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. We extend our acknowledgements to the First Nations and staff members in the University of Melbourne Community. The land we are on is stolen and sovereighty was never ceded.
The purposes for which UMSU is incorporated are:
(a) To advance the welfare and interests of Students;
(b) To represent Students of the University within the University and to the community;
(c) To provide a democratic and transparent forum in which Students’ affairs and interest can be governed in an effective and accountable manner;
(d) 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;
(e) To provide an independent framework for Student social and political activity;
(f) To develop, maintain and support Student clubs, societies and associational life generally;
(g) 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;
(h) 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; and
(i) To promote free and accessible government-funded education.
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.
National Union of Students (NUS)
90 NUS Delegates
96 Community for UMSU 97 Independents For Southbank Student Democracy
100 Left Action — Free Palestine! 101 Activate 102 Rebuild Representative
NOTE FROM THE EDITORS:
According to the Constitution of the University of Melbourne Student Union Incorporated, Farrago is required to publish an election supplement containing the names of all candidates and their submitted statements and photographs. These statements were submitted by candidates to the Returning Officer. Any candidate who missed the deadline will have no statement 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 Electoral Regulations. With the exception of text formatting, we have not edited any of the following speeches in any way, including spelling and grammar.
Greetings to my instructors and fellow students who are viewing this statement. I am ZILIN ZHAN, student number 1513826.
An effective student president organizes and manages the student union, plans and executes school activities, including chairing meetings and campus events, and assigns tasks to tutors from different colleges to communicate and coordinate. The regional level requires coordination and organization. During the first half of the academic year, I have organized many events, both on and off campus, due to my business ownership. Aside from organizing alumni offline rides and board games, I started a shuttle service for international students, a manicure and eyelash service, and formed a final revision group over 30 students.
At the same time, the student union president needs to have the ability to build a team, manage finances, and manage crises to avoid unexpected problems. In terms of team building, the chairperson needs to be able to read people’s minds and discover their potential and abilities in different fields, to stimulate their enthusiasm for work; in terms of financial management, the chairperson needs to set the financial budgets of various activities, and supervise the use of the funds for various activities under the premise of open and transparent finances, to make sure that the most appropriate budgets are used to carry out the most perfect activities; A chairperson should also be capable of managing crises. Whenever an emergency occurs on campus, such as what happened with Palestine last semester, it is our responsibility to coordinate with the relevant departments and personnel. As well as protecting students’ rights, school order will be maintained.
As a final note, I hope that all counsellors, students, and relevant staff will vote for me so that I will not disappoint you.
Hey All! My name is Julian, and I am running to be your President of UMSU for 2025! I’m a third year student, studying a Bachelor of Arts (with majors in Literature & Politics). I have been involved in UMSU throughout 2024 as one of your OBs. More! For UMSU is a promise to the student body. In 2025, you deserve: More! For your Education, More! Activities on campus, More! For Clubs & Societies & More! For your Welfare.
It is my heartfelt belief that the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) in 2024 has not done enough for you. It has not acted in your best interests. In a cost-of-living crisis, students were looking for more than UMSU representatives were willing to provide. In the most divided social and political climate of the last 2 decades, UMSU did not step up and lead. Next year, we want to lift up student voices, and provide an accessible UMSU where any student can receive the support they need, whether that’s course advocacy, representation or improved clubs and societies funding.
More! is not a political movement. More! is an independentminded grassroots student union group that wants to bring a fresh perspective to UMSU. Whether you are a Person of Colour, Queer, a Person with a Disability, an International Student, a graduate student etc. you have a place in UMSU. In 2025, More! is promising big changes. We are committed to expanding welfare support through daily welfare breakfasts, bringing back weekly live music. More! will fight to guarantee payments for all graduate placements, increase access to SEDS & CAPS, and fight the university for transparency in its processes. To see the change, Vote [1] More! For UMSU - for a student union that works for your education, for more activities, for more welfare/over word length
Our Union is broken. It is time to Rebuild.
For years, UMSU has been a tool abused by radical groups to promote their own self interest at the expense of the students of Unimelb. This must change. Rebuild pledges to direct UMSU towards pragmatic decision-making that puts the student experience above all else. Whether it be fighting for longer gym hours, the uni bar, parking, and more UMSU sourced internships, Rebuild has a proven track record of pushing practical policies.
This is a pivotal moment for our student union. The chance to make a real difference is here. Our commitment is to foster a union that prioritizes competence, transparency, and results. We believe that through sensible and well-considered policies, we can build a stronger, more responsive student community.
That is why I am proud to run for President under the Rebuild Banner. Let’s Rebuild our UMSU!
Hi, I’m Lucy (she/her) a third-year Psychology student, and I have the privilege of running for President this year with Activate. I started at UMSU in my first year as an Environment Committee member, and I’ve been lucky enough to be your Education Academic Officer this year.
As a neurodiverse student who has struggled with the university system for academic adjustments, I know the importance of a union that will fight by your side. That is why as your Education Academic Officer, I have been fighting for a smoother academic adjustment experience, and advocating for greater equity. This year, I have also been proud to utilise my role to support students facing unjust academic penalty for student protest and center the voices of grassroots activism.
This year, the Activate team is a collective of grassroots students from all walks of life, who bring with them not only a passion and drive for change but the experience in leadership and advocacy to back it up. As the Activate presidential candidate, I want our union to be a vehicle for change - one that fights against institutional racism, sexism, ableism, transphobia and queerphobia and one that isn’t afraid to take a political stance on the issues that matter
Our vision for UMSU is a union that fully funds all departments, and allows every representative to center student voices across campus. For an UMSU that fights for you and with you, vote [1] Activate!
Hi everyone, my name is Joshua (he/him), I am a second year Juris Doctor student here at the University of Melbourne. I am excited to announce that I am running to be your UMSU President with Community.
I am from Tasmania, the little island at the bottom of Australia. I moved here with my partner in 2023 and found myself alone. However, I decided to stand as an Office Bearer in the Welfare Department to try and fix the issues I saw on campus. I saw the issue of food insecurity and so we reformed Union Mart to provide over 6500 serves to students per semester with four days per week at Parkville and one day at Southbank. We developed and published the Cost of Living Report. We replenished the budget for UMSU’s PTV and grocery vouchers. I saw the issue of finding employment and so we expanded our volunteer network to over 300 active members with a variety of roles to train workplace ready skills.
My experience in developing the Cost of Living Report and meeting and working with thousands of students over 2024 has given me a broad understanding of the issues currently facing students. We have students feeling alone, we have students unable to afford medical expenses, we have students suffering in a million other ways that have gone unheard.
UMSU is bigger than just Welfare, every Department has its part to play in making this campus the best it can be. Our team has the capacity to make this campus vibrant, inclusive and welcoming to all. This diverse range of issues needs a diverse group of candidates; this is what Community delivers. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you!
Hi everyone! I have a good news and a bad news!
The good news is VVholesome is back since its last run in 2021! The bad news is that it is not an official ticket. Maybe next year it will be a comeback?
Anyway, if you are new here, you might be confused what is this VVholesome? Well it is a fun ticket with memes! But most importantly, I want to raise awareness of the importance of voting in election. Each year, only about 10% of eligible students vote in UMSU election, so it’s a bit, well, ‘tragic’. As the song in the VVholesome Facebook page say, ‘we don’t plan to win’, and ‘all we want is for you to vote today’! So vote TODAY! (well if the voting is open when you are reading this). You have to pay SSAF anyway, so let’s make your voice matter! Anyway, enjoy my other fun statements for all the other positions! Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and more) for the candidate you prefer!
I’m Luv Golecha (he/him), a third-year B-Sci student. As students, we each bring a valuable perspective. UMSU can play an essential role in making our journey through university smoother. If elected, I will work everyday to make this vision a reality.
By working with departments and Office Bearers to expand UMSU’s activities and events, we will broaden UMSU’s audience and provide services to a wider student population. I will work to provide more volunteering opportunities by streamlining UMSU’s volunteering policies.
I want to reform UMSU’s overly bureaucratic systems, making them simpler to understand and to improve transparency and accountability. Pushing the University to reform current academic policies and training systems to be more accessible, especially for students of diverse backgrounds. Having experienced the challenges of adjusting to new systems, I aim to smoothen this transition for others, ensuring UMSU is there supporting them every step of the way.
UMSU should be a safe space for all - regardless of who you are, where you are from, or what your beliefs are. Community has a proven record of listening and working with students to deliver improved outcomes. If elected, we will continue to fight for increased all gender bathrooms on campus, closed captions on all lectures, compulsory anti-racism modules for students and staff.
We believe that student representatives should work with students, not just for students. For me, creating change isn’t about doing things on behalf of students, or telling them what to do. It’s about seeking advice from the student community, empowering students to make their own change, and acting in line with their demands.
What is so general about the general secretary? Well nothing because it’s special! So first order of business if I got elected in this position is to rename this position to “Special Secretary”
Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and more) for the candidate you prefer!
To make UMSU a stronger union, one that supports students and fights for what students truly want, Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! x
Hello! My name is Gabi, I’m a Commerce student, and I’m really excited to be running for General Secretary of UMSU. UMSU is supposed to be a one-stop shop for the social life of the university, and I aim to return it to that core mission. With my team, we aim to restore good governance, repair UMSU’s reputation, and make sure that MORE UMSU resources (money, staff) go towards providing you with the best university experience possible.
The General Secretary is the administrative head of UMSU, making sure that all is running smoothly. That’s what I plan to do! I plan to recalibrate the budget to put money into clubs, make sure that student council is a transparent and inviting place for real student to come to with real problems, and revert UMSU into a studentfocused (maybe even student-obsessed?) organisation. We’re going to run more events, get more clubs up and running, give them More! funding , so that you have the best time on campus.
The other part of the General Secretary role is advocacy, and that’s what I plan to do. I want to make sure that every person, no matter what ethnicity, nationality, or religion, has their voice heard and feels represented by UMSU. We need to be fighting to make sure students bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis are being paid for the good work that they do for their placements, instead of adding it to their HECS.
I ask only for your support – your support to deliver a union that works and provides for all students!
More! For UMSU, More! For the students of this university!
Hi everyone! My name is Chris (He/Him), I am a Criminology student, and am excited to be your Activate candidate for General Secretary in 2025!
I recognise how crucial it is for representatives to actually be representative, so as General Secretary I will be a staunchly progressive advocate for a more inclusive, fairer and proactive union. Not a union that is just there for the odd barbecue or stall but an organisation that is principled in elevating student needs and empowering student voices.
Good student life comes from a strong and democratic union. A democratic union is one that represents you, and makes sure student voices are heard and platformed. A strong union means a transparent union, with more open consultations on policy positions, and more grassroots engagement. Ultimately, UMSU should be a student-led body that actively supports and engages with students to deliver better outcomes for students.
As someone that is involved in clubs across campus, I understand the importance of having a lively and welcoming student environment that is representative of a diverse community of students. With this vision in mind, I believe that the Activate team is best suited to deliver for you. With Activate, we provide a grassroots, passionate, and capable team that promises to deliver a diverse and dedicated union; a team of students that fights for students.
Change needs to happen for UMSU to thrive in 2025, and Activate is here to bring that change. For an UMSU that is dedicated to fighting for you, and a student body that is fairer and more representative, vote [1] Activate to activate your student union!
Hello! Kristine here and I am hoping to run as YOUR Education Academic Officer in this election! Through this, I am aiming to be the voice of the student body when it comes to meetings and everything of importance to ensure all of YOU are being represented and taken into account when decisions are being made! As a fellow student, I want to ensure that your VALUES, your BELIEFS, and your STUDIES are taken into account in any decision made by the university! I want to become YOUR advocate and to fight for YOU! So please choose Kristine Gia Hue Hong as your number 1 education academic officer! The advocate who wants to help YOU!
I (Leo) am a 3rd year Bachelor of Science student majoring in Computing and Software Systems. I am extremely passionate about creating a fair and consistent university environment for all where issues such as mental health are better accommodated for. Through my life I have learned how hard it can be sometimes to succeed or just pass because of mental health issues and I strive to ensure that the environment around students with mental health issues will bring them up and not down.
It is also very important to me to have innovative and consistent designs of subjects and assessment policy so that students can bring out their full potential and in later working life, succeed in creating new revolutionary solutions that can greatly benefit society.
I (Morgan) am a second year Bachelor of Design student majoring in User Experience Design.
I returned to university in 2023, with career roots that formed in the music industry and branched out into design - my deep love for learning and passion for the wellbeing of others found me advocating across industries to create better foundations for the way we learn, engage and communicate through human interaction design; policy, system, product and resource design - and in advocacy for accessibility, inclusion and equity in spaces like health and human rights.
With my own lived experience of neurodiversity and other factors that impact equity in education, I am passionate about making sure students are supported as they pursue their academic goals, and that the policies and systems in place reflect the real world needs and experiences of the diverse student body.
Vote [1] More! For Better Education
“This material is made available to you by or on behalf of [REDACTED] under section 113P of the Copyright Act 1968. It may be subject to copyright. For more information, visit the [REDACTED] copyright website”
If you are new to the University, you might still think of it as a jam (I think you can find remix of this online). So maybe we need to update the one in our Lecture Capture to the one with the jam! And that will be my first policy!
Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and more) for the candidate you prefer!
No policy statement submitted on time
Hey my name is Cat (she/her) and I am a third year BA student, and one time receiver of a unimelb love letter.
Hi my name is Emily (she/her) and I am a first year BA student, and somehow have joined 17 clubs this year (I’m very easily convinced.)
We are running in this student election as we feel that we understand uni life very well and the challenges students face with their studies.
We are keen to introduce a policy of two-day-no-contest-extension across the university in response to, in particular, financial restraints which push students to neglect their assignments to work. We believe that having a good experience with the education you receive at university is as important to your overall health and experience as your social experience.
We’re also keen to lower the compulsory attendance rate to 50%, and streamline and standardise the extension request process across the university. It is our aspiration to strengthen the unionism within the university and work closes with the NTEU as we develop policies to ensure they benefit students and staff.
Despite being ranked 13th in the world, many of us have experienced inconsistent teaching quality. We are Rhea (she/her) and Harrishman (he/him), studying a BSc and post-graduate JD, respectively. Having faced various academic challenges ourselves, we’re motivated to advocate for you and create an environment that prioritises student wellbeing, as your Education Academic Office Bearers (OBs).
Some of our priorities are:
Mid-sem Surveys: Students deserve opportunities to have their concerns heard. We’ll push for inclusion of mid-semester surveys so that students can suggest improvements to their learning experience before the subject ends, not after.
48% Rule: We believe the University’s policies should work in favour of students, not against them. The 48% rule outlines that only students who receive a mark of 48% or above are allowed to sit a supplementary exam – we will advocate at every level to change this so more students get a second go.
3-day Extensions: We have advocated and will continue to strive for a standardised 3-day extension policy, so that students who need more time to complete an assessment can have an automatic extension without explanation.
Classroom Ratios: Ratio of students to a classroom’s capacity should be truthful, as students who register for a class should always have a seat.
We will work hard to expand UMSU’s reach and recognition as a safe space for every student to speak out. We will speak up to improve students’ learning experience, and we will advocate for more investment into training new staff the basics of how to teach effectively.
Ultimately, we know students have made great sacrifices to attend this University - we care about improving the quality of education for all students and we want to fight for our community! Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you!
To make sure that we go public, we need to go big on social media! And I mean HUGE! We need to start our own Tiktok, Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, everything. So please don’t forget to SMASH that like button, subscribe and hit the bell icon to get notified. And also comment about your favorite classes and classes to avoid. Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and more) for the candidate you prefer!
Hey! We’re Alex (she/they), a 3rd year psychology student, and Zara (She/Her), a 2nd year ecology and classical Latin student, and we are running for a progressive Education Office with Activate in 2025!
Education should be a right, not a privilege, and we’re committed to organising a dynamic, student-led office that holds our university accountable and pushes for transformative change. We need a strong education team at UMSU to ensure that every student has the support and resources they need to thrive.
As students, we bring a wealth of experience in leadership and advocacy, as active committee members and executives within UMSU societies and clubs, as well as leadership roles within our respective communities and highschools.
We connected through involvement in the Palestinian Solidarity UM4P encampment and aim to continue to act alongside them as we fight for the university to divest from weapons manufacturers. The university is a place for learning, experience and connection, not facilitation of violence - which is what we will continue to argue until the university divests.
As Education (Public Affairs) Officers, we will stand for more inclusive and accessible education policies; The allocation of funds away from weapons development and into student necessities; Cost of living solutions for students; Improved mental health services; Lowering GPA for international exchange programs; Enhancing support for students from marginalised communities; Strengthening student representation in university decision-making processes; and advocating for and protecting student activists from punitive consequences by university administration.
We demand the university to speak out and give a moral stance on social issues, in solidarity with transnational threats to safe education. We ask that resources and connections of the university are used for the greater good of the students, staff and general public.
Vote [1] to activate our union.
Hi, we’re Frankie and Amaya and we’re running for the Education (Public Affairs) office because we want to fight for a university that puts students and staff before profits.
We’re proud to have spent the last few years as activists on campus fighting for social justice, against our university’s ties to weapons manufacturers and fossil fuel companies, and supporting staff on strike for better pay and conditions.
University management are cutting deals with war profiteers and climate criminals all while the quality of our education is declining. Class sizes are increasing, courses are getting cut, and the Labor government continues to hike student fees, in the midst of a cost of living and rental crisis that is hitting students where it hurts. The government has spent Billions of dollars buying nuclear submarines and giving tax breaks to landlords and the rich. We think this money would be better spent making education free and accessible to all students, domestic and international.
Students have a right to education, and one that isn’t tied up in the weapons and fossil fuel industries. That’s why we’ve consistently organised protests against our university’s ties with weapons manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and BAE Systems, all of which are complicit in the genocide in Gaza.
Last year we helped found the Students Support Staff Strikes campaign when university staff took strike action, and joined them on the picket lines to fight for permanent jobs, better conditions, and a real wage rise. When staff are given enough time, money, and job security to teach without stress it means a better quality of education for students.
Next year we’ll continue the fight for a free Palestine, against the corporatisation of our universities, and against the Labor government’s cost of living attacks on students.
No policy statement submitted on time
Hey! We are Sonika (she/her) and Viraj (he/him), running as your Education Officers (Public). We are in our 2nd year of pursuing a Bachelor of Science and Biomedicine, respectively.
Sonika is an Indian international student studying Computing and Information Systems and volunteers for Union Mart as a Point of Sales Manager. Viraj is queer South African-Australian and works a casual job at GYG to support his studies. In his first year, he knew little about unions and his worker and student rights until successfully running for Queer Committee last year.
We are passionate about representing students from all backgrounds and empowering their voices in UMSU and the university.
Primarily, we aim to support students in pursuing careers during and after their degree by advocating for universally accessible university placement programs. This includes making paid internships mandatory for all relevant subjects and enhancing digital infrastructure and support for students.
As first-years, we noticed there’s little interaction with peers outside of contact hours, which led to us feeling isolated and disengaged. We will address this issue by increasing interaction within faculties through monthly faculty-based collective events. We aim to reinstate the Education Action Collective, the Rural, Regional and Interstate Collective, and UMSU Assemblies to bring diverse voice back into the Department.
Additionally, we’ll offer ‘Know Your Rights’ workshops to equip students with tools to identify when their rights are being ignored and empower them to readily approach the department. Our objective is to establish an ‘Ally Link’ on campus to bolster support for queer students and enhance representation across faculties. We will prioritise publishing end-of-semester surveys to hold subject coordinators accountable for providing comprehensive course feedback.
If you believe in a union that fights for you, Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey everyone!
We are Odi (They/Xe) and Hannah (She/Her), and we will be running as Welfare Officer with Activate.
Odi is in their first year, studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Geography and Gender Studies. They are the current Convenor of the UniMelb Greens Club with experience in grassroots organising and social justice campaigns.
Hannah is in her second year of Commerce majoring in Finance and Accounting. As an international student, Hannah understands firsthand the challenges of navigating a new environment while balancing academic responsibilities. Her dedication to social justice drives her commitment to enhancing student’s welfare at UniMelb.
Together, we hope to lead a vibrant values-led student Welfare campaign, fighting for and delivering upon issues important to you and the wider student community.
We will be tackling the cost of living crisis head on by providing immediate, accessible and appropriate mutual aid services for students. This will include boosting funding for Union Mart services; facilitating free brunches and community meals; and hosting Welfare barbeques, roundtable discussions and student rights forums.
We will be campaigning for an expansion of the Free Tram Zone to the Swanston Street tram stop. We are determined to fight for paid placements for degrees requiring mandatory unpaid work placements. And we will work to promote the cultural safety and accessibility of our campus through anti-racism and disability justice workshops for students.
Our university is an amazingly diverse community. With this diversity comes a range of different needs and lived experiences. As such, we believe this position should be directed and informed by the needs of students. We want to hear what you have to say, and how we can work together to build a strong, accessible and empowering Welfare Department.
Vote [1] to activate our Union!
As the 2025 Welfare Officer, I am committed to ensuring that students do their best at University by feeling their best. It will be my responsibility to organise resources, points of contact, and events that embrace student wellbeing, diversity, and safety while at University and beyond. I aim to promote the importance that the University of Melbourne places on a student’s wellbeing and mental health while studying. My goal is to spread awareness of on-campus services that cater to the students, for the students. In 2025, I plan to bring new positive energy into this UMSU department by ensuring that students and even alumni know exactly how to reach out when in need.
mtcampbell@student.unimelb.edu.au
gcherbert@student.unimelb.edu.au
Hello! Our names are Michael Campbell and Enje Herbert. I (Michael) am a fourth year from a Bachelor of Arts, and I (Enje) am a secondyear majoring in Psychology and Ancient Greek. We’re both excited to run with More! for UMSU as your candidates for Welfare! We’re passionate about student welfare, and we’re determined to bring in a range of perspectives to make sure your Welfare Department delivers what’s best for you. Bringing in more queer, non-binary, neurodivergent, and international perspectives to student welfare is crucial to delivering services that students rely on to get by.
We’re in a cost-of-living crisis, and students are faced with difficult choices, between working to make ends meet or finishing their assignments on time. We need a UnionMart which is fit to serve the needs of students in these times, and that’s why we’re also keen to expand student support services so students can count on the student union to be there for them when they most need it. Most Importantly though, we would love to hear from you about what issues you are facing on campus and how we can work together to do More! for you on campus. A vote for us, is a vote for stronger student services, more welfare support, and a more inclusive union.
Vote [1] More! for UMSU, to support Michael and Enje for Welfare!
As a law student with a disability, hailing from a diverse background, I understand the multifaceted challenges students face in balancing academic and non-academic life. My experience as the three-time convenor of the Social Responsibility and Welfare Committee at NALSAR University has equipped me with the skills and insight necessary to serve as your Welfare Officer.
During my tenure at NALSAR, I spearheaded several successful initiatives:
• Established a peer counselling network, providing confidential support for students
• Implemented a “Wellness Wednesday” program, promoting mental health awareness
• Created a student-led food bank to support those facing financial difficulties
Building on this experience, I envision implementing innovative welfare programs at the University of Melbourne:
1. Launch a “Global Buddy” system, pairing international and local students for mutual support and cultural exchange
2. Develop a “Skills Swap” platform, enabling students to share expertise and learn from peers across disciplines
3. Introduce “Mindful Study Spaces” equipped with stress-relief tools and quiet zones
4. Establish a “Student Welfare Advisory Board” to ensure diverse perspectives inform university policies
5. Create a “Holistic Health Pass” program, incentivizing participation in physical, mental, and social well-being activities
As your Welfare Officer, I pledge to:
• Act as a bridge between students and administration, advocating for your needs
• Promote a balanced approach to academic and non-academic life
• Ensure welfare initiatives are inclusive and accessible to all students
• Regularly seek feedback and adapt programs to meet evolving student needs
I am committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where every student can thrive. By voting for me, you choose a candidate dedicated to your well-being and success.
Together, we can create a university experience that nurtures academic excellence and personal growth.
