2022 UMSU Election Guide by Farrago Magazine

UMSU Media / Farrago presents: 2022ELECTIONGENERALUMSU YOUR GUIDE TO THE Read all about the candidates and their vision for your student union in 2023

3. To provide amenities and services, principally for Students and other members of the University community, and incidentally to the public, but in all cases not inconsistent with agreements made with the University, as the case may be, from time to time;

The purposes of UMSU are:

9. To promote free and accessible government-funded education.

1. To advance the welfare and interests of Students;

6. To promote and defend the rights of Students to education on the basis of equality, without regard to race, colour, sex, sexuality, gender identity, age, physical disability, mental illness, economic circumstances, political religious or ideological conviction, or national or social origin;

5. To develop, maintain and support Student clubs, societies and associational life generally;

4. To provide an independent framework for Student social and political activity;

2. To represent Students of the University within the University and to the community;

7. To oppose violence and/or hatred through militarism, nationalism, or discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, sexuality, gender identity, age, physical disability, mental illness, economic circumstances, religion, or national or social origin.

8. To provide a democratic and transparent forum in which Students’ affairs and interests can be governed in an effective and accountable manner; and

In order to achieve these purposes, but for no other purpose and subject always to the terms of any agreements with the University, as the case may be, the Association has all the powers of a natural person.

The Media Office would like to acknowledge the True Custodians of the land on which we work, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin nations. We pay our respects to their elders—past and present—and acknowledge that the land we are on was stolen and sovereignty was never ceded.

WHAT IS UMSU?

According to the Constitution of the University of Melbourne Student Union, Farrago is required to publish an election supplement containing the names of all candidates and their submitted speeches and photographs. These statements were submitted by candidates to the Returning Officer. Any candidate who missed the deadline will have no speech or photo in this supplement. The word limit for candidate statements was 300 words for Office Bearer positions and 100 words for Students’ Council, Committees and other positions. If a statement ends abruptly, it is because it was over the word limit and was cut in accordance with the Student Union’s Electoral Regulations. Other than this, with the exception of text formatting, we have not edited any of the following speeches in any way, including spelling and grammar.

Note from the CONTENTSEditors Office Bearers 01 President 03 General Secretary 04 Education (Academic Affairs) Officer 06 Education (Public Affairs) Officer 07 Welfare Officer 08 Women’s Officer 09 Creative Arts Officer 10 Activities Officer 11 Queer Officer 13 Environment Officer 15 Media Officers 16 Clubs & Societies Officer 17 Indigenous Officer 18 Disabilities Officer 19 People of Colour Officer 20 Southbank Education Officer 21 Southbank Activities Officer 22 Southbank Campus Co-ordinator 23 Burnley Campus Co-ordinator Students’ Council 24 Graduate Students Representative Indigenous Students Representative International Students Representative 25 Queer Students Representative 26 Students of Colour Representative Students with Disabilities Representative Southbank Students Representative 27 General Members 31Committees Activities 33 Creative Arts 34 Disabilities 35 Education 38 Environment 40 PeopleIndigenousofColour 41 Queer 43 Welfare 45 Women’s 47 Southbank Campus Burnley Campus National Union of Students (NUS) 48 NUS Delegates University Council 50 University Council Members Ticket Information 51 Rebuild 52 Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) 53 Community for UMSU 55 Left Action 57 Independent Media 59 Stand Up!

We want students to have the best possible experience at Melbourne Uni - and we’ve got a plan to make that happen. If elected, we’ve committed to:

PRESIDENT Conor Barnes — Rebuild Hi, I’m Conor and it would be an absolute privilege to be your next UMSU President.

I am keen to be part of the Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) group again this year, having previously been a candidate for Environment last year. ISD is a group of students passionate about democracy and the environment, promoting student wellbeing and supporting clubs – among many other things. Being involved in student democracy has taught me so much about university, my peers and myself. I hope that I can help to create a wholesome, friendly environment for everyone. I cannot wait to see how student politics progresses in the future! ISD has many friendly candidates running for a wide range of positions this year, so we would all really appreciate your support. But overall, we want you to have your say in democracy! For more details about the ISD and some spicy memes, you can see our page here: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentsForStudentDemocracyISD

• Implementing universal 11:59pm submission times for assignments

And there’s so much more we want to achieve! But the only way we can deliver on our promises is if you vote REBUILD when online voting opens September 5 - 9.

• Extending the Free Tram Zone to Melbourne Uni

Hello, I am Elizabeth. I am excited and honoured be a candidate for President this year. I am studying a Bachelor of Arts (Ancient World Studies and Art History) and a Diploma of Languages (Russian). My passions include climate crisis awareness and education, feminist education and LGBTQIA+ equality. My hobbies include reading, writing, film photography and educating young people! I am a passionate member of Unimelb clubs and societies, including being a member of various humanities clubs. I have also served on the General Committee for the Potter Heads club. My student experience also includes being on the Welfare Committee and working as an academic tutor.

• Pushing for a carbon-neutral campus by 2025

Elizabeth Riley — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

I’m running on a completely new ticket, Rebuild, formed from a genuine grassroots desire for better representation on the issues that matter to students. We want to reinvigorate campus life, support the clubs and societies that are the lifeblood of the University, and make sure our University is accessible to everyone, no matter their background. We’re keen to restore engagement with the student body, so that UMSU can be a strong and strident voice in the corner of every student on our campus.

With a track record of delivering grassroots-based, independent-minded change, nobody is better placed to realise this vision than the talented team at Community. This September 5-9, vote [1] Community for UMSU in all positions, your community fighting with you!

I am a Black Muslim woman from a refugee background, who for the first three years at university found herself lost and disconnected. It was through the People of Colour Department that I found a place to call my own. I’ve witnessed how critical UMSU is to student life and wellbeing. From providing free food and essentials, to running clubs and building communities, to speaking up for our rights, UMSU at its best has space for everyone. As your President, I intend to deliver on that promise. I’ve fought fiercely for marginalised communities in all of my work, especially during my term this year as People of Colour Officer. Outside of UMSU, I’ve led the RISE Refugee Rally in 2021, defending the rights of asylum seekers and refugees in Australia. I’ve worked in grassroots anti-racism campaigns, developing reporting mechanisms that empower Bla(c)k and People of Colour youth. Now it’s time to bring my experience, knowledge and passion to advocate for what matters most to you. Whatever your background, I am always ready to hear how UMSU can do better, and mobilise the knowledge and support to make it happen.

PRESIDENT Hibatallah (Hiba) Adam — Community for UMSU Hi everyone! I am Hiba (she/they), a second-year Law student, and I am proud to be Community for UMSU’s candidate for President!

For an UMSU that’s by your side, remember to vote [1] Community for UMSU in all positions, your community fighting with you!

I am passionately involved in the clubs and societies community at Unimelb, which I love for the range of interests and hobbies that are represented. I have served in many different clubs, gaining many good friends but also great experience in leadership and organising events. My UMSU experience also includes being on the Student Council, Activities Committee, and Academic Misconduct Committee – along with being the Arts Representative on the Graduate Student Faculty Council.

3 GENERAL SECRETARY

Hey, I am Benjamin! I am super keen to be involved in the election this year. For some information about me, I am currently studying a Master’s in Public Policy, where I learn about many of the issues we face in society and what can be better done to address them.

Hi, I’m Disha (she/her). I’m an international student from India studying Arts, currently in my third year of Politics and Psychology. I’ve had an amazing time serving as the Welfare Officer this year, and it would be my honour to represent you as Community’s candidate for General Secretary.

Disha Zutshi — Community for UMSU

Community has made sure that UMSU’s structures work for, and not against students.

Before then, I studied a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Ancient World Studies. My hobbies include reading environmental books, playing board-games with friends and trivia!

Benjamin Cronshaw — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

We have implemented wide-reaching Constitutional reforms, created the Union Mart to expand UMSU’s support to students in need, fought for (and won!) changes to CAPS and the WAM system, secured reduced study load for international students, and so much more. We have consistently delivered the change needed to make UMSU more accessible than ever, and 2023 will be no exception.

This is only possible with a transparent, efficient and well-governed UMSU, one that I will work tirelessly to achieve. I will be advocating for further reform of UMSU’s governing documents, and for greater student representation at all levels of the university. I trust in Community’s team built from clubs, collectives and cultural communities, who will bring a diversity of ideas and lived experiences to the way our student union is led.

Much appreciation to anyone for their support for myself and my fellow ISD candidates.

Navigating the return to campus and an ever-changing higher education sector, the road ahead of UMSU will be a difficult one. Despite this, I know that UMSU can contribute so much more to the university experience, and consistently deliver for all students.

I am also really excited to be with the Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) group this year (which I started back in 2019). The ISD brings together students from various backgrounds with a common passion for democracy, environmentalism, quality education and supporting clubs (not to mention witty memes and regular democratic engagement). As elected members, we want to listen to any student concerns or ideas, advocate for the issues that affect students and their education, and promote more community and activities on campus (and online). Also, special thanks to my friend Millie Macwhirter, who has been serving in the General Secretary role for ISD for several months and doing a stellar job (and proving more Independents is perhaps what UMSU needs)!

Maintaining accessibility for diverse groups remains a key focus of our action. COVID-19 has highlighted the necessity for flexibility in course delivery for various health or lifestyle reasons. As your Education Academic Officers, we intend to maintain both virtual and inperson options for classes that have since proven inherent to the physical and mental wellbeing of students and staff alike.

Julian Petitio and Julien Q. Macandili — Left Action Hi, we’re Jules and Julien, and we’re running for the Education (Academic Affairs) Office with Left Action!

The current special consideration application process takes almost 7 business days for processing, which unduly exacerbates stress upon students. Nevertheless, the University has repeatedly pushed back concrete action on reducing processing time, citing limited time and resources. We will continue to put pressure on the University administration, and aim to publish a workflow that enhances transparency of the process for students. Cohesion and communication with students is key. We will ensure that your voices are heard by maintaining our tight network with Student Representatives in all faculty subcommittees. We will also be continuing the collaboration that we’ve had with various UMSU Departments. This ensures well-rounded consultation of your opinions across our policies and We’llcampaigns.standupfor

Taj Takahashi and Mary Kin Chan — Stand Up! Hey everyone! We are Taj (he/him), and Mary (she/her), and we are both in our second year of the Bachelor of Arts. As Education Academic Officers, we would be honoured to advocate on your behalf to ensure consistency in delivering services that uphold your student rights, particularly pertaining to academic policy processes and accessibility within the University.

4 EDUCATION (ACADEMIC AFFAIRS) OFFICER

your right to fair and accessible education, your right to know about decision-making processes, and your right to be heard!

The higher education system has seen three years of unprecedented attacks on staff jobs and UniMelb’scourses. very own Duncan Maskell sits comfortably as the state’s highest paid Vice Chancellor, taking home $1.5 million last year while slashing hundreds of casual staff jobs, sacking the garden staff and cutting subjects and courses across the board. But the offensive is not over for university bosses, with continued demands for further restructures and job cuts.

If we are elected, the Education Academic Office will be dedicated to the fightback. We will demand the university scrap any further job cuts. We will run campaigns by mobilising students to fight for their rights in solidarity with staff, ensuring no more cuts are pushed through. All without having illusions in the government to come to our aid. Instead we will demand they reverse the fee hikes, and fight for fully funded, free education for all students. Vote [1] Left Action for Education (Academic)!

Left Action is a fightback ticket. Our candidates have built and led ongoing campaigns against University management. On campus we have been protesting against the brutal staff cuts and attacks on students. Earlier this year we marched to the doors of the VC’s fortress, demonstrating that these attacks are only ever in the interests of the bosses. But the fight isn’t over.

Hannah Lewis & Shivana Dayawala — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Outside of university, my (Hannah’s) hobbies include reading, playing field hockey, and enjoying relaxing video games such as Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. Additionally, I am an avid reader, and as a passionate feminist I enjoy reading feminist literature both historic and contemporary. Although I began my experience at Melbourne at a difficult time during COVID, I have been lucky to stay involved and overall enjoy a positive student experience. My (Shivana’s) hobbies include reading, knitting, and also playing Stardew Valley! I would love to ensure all students at Melbourne also enjoy a positive experience, where they feel connected to others and encouraged to foster curiosity and engagement in their studies.

Hello, we are Shivana (she/her) and Hannah (she/her), and we are super excited to be Education (Academic) candidates! We believe in maintaining student wellbeing support and being a vocal representative of students’ expectations for education quality, especially during periods of online classes. As candidates (and potential Office-bearers) we are excited to promote student participation and ensure a positive learning environment that prioritises student wellbeing. If elected, we will endeavour to communicate with both students and academics to ensure that university resources are accessible to all, particularly for online or dual-delivery classes, and that Special Consideration procedures are kept up do date with the needs of students. All students at the University of Melbourne deserve the best possible quality of education!

EDUCATION (ACADEMIC AFFAIRS) CONT.

OFFICER

The only way to improve our conditions of learning is through collective, grassroots action in defiance of the government and corporate university management - not by cosying up to them in private meetings. Building this collective action is our main goal for the Education Office next year.

• And fighting for more government action for the cost of living crisis, and the climate emergency

Sam Rathnaweera and Raphael Duffy — Left Action Hi, we’re Sam and Raph, and we’re running for the Education (Public Affairs) Office with Left Action to fight for a university that works for students - not for profit.

Most importantly, we intend to organize the university community to collectively fight for issues that are important to us: More protections for student casual workers

EDUCATION AFFAIRS)

(PUBLIC

I’m Carlos (he/him) and Jemilla (she/her) and we’re running for Education Public Affairs.

Lastly, we want to empower the education committee so we’re able to fully capture all voices of the student community, across all campuses.

Successive Liberal and Labour governments have transformed tertiary institutions into degree factories beholden to big business. The 2020 Job Ready Graduates Package is a hideous example. This bipartisan bill diminished funding for all university students while hiking up fees for those who want to study arts subjects deemed unprofitable and unnecessary to industry hotshots.

If elected, we want to continue to take up the fight against University management and the government for the education we deserve. Vote [1] Left Action for Education (Public)!

Jemilla Lister and Carlos Lagos — Stand Up!

OFFICER

• Fighting neoliberalism and inequality

You don’t have to take our word for it. We’ve got a track record of fighting for students’ rights and standing up to those in power. We led the campaign against the bigoted Robert Menzies Institute embraced by university management, for which we have been victimised and fined. We have also led the campaign to kick fossil fuel giants Rio Tinto and Saudi Aramco off our campus.

The only beneficiaries of this state of affairs are the corporate managers who run our university. While they rake in millions in profit, invent new ways to cut costs on our tutors’ wages, do deals with climate criminals like Rio Tinto, suck up to the very politicians destroying universities, and treat international students like cash cows, we suffer.

We’re both third year students who have experienced university life during lockdown and the return to campus. COVID is still unraveling the systemic issues that exist in our University. We’re at a turning point in the higher education sector, and it’s so important to have a strong education office to fight for student rights, and interests.

Some of the things we want to implement this year is to continue to activate the Education Public Affairs department, organize radical grassroots movements to fight for issues that are affecting the university community, and continue to advocate for free quality education with other progressive groups. We intend to carry out these projects by empowering the rural, regional and interstate collective so all students feel included in the community. Also, we want to continue the work of the No-Cuts UniMelb campaign which fights against cuts of courses, staffing, and funding, and collaborate with organizations like the NTEU, and NUS to fight for our shared interests.

• Fighting the ongoing effects of colonization

Hi everyone, we are Ishita (she/her) and Yashica (she/her), and we are running for Welfare Officer with Community! Ishita is in her second year of Commerce majoring in Finance and Economics, while Yashica is in her third year of Arts, majoring in Psychology.

7 WELFARE OFFICER

Lachie Mutimer — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

G’day, I’m Lachie! I am currently in my third year studying Arts, majoring in History and Ancient World Studies. I work as a delivery driver for an outdoor furniture company and spend my spare time snorkelling, training for triathlons, head-banging to music, and taking care of my rescue (Honey) and cactus (Jonathan). I have also previously volunteered in my community – maintaining public gardens with a local group, planting trees, coaching a kids basketball team, and giving a hand at an Op-shop. I am passionate about getting involved, trying new things (like this!), making progressive change, and helping others in the process. Being someone who has experienced many of the struggles of adapting to tertiary education, I know firsthand the necessity of having a support network to make new friends, good memories, and enjoyable experiences. I would aim to make uni life as hasslefree as possible and to provide opportunities to escape from the grind and stress. I would focus heavily on collaborating with local groups to organise fun activities and providing convenient services to help navigate the especially difficult times that this pandemic has created. The views of students are at the forefront of my focus, making sure I adapt to the needs of you. Most importantly I aim to make uni fun!

We know that university can be a difficult environment- that’s why we want to majorly focus on improving student mental health on campus, whether by advocating for expanded CAPS appointment access, or providing free yoga and meditation workshops, make mental wellbeing a central part of our student experience.

Ishita Ganeriwala and Yashica Mishra — Community for UMSU

This year, students are finally returning to campus, bringing with it exciting times and its own challenges. As your Welfare Officers, we will make sure you’re supported through whatever comes your way.

Above all, we believe in a visible Welfare Department. Beyond continuing the popular Union Mart and free breakfast services, we want to introduce brunches to ensure students always have access to nutritious food regardless of the time of day. We’re also planning to introduce ‘Welfare on Wheels’: trolleys of snacks and supplies to give you a pre-exam boost, coming to a library near you! These are just some of the big plans we have in mind for 2023. For an UMSU that truly cares, vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Along with this, students have found it immensely difficult to make friends on campus. We want to make the Welfare Collective a centre for social interaction, by hosting weekly speed friending sessions, exam-time catchups, and quiet spaces. We’re also aiming to expand the volunteering program to provide a home for anyone who want to help their fellow students and make some friends while doing it.

The vast majority of women continue to face profound economic and social disadvantage.

We know that women have never won their rights and dignity by asking politely; we have had to force concessions from the powers that be. And it is this tradition of collective struggle that we want to rebuild in UMSU as the Women’s Officers.

Shirley Killen and Bella Beiraghi — Left Action Hi, we’re Shirley and Bella, and we’re running for the Women’s Office with Left Action in order to build a collective fightback against sexism.

