would be honoured to represent my fellow students and work collaboratively to help create a university experience that encourages higher thinking, intellectual growth, and opportunities for all.

Hi UNE! A bit about me: I am currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning at UNE while working full-time in the legal sector, supporting Traditional Owner representation at a native title service provider. I completed Bachelor’s degrees in Science (Bioinformatics) and Law (Honours) at the University of Queensland, including cross-institutional study at UNE and an internship with the International Journal of Regional, Rural and Remote Law.

My positive experience with UNE encouraged me to return for postgraduate study. As an online student balancing full-time work with university, often while working in rural and remote areas, I understand the challenges of managing academic, professional and personal commitments, as well as barriers to access. These experiences have made me value the importance of ensuring students studying away from Armidale remain connected to, and represented within, the UNE community.

I bring extensive student representation and governance experience, having served as President of the UQ Union, the undergraduate representative on the UQ Senate, and on various university committees, advocating for student rights, welfare and the student experience more broadly.

I would welcome the opportunity to represent online students and help ensure your experiences, priorities and perspectives are heard.

As a mature-age student, I understand both the strengths and challenges of studying online. Flexible learning opens the door to higher education for people balancing careers, family responsibilities, and other commitments. I experienced this first-hand when I completed my Graduate Diploma in Economics through correspondence via UNE a few years back, while raising three primary school-aged children.

However, online study can also be isolating. It can be harder to build friendships, develop professional networks, participate in discussions, and feel part of the wider university community.

If elected to the UNE Student Council, I will advocate for practical initiatives that strengthen connections between online students, campus-based students, and university staff. This includes expanding online forums, creating opportunities for collaboration and mentoring, and encouraging activities that foster a genuine sense of belonging.

UNE has long been a leader in distance education. I want to help ensure it remains Australia's benchmark for innovative, inclusive, and connected online learning, where every student has the opportunity not just to succeed academically, but to feel part of the UNE community.

Hi, I am Ella. I am in my 2nd trimester at UNE studying a Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching). I am nominating for UNESC as I am an online student looking for a way to become involved with UNE and I also have a passion for leadership. If chosen, I hope to gain experience and help make give all who interact with UNE a great experience.

My name is Lyndon and I commenced study at UNE this year. Located in Outback NSW, online learning is very important to me and students in my position. I hope to help be a voice for those studying online and experiencing any issues, or any suggestions that can help provide a smoother studying experience. I believe with my background in IT and living in Outback NSW I will be able to support anyone that approaches the UNESC to understand their concerns and raise them to the Council for resolution.

I am interested in being in working within a team which ensures student voices are heard in university governance, policy development, and external engagements. I am interested in promoting initiatives that improve student wellbeing, academic quality, and access to resources, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

My name is Aldriech Rasco (call me Adie!), a student of the Laws and Arts faculty running to be an Online Student Representative. I believe in reformed actions that advocate for the access of education regardless of location, age, and experience; and I want to represent an association that strives to facilitate its ease in a renowned university that educates its academics nationwide. I am a twenty-one-teen (at heart) student that has always empowered others to amplify their voices of expression. My goal is to platform the accessibility of online learning, its flexibility in work-life balance, and to make sure our busy-bee students are heard and rightfully represented in the era of globalised technology we all try so hardly to navigate as online academics.

As a new Master of Social Work student studying online at UNE, I’m excited by the opportunity to represent the interests of online students and help ensure our voices are heard.

Like many students, I am balancing postgraduate study with full-time work and raising a young family. I understand the opportunities that flexible study provides, as well as the challenges of managing study alongside other commitments. These experiences show me how important it is that students have a strong and effective voice in university decision-making.

Although new to postgraduate study at UNE, I have many years of experience working in higher education across both UNE and Charles Sturt University. This has given me significant insight into university systems and the diverse circumstances students navigate.

I was drawn to social work because of its focus on listening to people’s experiences, inclusion and advocacy. I hope to bring these values to student representation by strengthening communication between online students and Student Council, and advocating for clear, accessible information on matters including placements, intensive schools and support services.

I would bring a collaborative and student-focused approach to Council, representing online students while contributing to a more connected and supportive UNE community.

Being a student representative is an honour that guides me to advocate for the needs of online students. I am committed to continuing to improve the lived experience of students at UNE through advocating for essential academic and social supports provided through the university

Hi, I’m Hannah. As a Student Council representative, I am committed to ensuring every student knows that their voice matters and feels connected to the UNE community. I believe the best outcomes come from innovation, critical thinking, open communication and collaboration—principles that align closely with UNE’s Strategic Plan: Unconventional by Design, Community Collaboration and Foundational Excellence.