Let’s build a community where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
No policy statement submitted on time
As the 2025 Welfare Officer, I am committed to ensuring that One thing that is very important for Welfare is Cookie! So there will be free cookies! Nom Nom Nom (Cookie Monster Approved!)
Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and more) for the candidate you prefer!
Hey there! We’re Filia and Kunal. We will be running for Welfare Office with Community. We are both studying Computing and Software Systems. Our passion for welfare has been exhibited through our volunteering in programmes like Union Mart, Bites and Bustles and Welfare Brunches.
We have personally witnessed the severity of the Cost of Living crisis at the University and aim to address this difficulty by keeping Union Mart open both in mornings and afternoon.We plan to expand the daily capacity to 250 students, while organising regular pop-up stalls across different parts of the University. Additionally, we aim to hold more clothes swap and appliance pop-ups, to facilitate reuse and recycle.
The Cost of Living Report by the 2024 elected Welfare Office Bearers indicates that 85% of respondents removed grocery items from their baskets, which included micronutrients, essential for development and academic performance. To address this problem, we strike to make nutritional ingredients more accessible to students through Union Mart and through collaboration with food vendors for more affordable options. Furthermore, the report highlights an emotional strain as a result of the crisis. For this, we would like to conduct meditation and yoga sessions, while expanding the support provided by CAPS.
Kunal is in his third year and deeply resonates with the challenges that students face with securing jobs. With University’s success in research-based pathways, we want to broaden the student’s approach by introducing them to industry-based avenues in their aspired fields.
Coming from Indonesia and India, where prices are significantly cheaper, the cost of living and inflation in Australia is a monetary and mental shock. That’s why we’re here to help offer students a better University experience. That’s why make sure to vote [1] for Community for UMSU in all positions. Your Community is fighting with you.������
Greetings to my instructors and fellow students who are viewing this statement. I am ZILIN ZHAN, student number 1513826.
It would be my pleasure to be considered for the position of Welfare Officer in the Students’ Union. Based on my understanding of the role of the Welfare Officer, it is primarily responsible for looking after the welfare of students and improving their level of satisfaction with campus life.
Among the items distributed by the material welfare division are basic foodstuffs, holiday gifts, school supplies, clothing, and a wide range of other items. Depending on the holiday, it may be every week or every other week depending on the holiday. Additionally, orientation and festival celebrations can be arranged as a means of enhancing the feeling of belonging to the community.
Additionally, the welfare officer should pay particular attention to the psychological well-being of students and the care of special groups. Today’s society cannot ignore psychological problems. A welfare officer should actively engage in mental health lectures, psychological counselling activities, and other activities as 62 out of 100 people suffer from mental illnesses, according to BBC News. It is the responsibility of the welfare officer to actively respond to the school to apply for financial assistance for students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students.
Personally, I believe that the role of the welfare officer is a very meaningful one. I experience an uncontrollable sense of pride and healing whenever I enable those in need of assistance to receive assistance.
Please vote for me so that I may be able to pursue this career.
For centuries, women have been at the forefront of change, defying expectations and rewriting the narrative of what it means to be powerful. We are Eya Takrouni (She/her) and Khwaish Jadeja (she/ her), and we will be running for the Women’s Department Office Bearers (OBs) with Community for UMSU.
The Women’s Department is a testament to an ongoing journey of fighting for our rights. We wish to provide a platform to voices that have been traditionally excluded from society. There are several barriers that women continue to face and we will fight for better policy and resources at all levels.
Our goals:
To run more effective collectives/workshops to raise awareness for women’s health specifically endometriosis, PCOD, symptoms/ treatment for diseases with experts, industry skills, and harm reduction. Also providing education on rights during pregnancy, maternity leave, and steps to take in cases of sexual misconduct.
Sanitary products are a necessity, not a luxury. To push for more products to be freely accessible in public spaces and the installation of vending machines with free sanitary products.
Expand the women’s space, for better relaxation, whether during period cramps, needing a heating pad or having tea.
Advocate for better breastfeeding spaces on-campus.
Strive to expand CAPS sessions for survivors to grow from 6 to at least 10.
Collaborating to have accessible self defense classes.
More proficient ‘Consent Matters Module’ to inform students about the foundations and importance of consent.
Make existing resources accessible through efficient promotion, like Safe Zone and Speak Safely Portal, to support those who experience any level of SASH.
We have the strength and ability to shape the future for a better outcome. We have power to push for change so make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! x
Hi! We’re Eva (She/her) and Tamanna (she/her), both second-year Media and Politics students and we are running to be your Women Officers for 2024!
The Women’s Office advocates for women-identifying and nonbinary students on campus. As your prospective representatives for Womens, we want to advocate for a more inclusive campus that not only supports women but enables us to thrive in our education.
It is no secret that women in this country are vulnerable to the impacts of gender inequality. Women of colour and Queer women are even further impacted by these injustices. If we’re elected as your OBs for Women’s we will prioritise raising awareness of and breaking down systematic inequality.
We will host a Women’s week centered around providing women with the tools to develop financial literacy, contraceptive and sexual health knowledge, domestic violence training and more. We will also ensure that domestic violence workshops are provided to all students, because everyone has a role to play in solving gender inequality.
Our aim is to raise awareness and offer support to women facing all forms of challenges by providing everyone with a safe space, and access to resources in our weekly women’s catch ups. We would initiate a stricter university policy against naming and shaming of women, locker room gossip, sexualisation and objectification of women.
We will fight for a more inclusive Unimelb culture that empowers women on campus. From weekly women catch-ups to on-campus rallies we are putting women’s issues high on the agenda, ensuring that no woman on campus feels discriminated against, or lesser on the basis of gender.
As your candidates for Womens we will embody what it means to be a student representative, truly uplifting and highlighting what issues matter to women at Unimelb.
Vote [1] Activate to Activate your union!
cteja@student.unimelb.edu.au
gglover@student.unimelb.edu.au
Hello! Our names are Hanny Angelita Teja (she/her) & Georgia Glover (she/her). We are really excited to run as the candidates for the Women’s Department! Hanny is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student studying psychology and one of the 2024 Clubs and Societies Office Bearers. Georgia is originally from Darwin/Garramilla and moved down four years ago to study. Recently graduating from the Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Gender Studies, she is now in her first year of Master of Social Policy.
We’re deeply passionate about reproductive rights, social change, and creating a safe, inclusive space for women, non-binary, and gender diverse people. Our goal is to promote creative outlets through campaigns and workshops focused on protecting women’s rights and ensuring safety on campus, as well as increasing access to free period products.
Our aim is for the Women’s Department to be representative of the diverse and intersectional community of the University of Melbourne. Through the Women’s Collective, we want to lead discussions and, more importantly, listen to you about the issues that matter most! Together, we can advocate and fight for issues that matter to you.
Vote [1] for Hanny and Georgia as your new Office Bearers for the Women’s Department to do MORE! For UMSU!
Sugesti Aprilia and Nadira Natasya are running jointly for the position of Women’s Officers at UMSU. Both of us are currently pursuing a Master of Development Studies with Sugesti taking a specialization in gender. Together, we bring a wealth of experience in advocating for the rights and well-being of students especially women.
Sugesti has a 5 year experiences as a former feminist NGO worker who focused on the fulfillment of sexual and reproductive health rights. Her expertise makes her the ideal candidate to advocate for women’s rights and address their specific needs effectively.
Nadira, as the founder of a youth empowerment NGO, have engaged hundreds of volunteers in impactful projects. Additionally, she is also an active content creator on social media. This has equipped her with the skills to create engaging social events and ensure effective communication.
As Women’s Officers, we will prioritize providing students with the awareness of putting an end of sexism and oppression and to achieve gender equality in practice. We will also have educational and fun events that promote feminist debate and action, fostering a community of informed and engaged women. We will initiate and maintain inclusive facilitation students especially women and other genders.
We believe in a meaningful participation of women to leadership, ensuring all voices are heard and valued, and that the specific needs of women (and other genders) students are met.
We are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment within the student union. This means encouraging open, honest discussions where all viewpoints are considered, and ensuring that every student feels heard and valued. By promoting a constructive dialogue, we aim to build consensus and develop policies that reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of our student body. Freedom of speech, debate, and thought are vital tenants of our philosophy. Our vision is not just for temporary improvements but for sustainable, long-lasting change. We will focus on creating policies and initiatives that deliver enduring benefits and build a solid foundation for future student union leaders. By adopting a forward-thinking approach, we will address both current challenges and anticipate future needs.
I think I’m so creative but tbh, this is all ChatGPT (no it is not) (that’s what ChatGPT would have said)
Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and more) for the candidate you prefer!
Hey!! We’re the Jesses (Jessica Tran and Jessica Fanwong) and we’ll be running for the Creative Arts Department. With our extensive involvement in the CA space we believe we have the experience, enthusiasm and dedication to bring about a fun, diverse, accessible and enriching CA space that is better than ever.
Since starting her degree, Jess T (she/her) has launched straight into the CA space – acting as lead roles in 3 theatre shows, writing, directing, producing shows, as well as playing in the band of Apollo Music Society, being a highly active member of TGS and is a member of the 2024 CA committee. She is also the current president and one of the co-founders of Cipta Theatre Company (alongside the other Jess).
Jess F (she/her) has been involved in various clubs, projects and initiatives in CA and the wider UMSU space. She has been in the committee of CLAWS, MACSS, DPC, as well as various production and committee roles across FLW, MUSC, UMMTA and Flare Dance. She is currently the creative editor of Farrago magazine, spearheading a new creative competition Below Earth, aimed at creating opportunity and community for student artists.
The post-COVID years have seen a boom across the CA space – new clubs and projects sprouting rapidly. As such we wish to ensure the thriving student arts-space is provided with sufficient support. Our vision for the coming year centres around three pillars. Unity – ensure all areas of CA are represented, with a special emphasis on supporting underrepresented areas and better promotion of individual student artists. Opportunity – make CA more accessible to new artists and uplift minority voices. Sustainability – environmentally making CA more green and financially ensuring more stability.
A vote for Activate is a vote for a stronger CA, run by artists for artists.
Greetings and hello, we are Tianyi Yu (He/Him) and Riya Gupta (she/ her) running for the Creative Arts Officer Bearers (OBs) with Community. We both strongly acknowledge the need for enhanced creative outlets and aim to provide such opportunities to all students.
I, Tianyi, have a background in theatre and a strong commitment to student wellbeing. I aim to create an inclusive environment where all students feel comfortable participating in theatre and other creative arts opportunities.
I, Riya, am studying a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology and Criminology. I am an International woman of colour and a passionate dancer. I strongly believe in the transformative power of the arts in education and personal development, especially among university students.
Together, as your Creative Arts OBs, we wish to
1. Focus on expanding artistic opportunities and making facilities –like art supplies, dance rooms, music studios, theatre spaces among others – and more accessible for enjoyment purposes, for all students across all campuses.
2. Furthermore, we believe that networking within the creative arts community is crucial. We want to work on organising events that connect students with industry professionals, helping them to open doors for internships, job opportunities, and professional growth.
3. We plan to organise workshops that are open to all students, regardless of their level of experience. Whether you’ve never danced before or are curious about trying your hand at acting, these sessions will help you get started and find your passion in the arts.
4. To support students’ mental health, we want to incorporate art therapy and wellness workshops, making use of art as a tool for relaxation, self-expression, and emotional well-being.
Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Once again, the policy for this department will be DAB
Doo Doo Doo, Baby Shark Doo Doo Doo
All I want for Christmas is youuuuuu!!!!
(Do you) Believe in life after love?
Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and more) for the candidate you prefer!
Howdy! We’re Liv (she/her) and Amy (she/her) and we’re thrilled to be your Activities Office Bearers (OB) candidates for 2025!
Between us we bring a wealth of experience in creating fun and engaging events – Liv as a 3-years-strong Clubs and Societies Executive and Amy as your current Activities OB for 2024. We’re also wise studying a PhD and Master’s in 2025
We’re passionate about continuing to create events you know and love (Bites and Bustles!) while introducing some exciting new ones. Our goals:
Double B&B: Host the popular Bites and Bustles twice weekly to double yummy BBQs and lit times.
Cultural and Historical Celebrations: Host cultural events like Holi, Eid, Iftar, Mid-Autumn Festival, Diwali, Lunar New Year, and historical UMSU events like St. Paddy’s Day, Oktoberfest, Start of Uni and End of Exam Parties.
Collaborative and Inclusive Events: Partner with Clubs and start offering more intimate events: movie nights, video game tournaments, craft-a-thons.
Comprehensive Promotion: Produce an Activities booklet with activities hosted by UMSU Departments and other student-led groups to ensure students know the opportunities and free-food available.
Active Well-being: Promote sporting collabs, rock climbing, bungee trampolines to promote physical and mental well-being among students.
University Collabs: Collab to host RUOK Day, Uni Mental Health Week, O-Week events emphasising importance of mental health and well-being.
Activities Space: Maintain board games, playing cards, bean bags, various crafts are available in the UMSU Building.
Listen to Students: Foster a safe-space where students input into Activities we run.
We stand for making safe spaces where everyone can let their hair down, be themselves, leave with new mates, a snag and smiles.
With your support, we’ll make UMSU a vibrant and inclusive space for everyone. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Howdy! We are Kai (he/him) and Saraf (she/her) and we would love to be the Activities Office Bearers for you in 2025!
From Kai’s experience as Events Coordinator of the Melbourne Arts Students Society and Saraf’s as President of the Melbourne University Dancesport Club, we feel that we are well equipped to lead you through the next year of UMSU events.
By Students, For Students:
It is no secret that for people to attend events, they have to be events that people want to go to. Student voice is the most valuable source of event ideas - which is why we would work to ensure there are opportunities to provide regular feedback and suggestions so that we can run the events that you want! Furthermore we know that welfare at events is essential and we will ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable at any and all events, because your enjoyment is our number one priority.
Something for Everyone:
The University of Melbourne is a home to a diverse mix of people with different backgrounds, beliefs, hobbies and interests. So we know that not one event will appeal to everyone. As such we want to diversify what is available at uni and create events that accommodate everyone’s wants. Whether you’re a hardcore sesh head, die hard sports fan or even the noble uni grinder we want to make sure that your needs are catered for.
No Cost, High Reward:
As broke uni students like yourselves we know that there are three things we are in dire need of: Free Food, Free Bevs, Free Events. Sounds like a dream come true right? With us as your OBs we can make that dream a reality.
Help us help you, Vote [1] Activate!
Hi, we’re Ivy (she/her), a first year student and Teddy (they/them), a second year student. As both queer, trans people at the university, we are acutely aware of the importance of support systems and resources, which we believe to be currently under-developed and under-represented.
We hope to support existing events, prioritising those for the most vulnerable in our community - trans people and queer people of colour. The Queer department should focus on both fostering community and support, so we want to provide queer people with necessary and affirming resources and care. Queer officers should support queer students in discovering and following their journey of self actualisation. We will deliver resources and avenues for trans and gender diverse students like us to access important, affirming and required information, care and support - from legal and medical information to material necessities, to emotional and mental wellbeing. In this, we acknowledge that different trans and gender diverse people have different and specific needs, and aim to strengthen resources available particularly to transfems.
We will also expand the scope of queer events, expanding from a food-and-drink focus to a more holistic range, allowing all queer people to be included. Alcohol-free events, and craft based events, in addition to existing events like G&Ts with the LGBTs will foster community and diversity.
Moreover, we see the uni failing to support trans students through transphobic faculty and the difficulty in changing names within the systems. This isn’t sufficient and we’re being left behind by the uni. We want to combat these queerphobic attitudes and make sure no queer person feels unsafe at uni.
Ultimately, we are dedicated to supporting all queer and questioning people on campus, to allow for material and emotional selfexpression and happiness.
Vote [1] to Activate your student voice
Hello everyone, this is Binderiya (she/her) and Ethan (he/him). Binderiya is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student from Mongolia, and Ethan is a second-year Bachelor of Arts student from the outer suburbs and a part of the Access Melbourne program. We are running for the position of Queer Office Bearer at UMSU, your Student Union - a home away from home! We believe it’s important for all queer students to have a voice in the Student Union.
We would give our all to make sure you have a platform and a place at our University, where you can build your community and feel welcomed. We want to ensure you have a safe space where you can be yourself regardless of identity or background. We will also make sure that with UMSU, you have all the resources to make your University experience more enjoyable. As queer students at the University of Melbourne, we want to maintain the diversity and the energy of the Queer Department while making sure that everyone is heard and represented. We want to make the Queer Department a known entity throughout the University, so that all queer students know that their Union has their back.
We have the skills necessary to be successful Queer Office Bearer at UMSU, as passionate and enthusiastic advocates for queer rights and safety for all queer students regardless of background. We have strived to create more inclusive spaces and will continue to do so. We are strong and capable candidates for the position and we are confident to build a stronger queer community on Campus.
We will work hard to make UMSU a more welcoming, supportive and representative space for all queer people.
Make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
No policy statement submitted on time
cafanasyev@student.unimelb.edu.au
lssincl@student.unimelb.edu.au
We have to send them in no more editing bestie
Hi! Our names are Corbin Afansyev & Lucas Sinclair, and we are proud to be running together for Queer department office bearers with More!. Corbin is a transgender man studying Linguistics, being from Kazakhstan and of Russian background. Lucas is nonbinary neuroscience student from Tasmania
Our vision for the next year is to bring More! for all LGBTQIA+ students in Melbourne University’s community. We want to give the student body more events organised by and for queer people, helping build a strong, inclusive and supportive community on campus by protecting and facilitating the vital work done by autonomous collectives.
Staying in touch with what queer students actually need and want is foundational to our vision for the department, and when you vote us in you know you will always be able to count on us to hear and address your concerns.
As a matter of priority, we want to center trans students’ issues, focusing on advocating for a better, more inclusive university experience for everyone at every step of their transition; including addressing issues of preferred names not being used and accessible resources for students’ mental and physical wellbeing. Everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome on our campus, and it is the explicit responsibility of the student union to work tirelessly to achieve these goals.
Most Importantly though we would love to hear from you about what issues you are facing on campus and how we can work together to do MORE! For UMSU, More! For Queer Students.
Hello Friends!
We are Jayde and Helena, with our furry mascot Gumnut! Jayde is a Political Science student and Helena is studying Biochemistry; we’ve bonded over our shared passion of caring for our Environment, Animals and Sustainability. We have both been heavily involved in the student community, having served on the committees of and volunteering in the Welfare Department, Union Mart, Effective Altruism and Vegan Club, MU Boxing, Sustainability events and Peer Mentoring.
In the face of growing climate change anxiety among our generation, we want to bring students together to envision and build towards a better future for us, our planet and all the creatures we share it with.
As your Environment Officers, we want to work on projects empowering students to enact real tangible change across the individual, community and systemic scales.
With us as your Environment OB’s, you can expect to see in 2025; HEAPS of engaging and fun Sustainability Seminars, workshops and events for students,
Clothing Swaps and Second Hand Student Markets run by UMSU Enviro,
A relaunch of the dormant Environment Collective,
Establishment of an Equipment Library for Students,
Collaborations with existing clubs and projects on campus to amplify their work with greater funding and resources,
Work with First Nations people to bring an Indigenous Paradigm into Sustainability on Campus,
Pushes for sustainable policies within UMSU and the University, Advocacy for decreasing Animal cruelty and exploitation on campus, Grants and Resources to help clubs run more sustainable events, and Work in partnership with the University’s Sustainability team; bringing a student voice to the University’s sustainability strategies.
To see these necessary changes, Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi, we’re Rachael (she/her) and Kay (he/him) and we are running for the Environment office for 2025. We are excited to be part of a progressive and left-wing team of students who want to Activate student voice on campus and Activate our student union!
We both have a long history in climate activism. Kay being one of the National organisers and founding members for School Strike 4 Climate, Kay organised and mobilised one of the biggest student and youth movements in Australia’s history. We know how to build sustainable and mass movements to achieve change!
We are outraged with the global inaction on the issue of climate change including here within Australia. In the past few years, we have seen the effects that climate change is having on our shores with the Black summer bushfires and the catastrophic flooding around Australia.
We want to build a movement on campus which holds our universities and government to account for their inaction on climate change. That’s why if we are elected, we will demand greater transparency, disclosure and immediate divestment of all fossil fuel projects and shares. We want them off our campus and out of our research.
This also extends to weapons manufacturers which our university has deep ties with. Millions and millions of dollars of blood money is poured into our university from companies that facilitate ecocide and genocide right now in Palestine. If elected in 2025 we commit to supporting the campaign of disclosure and divestments from weapons manufacturers on campus. We want investment and research into renewable energy not weapons and fossil fuels!
To ensure our student union is progressive in 2025 Vote [1] Activate for all positions.
We’re Pen and Lucy and we’re running for the Environment Office!
2023 was the hottest year on record with temperatures reaching 1.6C above pre-industrial levels of warming. This year floods ravaged Brazil and southwest Asia, both killing hundreds of people. Heatwaves then spread across Asia killing over 1,500 people in Myanmar alone. These disasters have all been made more likely and more devastating due to climate change but still governments across the world do nothing about it. Capitalism is killing our planet.
The Australian Labor Party has come up with a climate plan that will see the building of more gas stations “to 2050 and beyond” according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. A betrayal to ordinary people living in Australia and the already under threat Pacific Islands. Coal and gas companies now hold climate conferences while their toxic emissions are sawing. We are in a dire state of the climate crisis, about to overpass 1.5C warming with governments across the world letting it happen. That’s why we need committed anti-capitalists to run the Environment Office this year.
We need to rebuild the climate movement on the streets that Greta Thunberg started. It is through mass protest movements that we can force the Australian government to shut down fossil fuel production. Through the Environment Office we will have more resources to build protests on our own campus against the UniMelb administration who have partnerships and get money from fossil fuel and weapons companies. Left Action has held the Environment Office for the past two years and has turned it into an activist office leading campaigns to kick Rio Tinto off this campus and for UniMelb to break ties with weapons companies that produce tools for warfare while destroying the planet.
Vote [1] Left Action - Free Palestine! For Environment
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I still run out of fun plant facts. All I can say is my Lily is still alive so I think i’m fit to be the Environment Office Bearer. Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and more) for the candidate you prefer!
Hi all! This year Independent Media is proud to be running Mathilda, Muan, Marcie, and Sophie as your 2025 Media Office Bearers. Having all been involved in the Media Department in a range of areas, we believe we bring the experience, expertise and drive to deliver a stand-out year of Farrago and Radio Fodder for the student body
Mathilda (she/they) is a reporter, subeditor, and Deputy News Editor, and is committed to ensuring student media at this university is run accountably and competently.
Joining Farrago as a Senior Reporter, Muan (he/him) is currently a Deputy News Editor and the Councillor for Independent Media, and hopes to foster a community, where student journalists and artists can explore and expand their skills.
Marcie (she/they) has been with Farrago for over five years in various roles, and is the president of the Creative Literature & Writing Society and a Below Earth editor. She’s dedicated to fostering an inclusive creative community, elevating student voices.
Sophie (she/they) has experience in sub-editing and writing in both professional and volunteer capacities and advocates for the importance of UMSU Media’s role as a publishing gateway and a nexus of a healthy on-campus student media environment.
Independent Media’s vision for the Media Office is built upon four pillars; updating Farrago’s website for a broader diversity of reporter voices and contemporary news consumption, facilitating opportunities for creative multimedia expression and the continued growth of Radio Fodder, bolstering our campus media presence through outreach and upskilling opportunities, and celebrating Farrago’s 100th birthday – its history and dedication to students throughout the last century.
Independent Media stands for values of integrity, transparency, and inclusivity, which we will continue to uphold in Farrago’s anniversary year.
Vote [1] Independent Media for a strong Media Department in 2025!
Club is really an amazing department where you can meet all your friends! (But let’s be honest, the free food is definitely the winner here!
Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and more) for the candidate you prefer!
jgallos@student.unimelb.edu.au
oliviacj@student.unimelb.edu.au
I (Jamie) am a third year bachelor of arts student majoring in Ancient World Studies. I am currently Vice-President of MUnGA (the Melbourne University Greek Association) where I have worked hard to make our events as inclusive, fun and as exciting as possible! Our role comes down to how we can make the events of clubs more fun. That’s it. I for one know that a club’s finances can chiefly dictate how an event is run and the headache that ensues when a club does not receive the support it requires.