Meanwhile, the far right is on the march across the world, striving to whip up misogyny and trash the gains which women, alongside other oppressed groups, have won. We’ve seen an egregious example of this recently in America, where women and pregnant people have had their reproductive rights rolled back by decades thanks to a few bigots on the Supreme Court and a militant right-wing movement.

Ngaire Bogemann and Alessandra Soliven — Stand Up!

As long-term socialist activists and organisers, we are well placed to build protests and campaigns against sexism. When the US Supreme Court criminalised abortion rights this year, we organised solidarity marches in Melbourne that drew more the 15,000 people to the streets. When university management decided to open a Liberal Party hub on our campus led by sexist bigots, we led the campaign against it. When misogynist pigs like Christian Porter were exposed, we publicly denounced him and the sexism cultivated by the elite.

If elected, we will continue this activism and seek to inspire more students to take up the fight against sexism. We will also work to draw the connections between sexism, racism, and workers’ rights. Vote [1] Left Action for Women’s Office!

We’re committed to being a place where all non-men, especially BIPOC, queer, and gender diverse non-men, can be supported and have their voices heard. We want to give women and non-binary students the knowledge, capability and opportunity to thrive in the classroom, in the workplace and in the world. We will fight for a campus culture built on equality and respect and for a feminist presence that is energetic and anticolonial.

CW: Sexual assault and harrasment, no explicit detail Hi everyone, we’re Ngaire (she/her) and Alessandra (she/her) and we’re running for the Women’s Department with Stand Up! With patriarchal campus culture continuing to disadvantage and sideline non-men at Unimelb, it’s essential that your Women’s OBs are taking a stand to deliver real, positive changes in a way that is fair and transparent and centres marginalised voices.

The NSSS has showed us in no uncertain terms what non-men at Unimelb have long known - there is a lot of work to be done to make our campuses, clubs and colleges safe for women and non-binary students. We know the University’s policies don’t go far enough to protect us, and that needs to change. Through collaboration with college leaders and departments like Clubs and Societies, we will revolutionise existing consent training, SASH policy and survivor support services to make them accessible, trauma informed, survivor centric and culturally sensitive, because we deserve more than click-through consent modules and retraumatising disclosure mechanisms.

Our vision for the Women’s Department is simple - it’s one that is intersectional, inclusive and activist in all that it does, all of the time.

We will also work to overcome further barriers for non-men at Unimelb by campaigning for content warnings on potentially traumatising course content and for an end to period poverty on campus.

8 WOMEN’S OFFICER

We are underpaid at work, overworked at home, and harassed by people in power. And this web of sexism is only compounded by racism, homophobia, and transphobia.

9 CREATIVE ARTS OFFICER

We believe in order to mitigate continuous attacks on the creative arts by the university, UMSU requires people who care and are implicitly a part of the community. We intend to focus on the stability of the creative arts through supporting the George Paton gallery, and the union house theaters as they transition into the new spaces and grow into meaningful creative arts communities. Next year, we want to focus on giving more support through workshops that facilitate a broader understanding of different creative environments, industries, and opportunities. We also want to engage in conversations with industry professionals about exploring the arts as well as creating a wellbeing collective for creatives in order to facilitate healthier lasting connections in the arts.

Hi, I’m Oscar Hales (he/him) and I am honoured to be able to give back to the Student Art community by running for Creative Arts Officer. My involvement with UMSU’s Creative Arts Department has been pivotal to the construction of my own identity and my personal growth and hence I want to support it with all my strength.

Savier D’Arsie-Marquez and Abbey Crowley — Stand Up! Hi we’re Savier D’Arsie-Marquez and Abbey Crowley and we’re applying to be the Creative Arts Office Bearer as creative arts really is something dear to our hearts. Savier has been actively involved with theatre culture and started their own theatre company- 2050 theatre which focuses on sustaining the development of creative education. Abbey has gotten involved in the arts through UMMTA, producing multiple sitz probes and being involved with their committee.

As Arts Officer Bearers, we vow to continue the great work of our predecessors in providing opportunities for those who wish to express themselves and develop their artistic practice. We both understand and commit to the importance of maximising the grant money available to develop programs which can cater to all communities and foster positive Werelationships.aredetermined to use the resources available to us to expand current projects and embark on new schemes to facilitate and support students in creating experimental, creative and imaginative art. University is a pivotal location for artistic experimentation and as Arts Officers we recognise the need for supporting those opportunities.

Oscar Hales and Tulipa Rodriguez-Quin — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

We both noticed how advertisements for student art are mostly confined to the UMSU buildings and we feel this must change. We will broaden the reach of promotion and the spaces engaged for work display, allowing the whole UniMelb community to experience beautiful art and get involved in creating and exploring.

Hi, I’m Tulipa Rodriguez-Quin (she/her) and I’m so excited to be running for Creative Arts Officer! For me, creative arts and the community that is built around it has always been my happy place. In this position, I hope to be able to provide that safe-space for others and broaden its outreach by engaging other creatives in thought-provoking and inspiring work.

We believe that the ability to have a safe space to continue learning about creative pathways is an important feature that the union provides. Helping people have an outlet and a meaningful way of learning more about themselves and about others is essential in building a community. The importance of a Stand Up! a Creative Arts office is that it will be run by people who have a passion for the field, allowing genuine communication to happen between departments and facilitates interprofessional development. We have developed lasting connections in UMSU over the last two years, giving us nuanced understandings of how to support students and meet their needs.

In particular, we will fight for a greater presence for student art and creativity on campus.

Arya Kushwaha and Tvisha Purswani — Community for UMSU Hey! We are Arya (he/him) and Tvisha (she/her), your fun-loving Activities Officer candidates!

Arya is a third year Bachelor of Science student and has served as the Cultural and Social Director in UMSU International, where he organised this year’s Night Market- the biggest ever since 2019! Tvisha is a third year Bachelor of Science student. She is committed to connecting students of all different backgrounds on campus, whether domestic or international.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the Activities Department without our favourite programs. We want to include more up-and-coming student talent and artists of colour in Bands and Bevs, to make it more diverse and engaging than ever. We also look forward to collaborating within UMSU, especially with our autonomous departments, to organise parties, BBQs, and even

Arya Kushwaha and Tvisha Purswani have been provisionally declared elected unopposed.

Building a strong community and bringing fun times to every student are the two foundations of the Activities Department. We’re here to deliver on both in 2023. We know that many of us have felt isolated over the past year, and have lost the chance to make memories at university. That’s why we want to make up for it by hosting brand-new events, including cultural festivals (like Chinese New Year and Holi) to celebrate everyone who makes UniMelb their second home.

ACTIVITIES OFFICER

There’sgiveaways!somuch more that we want to do, so don’t hesitate to hit us up during election week to find out more. For an inclusive and exciting UMSU, remember to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Evalyn actively volunteers in the community; and has volunteered with the CFA, SES, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, and the Australian Red Cross. She also coordinated a large charity event which raised over 14k for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

We promise to continue to represent the voices and needs of all queer students of campus.

Evalyn is a graduate student studying political science / public policy as her major, and minoring in international relations. She completed her undergraduate degree at Edith Cowan University in Perth, where she majored in security studies. She has also completed a post-graduate diploma in International Crisis Management from Monash University.

Evalyn used to be morbidly obese, and has lost in excess of 110kg in the last two years through a combination of dieting, exercise, and surgery.

QUEER OFFICER

She is an ICF accredited Life Coach and NLP Practitioner, and assists those who are struggling to lose weight or transition genders. She is building several online businesses which encompasses affiliate marketing, content creation, life coaching, online course creation, business consultancy, drop-shipping, and acting. She has worked at several hotels and resorts (including two ski resorts in Australia, a ski resort in Canada, a casino in Townsville, and a luxury hotel in both Cairns and Ayers Rock Resort), for numerous state and federal government departments in Australia as a public servant, and as a lecturer at a university in China. She currently works at Marvel Stadium and Flemington Race Course in events management.

We also aim to introduce a new and exciting Sapphic collective that will have a fortnightly screening of Sapphic films.

She is aspiring to a career in federal politics; and will be campaigning on a platform of equal opportunity, environmental protection, water security, national security, taxation reform, social security reform, immigration, transgender health care, and infrastructure development.

One of our main focuses will be our transgender and gender diverse community and making sure all spaces on campus are trans inclusive and safe. When we are elected, we promise to make the university facilities, including bathrooms and change rooms more accessible to gender diverse students and staff. The “No Transphobia In Our Tutes” campaign will be passionately continued. We additionally promise to continue the fight against transphobia on our campus and the unwavering fight to get tutorials formally assessed according to trans-inclusive criteria.

Lastly, regarding deadnaming at graduation and streamlining the preferred name process, we aim to alter the process to make this more accessible.

We aim to continue the great work done by the amazing Rose and Rook in 2022, including the continuation of all current collectives including but not limited to the Queer People of Colour collective, Queer Political Action Collective, and the beloved G’n’Ts with the LGBTs.

Giselle Krashow-Josefski and Riley Burns — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) Hi, my name is Riley Burns (she/they) and I’m a non-binary trans woman. I’ve received such strong love and support from the queer community and department, and I would be honoured to return the favour and do my best to represent us and our interests! Hi everyone, my name is Giselle Krashow-Josefski (she/her) and I’m a proud lesbian. The queer community at Melbourne has been so welcoming and I would love to continue the efforts of all past OBs that have supported and given their time to the cause. Riley and I would love the opportunity to represent queer students at the University of Melbourne as your Queer Department OBs in 2023.

Evalyn Venture Evalyn is putting her name forward for the Queer Officer role with MUSU in the 2022 student elections. She is a transgender woman, and identifies as sapphic and demisexual. Her pronouns are she / her.

We have so much planned for 2023 to achieve this goal. We want to increase the accessibility of our Queer Collectives with more online visibility and events, allowing people off-campus or people who are not out to participate more easily. We want to create activities that centre the diversity of cultures and experiences of queerness. We want to educate allies in the broader university community on issues of queer safety, so our collective experience is more open and connected. And we will continue the work of our predecessors in the fight against queerphobic, transphobic and discriminatory behaviours embedded in the university system. We want you to join us in creating a passionate, intersectional Queer Department. Vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Mehul Gopalakrishnan and Sum To Leslie Ho — Community for UMSU Hi! We’re Mehul (any/all) and Leslie (she/they), and we’re excited to run to be your Queer Officers with Community! Mehul grew up in Oman and India, and is now in their third year of Biomedicine. Leslie is an international student from Hong Kong studying Arts. As queer people of colour at UniMelb, we know that our university experience has been marked by difference. Even though the friendships we form and the communities we build are what we remember years after we graduate, you don’t need to look hard to notice the sparse QPoC representation in the university- so much so that we feel excluded and alienated from spaces that are supposed to make us feel welcome.

We believe the Queer Department can do better. We believe it should be a second home to everyone who is looking for one. That change starts with us- if elected, we will be one of the first all-PoC Queer Officers in recent memory!

QUEER OFFICER CONT.

Aspen Xu A statement was not submitted.

ENVIRONMENT OFFICER

We’ll use the Environment Office to call protests and run campaigns. We’ll use every opportunity to protest the powerful companies destroying our futures for profit. We’ll take on the University’s dirty ties to fossil fuel and weapons corporations, and fight for every progressive cause.

Emma Dynes and James Gallagher — Community for UMSU Hey! We’re Emma and James, and we’re the radical climate activists running for the Environment Office.

We’ve spoken at countless UniMelb climate protests over years.

For environmental justice at Unimelb, vote [1] Community in all positions!

We are Benjamin and Daisy and we are excited to be candidates for Environment OfficeBearers! We are both passionate about the environment and democracy and being involved in clubs and university life. As Environment OBs, we would have sustained advocacy to MPs or Inquiries, sustainability campaigns and workshops on campuses, and help with climate marches. We would also organise more fun social events such as trivia or environmental documentaries, to learn more while also making new friends (and destressing from environmental politics). As OBs, we also want to have a more engaged and collaborative process with the Environment committee, to seek their input on what campaigns and events they want to see throughout the year.

We need urgent action on climate change. The crisis is here, and despite their green rhetoric, no government is doing what is needed to address it. The federal Labor government has pledged to build over 100 new fossil fuel projects. Unimelb has tens of millions of dollars invested in fossil fuel corporations.

Daisy’s experience includes having been involved in the Classics and Archaeology Students Society; editor for the undergraduate history journal Chariot; various tutor and subject coordinator roles for the VCESS summer school; and work as a casual field archaeologist in Victoria. Having often been frustrated by Australian politics and climate inaction, Daisy has also made various Parliamentary inquiry submissions, sent emails to politicians, and attended protests. Benjamin is studying a Master’s in Public Policy and Management. Benjamin is also a keen reader on climate change and environmental issues, including reading and writing book reviews. A highlight is “Doughnut Economics,” a book about seeking a new model of meeting all human needs (equitably) while living within planetary boundaries (sustainably). Benjamin has also advocated for the environment, writing letters to MPs or making submissions to various parliamentary inquiries, highlighting climate change and environmental issues. Benjamin is also a member and volunteer with various community environmental organisations such as TreeProject.

We think turning this dire state of affairs around will require a mass movement to challenge the rich and powerful who are profiting off the destruction of the planet, and the governments that serve their interests. We’re members of Uni Students for Climate Justice, which organised the protest against the Morrison government during the 2019 bushfires.

The Stand Up! candidates for Environment Office are associated with the Labor Party’s student wing. Now in government, Labor is supporting Adani and the Scarborough gas project. Victorian Labor Premier Dan Andrews has criminalised anti-logging protests.

We’re also socialists. We think the fight for climate action is linked to the fight against inequality and the fight for social justice. We’ve organised the campaign against the bigoted Liberal party-backed Menzies Institute, protested for abortion rights, fought for years for refugee rights, and have been involved in Palestine solidarity on campus.

Benjamin Cronshaw & Daisy Norfolk — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Voting for Stand Up! will enable us the opportunity to encourage all students’ involvement in this growing movement and provide a space for mutual education on environmental issues. Together, we can generate radical, systemic change and create an ecocentric future.

Hey, we’re Mitch (he/him) and Annie (she/her) and we are your Stand Up! Environment OB candidates this year.

Mitch has recently completed his undergrad in Science (Marine Biology) and is a Masters student focusing on sustainable seaweed aquaculture. Throughout his studies in the ecological field, he has witnessed first-hand the numerous issues threatening our ecosystems and hopes to apply his knowledge in the Environment OB role. Annie is an Arts (Philosophy, International Studies and Politics) student and animal rights activist who hopes to incorporate her ideological knowledge into the role. Working with Climate Action Network Australia, she maintains an awareness of the climate sector by regularly collaborating with stakeholders, consulting with prominent environmental organisations and facilitating interactive forums.

Our primary goal is to increase student involvement with the collective by recognising the interdisciplinary knowledge of students as a means of addressing anthropogenic climate change. Intersectional collaboration with other UMSU departments, including Indigenous, POC, disabilities, and queer, is crucial to maintain environmental justice by uplifting the perspectives of marginalised groups. We will provide a voice for the voiceless by establishing a platform to advocate against animal exploitation at the university and explore ways to foster biodiversity on campus.

Mitch Evans and Annelise Adam — Stand Up!

ENVIRONMENT OFFICER CONT.

It is our responsibility to harmoniously coexist with flora and fauna within Australia’s diverse ecosystems, but various institutions - including the university - are reluctant to divest from environmentally corrosive corporations. We will continue the legacy of previous leaders in fostering direct climate action through maintaining the Divest Now UniMelb campaign, environmental justice collective, food co-op, and clothing drives.

MEDIA OFFICERS

Weiting Chen, Xiaole Zhan, Josh Davis and Carmen Chin — Independent Media Hiya! We’re Carmen, Weiting, Xiaole, and Josh, and we’re running to be your 2023 Media Office Bearers. All four of us have been passionately engaged in the Media Department through ‘Farrago’, ‘Radio Fodder’, and ‘Above Water’, equipping us with professional editorial experience and a love for all things student media. Carmen (they/them) was the 2021 ‘Judy’s Punch’ Design Editor and the 2022 ‘Radio Fodder’ Blog Manager. Weiting (she/her) is an illustrator for ‘Farrago’, ‘Judy’s Punch’, ‘Above Water’, and she won the 2021 Mudfest ‘Emerging Visual Artist Award’. Xiaole (they/she) was the 2021 ‘Myriad’ Creative Editor, a Fiction Reader and Copyeditor for ‘takahē’, and the 2022 UMSU Southbank Education Officer. Josh (he/him) is a reporter and photographer for ‘Farrago’, writing investigative pieces on wage theft, staff safety, and industrial relations, and was a member of UMSU Students’ Council for the first half of 2022.

Weiting Chen, Xiaole Zhan, Josh Davis and Carmen Chin have been provisionally declared elected unopposed.

Independent Media is made of engaged, experienced, and democratically selected members of our student media community. We’re dedicated to upholding the autonomy and integrity of the Media Department and uplifting student voices. A vote for Independent Media is a vote for accountability, transparency, and independence.

The Media Department is essential to the student experience and should be a welcoming space for all students. Our goals for 2023 are to foster inclusive student representation, relevant and contemporary content, opportunities for growth, and a vibrant media community. We aim to elevate multilingual content and collaborate with autonomous UMSU departments to spotlight diverse student experiences. We want to broaden the coverage of ‘Farrago’ and ‘Radio Fodder’; writing about what students care about, where they read it. We will facilitate development workshops to build students’ professional skills, and hold launches, open mics, and other social events where students can express themselves, make friends, and have fun!

We are extremely passionate and understand the important role that clubs and societies play within the social lives and growth of students. Friendships, community and student networking all rely on UMSU’s ability to provide safe, inclusive and accessible events and services. We have experienced first hand the importance of clubs in supporting students through creating community and support, especially after a long period without on-campus events. We hope to continue assisting students in their uni lives through our enthusiastic work in clubs. The culture surrounding clubs and societies at UniMelb is pivotal to student experiences.

We would love to be your clubs and societies office bearers next year and can’t wait to contribute to the clubs community! Thanks!