Balancing full-time work while studying has strengthened my problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills. If elected, I aim to use the skills and experiences I have gained throughout my professional and personal experiences to represent students and contribute meaningfully to the university community.

I will be an approachable and proactive representative who listens to students, advocates for their interests and works with others to turn ideas into meaningful action. I will contribute to a UNE community that embraces new ideas, fosters collaboration and strives for excellence.

I would like to serve as an Online Student Representative because online students deserve a genuine voice in the decisions that shape their learning, wellbeing and access to support.

As a Bachelor of Counselling student living in Perth and studying entirely online, I understand both the flexibility UNE offers and the challenges of distance study, including time-zone differences, limited connection with campus, and navigating university services remotely.

I would bring strong communication, listening and advocacy skills to UNESC. My background in student leadership, mass communication, community-focused media projects and customer-facing roles has taught me how to engage with diverse people, represent ideas clearly and work collaboratively towards practical outcomes. My counselling studies are also strengthening my ability to listen without judgement and consider perspectives different from my own.

If elected, I would actively seek feedback from online students, raise their concerns candidly and impartially, and communicate UNESC’s actions and outcomes clearly. I would advocate for accessible resources, inclusive opportunities for participation, and support that reflects the varied circumstances of online students. I hope to help ensure that distance does not mean disconnection from UNE’s community or its decision-making process.

I am a mature age, post grad student based in Perth. I am also a person with a disability. This is my first degree I have studied online and it’s a very different space from studying on campus. As someone who has experienced on campus and now online learning, who has accessed SAWO online, and who is studying a long way from campus, I am keen to provide a perspective from the online student perspective.

I’m standing for UNE Student Council because students deserve representatives who listen, speak up and get things done. As a student balancing work, study and life, I understand the realities many UNE students face, particularly those studying online or regionally. I want to bring a strong, practical voice to Council and make sure all students — especially those too often overlooked — have a genuine say in the decisions that affect them.

I previously served on the University of New England Student Council as the Undergraduate Representative and currently serve as Co-Chair of the University of Southern Queensland Student Senate. As I return to UNE as a Master's student, I am committed to representing students with integrity, advocating for a strong student voice, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I will work collaboratively to strengthen student engagement, improve communication, and ensure the Student Council delivers practical outcomes for all students.

My name is Phoebe Belford, and I am seeking your vote for re-election in a student representative role. Currently finishing my Bachelor of Science, I bring a data-driven, analytical perspective to student governance, and I am enthusiastic about bringing the experience from my past term into a future one, as I finish my degree.

As a neurodivergent, online student and parent living in regional NSW, I am intimately familiar with the reality of the modern study. Advocacy requires more than just a voice; it requires an understanding of the systems that govern our education. I am committed to using my voice to amplify the voice of others in an inclusive manner.

I am nominating as a General Student Representative – Undergraduate because I want to help ensure undergraduate students' perspectives are heard, respected and translated into constructive action.

As an undergraduate law student, I understand the importance of clear communication, accessible support, fair processes and a strong student voice in university decision-making. I would consult with students across different courses and circumstances, listen carefully to their concerns, and communicate issues and outcomes clearly and respectfully.

I bring experience in public-sector work, together with well-developed skills in listening, research, clear written communication, respectful discussion and working constructively with diverse stakeholders.

If elected, I will approach the role conscientiously, impartially and with integrity. I will work to promote practical improvements to students' academic experience, wellbeing and access to support, while keeping the interests of the wider undergraduate community at the centre of my representation.

I am seeking election as a General Student Representative because I want to help ensure that students across UNE feel heard, connected, and able to participate in university life. Every student's experience of university is different, and I believe good representation starts with listening rather than making assumptions about what students need. Whether students are highly involved in university life or find it difficult to know where to fit in, I want to help create an environment where everyone feels their voice matters. If elected, I would take a proactive and collaborative approach to representation. I would seek feedback from students, listen to their ideas and concerns, and look for opportunities to bring students together and encourage greater participation. I would also work with the Student Council and University to turn student perspectives into positive and practical initiatives. I would bring an open mind, lived experience, enthusiasm, and a genuine willingness to listen. I want to represent students from all backgrounds and circumstances, including those who may not feel confident speaking up or getting involved.

I am nominating for General Student Representative because I want to continue being an active and approachable voice for students and contribute to a connected, inclusive and engaged UNE community.

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business and am actively involved in student representation and leadership at UNE. I serve as a Student Representative on the School Education Committee within the School of Environmental and Rural Science, where I represent student perspectives in academic decision-making. I am also Chairperson of Farming Futures, which has given me valuable experience leading a student committee, working with students and industry, organising initiatives and advocating for opportunities that benefit students.