I (Olivia) am a first year arts student studying criminology and literature. Despite being a first year student, I’ve managed to secure two years of active club involvement by getting involved during the gap year I took after high school. Because of this, I know that clubs are the centre of connection for most students. I also am painfully aware of how much goes into planning club events, and how difficult it is when clubs don’t receive the proper support from their student reps, or have to scale down events because of budget restraints
We want to put Clubs and Societies back at the centre of your university experience. We aim to immediately allocate the additional funding for clubs and societies by raising grant sizes for clubs and doubling the grant caps. Clubs help make the campus a more welcoming and accessible space for many people. As one of the first steps in this endeavor we will promote the use of the upcoming bar on campus in Building 168 at the Student Pavilion, as well as encourage clubs to host joint club events, networking events and so much more.
Vote [1] More! for Clubs and Societies.
Hello everyone,
My name is Asnaf, and I am running for the position of Clubs and Societies Officer. My goal is to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student can explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. I aim to create a thriving community for all clubs and societies, enhancing support, promoting inclusivity, and facilitating collaboration. Some key policies I want to imply would be
1. Enhanced Support for Clubs and Societies
o Funding and Resources: Advocate for increased funding and resources.
o Training and Development: Offer training sessions for effective management, event planning, and fundraising.
o Administrative Assistance: Streamline processes to ease club operations.
2. Inclusivity and Diversity
o Promoting Diverse Interests: Encourage the formation of clubs representing a wide range of interests.
o Inclusive Events: Support events that celebrate our diverse student body.
o Accessibility: Ensure all activities and events are accessible to students with disabilities.
3. Collaboration and Networking
o Inter-Club Collaboration: Facilitate joint events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
o Alumni Engagement: Connect with alumni for mentorship and networking.
o Community Partnerships: Build partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
4. Communication and Transparency
o Regular Updates: Provide updates through newsletters, social media, and the student union website.
o Feedback Mechanism: Establish a clear feedback mechanism for students.
I am committed to supporting our clubs and societies, creating a campus rich in opportunities, inclusive in spirit, and dynamic in action. I humbly ask for your vote and support in this election.
Thank You,
Hi everyone! We’re Ewan (he/him) and Esther (any), and we are excited to be running as Activate’s 2025 Clubs and Societies Office Bearer candidates.
We have both been involved with clubs and societies at UniMelb for years, and can’t wait to take the next step in supporting and developing student life. Ewan has a strong understanding of large clubs and their needs, having just finished as Vice-President of the Science Students’ Society, while Esther brings a unique perspective on how best to support small clubs, having served as the President of Ring of Choir since 2022. We are both currently elected to the 2024 Clubs and Societies Committee, where we direct the department and help clubs to correspond with UMSU. With all this experience and enthusiasm, we would love to represent the C&S Department next year and create a constructive and welcoming environment for students.
Our goals are to streamline UMSU correspondence and administration with clubs to enable them to do what they love best: running fun and enjoyable events for students. We also want to foster friendly and productive communications with clubs, ensuring that students have the best access to a vital part of student life at UniMelb. In addition, we understand that clubs elect new committees every year, and we want the C&S Department to support students who aren’t as experienced in the administration of clubs to feel heard and have their problems solved.
We’re passionate about building on the great work and success of the C&S Department over the last three years and are eager to support and elevate UniMelb’s vibrant student life.
Vote [1] to Activate Clubs and Societies on campus!
No policy statement submitted on time
No policy statement submitted on time
Hi my name is Oskar Martin and I’m a proud Bundjalung and Kamilaroi man and a socialist activist. I am the current Indigenous Representative on Students’ Council at UMSU, helping to promote causes and issues of mob among the student body.
I’ve organised and participated in campaigns for mob and First Nations peoples across the world. I’ve spent the last ten months marching for Palestine, and have spoken at numerous Free Palestine Melbourne demonstrations. I also know how important it is to fight for our people at this university. Last year I helped lead the NTEU rally against racism during the staff strikes, and had the honour to speak alongside Dr. Kim Alley.
I want to revitalise Indigenous activism on this campus. As Indigenous Officer, I will fight for our rights. The system we live under is barbaric. Indigenous deaths in custody continue to rise while poverty worsens. The current Labor government is attacking our communities by locking up our children and imposing punitive curfew laws.
We need radical grassroots, community action aimed at building our power and fighting for our rights. We can’t appease those who sit at the top of our university or our government. We need solutions that our previous generations fought for, from Uncle Gary Foley to Aunty Jenny Munro.
My vision will include:
Building rally contingents to both Invasion Day and NAIDOC rallies held in Naarm
Holding forums and workshops promoting Indigenous justice in Naarm and across the world
Campaigning against Melbourne University’s ties with mining companies and weapons manufacturers
Rename Melbourne University buildings named after eugenists to blackfella activists
Let’s fight for a future where we stand proud as mob. Let’s create progressive change for our future generations.
Vote for Oskar Martin, Left Action - Free Palestine!
As a law candidate with a disability, I, Bhavya Johari, bring a unique perspective and unwavering commitment to transforming the University of Melbourne into a paragon of inclusivity. My journey as a disability advocate has been marked by significant achievements that have reshaped the accessibility landscape in education.
Key Achievements:
• Secured a landmark directive from India’s Chief Justice mandating nationwide university accessibility surveys
• Established India’s second accessibility lab and first student disability association at NALSAR
• Drafted comprehensive disability regulations for India’s Supreme Court
• Facilitated admission of 50+ disabled students to top universities through targeted training programs
• Conducted over 100 sensitization sessions across India, challenging perceptions
As your Disabilities Officer, I propose a comprehensive action plan:
Launch an “Adaptive Technology Innovation Center” - A hub for developing and showcasing cutting-edge assistive technologies
Implement a 24/7 disability support helpline for swift issue resolution
Organize monthly “Disability Dialogues” featuring prominent community figures and thought leaders
Establish regular student-committee meetings to ensure your voices shape university policies
Conduct targeted sensitization workshops for faculty and students, promoting inclusive practices
Draft robust Students with Disability Regulations to streamline support processes and ensure accountability
My vision extends beyond compliance, aiming to foster a culture where disability is recognized as a unique perspective, not a limitation. I plan to:
• Create an “Inclusive Career Pathways” program, partnering with industry leaders to provide tailored internships and job opportunities
• Develop a “Universal Design for Learning” framework, collaborating with faculties to enhance curriculum accessibility
• Launch a “Disability Rights Legal Clinic,” offering pro bono services and practical experience for law students
By voting for me, you choose innovation, action, and a future where accessibility is the norm. Let’s turn challenges into opportunities and create change that matters.
Hello, we are Nabia Rauf (she/her) and Denzil Minnaar (he/him), and we are honoured to be running for the position of Office Bearers for the Disabilities Department at UMSU. As passionate advocates for inclusivity and accessibility, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their abilities, feels supported and empowered throughout their university journey.
As students who have both personally navigated the challenges of living with a disability, we understand the unique barriers and frustrations that many of us face daily. This personal experience drives our passion for creating an environment where everyone has equal access to opportunities.
Our policy primarily involves advocating and levying our experience to bring about the following changes:
Lobbying for more accessible facilities on campus such as increasing safe spaces and making the current disability space vibrant via collectives and other events.
Increasing awareness and understanding of disability-related issues among staff and students.
Ensuring that all university events and lectures are wheelchair accessible and provide ample disability support.
Auditing the quality of recorded lectures to ensure that all students have equitable access to the course. This includes providing compulsory closed captions and neurodivergent friendly fonts.
Simplifying the process to get an Academic Adjustment Plan and Special Consideration for those who need it.
Working closely with other departments and student groups to create a supportive community where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
We are excited to embrace the opportunity to create a more equitable university community as your Office Bearer for the Disabilities Department, and we promise to work tirelessly to represent your needs and interests.
So, make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey! We are Jacqueline de Mamiel and Isla Gillespie. We are first-year Bachelor of Arts students and passionate advocates for accessibility and inclusion.
I [Jacqueline] grew up in Melbourne and am majoring in Politics and Chinese Studies. I have lived experience of disability, chronic illness and neurodivergence. I’m a Young Carer for my two brothers with disabilities and work as the Young Carer Voice Lead at Little Dreamers Australia - an organisation supporting young people who care for a family member. As a Young Carer and a person with a disability, I value the intersectionality within our identities and understand that people with disabilities can wear many hats!
I [Isla] recently moved from Sydney and am majoring in Politics. As a student with Cerebral Palsy, I’m passionate about equality and human rights. I’m a para-athlete and compete internationally in wheelchair tennis. I’ve worked for the Youth Disability Advocacy Service, learning to uplift others’ voices. I’m proud to have a disability as it has taught me to stand up for my rights (but let’s be real… I’m usually sitting) and overcome the ups and downs of living in a world designed for my non-disabled peers.
Through our differing experiences of disability, we understand that disability is a diverse spectrum with unique needs and circumstances. We will build avenues for students to connect and engage in all areas of university life by reinforcing safe spaces to share lived experiences, creating parasport teams that remove participation barriers, and strengthening advocacy services to support students and reduce stigmas.
We are excited to work together to support students with disabilities in all aspects of their identities - as students, athletes, leaders, carers and friends. Vote [1] Jacqueline and Isla so we can provide more for you and More! for UMSU. Nothing about us without us!
As a disabled law student with a rich multicultural background, I, Bhavya Johari, bring a unique perspective to the role of People of Colour Officer. My experience as a person of colour fuels my passion for advocating for underrepresented communities and transforming our university into a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment.
During my time at Lewis and Clark Law School, I catalyzed significant changes:
• Revitalized the dormant Minority Law Students’ Association, serving as Treasurer
• Brokered partnerships with Oregon state bodies, securing valuable externships for students of colour
• Founded “Cultural Mosaic,” a biweekly event fostering cross-cultural connections
Building on these achievements, I propose a dynamic action plan:
1. Establish a “Diversity Response Network” - A 24/7 helpline offering support and swift issue resolution
2. Launch “Voices of Colour” - A monthly speaker series featuring trailblazers from diverse backgrounds
3. Implement “Representation Matters” - Regular student-committee meetings ensuring your voices shape policies
4. Create “Inclusive Classrooms” - Tailored sensitization workshops for faculty and students
5. Develop comprehensive “Equity and Inclusion Regulations” to streamline support processes
6. Introduce “Global Perspectives” - An initiative showcasing international students’ cultures and experiences
7. Establish a “Multicultural Mentorship Program” pairing students with industry leaders from diverse backgrounds
My vision extends beyond traditional boundaries. I aim to:
• Create a “Diversity in Leadership” training series, equipping students of colour with skills for future leadership roles
• Collaborate with local communities to build stronger ties between the university and Melbourne’s multicultural landscape
• Launch a “Diversity in Research” grant to support studies on issues affecting communities of colour
I pledge to be your tireless advocate, available and accessible, ensuring every student feels valued and empowered. My approach combines innovation with action, aiming to make inclusivity the cornerstone of our university experience.
Your vote for me is a vote for transformation.!
Empower Our Voices, Strengthen our Connections Salam everyone,
My name is Hanan, and I am a graduate student at the University of Melbourne. I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Student of Color Officer. As a proud Palestinian and bilingual speaker of Arabic and English, I understand the unique challenges and rich diversity that our community brings to this university. My academic journey, with degrees in Law, International Relations, and Law and Development, has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to advocate effectively for our needs. I am committed to ensuring that every student of color feels heard, respected, and empowered. If elected, I will work tirelessly to: Amplify our voices in university decision-making processes.
Create more inclusive and supportive spaces for students of color. Foster a stronger sense of community and belonging among all students.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s build a more inclusive and equitable University of Melbourne. I humbly ask for your vote and support.
Thank you!
evelyng@student.unimelb.edu.au
exxie@student.unimelb.edu.au
Hi! Our names are Evelyn (she/her) and Eric.
Evelyn is a 2nd year Arts student from the Western suburbs. She is half Angolan and half Australian and has lived in Melbourne since she was 3 years old. Evelyn went to a public highschool out in the western suburbs, where the demographic is made up of so many different people and cultures. She is running for this position because she knows there is strength in diversity, and that our campus should be embracing that. Evelyn’s goal for the POC department next year is to celebrate culture and diversity by educating and celebrating the student body. She will advocate for more inclusivity on campus by uplifting POC voices and facilitating a space for those with lived experience to share their ideas and concerns with their council representatives.
Eric Xie is a First Year Arts Student born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. He is of Mainland Chinese descent and grew up attending public schools across Auckland. He is running for this position because he strongly advocates for the inclusivity of POC particularly with people of Eastern descent who make up such a large and important part of the student community. Their voices need to be heard in the administration of the UMSU and he will fight to uplift voices and provide a space for anyone of color who feels they have been let down or misunderstood by the system.
Together we will do MORE! For UMSU!
Hi everyone,
We are Divyanshi and Wen, and we’re running for People of Colour Office Bearers with Community. Divyanshi is in her third year of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and Finance, while Wen is pursuing Master of Information Technology in his first year, majoring in Computing. Both of us have experienced the unique challenges of studying at the University of Melbourne, as Divyanshi moved from India and Wen from Macau. We have felt isolated and a lack of cultural representation on this campus as international students. Our diverse backgrounds allow us to understand the significant cultural adjustments, unfamiliar language barriers, and the lack of a sense of belonging that many international students face. Therefore, we hope that our goals can help alleviate some of the difficulties that students of colour have encountered thus far.
As representatives, our goals are to not only provide students of colour on campus with inclusive and safe spaces but also to enrich campus life with culturally vibrant events. We aim to:
Produce a Racism Report: We will actively combat racism by listening to student voices, raising awareness about acts of racism on campus, and providing support to those affected.
Continue Weekly POC and Bla(c)k Collectives: We will offer weekly opportunities for students with similar experiences to gather, network, and form meaningful friendships on campus.
Organise Cultural Events: We plan to celebrate diversity by hosting cultural events such as EID and the Mid-Autumn Festival. These events will not only highlight the diverse culture of our student body but also focus on the most important aspect—having fun!
To build a fully inclusive community within our university, we ask you to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
We are Deena (She/Her) and Nabil (He/Him) and we’re running for People of Colour Officer with Activate. As Egyptian and a Tunisian Muslim duo, respectively, we know the meaning of inclusivity and diversity. Coming from immigrant parents who grew up where politics wasn’t a choice but a necessity, we’ve been in advocacy for most our lives. We intend to advocate for people of colour at the university with the particular aim of tackling institutional racism, developing on students’ statements from the Racism Report published in 2023. It is clear that many people of colour feel unsafe and unwelcome at the University of Melbourne and this needs to change. Despite acknowledgement of this report, there has been very little action from the University. We believe real inclusivity should be the implementation of programs and policies that make a tangible difference and not just photoshoots that seek to show diverse people off like trophies. Whilst we want to advocate on behalf of POC at the university, we also want to continue to create a community and provide more safe spaces for POC on campus. To facilitate this, we want to continue the POC collectives and have more community related activities. These collectives will not only provide a safe space for POC students, but an opportunity for POC students to provide feedback and express concerns. Furthermore, we want to have more activities including small scale sports tournaments, board game and video game gatherings, allowing our students to socialise and relax. Thus, we seek to target two spheres, on one front we want to challenge the university to implement effective and meaningful programs and policies and to appropriately follow up on the Racism Report. Simultaneously we seek to create the safest spaces possible for POC on campus and facilitate community building. Vote [1] to activate our union.
Sakshi Vivek Sharma
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Kristine Gia Hue Hong
Hi! My name is Kristine and I’m looking to be YOUR student council representative! I’m hoping to ensure that the collective problems that we all feel within the university would be spoken about and hopefully addressed! I want to be a voice to your concerns, an advocate for you when times are tough and more importantly, a regular student who understands exactly what you’re going through right now (because I’m one of you!)
Stefan Gavrilov (Rebuild)
Hi, I’m Stefan! I’m running to be your Student Representative for 2025.
A Students’ Council, which advocates for students’ needs in their studies, is vital, as is a functional working relationship with the University.
Over the past year, the Union has pursued a hostile and unconstructive discourse with the University administration, which must stop.
REBUILD is a grassroots movement of students who want everyone 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 handing the Union back to those it exists for: STUDENTS. Stay tuned [ over word length ]
Lachlan Greenwood (Rebuild)
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Daria Azjargal (Rebuild)
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Giulia Massimini (Rebuild)
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Kerry Sun (More! For UMSU)
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Dylan Francis Gough (More! For UMSU)
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Seamus Donnellan (More! For UMSU)
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Molly Britt (More! For UMSU)
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Taylor Broadbent (More! For UMSU)
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Kiley Li (More! For UMSU)
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Alice Glover (More! For UMSU)
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Adam Dyball (More! For UMSU)
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Layal El Wazan (More! For UMSU)
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Maximillian McKenzie Fitzpatrick (More! For UMSU)
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Torrin Nundra-Tolonen (More! For UMSU)
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Satheesh Kumar (More! For UMSU)
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Shivaputrappa Melligeri (More! For UMSU)
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I am running for the position of Students’ Council Representative to ensure that the University of Melbourne leads by example in promoting sustainable development.
I believe that our university has a particular role to play in shaping a future that balances between economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.
I will actively collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to implement innovative, eco-friendly solutions that address the high-priority environmental concerns we face. Vote for a future where sustainability is at the core of every decision.
Hi! My name’s Maria and I have been an active contributor to Farrago this past year. I am a non-fiction staff writer and PR Manager, two roles that have allowed me an intricate understanding of our thriving media department. I see a bright future for the media department where independent, credible, and truly representative student voices continue to be put on show. I intend to continue to work towards this goal by creating an inclusive space where students can freely express themselves, and have their opinions and and voices heard.
Hey all, Tom here! I have many different hats inside the media department, including in reviews and illustration for Farrago and as a producer for Radio Fodder. As such a prominent member, it’s clear to me that the Media Department is vital for student autonomy and artistic development, and so I find its within my duty to maintain the independence and integrity of student media. As Student Councillor, I will strive to ensure funding from the union towards the various areas of the department, including the re-emerging Radio Fodder, allowing us to remain an accessible outlet for student expression.
Hello Unimelb, my name is Angus Wagstaff & let me tell YOU about myself. I am a 3rd year History student, a Radio Fodder show host & a proud member of UMSU. If elected as councilor, I will represent YOU at the meetings, respect the values of Independent Media members & contribute to productive debate. I would be a committed advocate for Independent Media principles such as integrity, collaboration, representation and ofc; independence from partisanship. I am a fellow student, Melburnian & human bean. I will always be willing to talk with YOU. Thanks
Alongside other Left Action – Free Palestine candidates last year, I helped organise the protests that successfully booted a Neo-Nazi gym out of Melbourne’s western suburbs. The rise of the far-right globally poses a huge threat to everyone. To POC and especially Muslim communities, to the bodily autonomy of women and queer people, and to the democratic rights to protest for causes like Palestine. Melbourne clearly isn’t immune to this bigotry and if we are gonna keep the far-right from growing here too, we need students to continue to stand up and demand that their student unions support and organise activism.
Hi my name is Yasmeen, I’m running for students council with Left Action: Free Palestine. As a dedicated activist on a variety of issues from Palestine, refugee rights and education rights, I am committed to fighting for social justice on every level. I have been involved in organising the historic School strikes for Palestine here in the Melbourne CBD and regularly attend the Sunday rallies. Currently, I am one of the people putting forward the motion for the mass student meeting for Palestine, which has garnered over 1000 signatures!!!
Education is a right - and should be free for all students (domestic and international). I’m eager to bring this passion and dedication to the student council to support our collective needs and advocate for the issues that matter to us all.
The genocide in Gaza has continued for ten months. As the Education Officer this year I’ve organised Gaza solidarity encampments across the country, school strikes for Palestine and an ongoing divestment campaign to pressure Unimelb to cut ties with weapons manufacturers. I’ve been censored and silenced for standing up for Palestine, but I won’t stop. Our student union needs principled left wing activists who do not back down in the face of intimidation. I’ll continue to use my platform locally and nationally to stand against all forms of injustice - Free Palestine, free the refugees, always was, always will be.
Hi I’m Caitlin running for Left Action - Free Palestine, and student politics needs a radical and left wing alternative in the student union willing to challenge the status quo and stand up for social justice, a respected planet, Palestine, queer rights, and all other oppressed groups. With the world ravaged by an imperialist agenda scrambling to protect profit over people, it is now more than ever necessary for activists to be resolute in campaigning on left wing issues, as seen in our mass student meeting which received over 1,000 signatures on the petition to divest from weapons manufacturers!
The genocide in Palestine has shown to the world the brutality of this system and the people who run it. Since coming to this university, Left Action has been involved in running campaigns to kick weapons manufacturers off our campus, the most recent being the SGM that happened this semester. We need more left wing activists in the student union fighting for a free Palestine, for social justice, and free education. Vote [1] Left Action!
My name is Nadira Natasya, and I am committed to representing student interests and upholding the aims of UMSU. As a Master of Development Studies, I have learned about Participatory Approach and Community-Led Practices in designing development projects and believe that this approach can be applied in UMSU for more democratic outcomes. By fostering open discussions and encouraging student participation, I will work to ensure that all voices are heard. I am dedicated to good governance practices and acting in the best interests of our diverse student community.