We are Kimmy (she/her) and Renee (they/she), and we’re super excited to be the Stand Up! candidates for UMSU’s Clubs and Societies Office Bearers for 2023!

We are conscious about inclusivity and accessibility, where the wellbeing of students relies on a clubs department which is supported by student-centered policy. With this, we hope to improve safety of all club events, including camps and off-campus activities. We intend to do this through holistic training and continued support for clubs as we transition to the new UMSU website.

Renee Thierry and Kimmy Ng have been provisionally declared elected unopposed.

Renee Thierry and Kimmy Ng — Stand Up! Hey Everyone!

We have a wide range of involvement and experience with UniMelb clubs, including being President, Secretary, Treasurer and General Committee Members of cultural, music, exchange and special interest clubs and societies. We are immensely invested in clubs and are familiar with club dynamics and administration processes in the department.

CLUBS & SOCIETIES OFFICER

Brittney Henderson and Harley Lewis — UniMob A statement was not submitted.

INDIGENOUS OFFICER

Brittney Henderson and Harley Lewis have been provisionally declared elected unopposed.

We have not only personally experienced the barriers that exist in the daily lives of students with a disability; we have listened to the stories of so many students who continue to struggle with persistent issues- from special consideration to the accessibility of Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS). This is not good enough. We deserve so much better.

This year, we both successfully fought to raise the UMSU Disability budget to finally match those of other autonomous departments. We also have a wealth of experience working with those in charge of drafting and implementing the new Mental Health Framework and Disability and Inclusion Action Plan.

Jaryd Clifford and Shuyun (Betty) Zhang — Community for UMSU Hi there! We are Jaryd (he/him) and Betty (she/her), your candidates for Disabilities Officer!

As your Officers, we will advocate strongly for much needed reforms across this university in the disability and mental health spaces. We will also listen to our community and we will take your ideas and concerns straight to the university. Most importantly, however, we wish to build a strong disability community at this university through collectives and events that bring us together as a team. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can fight for the education that we deserve! So make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

In 2023, it will be our mission to continue the fight for students with physical, mental, and neurodivergent disabilities at this university. We know that our community still feels neglected and we hope to build our sense of unity as we push for a more accessible education.

DISABILITIES OFFICER

Jaryd is the current Disabilities Representative on Students’ Council and is in his third year of Arts. Betty is the current Disabilities Officer and is studying her final year of Science.

Jaryd Clifford and Shuyun (Betty) Zhang have been provisionally declared elected unopposed.

For an inclusive, anti-racist UMSU, vote [1] Community in all positions- your community fighting with you! Aspen Xu A statement was not submitted.

This department needs fighters. It needs diverse voices who are failed by structures in UMSU and the university alike.

We are Mohamed (he/him) and Moe (she/they). Mohamed is a Black Muslim man from Sudan studying Science, who led the first collective for Bla(c)k students at the University.

Both of us have served as People of Colour Officers in the past two years. Over our terms, we have begun many initiatives to advocate for our community. We introduced compulsory halal options at UMSU events, established a Diversity and Inclusion module for all students c, and wrote the first ever Racism at Unimelb Report to highlight the ongoing challenges that students of colour face. All of this work has played its part in making campus life equitable and accessible for all.

Moe is an international student from Myanmar in her fourth year of Design, and a longtime student activist fighting for democracy in her home country.

PEOPLE OF COLOUR OFFICER

We understand how crucial it is to find people who amplified our voices, actively listened to our concerns, and took decisive action. Next year, we want to be those people- someone every student of colour on campus can turn to for support.

However, our work is not done. There are so many milestones ahead to make student life a hell of a lot more anti-racist. We want to establish a University-wide racism reporting system, train club executives on how to recognise and tackle racism in their events, and advocate for a specialist service within CAPS for victims of racism. It is your faith in us- and the people of colour community at this university- that will take us to new heights.

Mohamed Hadi and Kyi Phyu Moe Htet — Community for UMSU

SOUTHBANK EDUCATION OFFICER

I will work collaboratively with the rest of the Southbank team to continue Southbank’s weekly free BBQs, and I’ll work to restore the breadbin to its rightful home! I will also work collaboratively with you – actively seeking feedback and ideas for campaigns to further deliver for Southbank students.

I have the experience required to deliver on these promises. I’ve spent this past year as your Southbank Representative on Students’ Council, as well as a member of the Southbank Committee, meaning I know what is required to navigate this union.

I’m passionate about delivering for students across all courses, degrees and faculties. I will continue the fight for fee relief, as well as better student support, especially considering the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. I will also advocate for increased accessibility and flexibility across our degrees. As we continue to navigate COVID-19, it’s more important than ever that class materials or recordings are provided to those who have no choice but to isolate and miss class. I will continue to fight for the reconsideration of the 100% examination valuation for music performance students, so that your future is not at the mercy of one single day. I will also work to develop and deliver consent and cultural awareness workshops and training for our campus.

Zodie Bolic is provisionally declared elected unopposed.

Zodie Bolic — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Heyo! I’m Zodie (she/her), a 2nd year BFA (Dance) student here at Southbank and I’m super excited to be running for Southbank Education Officer! Southbank is home to a true abundance of artists, creatives and performers – for whom the past few years have been exceptionally difficult. We deserve (and demand!) further support from our university, who have been exceptionally slow to act on the issues we face. As your Southbank Education OB, I’m ready to make these demands a reality.

Helen Shen — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Hi! My name is Helen and I’m currently studying my master of music degree at the Faculty of Fine Art and Music. I still remember my first year at the university and getting caught in the tide of UMSU and its events, study tips, and tote bags; it has always been the heart of the university community. While some music students had frequently shuffled between the Parkville and Southbank campuses up until a couple of years ago, the classically-trained music kids could still get a whiff of UMSU events while still at the Parkville’s Conservatorium of Music when we weren’t holed up in practice rooms.

SOUTHBANK ACTIVITIES OFFICER

Having witnessed the awesome work of UMSU between both Parkville and Southbank, I’d love the opportunity of this role to be part of the brilliant team that has allowed us to meet new people, learn new things, and appreciate the talent of this diverse and vibrant community.

I’d like to continue the work created by those previously in this position, to learn from them, while creating new and producing old favourites in all kinds of events to help band the arts community together and encourage interactions between students from all creative and performance sectors in the faculty.

Helen Shen is provisionally declared elected unopposed.

Over the last few years, past officers in this role have done fabulously to turn this around— incorporating music and film events at the Southbank campus, as well as food trucks and snacks in the student kitchen every now and again.

As the new conservatorium opened at Southbank, UMSU’s events dwindled before they gradually moved in with as much gusto as at Parkville, but it didn’t feel quite the same.

Hi, we’re Jack and Annalyce! We’re a jazz pianist/composer and classical singer/musicologist keen to be your next Southbank Campus Coordinators. Jack (they/them) has been running rad events this year as the Southbank Activities Coordinator. Annalyce, currently a voting member of Students’ Council, previously sat on the Southbank committee and has been involved with many other UMSU departments and clubs.

• Push the faculty to develop a consistent timetable policy. No more getting your timetable the night before semester begins… if you’re lucky.

• Support student awareness and access to Advocacy services. Workshops, Collectives and Collaborations: We will:

• Bring back Town Hall Talks for students to discuss issues on campus.

SOUTHBANK CAMPUS CO-ORDINATOR

• Continue stocking the Breadbin with shelf-stable food and ingredients, menstrual supplies, and condoms.

Jack Doughty and Annalyce Wiebenga — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

• Review the faculty extensions and lateness policy. It’s confusing and we hate it.

• Support clubs to run events at Southbank campus; we are both club executives and understand how frustrating it can be!

• Expand the free barbeques, with more food options!

• Pressure the University to continue the free RAT and mask program.

Vote [1] Independents for Student Democracy for a strong, fighting union at Southbank.

• Bring back the supermarket voucher giveaway.

Between throwdowns over which music genre would win in a fight, we are ready to use our experience for good… and maybe a little evil if you ask nicely.

• Start the Southbank Breakfast to feed very hungry (caterpillars) students the most important meal of the day!

Education Support: We will:

Student voices: We will run community forums and maintain a digital feedback form. We want to hear from you!

• Organise with the National Tertiary Education Union about shared concerns and workplace rights.

• Continue the Southbank Queer, Disabilities and People of Colour collectives, with more catering!

Jack Doughty and Annalyce Wiebenga have been provisionally declared elected unopposed.

Student Welfare: We will:

Rhys Browning is provisionally declared elected unopposed.

Rhys Browning A statement was not submitted. CAMPUS CO-ORDINATOR

BURNLEY

No nomations received.

Luv Golecha — Community for UMSU

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE ON COUNCIL

Muskaan Dalmia — Rebuild A statement was not submitted.

I have actively engaged in clubs and volunteering initiatives such as the Chinese Debating Society since my Bachelor’s, which have given me the problem-solving abilities and intercultural communication needed to create a stronger, more effective UMSU.

Nan (Nora) Jiang — Community for UMSU

REPRESENTATIVEREPRESENTATIVESTUDENTSONCOUNCILINDIGENOUSSTUDENTSONCOUNCIL

A statement was not submitted.

Rosie Watts — Left Action Graduate students are under the pump. The ‘Melbourne model’ allows the university to charge us exorbitant fees to finish our degrees, while every year we are given less access to resources, and financial support. Many of us are also casual tutors, insecure in our jobs severely underpaid for teaching and marking. We need to turn the tide and fight for better conditions for students and staff at Unimelb. Vote [1] Left Action for an activist representative for graduate students on Council.

Lachlan Gallagher — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Graduate students are often excluded from the decisionmaking spaces of our student union, but I hope to be part of the change. Vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

My name is Nan Jiang (Nora) and I am studying Masters in Marketing Communication. I’m excited for the opportunity to be your Graduate Representative on Students’ Council!

24 GRADUATE

Jeffrey Reynolds A statement was not submitted.

Shirley Killen — Left Action

Marko Younan A statement was not submitted. Rose Power — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) Hi! My name is Rose Power I would love to represent the Queer community on Students’ Council in 2023. As Queer Office Bearer this year, I have worked tirelessly to advocate for trans and gender diverse students at the University and run awesome new events such as Winterfest’s Rainbow Roller Rave. I established the Gender Affirming Wardrobe in Queer Space that provides free clothing, accessories and binding/ tucking tape so as everyone can express themselves how they wish, and sourced over 40 books for the Little Queer Library. If elected, I promise to go beyond my role

In February, Left Action activists called snap protests to oppose Morrison’s homophobic and transphobic Religious Discrimination Bill. The angry backlash against the Liberals meant that the government couldn’t pass the bill. In NSW angry activist campaigning defeated One Nation’s transphobic bill. We helped organise protests in solidarity with American women and trans people after the attack on the right to abortion in America. We want to bring that kind of energy and activist spirit to the Queer Representative on council. Vote [1] Left Action for a radical queer activist on Students’ Council!

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE ON COUNCIL

QUEER STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE ON COUNCIL

Muskaan Dalmia — Rebuild A statement was not submitted. Luv Golecha — Community for UMSU

Olivia Baldwin — Stand Up! Hi! I’m Olivia (she/her) and I’m running for your Queer Rep on the Students’ Council! I want to ensure now more than ever that we are not only protecting queer and genderdiverse students but helping them thrive at university. There is still a lot of progress to be made to create a more inclusive environment both in and out of the classroom. I want to fight for your voice, a voice that demands respect, inclusion and opportunity for all LGBTQ+ students at Unimelb! Vote [1] Stand Up! for experience in your union!

I’m Luv Golecha and i’m proud to be running as the international student rep for UMSU, i believe that historically international students have been excluded from the conversation of student unionism even though we pay massively higher fees and face a lot of restrictions on the day to day. Being an international student rep to me is about finding ways to engage the international student community and fight for representation and consideration in all matters UMSU per say. Vote 1 community for UMSU for an international student voice in student unionism, your community fighting with you! Wei Long (Edison) Ngu — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Edison! I’m passionate about delivering impactful step change in UMSU through strategic oversight as a Councillor. I bring not only my lived experience as a queer person, but also experience in education and not-for-profit management, including as a tutor for the past two years. I want to hear ideas from marginalised communities at the grassroots level to improve UMSU members’ university experience. I want to finetune UMSU’s playbook to be more student-centric and inclusive, and only Community can deliver on this! Vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

James Everard — Stand Up! Hey! I’m James (he/him) and I’m running to be Disabilities Representative on the Students’ Council! I’m running because I believe the union should be there to advocate for a more inclusive space for disabled students. As Disabilities Representative I want to connect with all disabled members of our student body and uplift the variety of experiences and disadvantages they face. Disabled students still face difficulty accessing services, education and inclusive spaces at uni, but I believe with your vote we can create a truly accessible university experience. Vote 1 Stand Up! For experience in your union!

SOUTHBANK STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE ON COUNCIL No nominations received.

26 STUDENTS OF COLOUR REPRESENTATIVE ON COUNCIL

Marko Younan — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Let’s make this university a safer place for People of Colour. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Reham Elzeiny — Community for UMSU

Sameeksha Mudigere Keshav — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Sameeksha. It’s been five years since I’ve needed a wheelchair due to a spinal-cord injury. I know both sides of the coin: being disabled and non-disabled. There are many challenges for us students and I want to help students confront them. Not only do I want to improve facility accessibility but expand our community’s access to sport. Our community does not need sympathy, just equity. At the end of the day, I hope my work can bring a smile to your face. Make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Hey, I’m Reham! I’m running for People of Colour representative to create safer spaces for PoC and make it easier for PoC students to find like-minded people at university. I want to build our community’s presence. I remember the difficulty I faced trying to find culturally safe environments. Attending PoC events was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I now want to be involved in creating that feeling for others.

Amelia Bright — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) A statement was not submitted.

I am going for this role as i’d like to make sure every student has a form of representation and feels welcome. I am a queer person of colour and can know how it feels to be alienated and left out. We need our voices heard so we don’t get left behind and I want to help be that voice.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES REPRESENTATIVE ON COUNCIL

Maryam Hessami — Left Action Activists in Left Action are principled fighters for Palestinian freedom, who will continue to be uncompromising in our stance. UMSU has been under attack from Zionists and right-wingers who threatened a class action lawsuit against a BDS solidarity motion in council. Left Action activists helped to resist this attack on free speech and left-wing student unionism. We will continue to call for UniMelb to cut ties with Lockheed Martin, whose weapons of mass destruction were deployed in Gaza in August this year. We organised Israeli Apartheid Week to broaden support for Palestine on campus. Vote [1] Left Action! Jeffrey Reynolds A statement was not submitted.

Joel Duggan — Independent Media

Hi! I’m Elizabeth. I am studying a Bachelor of Arts (Ancient World Studies and Art History) and a Diploma of Languages (Russian). My passions include climate crisis awareness and education, feminist education and LGBTQIA+ equality. My hobbies include reading, writing, film photography and educating young people! I have served in the Potter Heads club and UMSU Welfare Committee. Being involved in student democracy has taught me so much about university, my peers and myself. I hope that I can create a wholesome, friendly environment for everyone. I can’t wait to see how student politics progresses in the future!

Riley Hanson — Rebuild A statement was not submitted. Jack Walton — Rebuild A statement was not submitted. Baris Duzova — Rebuild A statement was not submitted. Muskaan Dalmia — Rebuild A statement was not submitted.

Imogen Senior — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Hello, I’m Marcie (they/she) and I’m running with Independent Media for Students’ Council! Since my first semester in mid2018 I’ve been actively involved in the Media Collective. I’ve been a Farrago creative sub-editor and columnist, Fodder host, MACSS Secretary, and an active member of the Above Water team as a Creative Arts Officer. My experience in UMSU, Farrago, Above Water and Radio Fodder, and my passion for student representation makes me a strong candidate for Students’ Council. If elected I’ll advocate for students to ensure that student media is independent, accountable and transparent and well-supported by UMSU.

Marcie Di Bartolomeo — Independent Media

Leyland Jones — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Hey, I am Benjamin! I love learning about history, politics and new things. My study at Unimelb includes a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Ancient World Studies and now a Master’s in Public Policy. I have been a keen member and leader of many clubs and societies, including the History Society, Chocolate Lover’s Society and Biological Society. My UMSU experience also includes being on the Student Council, Activities Committee and Academic Misconduct Committee.

Hi! My name is Imogen (she/they) and I’m a proud and very colourful lesbian. I’m particularly interested in improving the university’s response to sexual harm and figuring out how we can improve our survivor-centred approaches. I’m passionate about the role we can play in the university, especially in the case of the incredibly important ‘No Transphobia in Our Tutes’ campaign. I love the vibrant queer community here at the University.

Sophie Baylis — Rebuild

GENERAL REPRESENTATIVE ON COUNCIL

As a councillor, I want to advocate for making University a safe and positive place for all students.

Benjamin Cronshaw — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

As a candidate for the ISD I wish to contribute a balanced voice towards the student council, particularly focusing on the often-forgotten voice of the Southbank Campus students. I aim for students of both campuses to be on even footing, where all students can thrive in both their life and their learning.

A statement was not submitted.

I’m Joel from Independent Media, and my goal on Students’ Council would be simple: fight like hell to get the funding that student media needs. Money for student media translates into information, entertainment and self-actualisation for the student body. With the Australian arts and education suffering from years of neglect, it’s never been more important for Farrago to have the resources to be bold and visionary. I want to be someone who fights to achieve that. As someone who’s been involved as a writer and sub-editor at Farrago for a couple years, I think I’m the one to do it.

Elizabeth Riley — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Hannah Lewis — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) Hi, I’m Hannah (she/her), and I am a third-year arts student studying classics and ancient history. Despite beginning my experience at Melbourne University during the difficulties of the COVID pandemic, I have enjoyed the community that Melbourne has to offer. I enthusiastically participate in many facets of University life, particularly with clubs, such as being involved with the Classics and Archaeology Society as President. My hobbies include reading, playing field hockey, and playing Stardew Valley. I am excited to promote student participation and be a positive voice on the student council!

