UNE Sexual Harm & Gender-Based Violence First Response and Support Network
First Responders are specially trained to help you to access support services and reporting options available to you. They understand that reporting sexual harm and gender-based violence can be difficult, and they will listen to your concerns without judgment and guide you to the right services. They will respect your right to choose services and whether to make a formal report to the university or the police.
It is important to understand that the First Responders are a point of contact regarding reporting options and support. They are not emergency responders or counsellors and cannot provide long-term ongoing support.
Georgia Eades Student Accessibility and Wellbeing Advisor in the Wellness Centre Georgia has a professional interest in supporting individual people and working towards greater systemic change. Email contact: geades4@une.edu.au Torie Hall HDR Support Officer in the Graduate Research School Torie has formal counselling qualifications as well as being a Mental Health First Aider. She has worked with vulnerable people across the University, both staff and students and has a keen interest in mental health and wellbeing. Torie understands the importance of having someone listen to you, so she is here to hear your story and connect you to the professional resources as needed. Torie is an advocate for diversity and actively promote openness and awareness. Her role as a FRSN is vital in ensuring safety, being compassionate and having the strength for those who need an ally. Available hours are 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday. Email contact: torie.hall@une.edu.au Iromi Weerakoon International Student Support Coordinator in International Iromi’s priority is to ensure every student feels welcomed, supported, and empowered throughout their time at university. She understands that adjusting to a new environment—whether academic, cultural, or personal—can be challenging, and she is here to help make that transition smoother. Email contact: rweerak2@une.edu.au Mark Perry Professor in Law in Law School, UNE In Australia Mark Perry was solicited for the Professor of Law position at UNE primarily because of his multidisciplinary approach to research and teaching. Head of School in Law (UNE), Chair of Academic Board (UNE), and a member of UNE’s Council, Mark has consistently kept in mind the need for wellbeing of all associated with UNE to create a supportive culture. Email contact: mark.perry@une.edu.au Lynn Stahlhut UNE Tamworth Coordinator in UNE Tamworth Lynn has been a part of the University of New England (UNE) family as a student for over 20 years, and she has spent several of those years working at the front desk at UNE Tamworth as its Coordinator. As a member of the Ally network, she is passionate about fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Lynn has completed the necessary training to respond to disclosures of sexual violence and have experience in supporting individuals through these difficult times. UNE is more than just a workplace to her; it's her home, and she is dedicated to helping keep it safe and welcoming for all. Email contact: lstahlh3@une.edu.au Joanne Bozza Safe Communities Project Advisor in People and Culture Joanne comes from a supportive background including nursing, pathology and employment services. She has completed required training as set by UNE for her current role in Safe Communities and she is concerned about the safety and wellbeing of both students and staff whilst they are studying or working at UNE hence being part of the FRSN program. Joanne is here to make the journey safe, rewarding and empowering for everyone. Available hours are 8am – 4pm, Monday – Friday. Email contact: safecommunities@une.edu.au Sophie Florance Student Accessibility and Wellbeing Advisor in the Wellness Centre Sophie applies a trauma informed approach to collaborating with others to meet them where they are. Email contact: sfloran2@une.edu.au Anna Gayner Executive Assistant in Finance Anna’s role at UNE involves supporting both staff and students in a variety of ways. Anna draws on her own experiences to offer you support. She is here to listen and help you understand the options available to you—whether you choose to take the next step or not is entirely up to you – you are in the driver’s seat. Anna’s goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, and in control of your own path, whatever that may be. Email contact: anna.gayner@une.edu.au Traci Travers Lecturer in Nursing, School of Health – Nursing, UNE Traci is a First Nations Academic from Biripi. She is a Mental Health Clinical Nurse Consultant, and she is Trauma Informed trained. Email contact: ttraver2@une.edu.au Kate Simpson Independent Advocate at UNE Life’s Advocacy & Welfare Office UNE Life’s Advocacy & Welfare Office offers independent information, advocacy, and referral across a range of academic and personal issues. All advice is free and confidential. If the office cannot assist, they will refer you to someone who can. Kate’s background includes being a Registered Nurse for almost 20 years, and then switching focus to law, completing a Bachelor of Laws through UNE in 2018. Available hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday – Wednesday on campus and Thursdays remotely. Email contact: ksimps55@une.edu.au Kate Carter Associate Lecturer in the Oorala Aboriginal Centre Kate has been teaching at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre and working with UNE’s First Nations students since 2012. Kate loves her work and she is passionate about creating culturally responsive online spaces and learning opportunities for all. Available hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday – Thursday. Email contact: kcarte23@une.edu.au Araluen “Lou” Cotter Senior Team Leader in Student Pathways Lou has been part of the UNE community for over 10 years, working in various administration roles that have given her a deep understanding of how to support students through their university journey. Lou has also completed a Bachelor of Science through UNE studying as an on-campus and then online student. She is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone on campus and she understands that reaching out about sensitive issues can be tough. Her aim is to be someone students feel comfortable connecting with—whether it’s for guidance, support, or just someone to listen. Available hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Email contact: acotter3@une.edu.au Laura Murray Independent Student Advocate at UNE Life’s Advocacy & Welfare Office Laura is an Independent Student Advocate at UNE Life’s Advocacy & Welfare Office. She is a trained mental health first aider and an Ally with the UNE Ally Network. Email contact: lmurra35@une.edu.au