Hello, my name is Rahul Mittal and I’m a third year Bachelor of Commerce student at the University of Melbourne. I firmly believe that there should be representation of queer international students of colour at the university. Through my years of experience at the university I feel best placed to fulfil this role. UMSU being the peak student representative body should do everything in its power to ensure students feel safe and represented on campus and that is why I am running for student council. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
&Hello! My name is Enzhe (Kevin) Li, I am a second year Juris Doctor Student and the outgoing general secretary of UMSU. My bachelor’s was during covid, where I saw firsthand the seismic changes it had brought to learning experiences and student life. I fought to bridge the gap between my community and the wider uni community, including pushing for a commitment for key Uni policies to be in plain language, the first non-English language publications by UMSU. To put an authentic and powerful student voice on Council, Vote [1] for Community For UMSU��
Hi, I’m Daniel, a first-year Arts student! I believe that all students deserve a strong voice, one capable of effectively advocating for their rights and dignity. My firm commitment to this belief has motivated me to get involved in UMSU and not only maintain but strengthen UMSU’s ability to fight for students. I’m committed to working in council to achieve this. Further to this, I’m dedicated to ensuring the voices of all students are heard at every level of UMSU and University administration. Make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello everyone, I am Wasif Rahman Safin, an international student from Bangladesh pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce. I’m passionate about serving my peers, and as a member of the General Representative Council, I will ensure that all passed bills benefit the entire student body and that everyone’s voice is heard. My dedication to this position will be unwavering, and I am committed to enhancing your university experience by making it both enjoyable and fulfilling. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi everyone I’m Anndrya, a final year undergraduate student studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Criminology and International Politics. Having served in the previous council as a voting representative, I strongly believe that being re-elected is essential in enabling me to not only maintain the good work already done by my fellow student colleagues but also ensuring continuity and consistency in the council’s vision under the new administration. Be assured that every decision I make as councilmember would always have the students’ interest at heart. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello everyone, I’m Yashesvi Verma. My commitment to community service started in high school with projects in India and volunteering at eye camps, which taught me empathy and diligence. Serving on my high school council provided insight into effective leadership and teamwork. Guided by the quote, “Fear is stupid, so are regrets,” I embrace challenges and aim to make meaningful decisions. As a council member, I will focus on ensuring everyone feels heard and valued, addressing key issues, and fostering community unity. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello, I’m Niya Chopra – an International Student from India in my second year of my BA degree majoring in Psychology. Having served my first term as a member of the Women’s committee, I have familiarised myself with the workings of UMSU and have first handedly witnessed the work Community does for student well-being. I wish to secure a position in the Student Council to actively support and improvise these activities. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi, I’m Yihui (Jenny) Guan. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse campus community where every student’s voice is heard and valued. The celebration of our differences enriches our collective experiences and promotes understanding among all members. We will actively work towards equitable representation within our student union, ensuring that all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are reflected in our leadership and decision-making processes. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
I’m Deeksha (she/her), an international first year Masters student doing Marketing Communications. UMSU has provided me with an enriching experience that helped me immensely in times of financial and mental crisis. I want to now extend the same enrichment to my fellow students to make their university experience more meaningful and enjoyable. I want to ensure that students from all walks of life benefit by opportunities UMSU provides and therefore I’m running for the position of General Representative on the Council. Make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
I’m Teya Verma, an undergraduate student committed to representing the diverse voices in our student community. As a candidate for council I bring a strong sense of responsibility, and a passion for fostering inclusivity. My experiences in various leadership roles have equipped me with the ability to collaborate and advocate for meaningful change. I am dedicated to ensuring that every student feels heard and supported and am excited to contribute to a dynamic Student Council. Together, we can create a positive and inclusive environment for all. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi, I am Jahnvi Singh and I’m studying Masters of Public Policy and Management. As an international student myself, I have first hand navigated challenges in a new environment, I’m aware of challenges of accessing support systems. I want to actualise Community’s vision of empowering the international student community in all capacities. I’m fervently committed to advocating for expanded career, employment and networking opportunities. With my leadership acumen and unwavering commitment to this vision – I hope to foster a community where all thrive, personally and professionally! Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi Everyone! I am Disha Zutshi, your 2024 UMSU President and 2023 UMSU General Secretary. Are you wondering ‘why Students’ Council?’, well that’s where the decisions are made and I believe with the understanding and knowledge I hold of the union, I will be able to guide UMSU in a direction that helps us make sound and proficient decisions to achieve our aims and objectives. Make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
I’m Shrey Bafna a second year Bachelor of Business Student. Through a variety of positions, work as a warehouse manager to volunteering for numerous MUNs at school, and in various events I’ve gained strong leadership and organisational skills. I’m committed to creating a lively, welcoming campus community, and my background and commitment make me a formidable contender for UMSU’s student council. My goals are to improve campus life, speak out for the needs of students, and give every student the chance to succeed academically and socially. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi, I’m Roger Cao, and I’m running for Student Council. I am passionate about enhancing campus life through engaging and inclusive events. With a fresh perspective as a first-year student, I aim to bring innovative ideas to enrich university event. My goal is to foster a vibrant campus community where every student feels included and valued. By collaborating with fellow students, I hope to create memorable experiences and strengthen the bonds among the community. Your support would mean a lot. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello, my name is Dhruv. I am in my second year pursuing Bachelor of Science major in computing and software systems. I have actively participated in and recognize the importance of activities like Bands & Brunches and Winterfest in reducing study stress and building a supportive campus atmosphere. My focus is to enhance these experiences by promoting active participation, encouraging open discussions, and introducing fresh ideas. Whether you’re an international or domestic student, I am committed to creating a strong, united community. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey there, fellow students!
I’m Jaswant, a Master of Management student here at the University of Melbourne, and I’m super excited to throw my hat in the ring as your General Representative on the Students’ Council! Why me, you ask? Well, for starters, I’m all about getting things done—whether it’s managing projects or navigating the wild world of uni life. My experience as an Administrative Head and Project Manager means I know how to lead teams, keep budgets in check, and make decisions that matter (and trust me, I’ve had plenty of practice!).
But enough about the boring [over word length]
I’M MAD AS HELL AND I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE
Hi, I’m Joseph (he/him), I am doing a Bachelor of Design and I’m running for Students Council. I vow, that if elected, I will work and advocate ferociously to fix the crowded and congested stairs leading from Wilson Ave to the South Lawn. For too long have we suffered through the indignity of having to push through these dangerously inadequate stairs.
Achieving positive outcomes for the University is important. A vote for Activate is a vote for good governance.
Vote [1] to Activate your Union.
Vote [1] Activate for your union
I’m passionate about creating a sustainable, fair, and more liveable world. I would love to share this energy with students at the university and act on it in the student council.
Cameron (Activate)
Hey, I’m Lewis (he/him), I’m studying a Bachelor of Science and I am running for the UMSU student council.
For too long, the common UniMelb student has suffered at the tyrannous hands of the Okta verify “service”. Each day, fifty thousand students lose at least a minute to this treacherous beast - in total about eight hundred hours. If you vote for Active and I, I will rally to my last breath against its everpresent imposition on us all.
Vote [1] to Activate your Union.
No policy statement submitted on time
Holly Larkspur (Activate)
I love UMSU! Vote [1] for Activate.
Hey everyone! My name’s Connor (He/Him) and I am running for a progressive students council with Activate. As somebody from a disadvantaged background, I understand the great many challenges faced by students and the detrimental impacts they have on personal wellbeing. We can’t expect students to excell in their studies if they are simply struggling to get by. That is why it is essential that students are provided with they support they need not only to survive, but to thrive at university. Vote [1] Activate to activate your student union.
Joseph Haynes (Activate)
Hi, I’m Joseph Haynes (he/him) and I am running for Students Council for 2025. As a representative for the Activate team, I will be a voice for socialism, internationalism, and justice for the Palestinian people. I will work tirelessly to uphold these principles in the spirit of democracy.
I endeavour to pass policies that contribute to making university degrees and student life more affordable and enjoyable. I proudly supported the student encampment and stood in solidarity with Palestine and Gaza earlier this year, and will continue to support mass action on campus to demand an end to our institutions’ complicity [over word length]
Ruby Craven (Activate)
Hi, I’m Ruby (she/her) and I am so proud to be running for Students’ Council for 2025! I am excited to be part of a progressive and left-wing team of students who want to Activate student voice on campus and Activate our student union.
To ensure our student union is progressive in 2025 Vote [1] Activate for all positions.
Thomas Leadbetter (Activate)
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Micaela Rynne (Activate)
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Ashley Lewis (Activate)
Hi I’m Ash (she/her) and I believe that the student’s council needs diverse voices. Vote [1] for Activate to jumpstart your union with a plethora of left wing voices!
Thomas Cath-Fawcett (Activate)
Hi, I’m Thomas (he/him) and I’m running for the role of student council general representative with Activate. I believe that UMSU should work harder to better represent the interests and concerns of all students, regardless of background. If elected I would work hard for the welfare of all students and to build a stronger university community.
Vote [1] to activate our union!
I’m Om, and I’m extremely excited to run for Graduate Representative on Council. Master’s students face unique challenges that need dynamic solutions, such as balancing studies and work and finding job or internship opportunities. My goal’s to boost academic support, encourage post-study opportunities, and increase campus-promoted internships for the benefit of all students. With determination and strong communication skills, I promise to address your concerns and advocate for your ideas. Together, let’s create a more supportive and dynamic environment for all graduate students, make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��.
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As an LLM candidate with a disability at Melbourne Law School, I uniquely understand the diverse needs of our graduate student community.
I initiated a peer support network for graduate students during my semester abroad at Lewis and Clark Law School. I also spearheaded initiatives like a cultural exchange program and a mentorship scheme with local state bodies.
My vision encompasses:
1. Establishing a “Graduate Student Think Tank” to address campus-wide issues
2. Implementing a “Cross-Disciplinary Mentorship” program
3. Creating a “Graduate Well-being Fund” for accessibility resources I will ensure that every graduate student’s voice is heard and valued.
My name is Nadira Natasya, founder of a youth empowerment NGO and currently pursuing a Master of Development Studies. As a candidate for Graduate Council, I will advocate for a dedicated spaces and facilities for study and relaxation tailored to graduate students. I aim to support the events specifically designed to meet the interests and needs of graduate students, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, I will advocate for more sharing session and workshop related to career and professional world to facilitate graduate students. I am committed to enhancing the graduate student experience at UMSU Unimelb, ensuring our needs and voices are effectively represented and addressed
Hey! I’m Zach (he/they) and I’m running to represent Graduate students on Students’ Council. I’m super passionate about making sure our Union is progressive and delivering for all students. I have past experience of turning words into action: as one of your Environment Officers in 2022, I successfully pressured the University to adopt a net-zero footprint on all its investments, while reopening the Clothes Swap and organising climate strikes with other young people. My experience means I will be an ideal Graduate representative on council. Vote [1] Activate: to Activate our Union!
Salam Fellow Students,
My name is Hanan, and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Representative for Graduate Students at Melbourne University. As a master’s student in Law and an international student from Palestine, I am passionate about creating an inclusive, supportive, and vibrant community for all graduate students. My academic journey has been driven by a commitment to diversity, equity, and excellence. With a background in law, international relations, and development, I am dedicated to advocating for our needs and interests. I believe that every student should feel valued, heard, and empowered to succeed. If elected, I will [over word length]
Oskar Martin (Left Action - Free Palestine! )
Hi my name is Oskar Martin, I’m a proud Bundjalung and Kamilaroi man and a socialist activist. I am the current Indigenous Representative on Students’ Council at UMSU, helping to promote causes and issues of mob among the student body.
We need radical grassroots, community action aimed at building our power and fighting for our rights.
My vision will include:
- Building rally contingents to both Invasion Day and NAIDOC rallies held in Naarm
- Holding forums and workshops promoting Indigenous justice in Naarm and across the world
- Campaigning against Melbourne University’s ties with mining companies and weapons manufacturers
Will be provisionally elected unopposed if not elected to Indig enous Officer
Wang Shouyi
I’m Wang Shouyi from China. My goal is to create a better communication platform for all students, help you adapt to campus life more effectively, and promote cultural exchange between local and international students. If elected, I will dedicate myself to the following: Firstly, actively engaging with the school administration to represent international students’ opinions and suggestions in order to improve their learning and living environment; Secondly, assisting new international students in seamlessly integrating into campus life by providing necessary support. Your trust and support mean everything as we work together towards an inclusive, friendly, and diverse campus environment.
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Nhareish Kumar
As your International Students Representative, I am committed to enhancing our community by advocating for better support services, fostering cultural exchange, and ensuring our voices are heard. My focus will be on improving access to resources, organizing cultural events, and addressing your concerns with the administration. Together, we will create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all international students. Vote for a representative who prioritizes your needs and champions your success.
Hello! My name is Srishty Pareek (She/Her), and I’m thrilled to run for the International Student Representative with Activate. Being an international student can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time away from home (it’s something I can relate to). I aim to provide a safe and comfortable space for all international students. Additionally, I have previous experience working as an Academy Ambassador from my undergraduate.
I’m excited to join a community that engages, inspires, and guides the students. I hope you can give me the opportunity. Please vote [1] to Activate our union.
Hey everyone, I’m Connor (He/Him) and I’m running to be a progressive Queer Representative on Student Council with Activate. It has never been more important to have a Student Council that fights for the marginalised. It has never been more important to stand up for transgender and gender non-conforming people and their rights. On the Student Council I will fight transphobia on campus, and uphold the rights of LGBTQI+ students. Vote [1] to activate our union.
Hey! I’m Sam, a Bachelor of Commerce student. As a queer individual who is also female and of colour, I’ve faced significant discrimination and often hesitated to speak out. However, at UMSU, I felt safe and supported, thanks to the inclusive spaces they provide for queer and diverse communities. This transformative experience inspired me to run for the Student Council Queer Representative. I’m here to drive change, making UniMelb’s queer society more welcoming, vibrant, supportive for everyone, including questioning or not yet out. Make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
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Last year, a far-right transphobic activist from the UK, Posie Parker (AKA Kellie-Jay-Keen) toured Australia in an attempt to spread her bigotry. At her speakout in Melbourne, thirty neo-Nazis from the National Socialist Network rallied to support her.” Left Action activists launched a successful campaign of protests to shut down Posie Parker - and we did! Her attempt to spread anti-trans hate was stymied as hundreds and soon thousands of activists chased her across the country. Vote [1] Left Action - Free Palestine! to keep up the fight against the bigoted right!
Hey, I am Bingchan Zhou, and I am eager to serve as your POC Rep. By stepping into this role, I aim to use my insights to foster an inclusive academic environment, advocate for policies that ensure equity, and support the educational achievements of our students of colour. I am dedicated to making sure that every student feels valued and empowered to succeed at our university. Together, we can build a community that truly reflects and celebrates our diversity. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
As a person of colour and student with a disability, I bring a unique perspective as a representative for People of Colour. My key achievements include:
• Revitalizing the Minority Law Students’ Association at Lewis and Clark Law School
• Facilitating externships for students of colour with Oregon state bodies
• Organizing “Cultural Mosaic,” a biweekly social gathering for peer support
My vision encompasses:
1. Establishing a responsive community helpline
2. Hosting monthly talks with diverse leaders
3. Conducting sensitization sessions for faculty and students
4. Drafting comprehensive Regulations for People of Colour
My approach combines innovation with action, aiming to empower diversity.
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Hi everyone, I’m Lorjel (He/Him) and I’m running as a POC representative on council with Activate. As a person of colour at Unimelb studying Arts, I believe in receiving education in a environment free of racial discrimination. This can be done through meaningful policies to create a better future. Vote [1] to activate our union.
As a law student with a disability, I bring extensive experience in disability advocacy. My achievements include:
• Securing a directive from the Chief Justice for nationwide accessibility surveys
• Establishing India’s second accessibility lab
• Drafting disability regulations for India’s Supreme Court
• Training 50+ disabled students for top university admissions
• Conducting 100+ sensitization sessions across India
At University of Melbourne, I propose:
1. Launching a disability helpline
2. Organizing talks with disability community leaders
3. Conducting sensitization sessions for faculty and students
4. Drafting comprehensive Disability Regulations
I envision a university where disability is a unique perspective, not a limitation.
Hello everyone, I am Cornel (he/him), an international student running for the Student Council in the Disabilities Representative. Many students in our university experience disabilities at some point in their lives, whether it can be physical or mental, and even to myself. As someone who experienced this last year, I can totally sympathise with all of the disabled students across this university. I want all our disabled students to feel part of our community, community as home altogether. Therefore, make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��.
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Conor Barnes (Rebuild)
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Lachlan Eliau (Rebuild)
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Daria Azjargal (Rebuild)
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Matthew Bannon (Rebuild)
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Giulia Massimini (Rebuild)
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May Luu (Rebuild)
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Jake Cutajar (Rebuild)
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Hi everyone! My name is Mietta (she/her) and I’m running for the activities committee with Activate. Bringing exciting events, cultural celebrations and versatile experiences to everyday Uni life is my goal. Sometimes as students, we get too wrapped up in work and study. We need to remember to socialize, enjoy our time at Uni and to be immersed in fun, exciting experiences. Vote [1] to activate our union!
Hey there, I’m Olive (she/her), and I’m thrilled to run for the bustling Activities committee with Activate! From leading my high school student council to interning at WWF Indonesia, I can’t wait to use my past experience and skills to create fun and engaging events for all students. Whether you’re a first-year or a mature-age student, we all deserve exciting events and opportunities to connect with new people and forge long-lasting memories and relations we’ll cherish forever. Vote for [1] to activate an enhanced student culture and experience!
Hi! I’m Matteo (he/him), I’m currently doing a Bachelor of Arts degree aiming to major in Criminology and Psychology. I’m running for the Activities Committee to facilitate further inclusion within our student community. Mingling and forming fun memories and bonds with fellow students is an area which isn’t addressed like it should be and student isolation is unfortunately common particularly after the pandemic. I hope to help bring inclusivity back to the campus again by promoting more activities including mudfests, student lunches and movie nights. For a more fun, exciting and social uni experience, vote Activate!
Collaboration with student clubs, societies, and external partners is essential for creating impactful events. I will work closely with these groups to co-host activities that cater to diverse interests and enhance student engagement. Additionally, I will implement regular feedback mechanisms, such as surveys and open forums, to ensure that student voices are heard and considered in planning and decision-making.
Hi, I’m Joseph (he/him), I am doing a Bachelor of Design and I’m running for Activities Committee. With me in charge, campus activities will be significantly cooler than they were under the rule of the previous activities committee, at least 15%! Put me in charge, thank you. Vote [1] to Activate your Union.
Hey, I’m Lewis (he/him), I’m studying a Bachelor of Science and I am running for the UMSU activities committee.
Each and every UniMelb student is united in one common vice - we find solidarity in taking free food from UMSU at every opportunity. I wish to embody this proud love, to be a single issue free food activities council member. Know this - no matter the event, I will be on the front lines fighting for YOUR free rice.
Vote [1] to activate your Union.
Vote [1] Activate for more accessible activities on campus!
Dylan Francis Gough (More! For UMSU)
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Emma Berg Kaldbekken (More! For UMSU)
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Spencer Brody Curwood (More! For UMSU)
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Angus Killingbeck (More! For UMSU)
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Catherine Walters (More! For UMSU)
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Scarlett Brooks (More! For UMSU)
Hi, I’m Joseph (he/him), I am doing a Bachelor of Design and I’m running for Activities Committee. With me in charge, campus activities will be significantly cooler than they were under the rule of the previous activities committee, at least 15%! Put me in charge, thank you. Vote [1] to Activate your Union.
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Hi! I’m Om (he/him) and I’m excited to run for a position on the Activities Committee so we can bring more fun and engaging initiatives to campus! I plan to expand Bites and Bustles, and bring back more Bands, Bevs, and BBQ events. Smaller events like movie nights and boardgames are also on my list. I’ll push for more free books, merch, food, for students and have opportunities for collaboration with clubs to support more student-led initiatives. Additionally, I’ll create an Activities Handbook for newcomers. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! x
Adam Dyball (More! For
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Hi, I am Pranav Soman (He/Him) a student from India studying International Business. I volunteer for several events, Welfare Brunch and Bites & Bustles, regularly. This year, I performed at UMSUi Night Market representing Bollywood Club. Dance is one of my biggest passions, I understand the importance of free expression through events/ cultural programs. I’ll provide a stage for all students to show their potential to make the most of their university experience. I strongly believe I can work towards a holistic, fun experience for everyone. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi! I’m Saaisha Vohra (she/her), a first-year Graphic Design student, and I’m excited to run for the Activities Committee. With a passion for photography, event management, content creation, and artistic practices, I want to organise events that bring people together. I believe in creating social connections and ensuring everyone has an unforgettable university experience. As part of the Activities Committee, I will strive to deliver fun, safe, and inclusive events that boost campus vibes and make sure everyone is always having a great time!Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey everyone! My name is Lady Feren Pangjaya (she/her/hers). I am from Indonesia (just above Australia) and currently pursuing a Master’s in Biotechnology.
I’m excited to nominate myself as one of the Activities Committee for 2025 and keep the fun times going! We’ll continue UMSU’s classic weekly brunches, parties, cultural events and many more. Plus, we’re going to work on a handbook for the coolest spots around uni, reminisce on 2024’s best moments, and tease some wild 2025 plans. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey, I’m Doris (She/Her), first-year geography and politics student (BArts) running for Activities Committee. Events and activities are my passion, I have participated in everything from Winterfest volunteering to fun and professional networking club events. 3 years of experience working in events such as Unimelb Graduations means that I understand the various staffing processes and the value of community feedback. Through this I’ll aim to make UMSU activities inclusive of all students by providing a range of activations that are never the same each week! Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi, my name is Eleena (she/her) a first year Arts student. I’m a strong advocate for community and connection on campus. I will take steps to ensure all events hosted by Activities are inclusive, fun, and provide a safe space for all students to relax and de-stress from their academic workload. I will strive to connect with all students, addressing their concerns and bringing their ideas to fruition. So, if you want to see more exciting, studentled, inclusive events throughout university, Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi! My name is Geetansh (he/him) and I’m studying BCom I want to bring the most fun, amazing activities and experiences for students. Being University student is not only about focussing on academics, but also to come out of your degree creating memories that students should cherish forever. From having small events like movie nights to the most thrilling parties and concerts on campus it would be my honour to be elected to help in every way possible to organise successful events for all. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! x ��
Nishka Varghese (Activate)
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Hi, I’m Michelle! I’m running for Creative Arts Committee because I know how important student creators are. As someone who’s been involved in writing, music, theatre, etc, I would love to help you take your creative projects to the next level. I’ll make sure that there are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved, expand, and grow. Mentorship is also really important for any artist, so that’s my special interest. Also, I’m interested in initiatives which encourage new artists to be brave and put themselves forward. Let’s keep thriving, and keep creating! Vote 1 for Activate!
Emma Bui (Activate)
Hi I’m Emma, a Bsci student majoring in Psychology, and I’m running for committee member of Creative Arts! I am a hobbyist artist and musician and an illustrator for Farrago. Art, music, and the creative arts are a big part of my life and I want to show more people of all skill levels the joy of creating with similarminded people. As a committee member, I will advocate for more events for beginners to try creating artworks, music, plays, etc. and ensure more diverse areas of creative arts like animation, music, games are represented in CA events. Vote for Activate!
Sakura Kojima (Activate)
Hello, I’m Sakura (She/her). I’m a BBMed student and I’m running for member of the Creative Arts committee. The arts have always been a part of my life, from creative writing to performing on stage. The thing I love about art is the freedom and variability. The rough sketch on scrap paper that you’ll never show anyone else is art, the sculptures and statues displayed all over the world are also art. If I am elected, I will strive to foster diverse forms of creativity on campus through different types of events. Vote [1] to Activate our union.
I am Stuti Ghosh standing for a member of the creative arts committee 2024. I am studying my Masters of Environment worth a deep passion of theatre making. I intend to promote sustainability through theatre practices as I believe that limiting ourselves does give birth to creativity. I propose a sustainability exchange station)event where students and staff (and various student theatre groups) can donate items that can be upcycled and repurposed as well as setting up a best out for waste competition. I support the proposal for a student theatre council body.
Hi, I’m Jade! I love all things video games, singing, and crafts. I’m majoring in computer science so I can channel my energy into making artful video games. I’m in the crochet club and in the music club as a rock singer! My entire life is creative art; that’s why I’m running for the Creative Art Committee. I will advocate for clubs around the university get more support and involvement from the committee. I also want more social events for artists to engage with each other. I value all artists, especially those aspiring to get more involved in the space!
Hi! I’m Om (he/him) and I’m excited to run for a position on the Activities Committee so we can bring more fun and engaging initiatives to campus! I plan to expand Bites and Bustles, and bring back more Bands, Bevs, and BBQ events. Smaller events like movie nights and boardgames are also on my list. I’ll push for more free books, merch, food, for students and have opportunities for collaboration with clubs to support more student-led initiatives. Additionally, I’ll create an Activities Handbook for newcomers. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you!