Mohan Kwatra — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Mohan! I’m an international student studying Design, and I’m excited to run for Students’ Council. I was most recently the President of UMSU International in 2021, advocating for the international student community during lockdowns and prolonged periods of overseas learning. I want to turn that passion to shaping UMSU’s governance, so we can create an open organisation whose policies continue to deliver for students that need it most. This can only happen with a community by your side- vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Sam Rathnaweera — Left Action

Inderpreet (Inder) — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Inderpreet! My aim is to help UMSU run smoothly. Our union plays a crucial role in students’ lives at this university and I therefore want to contribute to making this union a more effective one. I also want to ensure that departments run fairly and smoothly, and I want to hold staff and office bearer accountable to their duties and commitments. As a queer international student of colour I can bring a unique perspective to this council. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

GENERAL REPRESENTATIVE ON COUNCIL CONT.

Vote [1] Left Action for Students’ Council! Ben Fok — Left Action

Bella Beiraghi — Left Action Hi I’m Bella and I’m running for Students’ Council with Left Action. I’ve been involved with Palestine activism in the Free Palestine Melbourne campaign, and with Students for Palestine. I helped organise the 15,000 strong Palestine rally in May last year and continued actions this year. I was also involved in organising the pro-abortion protest last month which saw 12,000 people march in solidarity with women in the US. We desperately need a radical, left-wing student union that fights the right on all fronts, and wins. If that’s what you want, Vote [1] Left Action for Students’ Council!

Vote [1] Left Action for Students’ Council!

I’m running for Council with Left Action because we need experienced and dedicated education activists in our union, who are willing to stand up to attacks from both the government and our Vice Chancellor. I’ve been involved in student protests confronting the Vice Chancellor at management summits, occupied the lobby of his office, and showed solidarity with grounds staff who defeated sackings by fighting back. If we’re going to stop further attempts to make us pay more for a lower quality education, UMSU needs to be run by serious activists, not aspiring politicians.

Left Action candidates campaign social justice every single day, despite not having any paid positions in the student union. This is what I will do if elected. Vote [1] Left Action for Students’ Council!

Raphael Duffy — Left Action I believe that UMSU should be a union which fights for our rights. As a student activist I have helped to lead rallies against the University’s ties to fossil fuels and arms manufacturers, and campaigned around the cuts to education, Palestine, and refugee rights. Students’ Council should lead the fight against the massive cuts to our education from the Vice Chancellor and Liberal Government, and give a strong voice for student activism on campus. This is the culture that I want to help build if elected.

Jaan Schild — Left Action

We need radical student fightback. We need to stop education cuts, win real climate action and protest to free the refugees. The other groups in the student union prioritise campus barbeques over social justice activism or defending our education. We want to kick out the right and rebuild the radical, activist traditions of student unionism.

Unimelb’s Duncan Maskell is the state’s highest paid Vice Chancellor, taking home $1.5 million last year while slashing hundreds of casual staff jobs and cutting subjects and courses across the board. Left Action is a fightback ticket, with candidates who have organised and led ongoing campaigns against university management. Vote [1] Left Action for an activist union that will stand up for you!

Enzhe (Kevin) Li — Community for UMSU G’day and 大家好, my name is Enzhe Li but people call me Kevin. As someone of Chinese descent, I remember the feeling of belonging I felt upon seeing the number of students from a similar background. Yet when I engaged with student life, very few of us were represented. I want that to change, but not merely for the sake of change. I want to tackle issues like employment, internships, and the online delivery methods that look set to stay. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Hello, my name is Edward, but people call me Eddy! As a third-year student, I’ve unfortunately had a few of my university years impacted by COVID-19. I can definitely understand the frustrations that my fellow peers have had over the last few years, especially regarding the hardships of studying away from campus via remote learning. I would love the opportunity to contribute to changes so that

Jeffery Reynolds A statement was not submitted.

Edward Wu — Community for UMSU

Isi Ogwu — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Isi! I want to add my voice to the many PoC voices in this union who ensure students of colour have the best experience possible. I believe in the power of student unionism and have learnt that a strong voice on council is crucial for people of colour. I’ll seek to secure stronger, tangible support and emphasise the key role the PoC Department plays in advocacy. I’ll work hard to be that strong voice on council for students of colour. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Yi-Hsuan (Anita) Keng — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Anita! I want to run for Students’ Council to ensure that UMSU is strong, transparent and delivers for all students. I’m particularly passionate about diverse student representation in UMSU, especially students of colour and international students, and I want to make sure to centre that voice! Vote [1] Community for all positions, your community fighting with you!

Reaching out to external organisations is crucial to bring new perspectives to our approach to fighting racism at university and something i want to actively implement next year. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Natasha Mulay — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Natasha! As a queer brown woman that migrated to Australia, I resonate with people of colour at this university and understand the conflicting experience between ‘Aussie’ culture and ethnic culture back home, and the pressure to conform. I have volunteered in the past to address such issues, including organising events and raising funds. As a South Asian woman who has volunteered as part of a team on many occasions, I believe I can fight for the issues that matter to students. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

everyone can enjoy their time at Melbourne University and feel safe in a respectful and inclusive environment. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Aakriti Bindal — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Aakriti. I’m running for Students council with Community for UMSU, because there are a lot of issues that we as students collectively face. We need to engage in grassroots initiatives to make sure every student’s voice is heard. Having a students council with that in mind is a key first step. Vote [1] Community for all positions, your community fighting with you! Kis Tesfu — Community for UMSU Dana AlShae — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Dana – a Palestinian international student. I was involved in the fight for Palestinian solidarity with UMSU.

Watey Diep — Community for UMSU Hey I’m Watey! I want everyone at uni to have a memorable student life, and as UMSU is the central hub for all things student, it’s critical to have a governing board that can make the right decisions that will contribute positively to student life. I believe that I have the skillset, and passion to deliver for students. Vote [1] Community for all positions, your community fighting with you!

I believe student unions have the ability to use their platforms to raise awareness about issues and that I can work collaboratively to provide students with a great social experience as well as fight for the issues that matter.

Heryanto Mardi — Community for UMSU Hey I’m Heryanto! I want next year to be a year where we see an effective, transparent and accountable student union, one that ensures that students from all backgrounds, interests are accounted for in a union that is supposed to represent all. Being on Students council will ensure that UMSU as an organisation is held to this standard and ensure a fun, fruitful student life for all! Vote [1] Community in all positions, for a student union that fights with you!

Divyanshi Sati — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Divyansh, a first-year Commerce student. Being a people-oriented person, I’ve always been spirited about the welfare of my peers. I believe every student should get a sense of comfort and belonging within the university. I would fulfill all obligations as a councillor and work hard to ensure transparency and accountability. I am motivated to contribute to this council and the entire union. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you! Ze Ming — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Ze (Luvia) Ming! I am an Arts student majoring in Media and International Politics, and I’m excited to run for Students’ Council in 2022. As someone who has just started on-campus classes, I know very well the confusion of students like me. I want their voices to be heard and requests to be realised, so I will work hard as a councillor and ensure our student union is governed by a diverse, experienced team. For an UMSU that cares about all students, vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

GENERAL REPRESENTATIVE ON COUNCIL CONT.

GENERAL REPRESENTATIVE ON COUNCIL

Thom Leadbetter — Stand Up! Hey, my name is Thom Leadbetter (he/him) and I am running for students council because I believe in the power in the union. I believe that this body that represents students can make a great deal of difference in people’s lives. With progressive voices informing and pushing the union of issues that face the student body a tangible improvement in the way students go about their lives at Melbourne Uni can be achieved.

My name is Evie Thompson, I use she/her pronouns, and I am more than excited to be running for student council! I have always been passionate about progressive values and educating others on issues that directly impact them. I also appreciate the importance of democratic processes in student politics, which is why I feel not only inclined by obligated to balance out contradictory views from the student body.

Zachary Matthews — Stand Up! I’m Zach (he/they) and I am running to be one of your General Representatives on Council. Student’s Council is the paramount decision-making body of our Union, so it’s important that we have experienced, grounded people to ensure our Union is best delivering for students. In 2021 I have been one of your Environment Officers, and I have a firm track record of protecting student’s interests and holding the University and others within our Union accountable. If elected to Council, I will no doubt continue this track record and help contribute to the functioning of our Union.

Evie Thompson — Stand Up!

As a student, I know how important it is to have strong and progressive student voices on council. At the end of the day, council is where Office Bearers and UMSU as an organization are held accountable. Furthermore, important issues are discussed on council, which is why good representation is essential. As a student who has been involved in UMSU, I believe I have what it takes to represent student voices on council. Vote [1] Stand Up!

Ethan Georgeou — Stand Up! Hey everyone, my name is Ethan (they/them) and I’m running for Students Council on the Stand Up! ticket. I’m a third year student studying the Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics and Geography. I’m running for Students Council because I believe it is important that students engage with UMSU. It is integral to student democracy that there are students on the committee capable of keeping Office Bearers and the organisation accountable. As an Education Office Bearer this year, I know how important the Students Council is. For a healthy and thriving student democracy, vote [1] Stand Up!

Patrick Bunney — Stand Up! G’day! My name’s Pat Bunney (he/him) and you’re going to hear about why I want to represent you as a Stand Up! Councillor in 2023. Quite frankly I’m nothing if not a unionist, which is why I think it’s such a crying shame that you hear so often how Unimelb students see their own union as being out of touch. UMSU does a lot of good work, but it’s undercut by the sheer magnitude of silly buggery on Council. A vote for Stand Up! is one for a progressive Council that’ll fight tooth and nail to put students first.

Rebekah Kelly — Stand Up! Hi everyone, my name is Rebekah and I’m proud to say that I’m running for Students Council with the Stand Up! ticket!!

Haotian (Allen) Xiao — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Allen (he/him), currently studying my second year of Medicine. As the 2021 General Secretary, and the current Graduate Students’ Representative on Council, I’ve seen firsthand what an effective, policy-driven Students’ Council can do. That’s why I’m incredibly proud to support Community, and our Council team especially, for one more push - because the journey to grassroots-based, independent-minded student representation is never over. Vote [1] Community in all positions, for a student union that fights with you!

Moira Negline — Stand Up! I’m Moira (she/her) and I’m running for General Representative as I believe we need strong and experienced Councillors to uphold the rights of students and ensure the operation of the Union. As Education (Academic Affairs) Officer in 2022, I have strong insight into the workings of UMSU Departments and Student’s Council, and firsthand knowledge of what is necessary to ensure accountability and transparency within our union. Whether it is asking hard questions or upholding my reputation for “bringing the receipts”, I want to continue that work in 2023.

Jamie Papps — Stand Up! Hi, I’m Jamie (he/him) and I’m an Arts student majoring in Politics with a keen interest in using pragmatic policy to achieve progressive outcomes. I’m looking to join the student council to ensure that as students we’re getting the support and accommodation we deserve, which I believe is achieved by keeping focused on the issues that matter and acting with integrity and solidarity. If elected, I aim to fulfill my responsibility on the council by advocating for you, and to make sure that the University is meeting its responsibilities to us of fairness, support, and quality education.

ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

Sample questions: which is the only Pixar movie to not show the recurring Pizza Planet Truck? And, what is the collective word for a group of wombats?

Timothy Abrahams — Stand Up! Hi everyone! My name is Tim and I’ll be running for the Activities Committee with Stand Up! Social events such as BABBA and bbqs are a formative part of the university experience and I’m sure everyone can appreciate how important it is to hold these events in light of the last couple years. Vote [1] for Stand Up! to make sure you get the most out of uni.

Benjamin Cronshaw — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Sophie Nguyen — Stand Up! My name is Sophie (she/her) and I’m running for Council because I want to be involved in the student union and ensure that it is functioning in the best interest of students!

Georgia Burke — Stand Up! Hey everyone, I’m Georgia (she/her) and I’m running for a General Representative position on Students Council. Students Council is central to the integrity and vitality of UMSU. Without student councillors, Office Bearers and the UMSU organisation cannot run, or be held accountable. Additionally, a wide range of issues that are important to students are discussed, and therefore strong, progressive representation on council is needed. Vote [1] Stand Up! for a left-wing Students Council. Toby Glover — Stand Up! Hi, I’m Toby (he/him) and I’m running for Students Council with Stand Up! I’m a third year science student studying chemical engineering. I believe UMSU needs strong progressive voices for students on the crucial body of Students Council which is why you should vote [1] Stand Up!

Emily Ellis — Stand Up!

Lucy Rachman Vascatto — Stand Up! Hey everyone, my name is Lucy and I want to be elected to the Activities Committee with Stand Up! Activities on campus are so important now that we are back from online learning. I’ve made some of my best friends through these activities and it’s just such a great way to connect with people outside of our faculties and classes. Vote [1] for Stand Up! for more fun activities on campus! Will Madden — Stand Up! Hey everyone, my name is Will and I’m running for the Activities Committee with Stand Up! On the Activities Committee I will advocate for 2 things. First, for BABBA to perform twice a semester, and second, for the return of meat options at the BBQ, ensuring they are both Halal and Kosher. A strong Activities Department is what makes the lives of students more enjoyable at university. So be sure to vote [1] Stand Up for fun Activities Committee representatives!

I previously served on the Activities Committee in 2020. I have been involved in organising events for many clubs. I believe Activities can organise more fun social events such as trivia, games nights and film screenings. I am passionate about trivia, including being a contestant on SBS Mastermind Australia (with special topics US Presidents and HMS Bounty).

Hi, I’m Emily (she/her), a second year commerce student, and I am running with StandUp! for Student’s Council. I have decided to nominate for this position as I am passionate about championing a safe, fulfilling and accessible university experience for all students despite their background. I would use this position to particularly advocate for greater female and gender diverse representation and opportunity, ensuring the campus is a safe and welcoming space and prioritising mental health and welfare services. We need a strong student union who makes fair decisions on behalf of all students - Vote [1] StandUp! Hannah Krasovec — Stand Up! Hey there, I’m Hannah (she/her) and I’m running for Students Council as a General Representative. I’m a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in History and Geography. Students Council is the foundational centre of UMSU and therefore extremely important - without democracy and accountability, UMSU cannot thrive. As a student with a few years experience in UMSU, I believe I am capable of continuing to represent student voices. But I can only do this with the rest of the Stand Up! Council candidates, so please vote for them too. Vote [1] Stand Up! for a healthy and democratic Students Council.

GENERAL REPRESENTATIVE ON COUNCIL

My main platform: more trivia!

Zhao Jing Hong (Jeena) — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Jeena and I’m an enthusiastic lover of music and arts. I have a wealth of experience organising events – including an Arts Week and leading a community shop to raise funds for underprivileged students – that have provided me skills in engaging with a variety of students. Being a member of the committee would mean supporting one another in working to bring fun activities to students. I am looking forward to working hard to make sure that university life is a fun life. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you! Divyansh Jain (DJ) — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Divyansh, but everyone knows me as DJ. Since school, I’ve always organised events. I’m an active member of many clubs at universities and organising activities is something that I’m very passionate about. It also gives me a chance to talk to people and see other people having fun, which is always fulfilling. In my term, I’ll work hard to make sure students have opportunities to enjoy university life while studying. It’s a time that can create memories lasting for a lifetime. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE CONT.

Barney Russell — Community for UMSU I’m a third-year science student studying mathematical physics and computing. When I’m not buried in work, I love staying active and going to social events - particularly those involving music and drinks! I’m currently a member of the PSS, MUMS, and SSS student societies. UMSU and studentlead events are always fun, and they enrich University experience beyond a mere pursuit of education. I want to help create future events that celebrate diversity and culture, and provide opportunities for students to meet and party. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Sarocha Yang (Cherry) — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Cherry. I’m a second-year Commerce student majoring in Marketing and Management. I want to run for Activities Committee because I’m passionate about running inclusive events for all students. I have a wealth of experience as Secretary of the Thai Students Association and as a committee member of the Thai- Australian Chamber. As a committee member, I will work hard to ensure that the student experience at this university is one to remember.

Sreekar Reddy Chitivolu — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Sreekar and I want to run for the Activities Committee to create an UMSU that is open and welcoming to students from all backgrounds. I believe that only through diverse voices in the department can we achieve this goal. Vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Shuying You A statement was not submitted.

Saf Meka — Community for UMSU I’m Saf! I’m a third year Design student majoring in Property. I am super keen to get involved in making the Activities Department one that is inclusive and accessible for all. From having cultural celebrations to doing giveaways, there is a wealth of events that can be held. Through engaging and inclusive events, the Activities Department has a chance at becoming a place where all students are welcome! That’s why I am running with Community for UMSU to make that change happen. So,make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Jimmy Song — Community for UMSU Hi, I am Tiange Song (Jimmy), a Design student double majoring in Urban Planning and Performance Design. Being a freshman from another country is not easy, but I have thrown myself into student life in volunteering and student clubs. Being in the activity department I will enthusiastically organise fun and engaging events, to cater to students across every background, as the thing that brings us together is accepting diversity. For an Activities Department that engages international students, vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Elizabeth Riley — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) Hi! I’m Elizabeth. I am studying a Bachelor of Arts (Ancient World Studies and Art History) and a Diploma of Languages (Russian). I am keenly involved with the student community, including being part of many clubs and societies. I would love to help create a friendly and wholesome student community for all students (including more fun events)!

So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Molly Fleming — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) A statement was not submitted.

Vote [1] Stand Up! for creativity! Ally Harding — Stand Up! Hey everyone, I’m Ally and I’m proud to say that I’m running for Creative Arts Committee with Stand Up! Did you know that Cate Blanchett attended Unimelb and was heavily involved in the Union House Theatre? She dropped out after a year, but was able to go on to be one of our country’s best actresses, and I have no doubt that Union House Theatre played a huge role in that. Therefore, on the Creative Arts committee I will advocate for more funding to UHT and creative arts in general on campus. Vote [1] Stand Up! El Vance — Stand Up! Hey everyone, I’m El and I’m stoked to say that I’m running for Creative Arts Committee with Stand Up! The arts are a huge part of my life and I’m sure it is for many other students as well. I’ve always had a passion for the arts, from producing it, studying historical and current art, and admiring the work of others. I truly believe that the student experience can be enriched by a strong Creative Arts Department, and that’s why I will advocate for more exhibitions and events on campus. Vote [1] Stand Up! for creativity!