Alongside my studies, I work as a Marketing Officer with Angus Australia and have experience across agriculture, mentoring, administration and small business.

If elected, I would bring practical leadership and student representation experience to UNESC. I want to strengthen communication between students and UNE, advocate for undergraduate perspectives, and ensure students across different courses, backgrounds and circumstances feel represented and heard.

I am passionate about getting involved rather than simply identifying problems, and I would be proud to continue advocating for students and contributing to the UNE community.

My name is Lyndon and I commenced study at UNE this year. Located in Outback NSW, online learning is very important to me and students in my position. I hope to help be a voice for those studying online and experiencing any issues, or any suggestions that can help provide a smoother studying experience. I believe with my background in IT and living in Outback NSW I will be able to support anyone that approaches the UNESC to understand their concerns and raise them to the Council for resolution.

I am interested in being in working within a team which ensures student voices are heard in university governance, policy development, and external engagements. I am interested in promoting initiatives that improve student wellbeing, academic quality, and access to resources, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

I would like to serve as a General Student Representative - Undergraduate because the undergraduate students in UNE deserve a strong and impartial voice in the decisions that shape their education and university experience. As a Bachelor of Counselling student, I understand that undergraduate study involves more than completing assessments; students also need accessible support, clear communication, meaningful opportunities to participate and confidence that their concerns will be taken seriously.

I would bring strong communication, listening and advocacy skills to UNESC. My background in student leadership, mass communication, community-focused media projects and customer-facing roles has taught me how to engage with diverse people, communicate ideas clearly and work collaboratively towards practical outcomes. My counselling studies are also strengthening my ability to listen without judgement and consider perspectives different from my own.

If elected, I would actively seek the views of undergraduate students across courses, locations and modes of study. I would raise their concerns candidly and impartially, contribute thoughtfully to discussions with UNE stakeholders and community UNESC's actions and outcomes clearly. I hope to support improvements to academic quality, student wellbeing and access to resources while ensuring undergraduate students have a meaningful place in university decision-making.

I love UNE for study with extremely supportive staff. I have previously studied online completing an MBA in 2007 and an MCom in 2010. I am currently studying an MA in English as a retirement project. From 2013 to 2020 I was involved in vocational psychology. My specific area of expertise was academic credentialism so I am well placed to monitor standards of delivery to ensure your qualification is worthwhile. I have also had some experience in supervising Master of Education projects. In terms of committee experience I have been on boards for kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools. I am currently on the Program Planning Committee for Hawthorn U3A - an organisation providing adult education courses for over 1700 members in south-eastern Melbourne. I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the functioning of the SRC.

I’m Luke, a postgraduate economics student at UNE, studying entirely online from Queensland.

My work is in industrial policy and manufacturing supply chains, built on a dissertation completed through UNE. I’ve done that study around work and life, at a distance, navigating the same portals, forms and processes as every other remote postgraduate.

I know where the friction sits: finding a supervisor when you can’t drop by an office, and piecing together candidature requirements from documents that assume you already understand them.

Postgraduate and research students are a distinct cohort. Our problems aren’t lecture timetables and assessment deadlines, they’re supervision arrangements, milestone processes, funding clarity, and the isolation of doing serious independent work without a peer group down the corridor. Those issues deserve a representative who has actually lived them recently.

If elected, my priorities are: clearer and earlier communication on decisions affecting candidature, genuine parity of experience for remote postgraduates, and better-signposted support for research students.
I’ll listen, I’ll follow up, and I’ll represent the students who aren’t in the room.

Postgraduate study rarely happens in a vacuum. As a mature-age, part-time student working full-time in government while balancing family commitments and personal pursuits, I understand the realities of managing higher education alongside significant responsibilities.

I am running for General Student Representative to help ensure university policies support every postgraduate pathway, particularly for non-traditional, part-time, and working students.

What I bring to the role:
Real-World Perspective: First-hand understanding of the challenges students face balancing careers, shift work, family commitments, and study.
Disciplined Advocacy: Leadership experience, clear communication, practical problem-solving, and a commitment to achieving meaningful outcomes.
Pragmatic Representation: A focus on transparency, accountability, and solutions that make a genuine difference to students.

My Key Priorities:
1. Flexible Academic Systems - Advocating for fair assessment arrangements and streamlined special consideration processes.
2. Accessible Services - Ensuring support and resources are available for part-time, online, off-campus, and after-hours students.
3. Consistent Learning Experience - Promoting consistency in course delivery, assessment standards, lecturer engagement, and student support across all subjects.
4. Action-Oriented Leadership - Representing student concerns with accountability, transparency, and clear direction.