I hope to create a more diverse and inclusive creative environment where the voice of freedom is heard. I want this to be a platform where every individual student feels a sense of participation. I hope we can encourage flexible creation and witness the highest value of youth—thoughts without boundaries. Regardless of whether you are left-leaning or right-leaning, cisgender or LGBTQ+, everyone should take pride in their freedom, creativity, and self-respect. But free expression needs a platform ,and pain needs someone to listen and understand. Through creation, I hope to encourage more people to find comfort, see direction, and [over word length]
Harry Jenour (Rebuild)
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Wilson Nixon (Rebuild)
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Harshita Roy (Rebuild)
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Natasha Gaspari (Rebuild)
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Oliver Grodski (Rebuild)
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Hi, my name is Jack, I’m an avid photographer and enjoy game design along with digital art. My journey with UMSU predates my arrival in Melbourne; as an international student, I couldn’t attend the university due to a lack of accommodation – so I reached out to UMSU. They went above and beyond to arrange college interviews and provide valuable recommendations. In Melbourne, UMSU continued to help me. I want to put my skills to work and give back to the community. Remember to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
As a student from Shimla, India, I, Divyam Arora, brings unique perspective to Creative Arts Committee. My deep appreciation for the rich artistic heritage of my hometown drives my commitment to enhancing campus’s creative landscape. I’m dedicated to championing art, from traditional crafts to contemporary innovations. I want to continue celebrating Melbourne’s diverse cultural landscape – from its rich Indigenous heritage to the LGBTQIA+ community, building a bridge and platform where traditional and contemporary art forms, global and local talents, can coexist. To support my vision, vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey, my name is Matilda Ren, as an advocate for fine arts, I strongly believe in a creative campus, fostering opportunities for different cultures to showcase their talents as well as find an expression. Furthermore, social relations are important in providing networking opportunities within the creative arts. I have seen the power that marketing and creativity can play in making a change around UniMelb’s campus for students. Together we can make all campuses come to live with a spirit of creativity and artistry! Make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
I’m Teya Verma, an undergraduate student at the University of Melbourne with a strong passion for the creative arts. I’m eager to contribute to the Creative Arts Committee by bringing a fresh perspective and innovative ideas. My experience in various leadership and creative roles has honed my ability to collaborate effectively, think strategically, and execute artistic concepts that resonate with audiences. I look forward to contributing my skills and enthusiasm to a team that fosters creativity and aims to enhance artistic experiences. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ]
My name is Rama Sahasrabudhe, and I’m studying my Masters of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing. I love Bollywood movies and books, and I am also a passionate dancer. I want to work in the Creative Arts Department because I feel that all the students passionate about Creative Arts should have an opportunity to express themselves. I would love to foster an environment to help them get more accessible opportunities through various workshops and events. To help our community please Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello! I’m Yuetong, but you can also call me Amber. I’m currently in my second year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Media and Communications. I’d like to contribute by exploring various forms of art and discovering the creative potential of students. I’ll provide them with a platform and space to showcase their artistic talents. I hope to effectively enrich art with academic subjects, aspiring to work together to shape a more vibrant, more inclusive and more supportive campus community. Make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
My name is Karishma and my focus is to create platforms for artists to showcase their talents, increasing accessibility and collaboration between different art forms. I want to foster a vibrant, inclusive environment celebrating diverse artistic expressions. I’ve been a makeup artist for 5 years, typifying my understanding of art is of utmost importance. I’ll encourage more events that not only enhance creativity but promote exchange of ideas to enrich campus culture. Together, let’s make the arts a cornerstone of our university experience. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
As a law student with a disability, I bring extensive experience in disability advocacy. My achievements include:
• Securing a directive from the Chief Justice for nationwide accessibility surveys
• Establishing India’s second accessibility lab
• Drafting disability regulations for India’s Supreme Court
• Training 50+ disabled students for top university
admissions
• Conducting 100+ sensitization sessions across India
At University of Melbourne, I propose:
1. Launching a disability helpline
2. Organizing talks with disability community leaders
3. Conducting sensitization sessions for faculty and students
4. Drafting comprehensive Disability Regulations
I envision a university where disability is a unique
Della Johnston (More! For UMSU)
Hello! My name is Della, I’m running for the Disabilities committee because the Disabilities department plays a key role in supporting Disabled students and makes it possible for us to deliver More! for Students. I promise to bring fresh energy, integrity, and a commitment to transparency and collaboration to the table. Let’s work together to make a meaningful impact on student life at UniMelb and ensure every voice is heard. Vote
I would love to use my position in the disabilities department by sharing my lived experience with mental health, be that friendly face that people can come to for advice, and raise awareness/combat stigma/educate the general public.
Hello! My name is Kevin (2nd-year Bachelor of Science) from Singapore. This probably sounds really unoriginal because it is, but I’m running for the Disabilities committee to make sure that the voices of the disability community in our university is represented in the processes to keep our community a place we love. As a queer person of color with a disability, my perspective will be helpful to allow the committee to stay grounded and connected to the community and that everyone benefits from our work. Thanks for taking the time to read this statement :) Nothing about us, without us.
Matthew Denipitiya (More! For UMSU)
Hello! My name is Matt, I’m a second year studying marine biology and I’m from Melbourne. I’m a multiply disabled student running for disabilities committee to ensure that all disabled students have equitable access to learning and leisure at university, on campus or off. Meeting and helping people from the disabled community this year has been incredible, and I hope to do so again on committee. Most importantly though, I want to hear from you about what issues you are facing at university and how we can work together to tackle them. Nothing about us,
Hi, my name is Ken Liem, third year Bachelor of Science student born in Australia. I enjoy cooking and gaming in my free time, along with problem solving my way through code. I’m running for office as I want to create more ways those that have disabilities to connect with the university community that may struggle with it. Additionally, I want to create accessibility to those that may want to participate within classes but cannot due to disabilities. Everyone takes steps a time, lets support those that need that want to take
Hi, My name is Tom, I’m running for the Disabilities committee because the Disabilities department plays a key role in supporting Disabled students and makes it possible for us to deliver More! for Students. I promise to bring fresh energy, integrity, and a commitment to transparency and collaboration to the table. Let’s work together to make a meaningful impact on student life at UniMelb and ensure every voice is heard. Vote
Hey my name is Wei Jun Lim, I am running for the Disabilities committee to advocate for a future where all disabled students are empowered and valued. My goal is to fight for accessible services, equitable opportunities and better support systems. I empathise and understand the barriers that a person with disability faces. I aim to bring a voice of experience to ensure that each student’s needs are met with compassion, respect and practical solutions. If you would like to see this happen, make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi!! I’m Jigar, a second-year majoring in Public Health and Epidemiology. I’m passionate about accessibility and inclusivity for students with disabilities on campus and wish to advocate for students in UMSU disabilities. My goal’s to help ensure the department is a safe space for students and make it fun and welcoming. I wish to utilise my own experience with an autoimmune disease to allow for different perspectives in the union, and ensure no student is left out. If you would like to see this happen, Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello, I am Atithi Pradhan, a second year BSci student from Nepal. I’m running for the Disabilities Committee. I have dedicated the past seven years of my life to advocate for people with mental disabilities and neurodivergence and I hope that my experience can contribute towards helping create inclusivity and accessibility here in our university. I will work to make sure we students receive the support we need and help implement pragmatic solutions that best uplifts us. My priority will be YOU. So make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi I’m Emma! I’m a second year student studying linguistics and German. As someone who is blind and has been diagnosed with neurodivergences and mental health struggles, I’m an asset to the Disabilities Committee. I am open about and willing to discuss my disabilities and experiences, I hope by being a representative of students with disabilities, that I can assist other people whose life is impacted by disabilities/ mental health setbacks who might not have the capacity to raise awareness of their experiences themselves.Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi, my name is Maehula Datta, a second year student studying Bachelor of Arts (Psychology). I’m running for the disabilities position because I want to advocate for mental health and disability awareness – to ensure that the voices of students with disabilities are heard and valued. I’m passionate about creating an inclusive environment that promotes accessibility and support. As someone struggling with mental issues I want UMSU to be more inclusive and implement effective initiatives and foster a campus culture where every student feels empowered and supported. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your
Hi there, my name is Isabel Lisa Jose, and I am honoured to be running for the position of committee Member for the Disabilities Department at UMSU. As a student who personally deals with challenges of living with disability, I understand and am deeply committed to ensuring every student, feels supported and empowered through their university life to ensure they have a safe and comfortable journey. So make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
My name is Kulvir Sharma and I’m an international student studying finance and management at UniMelb living at Janet Clarke Hall, UniMelb. I also play squash for the university and getting back to the sport was not easy for me. After suffering from an autoimmune disease that left me bedridden, the support from the University played a vital role in me achieving my sporting endeavours and I am passionate to advocate and support other fellow students who deserve support in their University goals just like me. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Jobe Berends (More! For UMSU)
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Abhie Gupta (Community for UMSU)
Hi I’m Abhie - a first year commerce student. I’m running for a position on the education committee. I believe that this committee can use its voice for an unbiased opinion on serious issues such as the cost of living crisis and the overall cost of tertiary education. I will do my best to get your concerns heard and to help you ease the difficulties associated with expensive education. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Scarlett Brooks (More! For UMSU)
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Yuito Takizawa (Community for UMSU)
Hello, I’m Yuito from Chiba, Japan. Education is how you can shape the future. As a prospective member of the UMSU Education Committee, I am committed to high-quality education access for all students. My goal is to ensure that every student has the resources and support they need to succeed academically and personally, and to push the boundaries of how education can be offered here.I’m enthusiastic about contributing to initiatives that enrich learning and advance educational equity throughout our university. So make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
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Hi, I’m Rutvi Tolani. I’m from India and am pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce. One can call me a jack of all trades with my interest in policy-making, logistics, acting, dance, and environment. I’ve always believed that education can create a social impact and transform lives. As a person of colour I’m dedicated to advocating for solutions that bring systematic change while creating a more inclusive place. Being a committee member will give me the platform and allow me to contribute to drive positive change. Please Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
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Hi, I’m Xingwan and I’m studying for a Master of Construction Management. My passion for education and student support drives me to advocate for inclusive and enriching learning experiences. I understand the unique challenges faced by international students and I aim to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive their passion academically and personally. I am planning to run an Education Committee this year and I would appreciate your support. So make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey! I am Tvisha and I am in my third year Bachelors of Science majoring in Mechatronic Engineering. I enjoy leading change and have done so through many activities around University such as student clubs. I am excited to help voice your opinions if I get elected on the Education Committee and bring positive change. I want to help students have an environment where they are able to not only survive, but thrive. Don’t forget toVote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello! I’m Bella, a second-year Media and Communications student with a deep passion for enhancing our educational experience. I’m committed to advocating for equitable and accessible education for all students. I believe it’s crucial to ensure no one is left behind, whether it’s our students or hardworking staff. Everyone deserves recognition and support for their contributions to the university. I’ll actively work to implement fair and transparent policies, fostering environments where every member of our community feels valued and empowered. Make Sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi everyone, I am Kriti Tatiya, pursuing a Masters of International Business. For someone who is doing her masters in a foreign country, I can truly understand the hassle and hardships we all face during the tenure of our lives here. With a vision to make the student life easier, while providing a scope of constant growth and holistic development, I look forward to contributing with all my passion and enthusiasm of building an inclusive environment. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you!
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Hi I’m Sophia (she/her) I’m an Arts student studying History/Linguistics/Japanese. I’m running for the Education Committee because I believe that every student deserves access to high-quality learning experiences and support. I’m particularly interested in improving the accessibility to special considerations, enhancing the curriculum for core subjects and advancing educational equity at our university. I’m also committed to ensuring that students are being represented and all the needs are addressed. I’m motivated by the chance to contribute and I’m confident that my skills and dedication will make a positive impact on the committee’s work. Vote [1] Activate
Hi there, I’m David (he/him) and I’m a law student running with Activate to build a strong progressive Education Committee. UniMelb is a public university. It belongs to us. It should be a place of learning and safety for all. Instead, UniMelb has chosen to restrict our right to protest, creepily spy on students, and punish them for taking a stand against weapons companies infiltrating our university. We need a strong Education Committee in UMSU to remind the university to focus on student needs, not corporate greed. Vote [1] to Activate our union.
My name is Rachel (She/Her) and I’m running for a position in the education committee. I am a first year student studying for a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics. During my time in the university, I have noticed that students struggle in navigating and adapting to university life with little guidance. I am dedicated to providing an ever evolving education system in our university, amplifying any issues and concerns students have to allow best use of the resources. Vote [1] to activate our union.
Hey everyone, I’m Jake (he/him) and I’m here to run for a progressive Education office with Activate. As someone with aspirations in teaching, I am passionate about our learning experience on campus. Our education office should fight for reasonable hurdle requirements and no contest 3-day extensions.
Vote [1] to activate our union
Hey, I’m Violet (She/Her) and I am running for a progressive Education Office with Activate. University is a place for learning and connecting, which is why I want to run for a student union which advocates for the facilitation of students rather than financial gain. I’d like to bring my experience in activism and student clubs to the education committee as I wish to widen the impact to the broader student community. Vote [1] to activate
Hey, I’m Yutong and I am running with Activate for a progressive Education office. The student union needs an education team willing to stand against misuse of funding which could be better allocated towards the benefit of students and staff. As a committee, we need to ensure every student has the right to education and ability to fully engage in their studies without the stress of fees and cost of living. Vote [1] to activate our union.
Hi, I’m Varisha (she/her)!! I am running for a progressive Education office with Activate for UMSU. I believe the university should provide students with the necessary resources to allow them to learn and connect without the stress of unfair sanctions or misuse of funding. I plan to stand against the funding of weapons manufacturers and unfair consequences towards students which interrupt their ability to learn and engage. Vote [1] for Activate for student powered education.
The genocide in Gaza has continued for ten months. As the Education Officer this year I’ve organised Gaza solidarity encampments across the country, school strikes for Palestine and an ongoing divestment campaign to pressure Unimelb to cut ties with weapons manufacturers. I’ve been censored and silenced for standing up for Palestine, but I won’t stop. Our student union needs principled left wing activists who do not back down in the face of intimidation. I’ll continue to use my platform locally and nationally to stand against all forms of injustice - Free Palestine, free the refugees, always was, always will be.
Alongside other Left Action – Free Palestine candidates last year, I helped organise the protests that successfully booted a Neo-Nazi gym out of Melbourne’s western suburbs. The rise of the far-right globally poses a huge threat to everyone. To POC and especially Muslim communities, to the bodily autonomy of women and queer people, and to the democratic rights to protest for causes like Palestine. Melbourne clearly isn’t immune to this bigotry and if we are gonna keep the farright from growing here too, we need students to continue to stand up and demand that their student unions support and organise activism.
Hi, I’m Charlotte. I’ve been an activist since the 2019 School Strike 4 Climate movement, and an active socialist on campus for about a year. Education is an activist issue. Since the siege on Gaza began on October the 7th last year, all 12 of Gaza’s universities have been totally obliterated. As a member of Students for Palestine, I’ve helped to organise 7 student strikes in solidarity with the people of Gaza. I’m applying for a position on the student union because I think our union should be an activist body. There’s always something to fight for!
Hi, I’m Hannah from Left Action - Free Palestine! I am a passionate activist committed to fighting for social justice. Last year, I helped organise the Students Support Staff strike campaign, advocating for improved working conditions for our staff and better education overall. This year, my focus has been on the fight for justice in Palestine, where I have been involved in weekly rallies, school strikes, and campus campaigns. Vote for me for Education Committee and i’ll fight to use my platform to advocate for students rights.
Hi I’m Caitlin running for Left Action - Free Palestine, and student politics needs a radical and left wing alternative in the student union willing to challenge the status quo and stand up for social justice, a respected planet, Palestine, queer rights, and all other oppressed groups. With the world ravaged by an imperialist agenda scrambling to protect profit over people, it is now more than ever necessary for activists to be resolute in campaigning on left wing issues, as seen in our mass student meeting which received over 1,000 signatures on the petition to divest from weapons manufacturers!
My name is Ben O’Donnell and I believe students deserve to have a say on how this university is run. The cost of education and housing is skyrocketing for students while the university administration continues to rake in massive profits and underpay their staff. The same administration is supporting and aiding the ongoing genocide of Gaza through investments in weapon companies. To see action on the cost of living crisis and the genocide in Gaza we needs activists in the student union who are willing to challenge the university administration.
I’m Paterson and I’m running for the Education Committee because the way our university is run for profit is disgusting. I’m a revolutionary socialist and have spent my political life fighting against the rotten system that screws us with overpriced, shitty degrees, horrifically underpays our tutors and then turns around to use the excess it skins from our backs to fund genocide. I’ve organised on campus in support of the 2023 staff strikes against the university and then against the genocide in Gaza. I’ll work to make the student union a fighting union.
I am thrilled to run for the Education Committee of our Student Union because I genuinely care about enhancing our academic experience. I am committed to fighting for better resources, fostering a supportive learning environment, and ensuring that your voices are heard. I believe that together, we can make meaningful changes that will positively impact our education and overall student life. Your support means the world to me and will allow me to passionately advocate for our collective needs and aspirations. Let’s work together to build an enriching and empowering educational journey for everyone. Thank you for your trust and vote!
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Hi, I’m Varisha (she/her)!! I am running for a progressive Education office with Activate for UMSU. I believe the university should provide students with the necessary resources to allow them to learn and connect without the stress of unfair sanctions or misuse of funding. I plan to stand against the funding of weapons manufacturers and unfair consequences towards students which interrupt their ability to learn and engage. Vote [1] for Activate for student powered education.
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Stanley Zaranski (Rebuild)
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Sitong Zhou
As a Master’s student in Information Systems with a six-year history at the University of Melbourne, including my undergraduate studies, I have developed a deep affection for this institution. My extensive experience and passion for the university drive my commitment to serving and assisting fellow students during my postgraduate journey. I aim to actively engage in the community, collaborating with like-minded individuals who share my dedication to enhancing the student experience. By leveraging my knowledge and love for the UoM, I pledge to contribute positively to our academic environment, fostering a spirit of cooperation and support among my peers.
Maksym Xu
Hi, I’m Maksym Xu, and I’m running for the Education Committee at the University of Melbourne. I’ll fight for more internships and exchange programs because I believe these opportunities can transform lives. As an international student, I know firsthand the challenges we face. I dream of a campus where everyone feels welcome and can succeed. If elected, I’ll work hard to bring more diverse learning experiences to our university. I’ve seen how language barriers can hold students back, and I’m committed to breaking down these obstacles. Vote for Max, and together we’ll create the MAX academic experience for all!
Lola Bowers (More! For UMSU)
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Devyani Claeys (More! For UMSU)
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Paterson Lewis (More! For UMSU)
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Senaya Rathneweera (More! For UMSU)
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Shirley Killen (More! For UMSU)
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Heather Maltby (More! For UMSU)
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My passion for the environment and sustaining life on our planet has pushed me to attend trainings, work in community environmental groups and volunteer at an international research centre in Nepal. I want to share this passion with students of the university and work for the future we all deserve.
Hi, I’m Christina and I am running for Environment committee for 2025! I am excited to be part of a progressive and left-wing team of students who want to Activate student voice on campus and Activate our student union! For me one of the most important things in life is nature, being able to breathe in and feel the clean air or go on a walk to help ground yourself. I can’t promise cleaner air but including more green-space around campus is the dream. To ensure our student union is progressive in 2025 Vote [1] Activate for all positions.
Hi, my name is Amelie (Amy) Catrice and I am running for environment committee for 2025! I am excited to be part of a progressive and left-wing team of students who want to Activate student voice on campus and Activate our student union!
As a geography and anthropology major, regular volunteer, and someone passionate about social and environmental issues, I am hoping in this role to help ensure the sense of community and care that exists among our student body extends within and beyond university grounds.
To ensure our student union is progressive in 2025, vote [1] Activate for all positions!
wing team of students who want to Activate student voice on campus and Activate our student union!
The environment is a pressing issue for all young people. Climate change is an issue that does not discriminate, but is exacerbated along lines of global inequalities. The genocide in Gaza alone has produced more emissions than the lowest emitting countries combined. Military emissions do not have to be declared by imperial states, and countries in the West often greenwash their imperial endeavours. Coming from a Western Australia, the impacts of the colonial exploitation of Indigenous land is felt deeply and urgently [over word length]
Hi I am Teresa (she/her) I am running for the environment committee. As an architecture student, I am very excited to share my knowledge with the committee and create a new space and initiatives for students keeping in mind our environmental footprint. My fun factor is extremely organised, and love designing space and categorise things. Vote [1] for Activate!
Hi, I’m Thomas (he/him) and I’m running with Activate for the environmental committee. We need strong climate action, and we need it now. The necessity of stronger environmental policy has never been clearer, with the three hottest days in the last 100,000 years occurring in July 2024. Melbourne Uni must do more to address climate change, and that will only happen with a progressive environment committee pushing Uni policy forward.
Vote [1] to activate our union
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 crisis is an existential threat. 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 the resources Environment Committee to build activism on campus and demand climate justice.
Hi, my name is Yasmeen, I’m running for one of the positions in the environment committee with Left Action - Free Palestine!
As a passionate environmental activist, I am dedicated to advancing our fight against climate change. The past decade has seen numerous environmental disasters, such as the 2019 - 20 bushfires in Australia, and more recently, Hurricane Beryl. This urgency is why I joined the high school climate strikes in Year 9 to demand government action against fossil fuel companies.
My commitment extends beyond climate issues to advocating for Palestine and other causes. I’ve helped organise the historic school [over word length]
My name is Ben, and I believe students deserve to have a say on how this university is run.
The cost of education and housing is skyrocketing for students while the university administration continues to rake in massive profits and underpay their staff. The same administration is supporting and aiding the ongoing genocide of Gaza through investments in weapon companies.
To see action on the cost of living crisis and the genocide in Gaza we needs activists in the student union who are willing to challenge the university administration.
Hi, I’m Hannah from Left Action- Free Palestine I’m a committed activist who has been fighting for climate justice since the school strikes for climate change in 2019.
I also think its important to fight around a wide range of social justice issues including protesting against anti-trans figures like Posie Parker, building anti-Nazi protests and fighting for a free Palestine! I think now more than ever environmental activism matters, as the government does nothing to prevent climate catastrophe.
I demand our university divest from fossil companies, stop developing weapons and create technology that can actually benefit our futures.
The genocide in Gaza has continued for ten months. As the Education Officer this year I’ve organised Gaza solidarity encampments across the country, school strikes for Palestine and an ongoing divestment campaign to pressure Unimelb to cut ties with weapons manufacturers. I’ve been censored and silenced for standing up for Palestine, but I won’t stop. Our student union needs principled left wing activists who do not back down in the face of intimidation. I’ll continue to use my platform locally and nationally to stand against all forms of injustice - Free Palestine, free the refugees, always was, always will be.
I have always been an active member of my community. I’m a passionate organised activist who alongside my peers in the last year worked on a variety of pro-Palestine actions like the student strikes and campaign meetings. In addition to this I have been a vocal environmental and women’s rights activist. I think it’s imperative to be someone who not only vocalises support for causes or communities but commits themselves to organised action. I believe UMSU should be a political place where students who are passionate activists can commit themselves to standing up for all members of the broader community.
I want to rebuild the tradition of students fighting for social justice. That means fighting for free education for all students, kicking weapons manufacturers off campus, fighting for climate justice, free public transport, against racism and sexism, and for LGBTI+ rights. It’s clear that our universities are run like corporations; when university profits go up, the quality of student and staff life goes down as they attack us by increasing tuition fees, cutting staff pay, and reducing student welfare while actively profiting from the genocide in Gaza. We need a fighting UMSU that commits itself to activism.
I was a chair in Roots and Shoots in my highschool, an organisation founded by Jane Goodall - we aimed to educate our school community on animal rights, the environment and conservation. We made notebooks to sell, made from recycled materials to raise money for the organisation, and sorted through the rubbish bins in our school weekly. Something else we achieved was conducting a waste audit, where we found a lot of compostable waste, and implemented five compost bins around school, which reduced landfill significantly. I would love to continue making a difference to the environment in UniMelb’s community.
As university students we need to be more active in living and studying in an environment friendly and sustainable way. I believe that I could contribute my efforts to the environment committee by actively striving a better outlook, to promote a safe and healthier environment for students to have their best learning experience. I shall not let you all down and shall listen to all voices regarding their thoughts on how to create a sustainable environment for the unimelb students. Thanks a lot!
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Hi, I am Madhusoodhanan Prabhu. I’m dedicated to transforming our campus into a model of sustainability. If elected, I will focus on implementing comprehensive recycling programs like Clothes Swap, Second Hand Student Markets and Equipment Library along with our Environment Office Bearer candidates, Jayde East and Helena. Education and participation are key, and I plan to create engaging campaigns to inspire the entire university community. Let’s work together for a cleaner, greener University. So make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Jash Sant (Rebuild)
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Hello, I am Agung, a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability. My goal as a member of the Environment Committee is to spearhead initiatives that promote renewable energy use at University and reduce our overall carbon footprint, keeping in mind the recent Sustainability Report by the University of Melbourne.By engaging the student body through workshops and eco-friendly events, I aim to foster a culture of environmental consciousness at the University. Together, we can make significant strides toward a sustainable future. So make sure toVote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you!
Patrick Irwin (Rebuild)
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Deeksha Garg (Community for UMSU)
I’m Deeksha (she/her), doing Marketing Communications. Environmental well-being is often voiced by many but to actually practise it is a whole different story. Environmental health is something that affects everyone and doesn’t discriminate. My experience in working for a non-profit organisation in sustainability and renewable energy has enlightened me about the recent ecological degradation. Being a part of the Environment committee, I’ll be your advocate for climate action. Let’s make our campus the most eco-efficient it has ever been. Be the change! Make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you!