Susan D’Souza — Stand Up! Hi, I’m Susan and I’m running for the Creative Arts Committee with Stand Up! As we move into the New Arts & Culture building, I’m super keen to make sure that Creative Arts continues to deliver for all students at the University. Some of my priorities include continuing the Creative Arts grants, collaborations with other departments like Environment and Media, and ensuring that the Creative Arts Department remains accessible and fun! Vote [1] Stand Up! for a Creative student union.

Sidhanth Francis — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Sidhanth! I am running for the Creative Arts Committee because I understand personally how important creativity and the Arts can be in the lives of university students. When this department flourishes, we all stand to gain from it and I will work hard to ensure that this department does indeed work to it’s full potential. All students deserve access to safe and creative spaces to express themselves and I will make sure that this continues into next year for all students!

Vedant Jain — Community for UMSU Hey there, Vedant here! From music to knitting, art is so central to our lives. If elected to the Creative Arts Committee, I want to encourage and inspire students to explore their creativity. Art is not limited to certain hobbies and I will work hard to ensure that the Creative Arts Department continues it’s great work at promoting all the various forms of Art at the University of Melbourne. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

I will bring this work ethic to this Committee if I’m elected. I wish to be a voice for those not heard. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

CREATIVE ARTS COMMITTEE

Bridie Turner — Stand Up! Hi! My name’s Bridie and I’m running for Creative Arts Committee with Stand Up! I’m an aspiring production designer with keen interest in theatre, the visual arts, and creating welcoming, playful spaces for creative arts and ideas. I have been involved in student theatre as a set designer for 2050 theatre and “Footloose” (2022), producer for “The Sitzprobe” (2021), and the equity officer on UMMTA’s 2021 committee. It would be my absolute pleasure to serve on the Creative Arts committee with Stand Up! to support your creative projects! Vote [1] for Stand Up! Esther Luk — Stand Up! Hi! My name is Esther, and I am so excited to be running for the Creative Arts Committee with Stand Up! I love the arts, specifically performance arts, so much, and I love how there are so many opportunities on campus. I would love to help develop the arts community here at uni and make this space more fun and welcoming for everyone, and I will do this by advocating for more events and a wider range of opportunities!

Daisy Norfolk — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) Hi, I’m Daisy. I did 2 years of a Design degree before changing to Arts. I enjoy making graphics for social media and I also really liked doing oil painting in high school. I am also passionate about the presentation of women and other underrepresented people in artworks and statues. That is why I am interested in running for the Creative Arts committee.

So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Shravya Akkapeddi — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Shravya. I’m an education enthusiast, theatre artist, and a woman who is passionate about the welfare needs of students at university. I am reliable, committed and motivated to assist our office bearers in their work. As an international student with high aims, I know that if we want something in life, we must work hard and fight for it.

DISABILITIES COMMITTEE

CREATIVE ARTS COMMITTEE CONT.

Harshita Gupta — Community for UMSU Hi folks! I’m Harshita and I am running for Creative Arts Committee with Community for UMSU. If elected, I will continue the work the department has been doing this year to support students with their passion for arts. The creative arts community is one that I have always found welcoming and diverse. I want more students to have the same positive experiences I have had, that is why I will continue advocating for art spaces. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Naomi Hanabel — Community for UMSU Hi everyone, I’m Naomi, and I;m running this year to be on the Creative Arts Committee. I want to make our campus one that is vibrant, full of art, and life. The work the Creative Arts department has done this year is incredible. I will continue ensuring that art is central to the student union by making it accessible and inclusive. I am incredibly passionate and I would love the chance to be part of the committee to also meet likeminded people. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Adam Whitehead — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Adam. I am seeking a position on the Disabilities Committee to advocate for disability and accessibility rights at university. I have experience with the way disability is treated, and often ignored, at university. I feel strongly about making our community more visible as a collective and pushback against tokenistic recognition. Let’s fight for the accessible education that we deserve. Make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Anishaa Jeyakumar — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Anishaa, a Malaysian international student living with chronic illness and disability. After years of confronting institutional ableism, I now want to drive the change I want to see. I will advocate for greater accessibility, more inclusive policies, and more streamlined services so that disadvantaged students are not impacted further. I have experience in advocacy, peer support, and co-design. It’s important that the university is first and foremost a place of learning, and it is up to us to hold them accountable. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

James Everard — Stand Up! Hey! I’m James (he/him) and I’m running to be on the Disabilities Committee! I’m running because I believe the Disabilities Department at UMSU should be there to advocate for a more inclusive space for disabled students, both within the union and within the University. On committee I want to connect with all disabled members across UMSU. There is still work to be done to make UMSU and the University both inclusive of all disabled students, but I believe with your vote we can create a truly accessible university experience. Vote [1] Stand Up! for experience in your union! Jeffrey Reynolds A statement was not submitted.

Madeleine Salisbury — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Madeleine, your candidate for Disabilities Committee. I have regularly attended Disabilities Collectives this year and want to give back to our community for their incredible support during my time at university. I also want to encourage other students with disabilities to discover the programs run by UMSU Disabilities. As a person with lifetime experience of OCD, neuro-divergency, hearing impairment, and autoimmune problems, I have deep empathy for those with lived experience of disability. Let’s fight for the accessible education that we deserve. Make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Allen Xavier Jacob — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted. Salil Gossain — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted.

Frankie Kennedy — Left Action Left Action will revive student radicalism and bring activism back onto our campus. The University of Melbourne has remained complicit in the destruction of our planet, fostering its relationship with some of the world’s largest carbon emitters, Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil. It lauds racists and bigots of like Robert Menzies, and manufactures weapons which kill Palestinians with Lockheed Martin. Yet in recent years student politics has been diluted down into a petty bureaucracy. Now more than ever students need to stand up against injustice and fight for a better world! Vote [1] Left Action!

Alice Zhao — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Alice. Every member of the disability community at this university faces challenges everyday including myself. I have tackled so many questions over the years in relation to reasonable adjustments and accessibility of resources. What I have suffered should never be experienced again by other students. I will always fight for a better environment for students with disabilities at this university. Let’s fight for the accessible education that we deserve. Make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Amelia Bright — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) A statement was not submitted.

Winnie (Wen) Zheng — Left Action

Sotirios Karabogias — Left Action

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Universities are increasingly treated like private corporations where quality of education and the rights of students are being overridden by wealthy executives trying to churn out degrees for maximum cash. At UniMelb, the VC and the Liberal government have been relentlessly attacking education by pursuing staff cuts, course cuts, and fee hikes to increase their profits. Students should be opposed to the incursion of millionaire fossil fuel companies, weapons manufacturers and right wing culture warriors onto campus. Vote [1] Left Action to organise the student body in a fightback against the corporatisation of universities.

While the world is being destroyed by war and climate change and our quality of education deteriorates, Unimelb management welcomes corporate criminals onto campuswhether its the Liberal party bigots in the Menzies Institute, or weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin, which has a research centre at Parkville to design bombs. On top of this, management made a $147 million surplus last year while sacking hundreds of staff. For an UMSU that fights for the rights of staff and students, as well as taking a stand on broader social issues, vote [1] Left Action!

I’m running for the Education Committee because we need a student union that prioritises fighting against any and every attack on higher education. The other groups in the student union, Community and Stand Up, think it’s fine to sit down with our millionaire VC Duncan Maskell to ask him nicely for some concessions. But Maskell is happily overseeing staff cuts, wage theft and the eroding quality of education to boost his profit margin. Pleading nicely with the bosses is a dead end strategy. Vote [1] Left Action to make sure the VC can’t get away with ruining our education.

DISABILITIES COMMITTEE CONT.

Jessie Xue — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Jessie and am running for Disabilities Committee. I aim to create a safer environment for students by increasing the accessibility of university support services. The lack of transparency about the services available impact the most vulnerable students and I believe that we all deserve better. I will fight to hold the university accountable for ensuring these services function in a way that actually helps students. Let’s fight for the accessible education that we deserve. Make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Eleanore Arnold-Moore — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Eleanore. I’m running for Disabilities Committee because I want to reduce stigma by talking openly about disabilities. I have grown to embrace being disabled and the ways it has severely impacted my education and lifestyle. I will use this platform to raise awareness about the diversity inherent to the disability community. I will advocate for improved support for disabled students, especially through reforms to special considerations and the CAPS counselling services. Let’s fight for the accessible education that we deserve. Make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Heather Maltby — Left Action

Akanksha Agarwal — Stand Up! Hi everyone, I’m Akanksha and I’m running for the Education Committee with Stand Up! Our education is so importantit’s why we’re at uni. I want to be elected to the Education Committee as I have seen the quality of education at Unimelb decrease, especially over the Covid period. Lots of this is attributable to the hundreds of jobs cut by the University, resulting in course cuts, staff shortages and staff being overworked and underpaid. On Education Committee, I will ensure that the university is held accountable for the quality of our education. Vote [1] Stand Up! for your education.

Ruby Craven — Stand Up! Hey everyone, I am Ruby Craven and as your outgoing Education Public officer I want to stick around and make sure the new Education officers continue our great legacy of work. As an experienced officer, I will be able to inform the new officers of their roles when they need. I’m running with Stand Up! because I believe in a ticket that runs for students at the front of mind.

A vote for Left Action is a vote against the right-wing Liberal party think tank on our campus, the Robert Menzies Institute. We spearheaded a campaign against Institute, led by Sky New host Peta Credlin and millionaire Trump-supporting Georgia Downer. Nick Cater, the director, described the Menzies Institute as “putting up a statute in a time when everyone is tearing them down” referencing the amazing Black Lives Matter protests that tore down statutes of slave-owners and colonizers. Vote [1] Left Action to tear down all the institutions that promote bigotry and the agenda of the rich and powerful.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Jamie Papps — Stand Up! Hi, I’m Jamie (he/him) and I’m in my 3rd year of a Politics major. In that time both in person and online many of us have seen incredible variation in the quality of our education. One day there’ll be lively tute discussions that could make anything interesting, and the next there’ll be zoom breakout rooms silent as a graveyard. If elected, I want to ensure that our fees are paying for an education we can be proud of, so this September vote [1] Stand Up!

Vote One [1] Stand Up! to keep experience in your union!! Rahul Mittal — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Rahul – a first year Commerce student. I got the opportunity to get involved with multiple clubs and societies since my first semester. This experience has motivated me to run for Education Committee because I want to stand up for my peers who have inspired me through their resilience. As a queer, disabled person of colour, I feel like the university still needs to improve their accessibility to students and I look forward to fighting for the education that we deserve. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Alex Menzies — Stand Up! Hi, I’m Alex, and I’m running for Education Committee with Stand Up! I’m a third year Bachelor of Science student in computer science. I’m running for Education Committee as I know how complex and overwhelming navigating University studies has been recently, and I wanted to help remedy that going forward. At the same time, this ‘pure business’ University model being pursued, has sidelined student and staff wellbeing. This needs to change, and that is a priority of mine. If elected, I hope my work can redeem the Menzies name on campus. Vote [1] Stand Up! for a progressive Education Department. Timothy Abrahams — Stand Up!

Hi everyone, my name is Timothy Abrahams and I am running for Education Commitee. I’m a third-year Arts student, majoring in Politics and International Studies. Quality education is really important to me and the recent cuts to staff and funding over the last couple years has highlighted the importance of an activist education commitee. That’s why I’m running with Stand Up! to ensure that students receive the quality education that they deserve. Vote [1] Stand Up! to protect your education.

Tom Xie — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Tom! I am running for Education Committee because I believe that we should voice the student experience to those who control how we are taught. Being active in this space creates greater accountability for those administering our education. Through advocacy, I want to see the university accommodate new ways that help students learn better. I want to be a voice, because without that voice, many of the right we have as students now would have never come to fruition. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

CONT.

MJ Rea — Left Action

Left Action fights for free education. University fees expose the naked class discrimination of Australia today, where only those with cash deserve an education. Using covid19 as an excuse, UniMelb has been ruthlessly cutting subjects and staff, and actually increasing fees for online classes. Free education was won when the student movement was strong in Australia, and the ever-increasing fees of the past decades demonstrate the ever-increasing encroachment of neoliberalism, where every service in society can only exist if it makes a quick buck. Vote [1] Left Action to turn the tide and win a better education system. Benjamin Fritch — Left Action

Anne Noel — Community for UMSU Hey I’m Anne! An exchange student from Luxembourg and im so excited to be engaging in this years campaign and Community for UMSU. i find that student unionism is very important for student life and i think community is the best fit! Vote 1 Community!

EDUCATION COMMITTEE CONT.

Divya Rajagopalan — Community for UMSU

Benjamin Cronshaw — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Suren Fernando — Community for UMSU Hey, Suren here! I’m running for Education Committee because I believe students have a right to a quality education, especially after the last few years. Due to the reliance on zoom tutorials and recorded lectures, the quality of our education has been damaged. I will fight for a better standard for all students at the university. I will fight for the education that we deserve. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Hello, I’m Divya! I’m running for Education Committee to support the creation of policies that encourage inclusive environments within our university. I’m passionate about ensuring better support for every student’s learning. I will do my best to fight for the voices of students in regards to increasing accommodations such as mandated subtitles during lectures, or working to ensure no tolerance of discrimination within educational policies. I will fight for the education that we deserve. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Hi, my name is Peggy Lucas (she/her) and I am studying Ancient World Studies and Anthropology. I learn a dead language and look at very old, dusty pottery! My hobbies include recording/playing music, watching documentaries and winning pub trivia. I am a candidate of the ISD because I care about democracy and this group allows voters to not feel so trapped between the major tickets. I am passionate about campaigning against fee hikes and the detrimental impacts to the Arts and humanities in higher education. Education at Unimelb should be accessible, diverse and cater to everyone!

University should be a great place for students to learn and exchange ideas. I have served on the UMSU Student Council and as a panel member on the Academic Misconduct Committee. I believe all students should expect a quality education and be supported in their learning experience.

Peggy Lucas — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Navyaa Jain — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted.

Sara Kabir Tisha — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted.

Lachie Mutimer — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) G’day, I’m Lachie! I am currently studying Arts, majoring in History and Ancient World Studies. I spend my spare time snorkelling, training for triathlons, head-banging to music, and taking care of my rescue dog (Honey) and cactus (Jonathan). I have also volunteered maintaining public gardens with a local group, planting trees, coaching kids basketball, and giving a hand at an Op-shop. I am passionate about getting involved, making progressive change, and helping others in the process. I am passionate about pressuring state and federal governments to make tertiary education financially accessible so students can study and learn hassle-free.

Om Parikh — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Om. I am running for this committee because I believe my experience running campaigns has given me an understanding of the juggernaut task needed to force the university to take action. Currently, they make unfulfilled promises small consumer-based solutions while investing more than $70 million in companies that have declared record profits. We must push the university to act. We must support more grassroots ideas that actually make a difference. We must force the university to listen to students.

Oskar Martin — Left Action

I have been involved in organising some of the biggest climate demonstrations in Melbourne, and have protested Melbourne Uni’s ties to climate criminals like the mining giant Rio Tinto. I want to use to the resources Environment Committee to build activism on campus and demand climate justice. Vote [1] Left Action to fight for a better future and a better world.

The catastrophic destruction of the environment, cities and people’s livelihoods by climate change could displace up to 1.2 billion people by 2050. Refugees are some of the most persecuted people on the Earth and Australia’s horrific treatment of refugees seeking safety here should be condemned. Hundreds of refugees languish in onshore and offshore detention centres. Left Action activists fought and won the freedom of the Park Hotel refugees -but we won’t stop till all the refugees are freed and given permanent citizenship. Vote [1] Left Action for a student union that fight for social justice.

A statement was not submitted.

Voting for the leaders who will act morally towards the planet and consequently towards us will help us stand on the right side of history. We did not consider the long-term repercussions in our eagerness to adopt new technologies that improved our lives, and now we are suffering as a result.

Natasha David — Community for UMSU Hey everyone, Natasha here! I am super passionate about running for the Environment Committee because the crisis facing our planet is something that I am determined to help prevent. As one person, this task is difficult and so I wish to build a community of environmentally minded people that will work together to fight for this issue. Without a healthy environment, we one day might not have a university to study at. Let’s fight for our environment. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Let’s fight for the environment that our planet deserves.

Kate Renney — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Kate! I’m running for this committee because I believe that our university should be doing more to protect our environment. Rather than sit on the sidelines, I’ve decided to get involved and use my voice to advocate on behalf of students to push the university to take greater steps to achieving an environmentally healthy campus and world.

So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Kitaila Taleni — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you! Kritika Agarwal — Community for UMSU Sustainability is a matter of long-term survival, intergenerational justice, and equity, not of left or right.

Vote [1] Left Action to demand that Melbourne University management cuts its ties with major fossil fuel industries.

Raphael Duffy — Left Action

When the bushfire crisis hit in 2019, tens of thousands marched against the Morrison government and the fossil fuel industry, whose destruction of the climate had made it the hottest summer on record. But those protests didn’t come out of nowhere. Student protests across the year set the tone: there are no more natural disasters. The fossil fuel industry is to blame for these crises. The protests said: when our planet is under attack, we fight back. Vote [1] Left Action to see more environmental activism on campus.

Sam Rathnaweera — Left Action

The world is on track for 1.5 degrees of warming, the latest IPCC report warned of “hell on earth” if emissions aren’t stopped. The climate crises is an existential threat.

Laura Dacruz — Community for UMSU

The climate crisis is getting worse with Labor’s new legislated climate bill. Labor has put forth a bogus 43% emissions reduction target which enables Australia’s fossil fuel industry to expand and accumulate more profits at the expense of the planet. We need a student union that challenges the Labor Party’s crap policies and stands up for climate justice!

Frankie Kennedy — Left Action

High Carbon consumption is harming biodiversity and the natural world, which is eroding the basis of our existence and causing COVID-19 to develop. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions.

A statement was not submitted.

39 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CONT.