I will advocate for policies that reflect the realities of modern student life and support student success.

Hi UNE! A bit about me: I am currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning at UNE while working full-time in the legal sector, supporting Traditional Owner representation at a native title service provider. I completed Bachelor’s degrees in Science (Bioinformatics) and Law (Honours) at the University of Queensland, including cross-institutional study at UNE and an internship with the International Journal of Regional, Rural and Remote Law.

My positive experience with UNE encouraged me to return for postgraduate study. As a postgraduate student balancing full-time work with university, often while working in rural and remote areas, I understand the challenges of managing academic, professional and personal commitments, as well as barriers to access. These experiences have made me value the importance of ensuring students studying away from Armidale remain connected to, and represented within, the UNE community.

I bring extensive student representation and governance experience, having served as President of the UQ Union, the undergraduate representative on the UQ Senate, and on various university committees, advocating for student rights, welfare and the student experience more broadly.

I would welcome the opportunity to represent postgraduate students and help ensure your experiences, priorities and perspectives are heard.

Hi, I’m Hannah. As a Student Council representative, I am committed to ensuring every student knows that their voice matters and feels connected to the UNE community. I believe the best outcomes come from innovation, critical thinking, open communication and collaboration—principles that align closely with UNE’s Strategic Plan: Unconventional by Design, Community Collaboration and Foundational Excellence.

Balancing full-time work while studying has strengthened my problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills. If elected, I aim to use the skills and experiences I have gained throughout my professional and personal experiences to represent students and contribute meaningfully to the university community.

I will be an approachable and proactive representative who listens to students, advocates for their interests and works with others to turn ideas into meaningful action. I will contribute to a UNE community that embraces new ideas, fosters collaboration and strives for excellence.

I previously served on the University of New England Student Council as the Undergraduate Representative and currently serve as Co-Chair of the University of Southern Queensland Student Senate. As I return to UNE as a Master's student, I am committed to representing students with integrity, advocating for a strong student voice, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I will work collaboratively to strengthen student engagement, improve communication, and ensure the Student Council delivers practical outcomes for all students.

Dear Selection Committee,

I am writing to express my interest in the International Student Representative position at UNESC. As a Master of Science in Agriculture student at the University of New England, I understand both the opportunities and challenges international students experience while adapting to a new academic and cultural environment.

Since arriving in Australia, I have actively engaged in university life, internships, and community activities, which have strengthened my communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. I enjoy connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and believe every student deserves to feel welcomed, heard, and supported.

As a representative, I would introduce initiatives that help international students build stronger connections with domestic students through cultural exchange events, peer mentoring, networking sessions, and practical workshops on career development and life in Australia. I would also encourage regular student feedback so that concerns are communicated effectively to the university, ensuring continuous improvement in the student experience.

I am enthusiastic about contributing fresh ideas, promoting inclusivity, and representing the voices of international students with professionalism and dedication. Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards,

Samir Chhetri

Dear Fellow International Students,

New country, big dreams, real support.
I know the hustle of adapting to life at UNE, and I’m here to make sure you never have to navigate it alone. From stronger academic advocacy to vibrant community connections, a vote for PRADIP GHIMIRE is a vote for an international student experience that puts YOU first.

I am nominating for the position of Equity and Access Representative because I believe every student should have a fair opportunity to participate, succeed, and feel that they belong at UNE.

As a Master of Counselling student, I am particularly interested in student wellbeing, inclusion, and the ways that personal, social, financial, cultural, and accessibility-related barriers can affect students’ university experiences. Alongside my studies, my professional experience as an academic has given me extensive experience in online higher education, student support, mentoring, and working with students from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

If elected, I would listen carefully to students whose voices may not always be heard and advocate for equitable access to learning, support services, university activities, and decision-making. I would work collaboratively with UNESC and UNE to identify barriers, promote inclusive practices, and ensure that policies and services recognise the diverse needs of the student community.

I would bring empathy, fairness, respectful communication, and a strong commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible university experience for all students.

My name is Phoebe Belford, and I am seeking your vote for re-election in a student representative role. Currently finishing my Bachelor of Science, I bring a data-driven, analytical perspective to student governance, and I am enthusiastic about bringing the experience from my past term into a future one, as I finish my degree.

As a neurodivergent, online student and parent living in regional NSW, I am intimately familiar with the reality of the modern study. Advocacy requires more than just a voice; it requires an understanding of the systems that govern our education. I am committed to using my voice to amplify the voice of others in an inclusive manner.