Zach Margis (Rebuild)
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Hello, I’m Manya Garg, studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Computing and Software Systems. I believe that environment damage is an issue talked about the most, but acted upon the least. This issue needs IMMEDIATE fixing, which is why I’m running for the environment committee. We as university students from diverse backgrounds have the capacity to become pioneers in helping fix this issue. I am committed to supporting and encouraging the use of environmentally sustainable equipment in our events. That’s why make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi! My name is Ishita Khullar and I am a passionate advocate for sustainability and environmental justice. I believe real change starts at the grassroots level, and I am committed to ensuring that our University becomes a model of sustainability. Our environment is our future, and we must act now to protect it. I am committed to being a strong voice for sustainability and ensuring that our University takes bold steps toward a more sustainable and just world. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello, I’m Baani Kochar. I am doing my Bachelor of Art, majoring in Politics at the University of Melbourne. I’m quite passionate about topics of environment and sustainability. My mission is to drive meaningful change within our University community by advocating for renewable energy projects, especially with the University’s Sustainability Team and waste reduction initiatives. I believe in the power of grassroots movements and will work tirelessly to engage students in environmental advocacy. Together, we will build a sustainable future for our University and beyond. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you!
Greetings, my name is Alexandra Wilson. I believe in the power of collective action to address the pressing issue of climate change. As a candidate for the Environment Committee, my vision includes enhancing green spaces on campus, supporting sustainable food practices, and advocating for policies that prioritise environmental health. By collaborating with students, faculty, and staff, we can create a more sustainable and resilient university. So make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you!
Marlgun Wagner
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Provisionally elected unopposed
I am Liuming Teng, an international graduate student in Information Systems. I am applying for the People of Color position to help ensure equal treatment for all students. I am committed to listening to the voices of students from different countries, advocating for their needs, and providing essential support and resources to foster an inclusive and equitable academic
Hi, I’m Kailun Zhang, a second-year Master of IT student. I grew up in China before moving to Australia for high school, so I’ve experienced both cultures firsthand. This has given me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by people of colour in navigating different cultural environments. I’m committed to strive for a more inclusive and understanding community at our university. I will work to ensure our voices are heard and our needs are met. Noting is too late to change! Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
I am Bingchan Zhou, a second-year Juris Doctor student with a diverse academic background from China, the UK, and Singapore. I am running for People of Colour committee member with Community. My international education has equipped me with a deep understanding of multicultural issues, which I plan to leverage to promote inclusivity, advocate for equitable policies, and support the academic success of students of colour. I am committed to fostering an environment where all students feel valued and empowered. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi, I’m Wang Yufei (Daisy), a candidate for the UMSU in the POC Department. As an international student from China, I understand the challenges of adapting to a new culture. My aim is to create inclusive, secure spaces for students of colour and promote multicultural exchange. We hope to work together with the University to establish a platform that promotes multicultural exchange and fosters deep and friendly relationships among students of different racial backgrounds. We seek your vote for community to foster a welcoming, diverse campus. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi! I’m Lushy, and I’m studying biomedicine. I’m passionate about embracing culture and the wide range of diversity we have on-campus! I’ve loved getting involved in events run by the POC department like Bla(c)k collective which creates spaces for our students to connect through their heritage - let’s keep this going! As an African-Australian I believe it’s super important to share and connect with others through our cultures (especially food!) I’m running for POC committee to ensure students of colour feel heard, connected, and empowered! Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
I am Dhiraj, also known as DK, an international student from India. I’ll focus on promoting the financial and mental well-being of students of colour, advocating for enhanced financial assistance and tailored mental health services. I’m committed to facilitating cultural integration and combating discrimination to create a secure, inclusive, and hospitable space for every student of colour, both international and domestic. My dedication stems from firsthand experiences confronting discrimination in India. I want to foster a more inclusive, supportive environment for all POC at the UniMelb. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello everyone, I’m Jenny, and I’m thrilled to be joining the People of Colour committee! I’m eager to get to know more about the University of Melbourne while contributing to enriching campus activities and fostering cultural exchange. By utilising the student union platform, I aim to raise awareness about these important issues and passionately advocate for their resolution. Remember to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey! I’m Saiha, a second year Biomed student, potentially majoring in Neuroscience. As a person of colour woman living in a Western country, I understand that voices of POC should be amplified, recognised and empathised with. As your representative, I’ll attempt to bridge the gap people of colour may face not just in the university, but in society. I’m committed to fostering a safe environment so voices of POC are championed. I’ll do my best to organise events to celebrate diversity and experiences. Make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Gerardo Mayella (Rebuild)
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Yiyang Cao (More! For UMSU)
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Yudhishtir Singh (More! For UMSU)
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Paramita Sharma (More! For UMSU)
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Scarlett Giang (More! For UMSU)
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Satheesh Kumar (More! For UMSU)
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Yuxi Luo (More! For UMSU)
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Sohaila Elnharawy (Activate)
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Hey! My name is Dahlia (she/her), and I’ll be running for POC committee. I’d really like to be involved in this committee and contribute to increasing diverse voices and ideas in the Union to drive discussion and improvement for POC students in the University. I love the Sesame Street muppets and I follow them all on Instagram. Vote [1] for Activate.
As a person of colour and a student with a disability, I bring a unique perspective to the People of Colour committee. My key achievements include:
• Revitalizing the Minority Law Students’ Association at Lewis and Clark Law School
• Facilitating externships for students of colour with Oregon state bodies
• Organizing “Cultural Mosaic,” a biweekly social gathering for peer support
My vision encompasses:
1. Establishing a responsive community helpline
2. Hosting monthly talks with diverse leaders
3. Conducting sensitization sessions for faculty and students
4. Drafting comprehensive Regulations for People of Colour
My approach combines innovation with action, aiming to empower diversity.
Hello! My name is Srishty Pareek (She/Her), and I’m thrilled to run for the People of Colour Committee with Activate. Being a woman and a person of colour, I understand the importance of being represented. My goal is to be the voice of POC and provide a safe space for all students.
I’m excited to be part of a community that empowers and supports its students. I hope you can give me the opportunity. Please vote [1] to Activate our union.
Hey, I’m Lorjel (He/him) and I am running for a POC committee member. As a proud POC at unimelb, I want to be part of delivering progressive policies on student council for unimelb students.
Connection and belonging are central to student wellbeing. For those from diverse backgrounds, finding spaces that embrace the nuances of intersectional identity can be challenging. If elected, I aim to turn policies and budgetary decisions into tangible benefits for students. This could include hosting in-person forums for students to voice their concerns, organizing discussions with academics and guest speakers on navigating intersectional identities, creating social events to connect like-minded individuals, and running campaigns to raise awareness of critical issues and expand student outreach. Why me? As a Lebanese Australian Muslim woman, I’ve faced the complexities of navigating my own identity [over word length]
My name is Harshene, and I go by they/ she pronouns. I am running for a position on the Queer Committee of UMSU’s Queer Department as I am passionate about providing support and maintaining a safe space for students of all sexualities and genders at our university. Being a student who identifies within the LGBTIQA+ community strengthens my passion for ensuring the students in our community always feel accepted, safe, and heard. I want to serve on the Queer Committee as it will allow me to actively contribute and engage in the duty of maintaining an inclusive and safe environment on campus.
Zelun YU
Dear UMSU Members, I am honored to run for the 2024 UMSU Annual Election. As a queer student from China, I can bring a unique perspective and commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity. My personal connection to the queer community motivates me to advocate for their rights and needs. I believe that queer individuals bring unique vibrancy and life, and I aim to help reduce prejudice and enhance support for this group. Your support will help drive positive change and promote a more inclusive and understanding campus environment. Let’s work together for a brighter future!
Sincerely, Zelun YU
Farhan Andalib (More! For UMSU)
Hi! My name is Farhan, I’m running for the Queer committee because the Queer department plays a key role in supporting Queer students and makes it possible for us to deliver More! for Students. I promise to bring fresh energy, integrity, and a commitment to transparency and collaboration to the table. Let’s work together to make a meaningful impact on student life at UniMelb and ensure every voice is heard. Vote [1] More for meaningful representation.
Molly Blue Britt (More! For UMSU)
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Hayley Lark (More! For UMSU)
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Alec James Dwyer Garrisson (More! For UMSU)
Hi! My name is Alec, I’m running for the Queer committee because the Queer department plays a key role in supporting Queer students and makes it possible for us to deliver More! for Students. I promise to bring fresh energy, integrity, and a commitment to transparency and collaboration to the table. Let’s work together to make a meaningful impact on student life at UniMelb and ensure every voice is heard. Vote [1] More for meaningful representation.
Alice Mathilda Walker (More! For UMSU)
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Juneau Murray-de Brossard (More! For UMSU)
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Hey! My name is Dahlia (she/her), and I’ll be running for Queer committee. I’d really like to be involved in this committee and contribute to increasing diverse voices and ideas in the Union to drive discussion and improvement for Queer students in the University. As a Queer Person of Colour, I feel very strongly about increasing POC representation in the Queer community. I love the Sesame Street muppets and I follow them all on Instagram.
My name is Sharvendra and I’m from Malaysia. Growing up in a conservative environment caused me to have a shifted outlook on life, but serving on the queer committee during last semester has widened my perspective on queer existence. Our struggle, as bitter of a truth as it might be, will always have shaped our experiences. My goal as a committee member is to help show each and every one of you that your strive, your resilience, and your mere perseverance are grounds for celebration. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey everyone, I’m Connor (He/Him) and I’m running for a progressive Queer Committee with Activate. It has never been more important to have a Queer Committee that fights for the marginalised. It has never been more important to stand up for transgender and gender non-conforming people and their rights. On the Queer Committee I will fight transphobia on campus, and uphold the rights of LGBTQI+ students. Vote [1] to activate our union.
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Hey name is Quinn Growder, I am running for the Queer committee as someone deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and equality. My mission is to promote policies that support queer individuals, ensure safe spaces and fight against prejudices. I aim to amplify our voices, drive meaningful change, and build a more inclusive society where love and acceptance are the norms, not the exceptions. Your support will help us achieve these vital goals together. so make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey there! I’m Sam, a Bachelor of Commerce student passionate about LGBTQ+ rights. Running for the Queer Committee member, my mission is to enhance students’ awareness of queer rights, reduce homophobia on campus, and continue the vital message that everyone belongs. My goal is to make queer society more fun, inclusive, and diverse, ensuring that everyone feels celebrated and supported. I’ll be your advocate to champion your voices and needs. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��ore for meaningful representation.
Hello! My name is Tahlia Vosnakis and I am a first year Bachelor of Design student and a proud pansexual woman. As a Queer Committee member, I will work hard to amplify queer voices and promote safe spaces. With experience in organising LGBTQ+ friendly events such as IDAHOBIT day, I believe that I have passion and dedication for supporting queer youth - for the whole rainbow! If you would like to see us work towards a better future,make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello, I am Isabellia Mele Leba Kini Lee and I go by She/They pronouns. Ethnically, I am Fijian, Indian and Chinese. I am also a queer Pasifika woman of colour. I will always try my best to advocate and present the experiences of those individuals before me. Their stories have led me to stand in these positions with humility and courage. That is what I choose to embody and contribute to the Queer Committee. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello! My name is Nomin Chuluunbat, a second-year student studying Economics and Psychology. Deeply sharing the Queer Committee’s values of LGBTQ+ inclusivity and intersectionality, I’m excited to actively engage and support the Department. I aim to develop informative resources that drive awareness. I’m eager to boost the visibility of our events, like Queer Ball, CAMP, and Autonomous collectives, ensuring more students connect with and feel welcomed by our community. I’m excited to build a more inclusive and supportive space for everyone. Make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi I’m Kevin (he/him)! I’m a second year arts student, I’m super excited about continuing the good work of making the university a safer space for all queer diverse students. Having worked and volunteered in a few queer spaces including Switchboard and using the QPOC space myself here on campus, I know how important these spaces are for developing and growing our identities and confidence. As a committee member, I want to continue to make these spaces more accessible, welcoming and more positive! Make sure toVote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Bhavya Johari
As a law student with a disability from a diverse background, I bring unique insights to the Welfare Committee. My key achievements include:
• Three-time convenor of NALSAR’s Social Responsibility and Welfare Committee
• Established peer counseling network and “Wellness Wednesday” program
• Created a student-led food bank for financial support
My vision encompasses:
1. Implementing a “Global Buddy” system
2. Developing a “Skills Swap” platform
3. Introducing “Mindful Study Spaces”
4. Establishing a Student Welfare Advisory Board
5. Creating a “Holistic Health Pass” program
My approach combines experience with innovation, fostering a supportive environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.
Torrin Nundra-Tolonen (More! For UMSU)
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Maximillian McKenzie Fitzpatrick (More! For UMSU)
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Jingshan CHEN (More! For UMSU)
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Jobe Berends (More! For UMSU)
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Hayley Lark (More! For UMSU)
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Kiley Li (More! For UMSU)
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Yiyang Cao (More! For UMSU)
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Hey everyone, I’m Michael (he/him) and I’m running for a progressive Welfare office with Activate. I’m a fulltime Arts undergrad, History & Philosophy, and work as a Social Care Provider. We need a strong, active welfare office, focussed on resisting the trend of productivity, corporatisation and automation in the face of the increasing demand and complexity of this critical pillar to academic and personal growth. We need people to help people, not more self-help sites. Vote [1] to ACTIVATE our union.
Hi I’m Jess. My pronouns are she/her. I’m currently completing a Bachelor of Arts degree and I’m in my second year. As a Psychology major I want to use the knowledge I have gained to make a positive contribution to the Welfare Committee. Catherine Baker recommended the role to me, as we go to know each other during our co leadership as peer mentors. I would love to become more involved in university life and work alongside the Welfare committee members. Vote [1] for Activate!
Hi I’m Ash (she/her) and I’m running for the welfare committee! I’m a second year International Relations student looking to meet and support new people at unimelb :) I love getting to know peoples stories, ideas and experiences both on and off campus. I pride myself as an inclusive considerate person with a passion for helping others which I believe would make me super suitable in this position! Thank you so much for reading! Vote [1] for Activate!
Hey everyone! My name’s Connor (He/Him) and I am running for a progressive welfare committee with Activate. As somebody from a disadvantaged background, I understand the great many challenges faced by students and the detrimental impacts they have on personal wellbeing. We can’t expect students to excell in their studies if they are simply struggling to get by. That is why it is essential that students are provided with they support they need not only to survive, but to thrive at university. Vote [1] Activate for welfare committee.
Hello! I’m Emily (she/her), currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce. I’m passionate about dedicating my time to enhancing student well-being. I believe in a holistic approach to wellness, which includes not only mental health but also ensuring that everyone feels safe and supported. I am committed to collaborating with other well-being committee members to achieve these goals and enhance our existing services, such as food services. I’m eager to increase the number of our events, boost engagement, and explore new ideas, particularly those that address mental health while fostering an inclusive environment. Vote [1] to activate our Union!
Hi, I’m Holly (she/her), A Bachelor of Arts student, I’m proud this year to be running on Activate with a strong Welfare team that will expand food relief on campus and campaign to end unpaid placements. Vote [1] Activate for UMSU
Hi. My name is Meet. I am a second year undergraduate student studying Bachelor of Science. As an international student, my first year has been a struggle with inflation creating an increased burden upon me. I realised early that it’s not just me but many of my colleagues are going through this as well. Volunteering in welfare brunches and Union Mart and seeing their smiles when I help them out, gives me a sense of gratitude and happiness. So, make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hello! I’m Vinayak Kapoor, an international student currently pursuing a Master of Management in Accounting and Finance. I’ve first handedly experienced financial stress, struggling with finding employment opportunities and the rising cost of living crisis. My vision is to prioritise attention on this very agenda. The university can increase on-campus job opportunities, and that university should conduct an annual review of university’s accommodation rents to ensure that they align with student’s financial capacities and prevailing market conditions for the best of overall welfare of students. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi everyone, my name is Cynthia, a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in History, Media & Communication. I volunteered at Union Mart last semester and through my volunteering experience, I was able to witness first-hand accounts of students struggling through the cost of living crisis, and what UMSU Welfare did to help them. I want to collaborate with other committee members to create a more supportive and inclusive environment, and my past volunteer experience has equipped me with communication, adaptability, and intercultural understanding skills for this role. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
I am Raechel Bobby, a second-year psychology student dedicated to enhancing student well-being. My goal is to prioritise mental, emotional, and physical health by advocating for accessible mental health services and reducing waiting times. I am also passionate about addressing food insecurity and financial stress to ensure all students have essential resources. Rooted in empathy and inclusivity, I am aiming to collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds to help in every way possible. I want to advocate for your rights, fostering support and compassion. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi, I am Talya and I am looking to sit on the Welfare committee. I am a 3rd year sociology student (a subject heavily focused on welfare). I am Australian but have grown up overseas, giving me a strong understanding of Australian culture but also what cultural barriers can look/feel like. I believe that characteristically, people would describe me as approachable and caring (helping others gives me great fulfilment). While on exchange, I was a part of their Welfare committee giving me experience with the role and a strong understanding of my responsibilities.
Hi, my name is Shambhavi, a first year international student studying Bachelor of Arts. During my move to Australia I faced a lot of mental distress by being in a new environment. I’m passionate about elevating, improving and destigmatising mental health services provided by UniMelb. I plan to implement policies which focus on integrating all students and campuses, creating a unified student body which is respectful and inclusive. We would also help in reducing the issue of job and housing crisis. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey, I’m Kenneth, a second-year international Bachelor of Science student, and I am excited to be running for the Welfare Committee. Due to the current housing crisis and price hikes, there is a growing subset of the student body that struggles to access necessities such as food, clothing and mental health services. As a member of Welfare, I aim to alleviate these difficulties by expanding relief opportunities and ensuring that our community has equal and easy access to them. So, make sure to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
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Annabel Dekker (Rebuild)
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Leo Zhou (Rebuild)
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Daniel Chen (Rebuild)
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Yibo Yu (Rebuild)
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Julien Baulch (Rebuild)
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Catherine Walters (More! For UMSU)
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Paramita Sharma (More! For UMSU)
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Amelia Andrighetto (More! For UMSU)
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Layal El Wazan (More! For UMSU)
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Justine Chau Margaillan (More! For UMSU)
Here to help, support, and represent all students who identify as women or female. I aim to create a greater sense of community because we are stronger and more empowered when we are unified.
Liuhui Huang (More! For UMSU)
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Megan Ruiying Lim (More! For UMSU)
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Syna Sodhi (Community for UMSU)
Hi! My name is Syna Sodhi, an international student from India. I’m thrilled to embark on my journey as a member of the women’s committee! I want to uphold the standards of our empowered committee by contributing to the creativity and reach of our events. Emphasis on women’s events and safe spaces on-campus will be a start, alongside making sure all women have a fun, safe time in University! I look forward to interacting with people to address concerns and make our team an even stronger! Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi, I am Shuhan Yang (She/her). I am passionate about feminism and dedicated to improving women’s experience on campus. I want to help women to challenge entrenched gender stereotypes and inequalities, ensuring our voices are heard and valued! I wish to build a supportive environment that prioritises women’s futures and their right to thrive. Together, we can make meaningful strides towards equality and create a campus where every woman feels empowered to succeed. Appreciate our own worth and speak out, so, Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi! My name is Morn. I’m running for Women’s Committee member. I’m passionate about women’s rights and gender equality in education and organisational settings, specifically areas involving politics and Asian studies, which is currently also my major. I believe society should pay more attention to prejudice and discrimination against women and try our best to eliminate those. Participating as a women’s committee member, I’m dedicated to making a difference in the community by creating safe spaces for women to feel more inclusive and heard. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi there! I’m currently a Bachelor of Science student majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Throughout my time as a student, I’ve been a part of an incredible community of women, non-binary, and gender-diverse people who have instilled me with confidence in my identity. I intend to continue fostering this environment by advocating for our representation on campus and helping organise more events and activities through the Women’s Department. I aim to make the campus a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, pleaseVote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
I am Zahra Habibi, a first-year B-Sci student. I am running for the Women’s Committee because I believe that we, as women, need to be heard and to feel like we belong. As a passionate and devoted individual, my goal is to establish an inclusive diverse environment in which every woman’s voice is heard and acknowledged. Through my participation, I intend to create a supporting network that will enable women to grow personally and professionally. Together, we can empower each other to reach our full potential. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
As an immigrant woman of colour, I’m deeply committed to amplifying the voices of all women. My personal journey has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and barriers that women, especially those from marginalised communities. I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every woman feels heard and valued. My goal is to advocate for policies that address specific needs of all women. By working together, we can create meaningful change. To achieve this, please Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
My name is Jiahui Zou, and I am running for Women’s Department Member.I am a meticulous, responsible, and caring person. With a background in volunteer work and event organisation, I am dedicated to improving the campus experience for all women. I’m I plan to organise workshops, support groups, and events that promote empowerment and community. My goal is to ensure every woman feels valued, heard, and supported. I am committed to advocating for women’s rights and creating a more inclusive and equitable campus environment. So, Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi, I’m Vanya (she/her), and I’m running for the Women’s Committee. As a biomedicine student passionate about women’s health that borders on obsession, I aim to enhance healthcare education and spread awareness about under-discussed women’s conditions like endometriosis. I’ll advocate for our university to recognise period pain and several other things women deal with as legitimate medical issues because you are not alone. Plus, let’s add some fun with period pain simulators around campus. Join me in making health equality at Unimelb as real as your next coffee break! Vote [1] to activate our union.
Hey there, I’m Olive (she/her), and I’m excited to run for an inclusive Women’s committee with Activate. Together, we can make our university a safe and intersectional space for women and gender-diverse students, ensuring our voices and rights are heard and acted upon. I’m thrilled to elevate our Women’s Department with even more empowering feminist events and collectives, providing a platform for open expression and unwavering support! Vote [1] to activate our union and create a secure environment for every woman and gender-diverse person at UniMelb!
Hey everyone, I’m Jacinta (She/Her), a Master of Biomedical Engineering student running for a position on the Women’s Committee with Activate. We need a strong Women’s Department to challenge outdated policies and create a safe, inclusive campus for all women, trans, and non-binary students. Your welfare is our top priority, and we can achieve this by advocating for ending period poverty, fighting for safety on campus, and promoting equity and anti-colonial and feminist values. Vote [1] to activate our union!
Hi everyone! I’m Saraf (She/Her) and I’m running for the Women’s Committee with Activate. Women need to stand together to create an environment where we all feel safe and equal. With a strong women’s committee, we’ll make sure everyone’s voices are heard. Vote for Saraf.
My name is Rachel (She/Her) and I’m running for a position in the women’s committee. I am a first year student studying for a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics. Moving into a new country and meeting new people can be nerve racking, so I have always appreciated the inclusiveness and protection over women in the university. Through further developing the systems, the university can provide greater inclusiveness and opportunities for the women, transgenders and non-binary students in the school.
Vote [1] to activate our union.
Hi, I’m Ruby (she/her) and I am so proud to be running for Women’s Committee for 2025! I am excited to be part of a progressive and left-wing team of students who want to Activate student voice on campus and Activate our student union.
To ensure our student union is progressive in 2025 Vote [1] Activate for all positions.
Hey I’m Charlotte (she/her) and I am running for a progressive Women’s committee with Activate. I am a gender studies/philosophy major, and it is important to me that period poverty on campus is tackled and managed better by the student union, as well as the facilitation of well-researched health education for people with uteruses. It is a goal of mine to help develop informed consent education as it is vital for the union to provide this to all students. Vote [1] to activate our union.
I was a chair in the GAIL committee in my highschool, where we met on zoom with students from different countries to discuss overt and covert gender inequalities in our schools, and worked on solutions. From here, we presented to the board, and implemented a girls leadership committee in the Middle School. I have also been a delegate, and High School Ambassador for UN Youth; in RYV, my gender inequality group sent in clauses we worked on over a weekend into the NZ government. Therefore, I would love to continue making a difference in the UniMelb’s community in the women’s committee.