Ada Pascoe — Left Action

Lucy Rachman Vascatto — Stand Up! Hey everyone, I’m Lucy Vascatto and I’m here to run for a progressive Environment office with Stand Up!. The climate crisis is here and we need to have a great environment office of our union in order to stand up against bad Uni policy and make sure we can save this planet that we live on. There is no Planet B, and we can create good environmental policy to ensure that we never need it. Vote 1 Stand Up! For experience in our union.

Daisy Norfolk — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) Hey! I’m Daisy and I am studying a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient World Studies. I am a passionate advocate on climate change and other environmental issues and working for a better paradigm for humans and the environment – such as the Doughnut Economics model. I am also involved with Aboriginal heritage, working as a casual fieldwork archaeologist in Victoria. I have written various submissions to Inquiries, such as on the Juukan Gorge caves, Underwater Heritage Convention and Renewable Energy. I strongly believe we should conserve and respect Australian heritage sites and the environment.

G’day, I’m Lachie! I am currently studying Arts, majoring in History and Ancient World Studies. I work as a delivery driver for an outdoor furniture company and spend my spare time snorkelling, training for triathlons, head-banging to music, and taking care of my rescue dog (Honey) and cactus (Jonathan). I have also previously volunteered in my community – maintaining public gardens with a local group, planting trees, coaching kids’ basketball, and giving a hand at an Op-shop. I am passionate about getting involved, trying new things, making progressive change, and helping others in the process. Molly Fleming — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Maryam Hessami — Left Action

Left Action are committed to fighting for climate justice. A huge part of that fight is protecting humanity from the increasing occurrence and severity of climate disasters. We have seen one extreme weather event after another ravage the globe. From the immense heatwave in Europe killing hundreds to the floods in Lismore, there is no denying the effects of global warming are here. We demand an end to fossil fuels now and the implementation of proper disaster relief systems. Vote [1] Left Action to ensure ordinary people are protected from the disastrous effects of a heating planet!

Vote [1] Stand Up for an activist union.

Benjamin Cronshaw — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Lachie Mutimer — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Hey everyone, I’m Mitch and I’m running for Environment Committee with Stand Up! Bushfires, floods, plagues, pandemics. All of this has one cause, the climate crisis that is engulfing the world. This crisis is not going to disappear anytime soon. Our University is heavily invested in fossil fuels, despite trying to promote themselves as a sustainable campus. If elected to the Environment Committee, I will make sure that the Environment Department will continue the work of this year’s Enviro OBs to pressure the university to divest from fossil fuels.

The University of Melbourne plays a scandalous role in funding and greenwashing climate change. It invests 70 million dollars in fossil fuel companies, hosts climate criminals such as ExxonMobil for careers days, and allows weapons manufacturers a space to do research on campus. University funding and research should be going towards saving the planet through renewables and ecology, not destroying it through fossil fuels and military technology. I will use this position to organise protests against the uni’s investments in fossil fuels and weapons companies. Vote [1] Left Acton to take on the Uni bosses and save the planet!

I am passionate about environmental crises in the world and what we can do to advocate for a better future. There are many ways in which individuals can make a difference through sustainability or advocacy. I am a keen reader about environmental problems and sustainability, with some of my favourite books being “Doughnut Economics” and the novel “Clade.” I have made policy submissions to various Parliamentary Inquiries, including on climate change, endangered species and natural disasters. This year I also volunteered as a tree sapling grower with TreeProject.

Annelise Adam — Stand Up! Hey there, I’m Annie and I’m running on the Stand Up! ticket for the Environment Committee! As young people, we and future generations will bear the brunt of the climate crisis. If we don’t step up now, there won’t be a future on this planet, and I don’t trust Elon Musk to save the environment with his Teslas and space ships. That’s why we need to pressure the university to divest from fossil fuels, and to stop pushing science students into jobs at mining corporations. For our future, vote [1] Stand Up! Mitch Evans — Stand Up!

So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Patrick Davis — UniMob A statement was not submitted. Miranda Guy A statement was not submitted.

Chelsea Daniel — Stand Up! Hey baddies I’m Chelsea, and I am running for Enviro Committee with Stand Up! I am passionate about climate justice, and have dedicated half of my life to it in various roles. As a member of Enviro Committee, I will ensure that the student’s will have someone that enforces accountability, good governance, and slaying enviro policy and projects, for example continuing on with divestment and the clothes swap. Vote [1] Stand Up! For experience in your Union. Slay the day!

PEOPLE OF COLOUR COMMITTEE

INDIGENOUS COMMITTEE

Dimi Olayanju — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Dimi! I’m excited to run for this committee because I have spent almost half my degree overseas in Nigeria. I’ve felt disconnected from the student community, but Bla©k collectives were one thing that kept me in touch with my peers. It provided me with friends that I could rely on once I came to Australia. I want to create that same environment for other Bla©k students on campus and voice our issues to the department that represents and advocates for us.

Jeffrey Reynolds A statement was not submitted.

Patrick Davis and Miranda Guy are provisionally elected unopposed.

So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

I believe student unions have the ability to use their platforms to raise awareness about issues. I believe that I can work collaboratively to provide students with a great social experience as well as fight for the issues that matter.

Dana Alshaer — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Dana – a Palestinian international student. I was involved in the fight for Palestinian solidarity with UMSU.

40 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CONT.

Reaching out to external organisations is crucial to bring new perspectives to our approach to fighting racism at university.

Upasna Goel — Community for UMSU Hey everyone, I’m Upasna! I’m super keen to get involved with the PoC initiatives like Myriad and the anti-racism workshops. Providing students of colour, the opportunity to develop their skills is quite key for a community denied opportunities because there is more often than not, no adequate space for them to express themselves and be appreciated for it. A strong department means that students will benefit in really meaningful ways. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

QUEER COMMITTEE

Marko Younan — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

A statement was not submitted.

Vote [1] Stand Up! for experience in your union! Zac Eaton — Stand Up! Hi, I’m Zac and I would like to be apart of the Queer Committee as I want to help the department grow. As a queer man, I would greatly appreciate more opportunities to meet other members of the community and create new events that everyone will feel comfortable at. Queer freiendly and queer exclusive events are an absolute must have for queer and questioning students. Vote [1] Stand Up! for an engaging Queer Department.

Olivia Baldwin — Stand Up! Hi! I’m Olivia (she/her) and I’m running for your Queer Committee! I want to ensure now more than ever that we are not only protecting queer and gender-diverse students but helping them thrive at university, which is my priority if elected to Committee. There is still work to be done to make the University a safer space for queer students. I want to fight for respect, inclusion and opportunity for all LGBTQ+ students at Unimelb!

Daniel Yong — Community for UMSU Hey everyone, I’m Daniel! I’m currently a general representative on the Students Council. I’m excited to join the People of Colour committee next year to help fight the issues that matter for students of colour. I’m particularly interested in mental health and reforming the CAPS counselling services by introducing more tailored mental health initiatives for students.

Geegee Abernethy — Community for UMSU

I’m Geegee (she/her), I’m a queer thai woman majoring in performance design. I’m really interested in arts and hope to see a PoC department that holds events that introduce students to different art forms from cultures around the world, especially in a space that is dominated by white artists. Being part of the committee means that I get to give that perspective to the work that the department does. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Marko Younan — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) I am going for this role as i’d like to make sure every student has a form of representation and feels welcome. I am a queer person of colour and can know how it feels to be alienated and left out. We need our voices heard so we don’t get left behind and I want to help be that voice.

Theo Purchase — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

41 PEOPLE OF COMMITTEECOLOURCONT.

Arlo Oliver Hay — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Nawaar Noor Ahmed — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Nawaar! The People of Colour Department is home to students from around the world. We share experiences of being silenced, marginalised and dismissed from spaces created by white people. Thus, we need to create our own spaces, ones where we can thrive without the white gaze. The department has made a hugely positive impact on my life, for once I didn’t have to worry events accessibility as a Muslim student. I will advocate to ensure an accessible student life for everyone. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Imogen Senior — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) Hi! My name is Imogen (she/they) and I’m a proud and very colourful lesbian. I’m passionate about the role the Queer Department can play in the university, especially in the case of the incredibly important ‘No Transphobia in Our Tutes’ campaign. I love the vibrant queer community here at the University.

A statement wvas not submitted. Edith Del Carpio — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) A statement was not submitted.

Make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Zachary Matthews — Stand Up! Hey, I’m Zach (he/they) and I’m running for Queer Committee with Stand Up! I’m passionate about representing queer students’ interests on campus, especially non-binary and mlm folks. Electing me to Queer committee will ensure that you have an accountable, transparent, slaying voice on committee. Some personal aims if elected include queer stand-up comedy nights, movie nights and campaigning for an end to deadnaming students by the University Administration. Vote [1] Stand Up! For experience in your Union. Slay, besties. Amanda (Al) Lin — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted. Hannah Aitken — Community for UMSU

Kaori Weightman — Community for UMSU Hi! I’m Kaori (she/they), a second year Bachelor of Arts student, and I’m running for Queer Committee with Community for UMSU. I’ve been part of the Women’s committee this year and learnt a lot from it, and I hope to continue to learn and participate next year in this new position! As a queer woman of colour, I would like to commit to supporting the further marginalised members of our community, as not all issues affect us equally. We deserve a safe environment to learn, so vote [1] Community to guarantee it! Your community is fighting with you!

Eleanore Arnold-Moore — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Eleanore, and I’m a suitable candidate for the Queer committee as a queer individual who is passionate about raising visibility and acceptance for the queer community and the wonderous people within it. This committee is the representation of the wide spectrum of queer identities and is an incredible platform to strive for a safe and inclusive environment for those who are often ostracised for their very existence. I hope to strive for the most welcoming community we can achieve, so be sure to vote [1] for Community for all positions, your community is fighting with you!

I believe I am suited for the role of being a part of the Queer committee as I believe this committee is so important, particularly in this time period where many still feel a lack of access to a safe space where they can express their true identity. I feel privileged to be a part of a committee that strives to improve this and aims to integrate as many people as possible in a kind, loving and welcoming space. Make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Being a queer person of colour, I have really developed as a person when I came out to my friends last semester. I know the struggle a queer person goes through the process. Accepting yourself is a journey and I am on that journey myself, so I can really use my insights and knowledge to help other queer people on the campus. I would love to get involved in conducting more events, and making the community a safe and welcoming space for all.

As a queer woman, I’ve always strived towards authentic advocacy for the communities I’m a part of. My queerness is something I celebrate and interrogate within my everyday, through my art, my studies, my influence on the children I care for at work, and in my interactions with my friends and chosen family. However, I also understand queerness as a thing to be fought for, and am particularly passionate about representation within institutions, which is why I’d love to work in the queer committee, so remember to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

Inderpreet (Inder) — Community for UMSU

Toby Mills — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Toby (he/him)!

QUEER COMMITTEE CONT.

Benjamin Cronshaw — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Lachie Mutimer — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) Hey, I’m Lachie! Having experienced many of the struggles of adapting to tertiary education, I know first-hand the necessity of having a support network to make new friends, good memories, and enjoyable experiences. I would aim to make university life as hassle-free as possible and to provide opportunities to escape from the grind and stress. I believe Welfare can also collaborate with local groups to organise fun activities and provide convenient services to help navigate the challenging times in students’ lives. The views and needs of students are at the forefront of my mind.

Ojas Chopra — Community for UMSU

The Student Union has an important role in providing services and supports to students - particularly with the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. Free food is a big part of student welfare to meet basic needs and provide energy. To take some inspiration from Ancient Rome, there was an old campaign inscription stating “Elect Gaius Julius Polybius [to] aedile. He supplies good bread.” In that same spirit, I will advocate for more free food including quality bread.

Elizabeth Riley — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) Hi! I’m Elizabeth. I am studying a Bachelor of Arts (Ancient World Studies and Art History) and a Diploma of Languages (Russian). My passions include climate crisis awareness and education, feminist education and LGBTQIA+ equality. My hobbies include reading, writing, film photography and educating young people! I have served on the Welfare Committee for the past year. I want to help create a wholesome and friendly environment for students, including meeting their basic needs and services.

Hi, my name is Ojas Chopra and I’m a first-year Bachelor of Arts student. I personally believe the biggest challenge in university life is to maintain a balance between rigorous studies and one’s health. Students’ mental health is of utmost importance as one simply cannot be productive when not in the right mindset. Having worked with the UMSU Welfare department in my first semester for over 30 hours as a volunteer really envisioned me with the hardships students face. I now wish to hold a more formal role in the Welfare committee with an aim to contribute to students’

Molly Fleming — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) A statement was not submitted. Natasha Ting — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Natasha and I’m running for Welfare Committee because of my experiences volunteering closely with the department this year. I’m passionate and dedicated to seeing the Welfare Department flourish. I love providing essential items to those who really need them and seeing the smiles on their faces – it’s all I need to wake up each morning. No one should have to cut down on food or amenities because of their life circumstances. I believe everyone should get a fair chance at life. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Yixin (Sissi) Guo — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Yixin, but everyone calls me Sissi. I’m a third-year international student studying International Politics and Economy. I have been an active volunteer with the Welfare Department in the six months I’ve been on campus. This has been an involvement that has been so fulfilling and has helped me make so many friends on campus. I want to help students gain these experiences too. I am so motivated to give back to the community, particularly incoming international students too. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Tanveen Kaur — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Tanveen. I am passionate about effective advocacy for student welfare. I have a wealth of experience working to help students in the community. I have worked to resolve grievance and represented student interests in front of faculty and at events. My independently-run community service projects Mystery Maniac and Solution for Pollution also compose a salient part of my experience. I will work hard to improve mental health and sexual awareness at university to ensure the healthiest possible environment for students. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Ahsaas Manwani — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted.

Yash Sah — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Yash. University has been a great experience for me so I am now seeking to give back. I have attended many student welfare events on campus and have quite an experience organising events as a committee member of the Student Club at a residential college. I really want to work to enhance student experience. I am motivated to continue helping students on campus. Students deserve as much support as possible. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!

WELFARE COMMITTEE

Patrick Bunney — Stand Up!

Jia Jialiang Yu — Community for UMSU

CONT.

G’day! My name’s Pat Bunney (he/him) and you’re going to hear about why I want to represent you on a Stand Up! led Welfare Subcommittee in 2023. Quite frankly I’m nothing if not a unionist, which is why I think it’s such a crying shame that you hear so often how Unimelb students see their own union as being out of touch. UMSU Welfare does a lot of good work, but it’s been undercut by inefficiency and not focusing on students. A vote [1] for Stand Up! is for a progressive Subcommittee that’ll fight tooth and nail to put students first.

Evie Thompson — Stand Up! Hey everyone, I’m Evie (she/her) and I am absolutely stoked to be running for the Welfare Committee with Stand Up! Having been raised in a low socioeconomic household by a single mother, I am more than aware of the detriments that poverty can have on one’s physical and mental wellbeing. Now, being privileged enough to study at UniMelb, I want to channel the passion I have for welfare into the student body. Students should not be left defenseless when battling financial and mental health issues. Vote 1 [1] Stand Up! for progressive representation on the Welfare Committee.

Holly Skordou — Stand Up! Hi, I’m Holly, and I’m running to represent you on the Welfare Committee with stand Up! I am a first year Bachelor of Arts student who’s passionate about ensuring a strong social safety net for students through a robust Welfare policy. I believe one’s potential should not be bound by their socioeconomic circumstances. As an interstate student I know the importance of welfare, as I would not have been able to pursue study at Unimelb without it. Every student deserves access to welfare services including mental health and wellbeing. Vote [1] Stand Up! for welfare policy you can count on.

I can’t cure COVID but I can do my best to make sure your mental health is fully charged up! I’m Jia, an AfricanChinese psychology major who wants the university to take responsibility for students’ wellbeing, especially those studying remotely or who haven’t quite found their sense of belonging in university yet. Hoping to reach out as far and wide to those who might be suffering alone as I can!

Chelsea Daniel — Stand Up!

Heya besties, I’m Chelsea and I am running for Welfare Committee with Stand Up! Now more than ever do students deserve access to basic amenities which the welfare office should provide. As a member of committee, I will push for accessible and consistent operating hours, and a wider range of service provision. Vote [1] Stand Up! For experience in your union. Thanks baddies xo Ruby Craven — Stand Up! Hey everyone, I’m Ruby (she/her) and I’m running for the Welfare Committee with Stand Up! As we know, the cost of living is increasing and is severely impacting students, who were already overrepresented in those living under the poverty line in Australia. Unfortunately, too many students go without decent food and other essential items. On Welfare Committee, Stand Up will ensure that good food and essential items are available and accessible for all students. Vote [1] Stand Up! for a strong Welfare Committee.

Mirriam Elzeiny — Community for UMSU Hey! I am Miriam and I am proud to be running for Women’s Committee 2022 with Community for UMSU. As a woman of colour I appreciate spaces that are inclusive, welcoming and cater to centre marginalised voices. This is why I want to ensure that the Women’s Department has these values for next year. I will work to advocate for students, so, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Surachana (Suranjana) Gulati — Community for UMSU

Labdhi Gandhi — Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Labdhi. I am running for Women’s Committee because I am passionate about serving the student community. I am a very friendly and polite person who loves to meet new people. From my experience as an events officer in the Bollywood Club, I have developed my problem-solving skills and am determined to work hard to bring my skills to this committee. I look forward to pursuing my passion for helping students and giving them a chance to explore their passions too. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

The Women’s department is one of the most important departments at UMSU. I believe I can bring a wealth of experience and passion with me to the department. As a person of colour, I want to make sure there are safe spaces on campus that are welcoming and safe. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Bachelor of Arts student and a passionate feminist who is currently thoroughly enjoying the subject: Sex, Gender, and Culture: An Introduction. Coming from a background in playing junior AFL and now umpiring the sport I have seen a sustained growth in female representation and understand the importance of gender equality and inclusivity. I am of the firm belief that everyone should have access to services and programs in a safe environment, free from discrimination. Vote [1] Stand Up!

Gracia Rehuel Santoso — Community for UMSU Hi, I am Gracia, and I a, running for Women’s Committee in 2023! I’m passionate about creating spaces that are inclusive and welcoming, especially to marginalised communities. As a committee member it will be my priority to ensure that students have safe and accessible services. I believe I can do that with Community for UMSU. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

Khushi Kabra — Community for UMSU

Holly Skordou — Stand Up!