I am nominating as Equity and Access Representative because every student should be able to participate fully in university life, regardless of their location, circumstances or barriers to accessing support.

As an online undergraduate law student, I understand the importance of accessible communication, clear information, fair processes and timely, practical support. I would listen carefully to students' experiences, identify recurring barriers, and advocate constructively for improvements in access to learning, services and participation.

I bring experience in public-sector work, together with skills in research, analysing complex information, written communication, problem-solving and respectful collaboration.

If elected, I will represent students impartially and with integrity. I will work to ensure that equity and access considerations are included in UNE Student Council discussions and that students receive clear feedback about the issues raised and progress made.

I am seeking election as Equity and Access Representative because I want to contribute to a university community where all students feel welcome, supported, and able to participate fully. My own experiences have given me an understanding of how difficult circumstances can affect a student's experience of university. They have also shown me the importance of feeling listened to, understood, and supported when navigating something that may be difficult or unfamiliar. I believe equity is about recognising that students have different circumstances and experiences and making sure everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. If elected, I would take a proactive and collaborative approach to the role. I would seek feedback from students, encourage open conversations about their experiences, and work with the University to identify opportunities for positive change. I would particularly like to help ensure that students who may feel less confident speaking up know that their experiences and perspectives are valued. I would bring lived experience, empathy, enthusiasm, and a genuine willingness to listen. I hope to help strengthen a university community where students from all backgrounds feel that they belong and have an equal opportunity to make the most of their time at UNE.

Hi UNE! A bit about me: I am currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning at UNE while working full-time in the legal sector, supporting Traditional Owner representation at a native title service provider. I previously completed Bachelor’s degrees in Science (Bioinformatics) and Law (Honours) at the University of Queensland, including cross-institutional study at UNE and an internship with the International Journal of Regional, Rural and Remote Law.

As an online student balancing full-time work with university, often while working in rural and remote areas, and as someone living with disability who has experienced impacts on my own study, I understand the importance of accessibility, flexibility and equitable participation.

I bring extensive student representation and governance experience, having served as President of the UQ Union, undergraduate representative on the UQ Senate, Treasurer of the UQ Women in Science Association, and on the UQ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (among others). I also assisted the Union’s equity collectives for gender, sexuality and disability and advocated for student rights, welfare and inclusion.

I would welcome the opportunity to represent UNE students and help ensure your experiences, priorities and perspectives are heard, particularly in relation to equity and access.

My name is Tanya Sinclair and I am a MHistory student with a physical and neurological disability. Studying the MHist means I occasionally get the opportunity to participate in intensive classes (as I did last year). Whilst as an online student, the support I have received for the SAWO team has been fantastic, I was horrified by the inaccessibility on campus in Armidale. It is by far the least accessible university campus I have been on anywhere in Australia. When I spoke to staff about this, I found people who cared, but were tired from the fight. I have the energy and the passion to fight so that others who use mobility aids can physically attend the Armidale campus. Holding a BSW, JD, GDLP, and around 2 decades of work experience in social justice, I am passionate about change for the better and not just for show. There is little point having a DAIP when the only accessible toilets in a block is up a steep flight of stairs and the only way to get around campus is to drive as it is so inaccessible (as is the campus bus).

I previously served on the University of New England Student Council as the Undergraduate Representative and currently serve as Co-Chair of the University of Southern Queensland Student Senate. As I return to UNE as a Master's student, I am committed to representing students with integrity, advocating for a strong student voice, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I will work collaboratively to strengthen student engagement, improve communication, and ensure the Student Council delivers practical outcomes for all students.

Bailey Anderson

Purnima Das

Hi Everyone! I am Purnima Das, a PhD student in Environmental and Rural Science at UNE, and I'm nominating myself for a position on the UNE Student Council. I believe a university should be more than a place to study; it should be a vibrant community where students feel connected, supported, and empowered to contribute meaningfully.

Through my roles as President and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Student Association at UNE, I have secured funding for student activities, strengthened connections across the university community, and personally supported newly arrived international students. These experiences have taught me that effective leadership is about being present, understanding students' needs, bringing people together, and turning ideas into meaningful action.

Jaye Armstrong

I am seeking election to the UNE Student Council because I want to contribute to a student community where all students feel heard, represented, and supported. As a proud Wiradjuri woman, a psychology student, and a mother of five, I bring a broad range of lived and professional experiences that have strengthened my ability to listen, communicate, and advocate for others.

Like many UNE students, I balance study with significant work and family responsibilities. I understand the challenges faced by students studying online, managing employment, caring for family, or returning to education later in life. I believe effective student representation comes from listening to diverse perspectives, engaging respectfully, and focusing on practical solutions that improve the student experience.