Southbank Campus Coordinators’ Nominations 2024
Hi, we’re Tirion and Caleb! We’re keen to be your next Southbank Campus Coordinators. Tirion has been the Music Students’ Society (MSS) President for two years and has been involved with UMSU Southbank as a committee member for the past year. Caleb is student focused, and is passionate about student welfare and interest. We have such a rich heritage in the arts, let’s look after each other, first and foremost, and let’s share!
Student Welfare:
Continue and lobby for more food and stock relief services such as weekly Tuesday BBQs, Breakfasts, and the Southbank Survival station.
Bring more Parkville welfare services to Southbank so students have equitable access to services.
Mental health free lunches, communicate with faculty to return food trucks.
Expand the exam support stall network to include more locations and a wider variety of snacks.
Introduce a used clothing resale/bi-semesterly campus thrift market.
A help and info group for student accommodation across Melbourne.
Education Support:
Support student awareness and access to Advocacy services.
Lobby for staff to provide a better learning environment for student experiences.
Work on creating a feedback process that allows safe spaces for Southbank students to raise concerns and we can refer them to the correct place for help.
Alumni talks and advice sessions.
Collaborations:
Continue the Southbank Queer, Disabilities and People of Colour collectives, with more catering!
Advocate for the return of Town Hall Talks for VCA students to discuss campus issues and support MSS provided MCM town hall meetings.
Support and encourage clubs to run events at the Southbank campus, and invite Parkville clubs down to southbank.
Lobby the university to increase collaborations between the VCA and MCM.
Provide further collaborative performance and learning opportunities for students.
Work with FFAM for more performance opportunities in Parkville.
As the campus coordinator, my primary goal would be to ensure that every student feels heard and valued, creating an inclusive and supportive environment at the university. It is crucial that every individual, regardless of background feels empowered to share their thoughts and ideas. :)
Hi! My name is Justine (she/her)! I am proud to be a 3rd-year Theatre Student from Singapore! I am excited to run as the Southbank Activities Office Bearer once again because I have loved working for and serving the Southbank students during my 2024 tenure. As a Filipino-Singaporean immigrant, I am passionate about championing diversification, and thus, believe that my unique perspective as an international student gives me an immeasurable drive to speak out for those who are not always given the space to speak. For artists, the University journey is often expensive, exhausting, depressing, isolating and time-consuming. I hope to be able to organise new initiatives such as garden lunches with free food, frequent student check-ins, talent showcases, and games days that will allow faculties across Southbank to come together, interact and form a formidable community; all while relaxing and having fun in between classes. As future professional artists, our time at University is also a crucial point in building portfolio and honing skills. Therefore, I hope to organise activities that specifically meet these needs.
Having been in UMSU for a year, I have strongly advocated for Southbank students because I know the very demanding course loads that prohibit us from joining activities held at Parkville. Working hard in 2024 to create a vibrant campus, I have initiated collaborations with Parkville colleagues, who now love Southbank, and have brought and continue to bring Parkville initiatives here at our campus! We still have more to do, and I am ready to continue the work that will help us succeed time and time again. Being a Southbank student is an incredible, and unique position, and I am fearless in paving the way for us to feel that way during our time here at University. So, Southbank, let’s continue to slay!
Joobon Kim (Independents for Southbank Student Democracy)
Hey everyone! I’m Joobon Kim, a 2nd year BFA (Acting) student, and I’m thrilled to be running for the position of Education Officer at Southbank. Our campus is a vibrant community of diverse talents and backgrounds, and I’m committed to enhancing the educational experience for every student here. I’m very passionate about providing even more food relief services on campus that will greatly reduce the burden on students’ shoulders, especially for students who are financially working hard to maintain their study on campus. I will be focusing on ensuring that nutritious meals are accessible to all Southbank students. By reducing food insecurity, we can help students better focus on their studies, and reduce their overall stress. Collaborating with local businesses, organizations and UniMelb food club groups, I aim to create sustainable partnerships to support these vital services. I will also be collaborating with external departments to ensure there are as many weekly food services available for students. Long study sessions can be exhausting, especially during exam periods. To support students burning the midnight oil, I hope to implement Night Study Snack Sessions at the library, providing healthy snacks and beverages for those studying late on-campus. These sessions will create a more comfortable and motivating environment for late-night study marathons, ensuring you have the energy to power through. I have the experience and dedication needed to bring these initiatives to life. Being an international student myself, I understand the needs and challenges of our student body. I’m ready to listen to your ideas and work collaboratively to make our campus a place where every student can thrive.
Charlotte Dickinson (Independents for Southbank Student Democracy)
Charlotte Dickinson – Independents for Student Democracy (ISD)
Hi, my name is Charlotte and I am currently in the second year of my Bachelor of Music degree. I am running for committee because I want to ensure Southbank students have access to food relief and mental health support.
I think that Southbank currently misses out on some of the services that Parkville students receive and as part of the committee I will lobby for equal access to these services. I would like to see more done for students struggling with mental health and a space free of study worries where students can chill out with themselves and their peers.
Felicity Ethell (Independents for Southbank Student Democracy)
Hi, my name is Felicity (although some of you may know me as Flick), and I’m a second year Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production) student running for the committee member role!
I’m very keen to help make the Southbank campus the best it can be. Since starting my university journey here, I’ve met some amazing people, but I’ve faced some adversity too. I want to make our campus a place where we can all support one another and make each other feel welcome!
I think it is important to have a representative of the Visual Arts students on the Southbank team. Often, we find that we are left out of events - and I would like to try and bridge the gap between performing arts and visual arts students across southbank.
My name is Jackie (She/They), I’m finishing my bachelors degree this year in Jazz and Improvisation and applying for an honors in Ethnomusicology to be undertaken in 2025. I have been involved with umsu Southbank since 2021, first as an office-beaerer and then as a committee member. I’m really passionate about student welfare and student experience, enabling students to be able to dedicate as much time to study as they can.
Shannon Yeung (Independents for Southbank Student Democracy)
Hey!! My name is Shannon and you can refer to me using any pronouns :). I study a BFA in Theatre at Southbank and I would love to get to know you, your passions and your specific needs to continue fostering a safe space for making, failing, playing, collaborating and learning at VCA and MCM. By artists. For artists.
I believe in the power that comes from community and wholeheartedly support the BDS movement and students advocating for our university to divest from weapons manufacturers funding the genocide of Palestinians.
From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free.
Vania Lee Suriato
Hi! My name is Vania and I am currently a third year Graphic Design student. Having the experience of being a student at both Parkville and Southbank campuses, I can confidently say that there is a clear difference between the communities of each campus. Being home to students under science, business and many others, the Parkville campus excels in creating events that welcomes students. On the other hand, Southbank is home for many creative and artistic people. However, I believe that it lacks events that unite these creatives together. Therefore, as a candidate for the Southbank Students Committee, I wish/ [ over word length]
Provisionally elected unopposed
Zoriana Stephanie Krupa
Hi! I’m Zoriana and I’m a first year Batchelor of Music student here at Southbank. I’m excited to join UMSU Southbank as a committee member and help build a strong sense of community on campus. As a committee member at Southbank, I’d like to contribute to the voice of the Southbank Campus students. I’m committed to maintaining and enhancing the resources available to Southbank students. This includes supporting programs like the Southbank Survival Station and making sure students are able to succeed in their studies and personal lives.
Provisionally elected unopposed
Zoriana Stephanie Krupa (Independents for Southbank Student Democracy)
Hi I’m Zoriana! I’m a first year Batchelor of Music student here at Southbank and I’m super keen to be running as the Southbank Representative for the Student Council. Even though you’ll usually find me hanging out on Level 5 of the MCM building, I love chatting with people and I’m genuinely passionate about making things better for the students at Southbank. I’m here to be your voice!
As any Southbank student would know, almost all the big UMSU events happen at Parkville and often the Southbank campus is overlooked by many. I believe this campus incredibly talented and creative [over word length]
Hello everyone! I am Ella, studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Southbank Campus. I have often felt that we have been historically underrepresented in the union and the University. As your Southbank representative in the student council I will work to elevate southbank student voices to a platform which will allow me to bring about real change on campus. This entails bringing more advocacy and services to campus that can provide novel social and career opportunities to students on our campus. Remember to Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Baela Stumpf Tinsley
To provide ongoing and reliable amenity for the students of Burnley Campus.
Provisionally elected unopposed
Ian Adams
Hi, I’m Ian (he/him). I’m enrolled in the Masters of Urban Hort. This is my second year of however-long-it-takes. I’d like to help make sure there’s support for Burnley students, some good events to bring people together and learn from, and milk for cups of tea.
Provisionally elected unopposed
Amaya Castro Williams (Left Action - Free Palestine! )
Left Action activists in NUS have been at the forefront of campaigns for social justice across the country. We led the fight against the farright transphobe Posie Parker, organising protests in nearly every state to disrupt her speaking tours.
More recently we’ve organised pro-Palestine campaigns across the country, getting out crowds of students to fight against our universities ties to weapons companies and the Labor government for their complicity in the genocide.
The Palestine movement has shown that when students fight back, we can change things. We want to take this fight to the NUS.
Lucy Chapman (Left ActionFree Palestine! )
The rich have never had it better, ordinary people are getting poorer, and our government wants to send us all to war. The total wealth of Australia’s billionaires increased by 70% in the past three years. Meanwhile, one-third of Australian households had to compromise on their meal choices or skipped whole meals or days of eating.
Instead of providing relief, the government is sending millions to support the genocide of Palestinians, as well as spending half a trillion dollars on nuclear submarines. NUS should stand against this relentless profiteering. Vote [1] Left Action - Free Palestine for National Union of Students!
Housing in Australia is at crisis point. Homeless people are dying on our streets at 40 years old, the Victorian state Labor government is smashing down every single remaining public housing tower and selling the currently publicly owned land to private developers. Landlords are unfairly increasing rents with no questions asked by the government and buying a house is an impossibility for ordinary people.
In 2025 I want to see NUS challenge Labor’s failure to fix the current housing crisis.
Vote [1] Left Action - Free Palestine! For the National Union of Students!
The genocide in Gaza has continued for ten months. As the Education Officer this year I’ve organised Gaza solidarity encampments across the country, school strikes for Palestine and an ongoing divestment campaign to pressure Unimelb to cut ties with weapons manufacturers. I’ve been censored and silenced for standing up for Palestine, but I won’t stop
Our student union needs principled left wing activists who do not back down in the face of intimidation.
I’ll continue to use my platform locally and nationally to stand against all forms of injustice - Free Palestine, free the refugees, always was, always will be.
Hi my name is Oskar Martin and I’m a proud Bundjalung and Kamilaroi man and a socialist activist. I want to make the National Union of Students (NUS) a relevant body to students by making it an activist union!
I want NUS to campaign for social justice that students across the country care about: freeing Palestine, ending Indigenous deaths in custody, fighting for free education and many more!
If you want NUS to fight for student rights and social justice, vote for Left Action!
Hi, I’m Jaan. We are living through a major cost of living crisis, the Labor government are attempting to make it harder for international students to enter and stay in Australia, and the world has watched in horror as Israel’s genocide in Gaza has continued for close to a year.
We need principled, left wing activists in our National Union to fight for the rights of students and oppose this government’s attacks on our education.
Left Action candidates in the NUS have used their positions to call national demonstrations against transphobe Posie Parker and defeat attempts to increase university fees.
Across this country, crises after crises are destroying the lives of students, from the rising cost of living and the impossibility of finding housing or accommodation, to the everlooming climate catastrophe.
Students have every right to be fed up that our universities seem keener on giving our money to fossil fuel magnates and weapons companies than doing anything to stand up for ordinary students.
If you feel like the world just keeps getting worse, you need to stand up and demand a better one.
If we don’t fight back against the future they have in store for us, who will.
Hi I’m Lucy (she/her), As well as running for UMSU President, i’m thrilled to also be running as a NUS delegate this year. The NUS is an essential body that ensures student unions across the country can organise together to achieve change for students everywhere, but more can be done to make the NUS the fighting, progressive body it should be. If elected, I will make sure staunch left-wing policies on the issues that impact students are on the agenda - because they need to be.
Vote [1] to Activate your union!
Hi, I’m Rachael (she/her) and I am running to be your NUS delegate. I am a passionate believer in student unionism and the power of students make practical and progressive change within our political system. There are many barriers affecting students in higher education right now and we need a National Student Union which continues to put students first. If elected I will ensure that left wing and progressive issues are on the NUS’s agenda in 2025! To ensure our student union is progressive in 2025 Vote [1] Activate for all positions.
Hey! I’m Ewan (He/Him) and I’m excited to be running as a National Union of Students delegate. The NUS is the premier body to ensure that student voices across Australia are heard and can organise to achieve meaningful change. University students are increasingly under fire in Australia and it’s so important that we have a NUS that will have our back. If elected, I will ensure that progressive policies and key student issues are front and centre at conference and that the NUS has the best interests of students in mind.
Hi I’m Eva (she/her), as well as running for Women’s Officer I’m excited to be running as a NUS delegate this year. The NUS ensures all post school students are represented and heard. It is a powerful body driven by the values of equality, social justice, economic freedom and unionism. If I were to be elected as a NUS delegate, I will ensure that left and progressive values are at the forefront. The student voice is one that needs to be heard and amplified and that will be my top priority as a NUS delegate. Vote [1] to Activate your union.
Chris Vassiliadis (Activate)
Hi everyone! My name Chris (He/Him) and I’m running to be a delegate for the National Union of Students. I strongly believe that the National Union of Students is an important platform for empowering student unionism across the country and delivering crucial change for university students. If I am elected, I will ensure that progressive policies are brought up and prioritised because these policies will make positive impacts on the lives of university students. Vote [1] Activate to activate your NUS!.
Catherine Baker (Activate)
Hi my name is Cat (she/her) and I’m running as an NUS delegate because the NUS is an essential body for democracy and students across the country. Unionism is a mechanism where students can fight for progressive policies and collectivise to defend their rights. I want to keep staunch left-wing policies on the agenda in NUS. Vote [1] for Activate!
Gevindu Wickramanayake (Rebuild)
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Jack Walton (Rebuild)
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Kevin Zhu (Rebuild)
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Micaela Rynne (Activate)
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Richard Lee (More! For UMSU)
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Heylo, My name is Luv Golecha (he/him), I am a third-year Bachelor of Science student. As international student, from a community that cannot participate in the country’s electoral system that affect us in so many ways, it has never been more important for international students to have representation in peak bodies such as the NUS, to advocate to grass roots issue close to the student body and deliver equitable outcomes for students of all walks of life. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
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Rahul Mittal (Community for UMSU)
IHello my name is Rahul Mittal. I’m a third year Bachelor of Commerce student at the University of Melbourne. Through my years of experience in UMSU, I firmly believe I am best positioned to represent the students of the university at the National Union of Students. I particularly believe that queer students of colour deserve a strong voice at this national forum. The NUS will put me in the best position to advocate for students. Make sure to vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!��
&Hello! My name is Enzhe (Kevin) Li, as an outgoing NUS NX member, I’ve been deeply involved in National Union of Students for a few years. I hope to push the organisation to take strong policy positions against the international student cap; for better accessibility and disability support for university students, particularly in the light of the royal commission; as well as for a strong and robust position against all forms of racism and discrimination. To put an authentic and powerful student voice on Council, Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hi everyone, my name is Joshua (he/him), I am a Juris Doctor student here at the UniMelb and I am running for the position of National Union of Students (NUS) Delegate. Having completed my undergraduate education at the University of Tasmania, I have come to appreciate the importance of connecting student unions across Australia. Most of the issues faced at the University of Melbourne are replicated across the nation: the NUS is the ultimate forum for students to discuss reforms that will help all students. Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
Hey there! My name is Kunal Dewani. I’m an international student, studying Computing and Software Systems and I’m excited to run for the position of National Union of Students Delegate. As an international student, who cannot participate in Australia’s electoral system, it’s never been more important for international students’ participation in the National Union of Students to advocate for student’s problems at the peak body.
Vote [1] Community in all positions, your community fighting with you!��
NUS! What is it? The peak body for University students in Australia! As a delegate, I hope to ensure the NUS continues to fight for students amongst the worsening cost of living crisisby supporting the ‘Change the Age’ campaign to lower the Centrelink age of independence to 18, an increase in Youth Allowance above poverty levels, provision of free and accessible mental health services for all students, and building more housing where students need to live! Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
This year, students are finally getting used to a life back on campus, bringing with it exciting times and its own challenges. We know that university can be a difficult environment- that’s why we want to majorly focus on improving student mental health on campus, providing free yoga and meditation workshops, and making mental wellbeing a central part of our student experience. Vote [1] for Community
All I can recommend is for you to go to the National Conference for NUS!
Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and more) for the candidate you prefer!
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My name is Reham Elzeiny, and I am a proud Muslim woman of colour, a third-year law student, and a dedicated advocate for justice. Over the past seven years at the University of Melbourne, I’ve earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and am now pursuing a law degree. I’ve served on the People of Colour Committee and as the People of Colour Council Representative, where I played a key role in delivering the Racism Report 2023, highlighting BIPOC students’ experiences and advocating for urgent reform. I’ve also been a vocal advocate for Muslim students, addressing rising Islamophobia and working with Unimelb for Palestine to hold the University accountable for its ties to weapon manufacturers complicit in Gaza. As a candidate for University Council Representative, I will be a voice that listens, engages, and acts on student concerns. I’m running with Activate! because it’s the only independent ticket focused on student welfare, free from party politics. Let’s create meaningful change and ensure the University truly reflects and serves its students.
Hello! My name is Enzhe (Kevin) Li, I am a second year Juris Doctor Student and the outgoing general secretary of UMSU. My bachelor’s was during covid, where I saw firsthand the seismic changes it had brought to learning experiences and student life.
Being someone of Chinese background, I also witnessed the massive, accompanied uptick in targeted attacks on my community, the silence from Australian Media, our Student Press, and most importantly, the University itself, was deafening.
That was the moment I knew, that there is no replacing the role of diversity and inclusiveness in background, lived experience, culture, and language in doing what matters for students.
I fought to bridge this gap, pushing for a commitment for key Uni policies to be in plain language, the first non-English language publications by UMSU, and bringing petitions and issues straight to the top.
The more I looked, the more I fought, I saw that we are not alone. Many more voices had been disenfranchised thusly, and thus I will fight on. That is why I am running for University Council.
To put an authentic and powerful student voice on the peak of student representation, Vote [1] for Community For UMSU��
Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and more) for the candidate you prefer!
I’m Jesse (He/Him), and over the last few years, I have seen the impact that strong student representation can have on students.
Moving from regional Victoria, I struggled deeply with food insecurity, losing almost 30kg. It was through clubs and events such as Bands, Bev’s and BBQ’s, that I found many meals and an accessible social life at university.
I tried to give back. Initially running multiple food and beverage clubs, I eventually served as GSA President from 2022-2024. I was honoured to launch GSA’s free breakfast and lunch programs, the GSA Ball, the Summer Soiree and grow GSA’s engagement to what it is today.
As the GSA President, I successfully protected dual-delivery classes for graduate students, delivered a 20% increase to our PhD stipends, co-designed the Melbourne Student Forum, co-developed the Action Plan to End Gendered-Based Violence in University, successfully lobbied the government to reverse 485 Visa changes for Graduate Researchers, worked with the University to process international student completion letters early, and helped restore the COVID-19 PhD Stipend Extension.
I want to take my experience in Policy and Regulation development to shape the University to support students who are suffering from cost of living issues.
Students need support. Students need representation. Students need community.
We are Community for UMSU, a grassroots movement of students from almost every faculty and background, graduate and undergraduate, domestic and international. We’re committed to creating a University experience where no student is left behind.
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.
We have made huge strides in making UMSU prominent and accessible. A Community-led UMSU, for four years, delivered the Welfare Department Union Mart , University-wide diversity and inclusion modules, $4000 grants for international students. We supported temporary resident visas and revival of student-life through our Activities Department with BABBA and other wacky activities.
This year, our Departments have advocated for food security among our most vulnerable students, led the fight for racial justice on campus, delivered accessible education, and continued to push for reform to the University’s Academic Integrity Policy and Student Equity and Disability Support system.
Two of our Departments this year, Activities providing over 11,400+ seves with Bites & Bustles and Welfare 6500+ through Union Mart, typifies our commitment to providing initiatives to give students sustenance.
No matter the circumstance, we remain committed to helping students get the most out of their University experience. Our 2025 candidates are ready to lead a more inclusive, more relevant, and more dynamic UMSU.
But the challenges before us remain, and your voice is critical in tackling them. That’s why from September 2nd - 6th 2024, we’re standing once again to:
Back our community – UMSU is $9 million of student money (your money!). Whilst more students are accessing the many services UMSU offers, we want to make sure they are connected impactfully to those most in need.
Build our community – Our candidates come from we’re University’s Clubs, Societies, collectives, and cultural communities. Last year, most of our 120 candidates were international students, who make up over 40% of our student body.
Fight for our community – 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.
Support our Community – We want to make UMSU more accessible by fighting for the following:
1. Simplified UMSU governance:
• Translating UMSU and University documents, ensuring all students have access to materials in their preferred language.
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.
2. Equitable academic policy:
Reforming special consideration process to make it less demanding on students facing adversity.
• Committing to rehauling SEDS.
• Continue advocating for online and accessible classes.
• Bring genuine student input into subjects, faculty councils, and the University’s policy-making bodies.
3. Stronger support services:
Reforming CAPS system, securing more culturally competent counsellors for students from different identities, backgrounds, and languages.
• Involving more students in the improvement of student services through active listening, data collection and co-design
4. Engage our student communities:
• Working and engaging with communities from diverse and unique cultural and linguistic backgrounds, doing what matters for the heart of student life.
• Advocating cuts to Stop 1’s bureaucracy, increasing availability, fixing the class selection system, modernising websites, and making it multilingual.
5. An accessible campus for all:
• Pushing for quiet spaces on campus and in all events.
• Advocating for physically accessible in-person teaching spaces, and continuing the work to guarantee access to note-takers, as well as close-captioned lectures across all faculties.
Expanding existing employability programs for students, expanding internship programmes, and ensuring that all faculties are able to support their students during the transition from University to working life.
6. Delivering real progress and change:
• Fighting to deliver a mass student meeting in support of a petition for the university to divest from all weapons manufacturers Delivered an UMSU stance calling for an immediate ceasefire and condemning violence against civilians in the Israel-Palestine
⭐Standing up for our Community – We want to demonstrate the strength of what marginalised groups otherwise neglected by the University can achieve if allowed to flourish in a space, in a community. Together, we’ll fight for: 1. Truly inclusive activism:
• Centring marginalised voices in all of UMSU’s events, activities and workshops, and campaigning against racial injustice in all its forms on campus.
Demanding accountability from the University for its inaction on campus sexual harassment and assault, and advocating for a trauma-informed response center independent of University administration.
• Defending queer safety and belonging on campus, focusing on transgender and gender-diverse students, by fighting transphobia on the ground, in lectures, and in coursework.
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.
Streamlining Clubs Regulations, funding/training systems to be more accessible to cultural and international-student-focused Clubs.
• Commit to fighting scams that take advantage of students of diverse backgrounds and reach out to communities underserved
That might be all we have space for, but our community has bigger plans and ambitions for 2025. To find out more, reach out to all of our amazing candidates this September 2nd - 6th!
Vote [1] for Community in all positions, your community is fighting for you! ��
For more information, check out our Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CommunityForUMSU !
We’ll be doing what matters for the heart of student life at University, to build back on campus student life through working and engaging with the University community. To build towards a fairer go for everyone, especially for all those from diverse and unique cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Working with the University community and management, we will ensure the delivery of actual, tangible change for all University students, including modernisation of the University support services. We’ll strive for activism that works for students over frivolous campaigns that do nothing but further toxic, radical, and unrealistic revolutionary agendas ��
Hello everyone! We are Independents for Southbank Student Democracy!
We are excited to run for the 2024 UMSU Elections and are full of joy to share our 2025 plans for Southbank!
As Southbank students, we understand Southbank’s unique position as an entirely separate campus, and thus, recognise that there are readily available services in Parkville that we believe should be equally accessible to Southbank students.