Hirushi Muthukumarana — Community for UMSU Hi! I’m Hirushi, and I am stoked to be running in the UMSU 2022 election for Women’s Committee member. There is so much strength and value in the communities we create for ourselves and the people we surround ourselves with. As a committee member I want everyone to experience the value of these spaces and have access to them. I will strive towards bettering the Women’s department. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Meg Whitehead — Stand Up! Hey! I’m Meg (she/her), I’m a third year student at Unimelb and I’m psyched to be running for Women’s Committee. I’m a committed feminist who is determined to work to improve experiences for women and non-binary students on campus. Non-male students at this university deserve to learn on an accessible and safe campus free from fear and discrimination, which is what I’m committed to advocating for if elected. I also want to ensure the voices of genderdiverse non-men and trans students are centralised within this work. Vote [1] Stand Up! For a Women’s Department that will fight for you!

I believe that we are a product of our communities, that is why it is important for us to give back when we can. Hi, my name is Khushi and I am running for Women’s Committee in 2022 with Community for UMSU. I will commit to representing the students who elected me and advocate for their needs. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

Jeya Harini Umashankar — Community for UMSU

Hi, I’m Holly and I’m running to represent you on the Women’s Committee with Stand Up! I am a first year

I believe in leading through empowerment, which is why I am running to be on the Women’s Committee. I want the Women’s department to be a place where people can maintain and improve their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing through being surrounded by a supportive community. So, make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community is fighting with you!

CONT.

Hey! I’m Daisy. I am passionate about taking an approach to history that considers how historical women thought and felt. I feel strongly that more women should be present in political and leadership roles. One of my favourite books, Gillard and Okonjo-Iweala’s Women and Leadership, outlines the need for women “in all their diversity and in record numbers, to aim to be leaders in every field.” I believe it is essential we tackle both the visible and invisible issues women face, and make conditions where women can thrive in any aspect of life they choose.

Hey there, my name is Alice Taylor-Constable (she/her) and I’m running for Women’s Committee. I’m an Arts student at Unimelb and I’m extremely passionate about feminism and gender equality. I want all women and femme students to be represented in the student union and in the university more broadly, and as a result I’ll be trying my best to make sure this happens. I’m also concerned about safety on campus, so I want to make my voice heard so the University takes a better approach to such issues. For a progressive and feminist student union, vote [1] Stand Up!

Hannah Lewis — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Daisy Norfolk — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Sienna McCarthy-Gray — Stand Up!

Hi, I’m Emily (she/her), a second year commerce student and I’m running with StandUp! for the Women’s Subcommittee. I have decided to nominate for this position as I am passionate about making our university inclusive and representative for students of all genders. Unfortunately, myself and so many others have felt unsafe, unwelcome or underrepresented, and I want to use this position to change this. It’s important that our student union champions the empowerment of women and gender-diverse people through action, campaigning, providing accessible platforms and effective services, so vote [1] Stand Up!

Hi everyone, my name is Sienna (she/her) and I’m a secondyear Arts student running for Women’s Committee with Stand Up! because I’m a passionate queer feminist who believes strongly in the fight for an intersectional approach to an equitable society. Currently, the voices of people of colour, trans, non-binary, queer, and disabled people are underrepresented at the university so I will be focused on ensuring that all perspectives feel included in the Women’s Department, using my Gender Studies and Psychology background to help me advocate for those who aren’t present themselves. Vote [1] Stand Up!

Emily Ellis — Stand Up!

Alice Taylor-Constable — Stand Up!

Hello, I am Hannah! I am a third-year arts student studying classics and ancient history. My hobbies include reading, field hockey and playing Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. While at Melbourne, I have been an active member with university clubs, including serving as President of the Classics and Archaeology Students Society. In addition to this, I am a passionate feminist, and an eager reader of feminist literature. I am excited to foster a positive environment that eliminates discrimination and supports women in academia, including by promoting intersectionality and inclusive feminist initiatives at Melbourne.

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

Imogen Senior — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

CW: Mentions of SA in no specific detail. Hi! I’m Imogen Senior, and I’m running for Women’s Committee. I’m passionate about the role the Women’s can play at UMSU, having sat on the committee this year. I think this role is incredibly varied, from collectives to drinks to advocacy. I’m particularly interested in improving the university’s response to sexual harm and figuring out how we can improve our survivorcentred approaches.

A statement was not submitted.

As a candidate for the ISD I wish to contribute a balanced voice in our committee. l, particularly focusing on the oftenforgotten voice of the Southbank Campus students. I also endeavour to maintain and improve the products and tools available to financially disadvantaged students, continuing programs such as Second Bite and the newly subsidised food trucks, as well as improving facilities like the bread bin. I aim for students of both campuses to be on even footing, where all students can thrive in both their life and their learning.

Leyland Jones — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Olive Cullen — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Lachlan Spencer, Leyland Jones, Olive Cullen and Maya Charles Sedergreen are provisionally elected unopposed.

BURNLEY CAMPUS COMMITTEE

Lachlan Spencer — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) Hi I’m Lachlan! I’m a second year music performance student, but that’s not the worst of it: I’m also at Southbank, and we BOTH pay SSAF. I’m running for committee because the people at UMSU have a lot of ideas about how they want to improve our campuses and ensure we are represented, but not all these ideas are very good. We are a thriving campus of multi disciplined artists, and how cool would it be if we had functional events to meet each other. So I’m going to vote, I’m going to vote so hard.

With the experience of being a student at both the Parkville and Southbank campuses, I have the joy of seeing the wonderful sides of both. Southbank is the home of young artists of all disciplines, and I want to support them through their studies by providing student services and making student life a little easier. Despite the challenges of covid, being in my third year, I have a pretty good idea of student life and what makes a difference on campus. It’s important to me to help other students and work towards a more active student life at Southbank.

Maya Charles Sedergreen — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Kaitlyn Hammond A statement was not submitted.

SOUTHBANK CAMPUS COMMITTEE

Lavinia Chu A statement was not submitted. Katherine Horsfall A statement was not submitted. Claire Kenefick A statement was not submitted.

Kaitlyn Hammond, Lavinia Chu, Katherine Horsfall and Claire Kenefick are provisionlly elected unnoposed.

Vote [1] Stand Up! For NUS delegate!!! Moira Negline — Stand Up!

Felix Sharkey — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted.

Ngaire Bogemann — Stand Up!

NATIONAL

new government, now is the time to push the country to treat education with more respect and make it accessible to all!

Disha Zutshi — Community for UMSU

Atticus Corr — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted.

There is power in our hands!

Ishita Ganeriwala — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted.

Rebekah Kelly — Stand Up! Hey everyone, I’m Rebekah and I’m running for NUS Delegate with Stand Up! The NUS is extremely important for all students across the country. National Conference is where we present, debate and pass policy to influence the NUS in the following year. If elected, at National Conference this year I will present and vote for progressive policy for students, which will make our lives both within and outside the university better. Vote [1] Stand Up! for a strong NUS! Thom Leadbetter — Stand Up! Hey folks, I am Thom Leadbetter and I’m pumped to be running for NUS delegate. The NUS is a hugely powerful body able to make important decisions in how the country perceives students. After the past couple of years and with a

A statement was not submitted.

Archit Agrawal — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted.

The NUS is crucial in deciding key policy for the National Body, and has important influence over the direction and advocacy of Student Unions across the country. Promoting the interests of all students on the conference floor, especially marginalised, BIPOC and non-men voices, is something I am passionate about and wanting to continue if elected as Delegate.

48 UNION OF STUDENTS DELEGATE

Hannah Krasovec — Stand Up! Hey there, my name is Hannah (she/her) and I’m running for National Union of Students Delegate. I’m a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in History and Geography. The NUSis an essential body for student unions across the country. Every year at the NUS National Conference, important policy is discussed and passed by students to influence the NUS’ decisions and stance in the following year. Progressive leftwing policy on student issues from education to welfare are essential. I am keen to write and present progressive policies. For progressive policy at NUS National Conference, vote [1] Stand Up! for NUS delegates.

Conor Barnes — Rebuild A statement was not submitted. Sophie Nguyen — Stand Up!

My name is Sophie (she/her) and I’m running for NUS delegate! The NUS connects us all to the broader student union movement. I’m a strong believer in collective action and it’s been great to see the connections among student unions this year to share information and empower ourselves for campaigns. I’m running for NUS delegate because I believe that the NUS has the potential to transform students’ lives. There’s always more to be done and I can’t wait to be involved at the national conference!

Arya Kushwaha — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted.

Tvisha Purswani — Community for UMSU A statement was not submitted.

Ethan Georgeou — Stand Up! My name is Ethan (they/them) and I’m running for Students Council on the Stand Up! ticket. I’m a third year student studying the Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics and Geography. I’m running for the National Union of Students (NUS) Delegate position as I absolutely love the NUS and can’t wait to go to the National Conference at the end of this year. I love writing, presenting and passing progressive policy at NatCon, as it is really important for our student unions and of course, students. I also love how I get to mingle with all different kinds of students

I’m Ngaire and I’m running for NUS Delegate because the NUS is slay and more non-men should be involved (AA check). Also I’ll be going anyway, may as well make the most out of it. How good is NUS National Conference! I love voting on policy platforms and getting yelled at. That’s democracy baby!

The world is in total crisis. We’re already seeing the devastating impacts of climate change, a pandemic has killed millions already, and the injustices and atrocities of capitalism mount every day. I’ve been involved in student activism for two years now, and I know what students can achieve when we fight back, and the enormous social power we can wield to challenge the injustices of the system we live in. If elected, I’m going to make sure that our student union does everything it can to build that fight back. Vote [1] Left Action for National Union of Students. Raphael Duffy — Left Action Students are under attack all across the country. Fees have more than doubled for many degrees. Funding has been cut. 17,000 jobs are gone. That means we need radical student activists not just in UMSU, but the National Union of Students too. Left-wing activists in NUS have fought against the Americanisation of higher education, the Liberals’ fee hikes, campus course cuts and supported staff strikes. Vote Left Action for a student union that will fight government attacks. Vote [1] Left Action for National Union of Students.

My introduction to the National Union of Students was a story about the time a student ate paper at the National Conference. As much as I love a good joke about NatCon, however, the NUS serves an important activist function for tertiary students across all campuses. Booting the Liberals out of government must have a followup: putting the screws into Labor, the Greens and the Teals to halt the commodification of our education and divest from fossil fuels and extractive industries. Universities are not degree factories and we are more than cogs.

Left Action activists turned NUS’s Ethnocultural Office into an anti-racism Office. We used it to organise large demonstrations against the far right, Islamophobia, refugee deportations and for Black Lives Matter, solidarity with Palestine and much more. The need for national anti-racist activism has never been clearer. The heroic struggle of Palestinians saw massive solidarity demonstrations and the annual Invasion Day rallies show that students across Australia want to fight against racism. NUS should be organising these campaigns. We need uncompromising antiracists and anti-imperialists in NUS. Vote [1] Left Action for National Union of Students.

NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS DELEGATE

Amelia Bright — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) A statement was not submitted.

There is a specter haunting NATCON, the specter of communism. Elect a communist as one of your NUS delegates so we can push for more militant action from NUS, and we can actually get the wins that students need. No more labor hacker-y and trotskyist screaming, I’ll even bring a soviet flag. It’ll be so fun. I’ve previously represented the Melbourne Uni Southbank campus as an UMSU OB, and have pushed for academic reforms, as well as bringing much needed welfare and support to our students.

Julien Q Macandili — Left Action

Benjamin Cronshaw — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

When it works effectively, the National Union of Students (NUS) has an important advocacy role on issues that affect students. As a Public Policy student, I am passionate about looking at problems in society and what needs to be done to address them. I have made policy submissions to numerous Inquiries on issues such as climate change, domestic violence, homelessness and more. As an Independent delegate, I would aim to work constructively and promote democratic deliberation, rather than silly factional politics.

Jack Doughty — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

Annalyce Wiebenga — Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)

49 Maeve Russack — Left Action

As a member of the University Council, I would ensure that the student experience is placed at the forefront when decisions are made. I want to make sure our University is accessible to all students, of every background, and all of us can have the best possible experience during our time at Melbourne Uni.

• Providing closed captions and transcripts for all lecture recordings

Nomination criteria and eligibility assessment for this position will be set down by the University. The University will be contacted candidates directly regarding their materials and eligibility.

I’ve served as the President of UMSU International, securing significant improvements to student wellbeing during the pandemic, including a 24/7 Mental Health hotline and stopping fee increases for international students. As your Student Member on University Council, I will continue to hold the University’s systems to account, engage constructively with its leadership, and prioritise your concerns at every step of the process. I want the university to invest in modern technologies that adapt to diverse learning needs, so that all students are able to get the most of their post-pandemic university experience. Most importantly, I want to deliver for our diverse communities by ensuring that student voices and experiences are meaningfully integrated into the way our university is run. I am proud to run with the team at Community for UMSU, who have shared this vision in their stewardship of the student union. It would be an honour to represent the student body, and contribute to lasting change in this university in which many of us have found a second home. However, real change will not be possible without a collective effort. There has never been a better time to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you! Haotian (Allen) Xiao I’m Allen (he/him), a second-year Doctor of Medicine student. Having served as UMSU’s General Secretary last year, I have a keen understanding of advocacy at the University in all its forms. Most importantly, I’ve seen how the University’s systems and procedures can work for- instead of againstordinary students.

50 UNIVERSITY COUNCIL MEMBER

Conor Barnes — Rebuild Hi, I’m Conor and it would be an absolute honour to represent the student body on the University Council.

It’s this passion that I will bring to my role as a Student Member of University Council, ensuring that our voices are in the room when the decisions that affect our educational experience are made. I will prioritise transparency, accountability, and diligence in all that I do, and continue to pursue the cause of independent-minded student representation at the highest levels of the university.

• Implementing universal 11:59pm submission times for assignments

Here is just a taste of the changes I would fight for if given the honour of being your elected representative on Council:

• Allowing for more leniency for attendance hurdle requirements, and giving teachers greater discretion to excuse student absences

And there’s so much more I want to achieve! But the only way I can deliver on these promises is if you vote REBUILD for University Council when online voting opens September 5 - 9.

Archit Agrawal — Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Archit (he/him). I’m an international student from India, studying Science and majoring in Environmental Science (Sustainability).

TICKET: REBUILD

Rebuild is a completely new ticket, made up of a diverse group of students passionate about reinvigorating campus life, supporting the clubs and societies that are the lifeblood of the University, and making sure our University is accessible to everyone, of all backgrounds. We’re keen to restore engagement with the student body, so that UMSU can once again be a strong and strident voice in the corner of every student on our campus.

• Pushing for a carbon-neutral campus by 2025

We want students to have the best possible experience at Melbourne Uni - and we’ve got a plan to make that happen. If elected, we’ve committed to:

• Extending the Free Tram Zone to Melbourne Uni • Implementing universal 11:59pm submission times for assignments

And there’s so much more we want to achieve! But the only way we can deliver on our promises is if you vote REBUILD when online voting opens September 5 - 9.

STUDENT DEMOCRACY (ISD)

There are many issues that students face, including study pressure, mental health, financial stress or harassment. The Student Union thus has an important role in providing services and advocating for student wellbeing, on campus and in society. We also believe in encouraging women and non-binary people in leadership and having more respect in politics. We can disagree or critique each other on policy issues, but sexist or gendered (or any other form of) harassment is never acceptable. People have a right to feel safe and respected always and anywhere, including in their place of learning. Democracy should be open for people to bring their best ideas and contribute to productive debate for a better society. Rather than ramping up only during election week, we want to build a more constructive dialogue between students and the Union – and we believe Tickets have a responsibility for that too. Our ISD page has had regular updates with election results, current affairs, student social events and (very funny) memes. We believe that being involved in democracy is worth it for its own sake – to speak up for the things we care about, give voters more choice, for candidates to gain confidence and leadership and to make new friends. We like to encourage people to be engaged in the democratic process, which is – after all – open to all of us.

The ISD has been honoured to have incredible growth this year, with many new friendly and committed candidates (including many people involved with the Southbank campus and the Queer Department). All our candidates are passionate about improving student life and education at Unimelb, so would recommend people get to know them and vote for them!

52 TICKET: INDEPENDENTS FOR

ISD candidates have a variety of experiences, passions and hobbies that they bring to each position that they are running for. Contested and democratic elections are an important process to choose our leaders and have a more representative Student Union. After the election, we want to pursue collaboration and friendly discussions to work for the best interest of students, not simply playing politics. We believe that university should be a place for a quality, positive and enjoyable educational experience for everyone.

The Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) has been contesting Unimelb student elections since 2019. The ISD is a group of students passionate about democracy, having a healthy environment, quality education and supporting clubs (among many other issues). As a ticket, ISD is committed to democracy and empowering people to bring their unique perspective and ideas to the election – including the issues and passions that are important to them. We believe democracy can be improved with constructive and engaged dialogue and seeking to reach common ground. Bipartisanship does not have to mean compromise, but finding areas on which people can have productive agreement.

Special thanks to some of the people who have helped make ISD what it is up to now. Josh “Best Speaker” Davis had an outsized impact on the Student Council during his term earlier this year. Millie Macwhirter, our current and most benevolent General Secretary, who took up the position for ISD rather surprisingly in a by-election earlier this year and has been doing an incredible job since and -- rather bucking the trend for UMSU General Secretaries -- has not resigned yet. And to Daisy Norfolk, who people still remember as the nice candidate from the 2021 Presidential debate, who has been instrumental to keeping the ISD going (and probably deserves a break from organising things and posting my memes – good luck with your thesis!).

Statement written by Benjamin Cronshaw. For more information and news from the ISD (or for anyone who wants to be meet us or be involved) you can see the Independents for Student Democracy (ISD) page here: https://www. facebook.com/IndependentsForStudentDemocracyISD/ Or Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/independentsforumsu/

COMMUNITY FOR UMSU

1. Simplified UMSU governance:

That means rallying with students against a university administration that puts profits first. That means equitable and meaningful representation for all of us. That means putting what you want at the centre of all that we do.

2. Equitable academic policy:

We have made huge strides in making the student union prominent and accessible. Last year, a Community-led UMSU delivered the Welfare Department Union Mart, university-wide diversity and inclusion modules, reduced study load for international students, WAMnesty in Semester 2, and much more. This year, our departments have advocated for food security among our most vulnerable students, led the fight for racial justice on campus, and continued to push for reform to the University’s Student Equity and Disability Support system. No matter the circumstance, we remain committed to helping students get the most out of their university experience. Our candidates are ready to lead UMSU through 2023, so that it’s more inclusive, more relevant, and more dynamic than ever.

Supporting our Community We want to make UMSU more accessible, fighting for :

TICKET:

Students need support. Students need representation. Students need community. We’re Community for UMSU, a grassroots movement of students from almost every faculty and background, onshore and offshore, domestic and international. We’re committed to creating a university experience where no student is left behind.

• Reforming student elections, including election campaigning and regulations, and expanding UMSU’s affirmative action policies so that marginalised communities are effectively represented at the highest level.

But the challenges before us remain, and your voice is critical in tackling them. That’s why from September 5-9, we are standing once again to: Support our community, because UMSU runs on approximately $8 million of student money (your money!) every year. And while more students are accessing the many services UMSU offers, we want to make sure they are impactfully connected to those most in need. Build our community, because our candidates are drawn from the multitude of clubs, collectives, and cultural communities at the university.

• Translating UMSU and university documents, ensuring all students have access to materials in their preferred language.

• Reforming the special consideration process to make it less demanding on students facing adversity.

Last year, an overwhelming proportion of our 120 candidates were international students, which make up over 40% of our student body. Fight for our community, because our representatives have a proud track record of supporting a student body still recovering from the pandemic. And we believe only a grassroots-based, independent-minded voice can make it happen.

• Continue advocating for accessible classes and online options.

• Creating genuine student input into subject and faculty management, as well as additional student representation on the University’s policy-making bodies.

Fighting for our Community

• Involving more students in the improvement of student services through active listening, data collection and co-design.

TICKET:

COMMUNITY FOR UMSU CONT.

• Streamlining Clubs Regulations, funding and training systems to be more accessible to cultural and international-student focused clubs.

Vote [1] Community in all positions, to create a student union that will fight with you!

That might be all we have space for, but our plans for 2023 certainly don’t end there. To find out more, reach out to all of our amazing candidates this September 5-9!

1. Truly inclusive activism:

• Advocating cuts to Stop 1’s bureaucracy, including increased availabilities for both onshore students and international timezones.

• Reforming the CAPS system, securing more culturally competent counsellors for students from different identities, backgrounds, and languages.

• Pushing for the creation of quiet spaces on and around all on-campus events.

• Holding the university to account in its inaction against sexual harassment and assault on campus, fighting for a trauma-informed response centre separate from general university administration.

We want to continue rebuilding student life as we return to campus, ensuring that the disruption caused by the pandemic and prolonged lockdowns is addressed at the highest levels of the University.

2. An accessible campus for all:

• Expanding existing employability programs for students, ensuring that all faculties are able to support their students from university to working life post-pandemic.

We want to show the strength of marginalised groups largely neglected by the University. Together, we will fight for:

• Centring the voices of marginalised backgrounds in all of UMSU’s events, activities and workshops, and campaigning against racial injustice in all its forms on campus.

3. Stronger support services:

1. Engage our student communities:

• Defending queer safety and belonging on campus, especially the wellbeing of transgender and gender-diverse students, by fighting transphobia in lectures and coursework.

For more information, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CommunityForUMSU !

• Advocating for physically accessible teaching spaces in-person, and continuing the work to guarantee close-captioned lectures across all faculties.

• Working with UMSU International and student clubs to deliver both in-person and online events that connect international students, whether onshore or overseas.

Building our Community

2. A vibrant Bla(c)k, Indigenous and People of Colour community:

• Connecting communities of colour, by directly liaising between UMSU departments and cultural clubs.

We will use positions in UMSU to continue organising activism and protests to force the University and the government to take real action on climate change now!

TICKET: LEFT ACTION

That’s why Left Action has been involved in every important fight for the environment both on and off campus. We helped organise the blockade of a mining conference in Melbourne’s CBD in 2019. In 2020 we set up Unimelb Students for Climate Justice, which has organised every climate protest on campus. We’ve also organised events on campus disrupting jobs fairs where fossil fuel companies attempt to recruit students to work for them.

Left Action is a coalition of activists and anti-capitalists on campus. We fight for climate action and social justice every day of the year. We’re running because we want UMSU to stand in the best traditions of radical student unionism and fight for our rights, while taking a stand against every instance of injustice and inequality.

UMSU has been divided in the past year over the question of support for Palestine. For Left Action the issue is simple - Israel is an apartheid state that continually oppresses and brutalises the Palestinian people. Unlike the other factions, every single one of our candidates supports the struggle for a free Palestine and an end to Israeli apartheid. We campaigned for UMSU to support the Blockade, Divest, Sanction (BDS) movement targeting Israeli apartheid. When UMSU was threatened by a Zionist Young Liberal with legal action for its stance, we opposed UMSU capitulating on its support for Palestine. Through our work in Students for Palestine (UniMelb) we’ve called numerous solidarity actions, campus speak-outs, and public forums to build support for Palestine on campus and call attention to the University’s ties to Israeli apartheid.

We’ll fight for real action on climate change. We need urgent and drastic action on climate change. The crisis is here, and despite their green rhetoric no government is doing anything on the scale that is needed to prevent even its worst impacts. The Liberals may be gone, but Labor is no alternative - the Albanese government has pledged to build over 100 new fossil fuel projects and supports coal mining in Australia beyond 2050.

We stand against racism and sexism. We fight for social justice. Australia remains a deeply racist society - from the imprisonment, murder and oppression of Indigenous people, to the torture of refugees, to the prevalence of Islamophobia.

Left Action members organised public forums denouncing the acquittal of racist killer cop Zachary Wolfe. We helped found and organise Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, which has protested the far-right and racists across Melbourne. On our campus we have run a protest campaign against the racist, sexist bigots behind the Robert Menzies Institute, a Liberal Party think-tank run by Trump-enthusiast Georgina Downer and Sky News host Peta Credlin. We organised weekly demonstrations to free the refugees in the Park Hotel detention centre near the Parkville campus.

We oppose Israeli apartheid. We support Palestine and BDS.

The overturning of Roe vs Wade is the biggest setback for women’s rights in the US in a generation, and will have ripple effects throughout the world. Left Action members organised the 15,000 strong rally in Melbourne in response to the decision, to stand in solidarity with women in the US and demand expanded abortion rights in Australia. We want to fight to make abortion free, legal, accessible and on-demand!

We think turning this dire state of affairs around will require a mass movement to challenge the rich and powerful that are profiting off the destruction of the planet, and the governments that serve their interests.

The University of Melbourne likes to present itself as a progressive, green institution. But beneath the greenwashing the University has an estimated $70 million invested in fossil fuel and weapons companies, and even has a lecture theatre named in honour of the mining corporation Rio Tinto.

Left Action will use its positions in UMSU to continue to build Palestine solidarity on campus, fight for a strong proPalestine and pro-BDS position within UMSU, and protest the University’s ties to Israel.

56 TICKET: LEFT ACTION CONT.

These are just some of the many issues that the student union should be fighting around. A vote for Left Action is a vote for an activist union that organises and leads campaigns that fight for social justice. We’ll fight for free, fully-funded, accessible, public education.

LGBTI rights are under attack around the country. Left Action candidates called the urgent street marches against the Religious Discrimination Bill which would’ve given a green light to bigots everywhere. Now Labor look set to reintroduce a similar bill. We need to defend what we’ve won, and fight to expand our rights further!

Labor has refused to overturn the Liberal government’s Job Ready Graduates bill - an attack on higher education which saw courses defunded and student fees for a range of degrees massively increased. Meanwhile, the University of Melbourne has spent the past few years sacking hundreds of staff, stealing wages, cutting subjects, and trampling on staff and students’ conditions. The University is run by a few highly paid managers and bosses who treat it as a business. The Vice Chancellor Duncan Maskell is paid more than $1 million a year, and boasts about returning profits in the hundreds of millions while staff suffer and education is made worse.

Left Action are proud campaigners for staff and students. Our candidates have been involved in many campaigns against management trying to force sackings, pay cuts and wage theft onto staff. In 2020-21 we organised the No Cuts campaign to protest against cuts to courses and education quality. In 2022 we organised the campaign against the Robert Menzies Institute - a Liberal Party think-tank invited onto campus by University management which represents the neoliberalisation of universities, where space on campus is sold to the highest-paying bigots. We will use our positions in UMSU to fight for students’ rights and education. Vote [1] Left Action for a fighting student union!

Weiting, our Design Editor, is a final-year Architecture student. She has been contributing to ‘Farrago’ since 2021. She has designed the illustrated map of UniMelb and graphic columns about student life in 2022. She won the Emerging Visual Artist Award of Mudfest 2021 for her digital artwork and website design. She has illustrated for ‘Farrago’ and ‘Judy’s Punch’. She has also had her artwork published in ‘Above Water’. Weiting is passionate about creating a supportive and collaborative space. Our News Editor candidate, Josh, is a second-year Arts student majoring in Politics and Islamic Studies. He started as a ‘Farrago’ reporter and photographer this year, writing investigative pieces on wage theft, staff safety, and industrial relations, and was a member of UMSU Students’ Council for the first half of 2022. He’s also written and sub-edited publications for the City of Casey and Run For It supporting youth employment and political engagement. Josh is dedicated to creating an expanded, inclusive, and representative newsroom that reports on the issues and events that matter to students and holds UMSU and the University to account.

Our editorial candidates for 2023 are Xiaole Zhan, Carmen Chin, Weiting Chen, and Josh Davis. Each manages a specific section of ‘Farrago’, and the Media Department. The amazing Marcie Di Bartolomeo and Joel Duggan are also running to represent us on Students’ Council, advocating for the interests of student media and protecting the Media Department from partisan or political influence.

INDEPENDENT MEDIA

After contributing to ‘Farrago’ since 2021 and dipping their toes in music and culture writing as a freelancer, our NonFiction editor Carmen is well-versed in the realm of publishing. They have also been involved in ‘Judy’s Punch’ as its Design Editor in 2021 and ‘Radio Fodder’ blog manager in 2022, nurturing a distinct editorial voice and familiarising themselves with the demands and duties of an editor. As a 2023 Non-Fiction editor, Carmen is devoted to diversifying ‘Farrago’ as an outlet for queer, genderqueer, international and BIPOC students to express themselves freely, as someone who identifies as such themselves.

Xiaole is our Creative Editor candidate. They are a Bachelor of Music student majoring in composition. They were the 2021 ‘Myriad’ Creative Editor and a ‘Farrago’ Creative Subeditor for the past two years. They are also a Fiction Reader and Copyeditor for ‘takahē’. This year, they are the UMSU Southbank Education Officer and coordinator of the Southbank POC and Disabilities Collectives. Their work is published in the ‘A New Dawn’ anthology and they were the winner of the 2019 National School Poetry Award. They hope student media can be a welcoming place for all students to grow as artists and express themselves.

TICKET:

Independent Media has a long history with UMSU, having held the Media Office for well over a decade. We are an autonomous and impartial ticket. Our core values are independence, accountability, and transparency. We believe in a Media Department that provides clear, accessible information on student issues and interests, a safe and encouraging space for creative expression, and holds UMSU and the University accountable. We’re here to represent UniMelb’s student media community, not a particular political faction or agenda. We run for one office — the Media Office — and nominate candidates to run for Students’ Council to ensure that student media has a voice in UMSU’s decision-making. To maintain our independence, our Media Office candidates are chosen in a democratic preselection where anyone who has contributed to UMSU’s Media Department (including the UMSU magazine ‘Farrago’, the ‘Radio Fodder’ radio station, and the ‘Above Water’ creative anthology) is eligible to vote or nominate.

Our vision for the Media Department in 2023 is centred around three main objectives: 1. Providing a welcoming, inclusive, and representative media environment for all students: We’re committed to ensuring that the Media Department is open, safe, and accessible for all students. We want to encourage more multilingual content, expand Media’s collaborations with other autonomous UMSU departments (more collectives, more shared events), and prioritise contributions from international students to make sure all students see themselves and their communities represented. We want to consolidate and further develop the Southbank team, and increase Media’s presence on regional and suburban campuses, with more dedicated teams for reporting on issues and interests outside of Parkville. We aim to keep Media’s content and events accessible through the active use of alttext and safe space options in live launches.

3. Facilitating opportunities for growth, development, and a sense of community:

All students no matter their level of experience should feel excited and encouraged to get involved. We aim to have Featured Student Artists in collaboration with autonomous UMSU Departments (e.g. POC, Queer, Disabilities, Southbank, etc.) in each issue, an annual writing competition, industry workshops, and to collaborate with other student media departments at other universities. We also hope to foster a lively and welcoming media community through regular coworking sessions for sub-editors and the Media Collective, departmental check-ins, strong internal feedback systems to hold Media Office Bearers accountable, and fun events. Independent Media is made up of engaged, experienced, and democratically selected members of our student media community. We are dedicated to upholding the autonomy and integrity of the Media Department, elevating student voices, and enlivening the student experience. A vote for Independent Media is a vote for accountability, transparency, and independence.

2. Diversifying ‘Farrago’ and ‘Radio Fodder’ coverage to include innovative, timely, and relevant content delivered through contemporary media formats: We want Media’s coverage to remain relevant and up-to-date, by utilising online platforms like Twitter and the ‘Farrago’ website to maintain a regular news cycle, and establishing a dedicated team to publish important news stories as they break. We also want to provide opportunities for creative multimedia expression and interdisciplinary collaboration through our ‘Farrago’ website, ‘Fodder’, and socials. We’ll continue to cover the goings-on of clubs, sports, arts and culture, student politics, and other mainstays of campus life, whilst making space for new and unique facets of the student experience. We want to capture, critique, and challenge the quintessential UniMelb experience.

TICKET: INDEPENDENT

MEDIA CONT.

We’re also a ticket that is committed to ensuring student life beyond the classroom is fun and engaging. In 2023, a Stand Up! Clubs and Societies Department will focus on ensuring the culture in clubs and societies hinges on accessibility and inclusivity. With enthusiasm and passion, we intend to improve the student experience within each and every club through policy that is student-centered and dynamic, and we will work particularly to improve student safety at club events, be they on or off campus.

A Creative Arts Department that is dedicated and knowledgeable is also integral to giving our student body the best and most lively student experience possible, and to stop the University from continuing its constant attacks on the creative arts sector. Through this office, we will work to support students to express their creativity in whatever ways they choose. We want to create opportunities for all students to get involved in the arts, foster connections with professionals in their chosen creative environments and facilitate the meaningful growth of spaces such as the George Paton Gallery and the Union House theatres as they move into their new homes. We will also prioritise the mental

This year, we’re running for the elections this year with specific goals we want to achieve.

TICKET: STAND UP!

This ticket has won things like WAMnesty, spearheaded the Safety on Campus campaign and made sure a review of special consideration policy is an agenda item. It’s in our tradition to be a progressive, connected, and passionate ticket. As UMSU moves into its new space, we need to be as bold as we can to remind students of the power of student collectivism.

Stand Up! is an established ticket with a proud history of delivering change for students. Right now, we’ve reached a crux in the student union movement. We are facing attacks from all sides and it’s essential that we have people in the student union who have the experience and the knowledge to be effective student activists.

The Women’s Department will continue the fight for safety on campus through progressive policy that is intersectional, inclusive and respectful. We know that the University doesn’t do enough to protect women and non-binary students, and we want that to change. The process to report SASH on campus is confusing and inaccessible. The University stand-alone policy is jumbled and fails to actually separate itself from uninformed burearcies. We will continue the push for sexual assault and harrasment policy and support services that centre survivor voices and are accessible, trauma informed and culturally sensitive. We will fight for interactive and conversational bystander intervention and consent training that works for students. We will ensure marginalised voices are centered in everything we do, and that every non-man at UniMelb has the opportunity to succeed on campus and beyond.

Over the past 12 months, our Environment OBs reestablished the Environment Department as a hub of activism and sustainable events within UMSU. Most importantly, they rebuilt the campaign for the University to divest from fossil fuels, which has seen the University commit to incorporate all of its investments in its carbon footprint. They also restarted the Clothes Swap, giving it a permanent home in the Union Mart space for years to come. The new Environmental Justice Collective has also buoyed their presence at climate rallies throughout the year, including the joint contingent to the March 25 Climate Strike called by Fridays for Future. Next year, our goal is to increase student involvement and engagement by recognising the interdisciplinary knowledge of students as a means of addressing anthropogenic climate change. We aim to have intersectional collaboration as environmental justice cannot be done without its diverse perspectives. Our Education Department is the heart of our ticket. With the change of the Federal Government, we need to have strong, radical, grassroots campaigns that will push our University and the Government to be on the side of students. With a possible universities accord, we cannot risk being locked out of the conversation for University corporate interests. We will continue the No Cuts - UniMelb campaign to ensure that the quality of teaching and learning is protected. That systemic staff and course cuts are called out and resisted against. The Education Public department will be committed to work with the NUS and the NTEU and mobilise our collective efforts. We want to ensure that students from marginalised backgrounds are not left behind. This year we fought hard against the University’s decision to reverse the Mandatory Vaccination Policy. We made sure that dual delivery was an option for students. We are fighting for a fairer academic appeals process. The power of the Education Department and the collaboration with the President and other offices have meant that we could get items on the agenda, put pressure on the University, and deliver tangible changes. This is what we want to continue because we know how to do it.

We have the knowledge, skills and passion to deliver real change for students. We have the ideas to better the student experience for all students in the classroom and beyond. A vote for Stand Up! is a vote for experience in your union.

If you want any further information on our policies, look us up on Facebook and Instagram!

health and wellbeing of creative students on campus through the establishment of a wellbeing collective for creatives, which will stop burnout and ensure students continue to have the energy to draw, paint, write, act or create in whatever way they see fit.

TICKET: STAND UP! CONT.