Our team, consisting of seasoned Committee members and previous Office Bearers, is well aware of the intricate workings of the UMSU office and desires to meet the needs of Fine Arts and Music students. We aim to provide as many initiatives and services as possible right here at our very own Southbank campus. As students ourselves, we know the everyday struggles that Southbank students uniquely face, and we are equipped with a passion to find solutions for all of them.
In 2025, we hope to continue the following 2024 existing initiatives, focusing on improving and magnifying events, so that we may be able to reach more students.
1. Southbank Weekly Breakfasts
This initiative provides free weekly breakfasts for Southbank students at the Library’s Student Lounge. In 2025, we hope to further expand this project, by exploring the following:
- Getting more funding, so that we are able to increase the weekly breakfasts to twice a week, and provide food for a longer period of time;
- Providing varied food options (Vegan, Gluten-free, Halal etc.);
- Providing more to-go options; and
- Organising it on different days to accommodate varying schedules.
2. Southbank Weekly BBQ
This initiative provides free weekly BBQs for Southbank students at the Red Sheds. In 2025, we hope to further expand this project by exploring:
- More food and drink options (Pepsi Max, Fanta, Meat Products, Other snacks etc.); and
- Collaborations with Parkville Departments such as Welfare and Activities, to magnify this event.
3. Southbank Survival Station
This initiative is a food relief programme that provides Southbank students with grocery items (ranging from long-life shelf products, hygiene care and general household products.) In 2025, we hope to further expand this project by:
- Getting more funding, so that we are able to provide more items for each stock up, and increase the frequency of the programme; and
- Opening up a feedback session for students, so that they can offer suggestions on what they would like to see.
4. Southbank Collective Lunches (Disabilities, People of Colour and Queer Collectives)
This initiative is a food relief and community-building programme that provides Southbank students who identify with the various autonomous groups with free food and a safe space to meet new people. In 2025, we hope to
- Get more funding, so that we are able to provide more food for each event, and increase the frequency of the programme;
- Create more events for these collectives, to enable students an opportunity to meet outside of University; and
- Collaborate with more departments such as Indigenous, Women’s, and UMSU International Departments to create more collective lunches.
5. Southbank Ball
This initiative is a social event that caters to all Southbank students in collaboration with the Music Students’ Society. In 2025, we hope to
- Get more funding, in order to reduce the cost price of tickets, so that more students can come to the ball;
- Collaborate with local organisations to provide for sponsorships, to reduce overall costs;
- Work strongly with the Music Students’ Society committee, to ensure that the committee is well supported; and
- Invite potential collaborations with other student clubs, to better support the ball.
In 2025, we also hope to create new initiatives for students.
1. Southbank Grants
This initiative is to support Southbank projects by Southbank students.
- In 2024, we worked on supporting the VCA candidates who applied for the UMSU Student-Initiated Grants (SIG) during the Student’s Council Meetings and successfully managed to get all Southbank projects funding.
- In 2025, we hope to start a Southbank grant initiative as well, to complement the SIG. This will allow us to provide funds directly to Southbank projects, and therefore, support more Southbank students.
2. Southbank Food Vouchers
This initiative is to provide food vouchers for Southbank students. We hope to work with partnering nearby cafes like (Betwixt, Lionel’s, Godot, Little Black and Blondie’s) to provide food vouchers that students can redeem at their own time.
- In 2024, we are launching a coffee/pastry voucher in Semester 2, that students can use to claim a free coffee/pastry at partnering cafes.
- In 2025, we hope to explore more voucher options, to support students financially. This includes vouchers to redeem full meals during lunches.
3. Southbank Study Support Initiative
This initiative provides food support for students during study sessions.
- In 2024, we provided an Exam Support Stall for students during the Semester 1 Exam week, which we hope to continue in Semester 2.
- In 2025, we hope to additionally provide food through Late Night Study stalls set up at the library and/or at the lounges of different faculties. This is to provide snacks, tea and other food items for students as they carry out extra rehearsals, and study sessions throughout the semester.
4. Southbank Collaborations
We hope to increase our collaboration with Parkville communities, to further strengthen the presence of Student Union initiatives in Southbank.
- In 2024, other than our collective lunches, we have began collaborating with the Welfare Department, to bring Union Mart to Southbank, Media Department, to bring the Farrago Launches to Southbank, and, Activities Department, to bring various events to our campus.
- In 2025, we hope to collaborate fully with all of Parkville’s departments, and to connect with Parkville clubs and societies, to join forces and bring Southbank life to its fullest.
As a team, we pursue to be passionate advocates for Southbank at the Students’ Council, and to the larger University community. We are Southbank students, and we believe that being one is a badge of honour. Let them know us as such! Hoorah!
The Independent Media ticket has a long history with the UMSU Media Office, having held the office for well over a decade. As an autonomous and non-partisan ticket, Independent Media has always acted to uphold our core values, independence, accountability, and transparency. Independently representing the student media community, we believe in a student-centred department covering stories of student interests, a safe and empowering outlet for creative expression, and holding UMSU and the University accountable. The Independent Media ticket runs for one office — the Media Office — to ensure our independence is maintained. The candidates for the ticket are chosen in a democratic preselection voted by the Media Collective (including contributors to Farrago, Radio Fodder, and the Above Water and Below Earth creative anthologies). Additionally, the ticket nominates members of the Media Collective as candidates for the Student Council to ensure a voice for the student media in UMSU’s decision-making.
Meet your 2025 Independent Media Candidates
For the ‘24/’25 UMSU General Elections, the Independent Media ticket has democratically preselected Mathilda Stewart, Ibrahim Muan Abdulla, Marcie Di Bartolomeo, and Sophie He to compete for the Media Office alongside the nominated Student Council candidates Maria Quartel, Tom Weir-Alarcon, and Angus Wagstaff. All of Independent Media is dedicated to student media, journalistic ethics, and upholding UMSU Media’s responsibility to the student body.
As a Deputy News Manager and reporter, Mathilda has contributed coverage of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, Federal and UMSU budgets, and student politics. Mathilda is dedicated to creating a strong and collaborative Media Collective that prioritises student-centred student media and empowers students to tell their stories.
Joining Farrago as a Senior Reporter and now serving as the Deputy News Editor, Muan has covered the Gaza Solidarity Encampment and the Federal Budget, contributed as a sub-editor and photographer, and is the current Councillor for Independent Media at the Student Council. Muan’s aim for the Media department is to foster a community, where student journalists and artists can explore and expand their skills, covering stories that matter.
After contributing to Farrago since 2019 in a myriad of roles, Marcie is well-versed in the media landscape. They’re co-founder and current president of the Creative Literature & Writing Society (CLAWS), a previous Above Water editor and UMSU Creative Arts Office Bearer, and 2023 Councillor for Independent Media. This year she’s one of the editors of Below Earth, a brand new collaboration between Farrago Magazine and CLAWS, that aims to establish a creative community and elevate the voices of many new writers. She has dedicated years of her time and energy to UMSU media, and has a deep understanding of the importance of a transparent and accountable Media Department. Marcie believes that diversifying the ways students can share their stories is vital to ensuring more students feel welcome and supported, and more confident in getting involved in the Media Space.
Sophie’s experience in sub-editing both Farrago Creative and News has engendered an understanding of both the creative and the analytical: where they differ, how they intersect and how they can mutually be discovered in each other. Having been a writer in both professional and volunteer capacities, she understands the value of UMSU Media’s support. Sophie advocates for UMSU Media’s roles as a publishing gateway and the nexus of a healthy on-campus media environment.
Our candidates for the Students’ Council Maria, Tom and Angus, bring a range of experience in the Media Department, managing social media and events, hosting and producing Radio Fodder shows and events, and promoting student-centred media on campus. Every candidate will fight to represent the interests of student media and the Media Department.
Independent Media’s vision for the Media Department in 2025 is built on four policy pillars:
Reinvigorating News
Equipped with knowledge of student media history and lived experiences within contemporary events, we know that independent student-run news will always be a crucial and evolving aspect of the University. We are committed to updating Farrago’s website for contemporary News consumption habits and would like to facilitate a broader diversity of reporter voices; whether that be diversity in demographics, campus or expertise.
Promoting Multi-Media
Our vision for the department is underpinned by engaging and diverse multimedia content in 2025. We are committed to providing opportunities for creative multimedia expression and interdisciplinary collaboration. This will include enhancing the Farrago website, expanding the video department, and delivering greater social media coordination. A key focus of our multimedia plans is to facilitate the continued growth of Radio Fodder, including further community outreach by collaborating with student bands and musicians on air and with open mic nights to foster creativity and high-quality broadcasts that resonate with the student body.
Increasing
UMSU Media exists to bolster our campus media environment. Outreach and upskilling opportunities are the foundation of greater student engagement and growth. In 2025, expect artistically crafted merchandise and increased campus presence. We’d like to invite professional speakers, disseminate educational resources and encourage members of the 2025 Media Collective to venture beyond their onboarded positions. Ultimately, we’ll be here to provide students with the space and resources to pursue their creative interests.
Farrago’s Centenary!
Let’s not forget the thrilling milestone we’re fast approaching! For Farrago’s 100th birthday, we’ve been plotting a stand-out year’s worth of events and opportunities, including inviting past editors and contributors back for speaking events and interviews, resurrecting historical Farrago formats, exhibiting Farrago’s history of amazing media content, and of course throwing a giant birthday party to celebrate 100 years! Farrago’s 100th birthday will befit the quantity of students, dedication and changes it has seen throughout the last century.
Vote [1] Independent Media for Student Council and Media Office for a strong Media Department in 2025!!
More! is a progressive independent-minded grassroots student group that’s More! Progressive, More! Active and More! About you. We want UMSU to be more student-controlled, more efficient and more effective. We will take the big steps to make that happen, to make sure our union is driven by students, for students. We will not need top-heavy management to get things done. More! Will have students at the forefront of UMSU, with clubs and societies playing a stronger role in rebuilding engagement with our student union. More! is all about your Education. More! for UMSU means an intersectional Education Department. We will work closely with the Welfare, Disabilities, People of Colour, Queer, Indigenous, International and Women’s Departments to ensure the voices of all students are heard and represented. Next year, the Education Department will fight for fairness and transparency in its processes; push for consistency when the University is dealing with breaches of academic integrity, by pushing for a transparent and student-oriented process; fairness in assessment and reporting, i.e. Assessment guidelines and feedback to be more consistent; expand mandatory tutor training to ensure there are basic standards in the classroom; and we will advocate for increased accessibility to University services such as helplines, CAPS, Medical Services and others. Best of all, More! will set the groundwork for a campaign that will fight for students to be paid during mandatory placement programs - because students
should not have to choose between finishing their degree and paying rent! Student Welfare is at the top of our priorities list. We want a Welfare department that can increase access to essential items on campus. Students are paying crazy amounts for their education with ever-growing HECS debt and steeper course fees without seeing where all of their money is going . More! wants the UnionMart to start covering everything from basic food items to household goods. When voted in, More! will also bring back daily welfare breakfasts. Food is now more expensive than most of us can ever remember, and More! believes UMSU has a responsibility to bring back relief through free breakfasts. As part of this, we will work in conjunction with the Activities department to bring back live music to campus (Bands & Bevs). We will have more pop-up bars, food vans, and bring back big events on campus such as festivals and parties. More! will increase its welfare initiatives by bringing back easy-to-use pill testing kits at all large-scale events, running exam support stalls, starting up wellbeing classes, and fighting to increase access to free University resources such as the medical service and CAPS.
More! wants to put Clubs and Societies back at the centre of your university experience, giving you More! of your favourite things. As soon as More! is voted in, we will support clubs to deliver a bucketload of awesome events for the student body. We will immediately allocate More! funding for clubs and societies by increasing grant sizes for clubs and doubling the grant caps. In addition, More! will promote the use of the upcoming bar on campus in Building 168 at the Student Pavilion, making it easy to book and hold club events in. We will encourage more joint Club events, festivals, networking events, and we’ll also support intercampus clubs and activities. We want to rebuild our campus life with More! Clubs and More! Events, and we believe UMSU has an important role going forward in promoting and facilitating a stronger club presence. The More! Education Department and the Clubs and Societies Department will support faculty clubs in running education programs, exam study sessions, and skills training sessions by collaborating, increasing promotions and funding for these events. More! will also make club events safer by improving sexual misconduct policies and procedures for all clubs.
More! will lead a student union that fights for a fairer University experience. More! supports autonomous departments, to foster a safer campus for the inclusion of all students. More! recognizes the importance that autonomous departments such as the Women’s, People of Colour, Disabilities, Indigenous & Queer Departments play in maintaining UMSU’s role as the key representative body for students from a diverse range of backgrounds on campus. Our autonomous departments are here to support minority groups on campus, and we will not shy away from acknowledging the discrimination and prejudice these groups may experience. Therefore, our student reps will be there to listen and support everyone on campus, they will be your voice and will work to not only prevent discrimination on campus, but also facilitate support for students in need and increase accessibility to reporting these cases.
More! will fight for UMSU to collaborate with on-campus and off-campus groups to support activism in regards to issues that disproportionately affect people from CALD communities. This includes supporting ongoing activist and protest movements through the People of Colour Department leading campaigns. This also includes running information sessions & discussion forums on important topics to increase awareness and build up strong grassroots activism.
UMSU needs to be more accessible – More! will put in place accessibility plans for all major UMSU events. The Disabilities department will be consulted and provide accessibility information, and insight to make all events as welcoming as possible. In addition, More! will mandate that Auslan interpreters (where appropriate) are made available at UMSU functions, and pressure the university to do the same for their events. More! will also create a disabilities space at major UMSU events to ensure all students can participate and meet their needs at the same time. More! for UMSU is running for election because we want a student union that’s More! Progressive, More! Active, and More! about you. UMSU should be a student union that works for you. You deserve More! Events, you deserve More! Clubs, and the More! team will fight everyday to deliver for students to rebuild a vibrant campus life and a student union that is progressive, tolerant, and inclusive for ALL STUDENTS.
VOTE [1] More! For UMSU
Left Action - Free Palestine! Policy statement 2024
Left Action is a coalition of activists and anticapitalists on campus. We fight for a free Palestine, social justice and the corporate university 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. Palestine
Left Action activists stand unconditionally on the side of Palestine and will continue to fight until Palestine is free from Israel’s genocide and entire colonial project.
Israel in the last 12 months has turned Gaza into an industrial slaughterhouse. United Nations human rights experts, the International Court of Justice and Amnesty International have all confirmed it - there is a Genocide currently happening in Gaza.
The world’s leading medical journal, The Lancet, has determined that “up to 186,000 or even more deaths could be attributable to the current conflict in Gaza”. Israel’s air, land and sea blockade on the Gaza strip has turned it into “the world’s largest open-air prison.” Since October 2023, Israel has used its highly developed military to bulldoze cities to the ground, bomb hospitals and refugee camps, murder entire families.
Our activists initiated the historic school strikes for Palestine in October last year and organised nine Gaza solidarity encampments across the country on our university campuses. In Melbourne we have helped organise historic weekly rallies for Palestine.
Most recently Left Action activists have collected over 1200 UniMelb student signatures requesting a mass student meeting be called to vote for UniMelb to break ties with all Israeli institutions and weapons companies.
Left Action will continue its unwavering support for a free Palestine and opposition to UniMelb’s partnerships with Lockheed Martin, BAE systems and Boeing.
Fighting racism, sexism, and the the far right
Left Action activists organise activism to push back against racism, sexism, and the bigoted right.
Indigenous oppression in Australia is rampant. 2023 broke the record for the most deaths in custody, disproportionately affecting indigenous people. Racist policing in the Northern Territory means indigenous children make up 97% of people detained in youth detention centres.
Far right politics are spreading across the globe. A terrifying second Trump Presidency is looming in the United States. The far-right is rapidly gaining ground in Europe and the European Union continues its brutal racism against refugees with a record number of drownings in the Mediterranean Sea.
We helped found and continue to lead the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism. We successfully fought to free the refugees who were for months locked in the Carlton Park Hotel prison by the Victorian Labor government. Earlier this year, after months of organising community protests, we successfully kicked the Neo-Nazi National Socialist Network out of their base in Sunshine. Left Action actively opposes and confronts the far-right wherever they pop up.
Our members have long campaigned in support of LGBTI rights, leading the campaign for equal marriage for over a decade. Last year when UK far right transphobe Posie Parker toured Australia and was joined by organised Nazi’s from the National Socialist Network in Melbourne. Our members along with the National Union of Students Queer office helped call a pro-LGBTI counter protest and outnumbered her rallies in every state.
We still have so much to fight for. Having committed anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-fascist activists elected to UMSU will make sure the campus is a hub of social justice campaigning.
Fighting for a University for staff and students, not millionaire Vice Chancellors
Left Action will support staff on strike, and demand the government fund education and welfare, not warfare. The University of Melbourne has just been found guilty of breaking privacy laws by using surveillance technology to spy student protestors! The Uni continues to invest in weapons research and partnerships with some of the world’s biggest weapons companies, such as Lockheed Martin. Melbourne Uni also holds billions of dollars in assets and investments and rakes in yearly profits of hundreds of millions by exploiting staff and students. Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell has been the highest paid university boss in Australia, with an annual salary of over $1.5 million. Yet our teachers and staff members, the people who really make this university run, are underpaid and overworked. We all lose out when the university is run for profit - staff lose out on pay and working conditions while the quality of our education plummets. Staff working conditions are our learning conditions. We need to fight back against the university bosses, and their friends in parliament who treat universities like private corporations. Left Action activists were involved in leading the student campaign to support staff when they went on strike last year for higher wages and job security. We stood with staff on picket lines while the university tried to get them back to work without a pay increase.
Students are also being squeezed by the worsening cost of living crisis with soaring rents, expensive groceries and eye watering electricity bills. For the few able to secure student accommodation, any sense of relief from the housing crisis is offset by the reality of sky-high rents. Scape, Australia’s biggest student accommodation operator, charges $759 a week for a large studio apartment on Swanston Street. This is $300 more than equivalent rentals on commercial real estate sites and 57% higher than Melbourne’s median weekly rental rate. We could easily fund free education, affordable housing and liveable welfare payments if Labor scrapped its plans to spend hundreds of billions on nuclear submarines and tax cuts for the billionaires! KEY POLICIES
FREE PALESTINE - CREATE A SCHOLARSHIP FOR ALL PALESTINIAN STUDENTS
CUT THE VC’S $1.5MIL SALARY- INVEST IN OUR EDUCATION INSTEAD FREE EDUCATION FOR ALL! INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC! NO MYKI COPS ON CAMPUS CAP RENTS ON STUDENT HOUSING REMOVE THE NAMES OF RACISTS AND EUGENICISTS FROM ALL UNIMELB BUILDINGS NO FOSSIL FUEL OR WEAPON COMPANIES ON CAMPUS A STUDENT UNION THAT FIGHTS INEQUALITY AND OPPRESSION PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT FOR CASUAL UNIVERSITY STAFF PRICE CAPS FOR ON-CAMPUS FOOD
We all deserve an active and thriving campus life. We all deserve an equitable and accessible education. We all deserve to have our voices heard in all areas where our rights, experiences or interests might be affected.
To achieve that, we need a student union that is willing and able to get the job done.
That’s where we come in.
We’re ACTIVATE and we’ve got one goal - to ensure UMSU is a left wing force that isn’t just fighting for you, but with you.
Our team is a collective of grassroots students from all areas of the university and all walks of life who bring with them not only a passion and drive for change but the experience in leadership and advocacy to back it up.
For far too long, our university has been more focused on increasing their profits than on ensuring a high-quality educational experience for us students. For far too long, the student union has been too willing to ignore the voices of students, our candidates are ready to create a culture on campus where no one gets left behind.
We want to…
ACTIVATE OUR CAMPUS
We know that university isn’t just about tutes and lectures - it’s also about the student experience outside of the classroom. We’ll reactivate campus life by:
Keeping up the work to streamline UMSU administration to ensure clubs are able to focus on what they love best: running fun and enjoyable events for students at the university
Ensuring our thriving student artspace is provided with sufficient support, emphasising representation, new opportunities and sustainability
Increasing the accessibility and visibility of events across campus, through not only club collaborations, but also sporting group collaborations
Boosting Union Mart services; facilitating more free brunches and community meals; and hosting Welfare barbeques, roundtable discussions and student rights forums.
ACTIVATE OUR EDUCATION
Education isn’t a privilege - it’s a right. We want to make your education more accessible and inclusive by:
Fighting for the allocation of university funds away from weapons development and into student necessities
Protecting student activists from punitive consequences by university administration
Strengthening student representation in university decision-making processes
Individual subject policy governs so much of our daily life, and its time that it is reformed to better the reflect and support the reality experienced by students working and studying. We will work to achieve this by:
Campaigning to establish two-day-no-contest-extension across the university
Pushing to lower the compulsory attendance rate to 50% across faculties
Working to streamline the extension request process across the university
Your voice deserves to be heard. Together, we’ll fight against discrimination, oppression and inequality at university by:
Challenging the university to implement effective and meaningful programs and policies and to appropriately follow up on the Racism Report, not tokenistic photoshoots
Advocating for a safer campus, and running events to to raise awareness and break down systematic inequality faced by non-men on this campus
Addressing the difficulties faced by Trans students on campus in changing their names on official university documents and standing up to Queerphobia on campus
Building a movement on campus to hold our university and government to account for their inaction on climate change. Demanding greater transparency, disclosure and immediate divestment of all fossil fuel projects and shares.
Fighting for paid placements for degrees requiring mandatory unpaid work placements
UMSU is your student union - and central to a thriving student union is transparency and accountability. We want to:
Ensure the union listens to student voices and priotises platforming them
Facilitate more grassroots engagement across faculties and campuses, not just at Parkville
Fight for you, not against you
We won’t stop there. To find out more, come chat to our incredible candidates on campus this September 2-6th or head to Activate For UMSU on Facebook, or @ActivateforUMSU on Instagram.
We’ll fight for a better UMSU. But we need you to help us.
Vote [1] ACTIVATE to activate your student union
Our Union is broken. It is time to Rebuild.
We Will:
1) Fight for a Free Tram Zone to Uni Melb
2) FIght for a University Bar
3) Fight for Cheaper Parking
For years, UMSU has been a tool abused by radical groups to promote their own self interest at the expense of the students of Unimelb. This must change. Rebuild pledges to direct UMSU towards pragmatic decision-making that puts the student experience above all else. Whether it be fighting for longer gym hours, the uni bar, parking, and more UMSU sourced internships, Rebuild has a proven track record of pushing practical policies.
This is a pivotal moment for our student union. The chance to make a real difference is here. Our commitment is to foster a union that prioritizes competence, transparency, and results. We believe that through sensible and well-considered policies, we can build a stronger, more responsive student community.
Student union policies should be grounded in reality, focused on tangible outcomes rather than ludicrous positions on geopolitical issues. Our approach will be to implement practical solutions that are both achievable and beneficial for the majority. By prioritizing evidence-based decisionmaking, we aim to ensure that every initiative we undertake is designed to address specific student concerns with clear, actionable strategies.
Incompetence and inefficiency have no place in our student union. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of accountability where every action and decision is transparent and subject to rigorous scrutiny. Our team will work to enhance the union’s operational efficiency, ensuring that resources are allocated wisely and that projects are executed with precision.
Our goal is to improve and expand the services provided to students, from academic support to social activities. We will work to streamline existing services, cut through bureaucratic red tape, and ensure that student needs are met with high standards of quality and reliability. By soliciting regular feedback and making adjustments based on real input, we will make sure that our services are both effective and relevant.
We are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment within the student union. This means encouraging open, honest discussions where all viewpoints are considered, and ensuring that every student feels heard and valued. By promoting a constructive dialogue, we aim
to build consensus and develop policies that reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of our student body. Freedom of speech, debate, and thought are vital tenants of our philosophy.
Our vision is not just for temporary improvements but for sustainable, long-lasting change. We will focus on creating policies and initiatives that deliver enduring benefits and build a solid foundation for future student union leaders. By adopting a forward-thinking approach, we will address both current challenges and anticipate future needs.
Rebuild is more than just a ticket; it is a new way forward.
