2020 UMSU Election Guide

2020

UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

2020 UMSU General Elections CONTENTS 01 UMSU Explainer 02 President 04 General Secretary 06 Clubs & Societies 07 Creative Arts 08 Disabilities 09 Education Academic 10 Education Public 11 Environmental 12 Indigenous 13 Media 14 People Of Colour 15 Queer 16 Welfare 17 Women’s 18 Burnley 19 Southbank 20 Southbank Activites and Events Co-ordinator 21 Activities Committee 23 Disabilities Committee 24 Education Committee 26 Environmental Committee 28 Indigenous People Of Colour Committees 30 Southbank Welfare Committee 31 Women’s Committee 32 General Representative (Student’s Council) 36 Graduate Representative (Student’s Council) International Student Representative (Student’s Council) Queer Representative (Student’s Council) Student Of Colour Representative (Student’s Council Student With Disabilities Representative (Student’s Council) 37 National Union Of Students (NUS) Delegaes NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

According to the Constitution of the University of Melbourne Student Union, Farrago is required to publish an election supplement containing the names of all candidates and their submitted speeches and photographs.

These statements were submitted by candidates to the Returning Officer. Any candidate who missed the deadline will have no speech in this supplement. The word limit for candidate statements was 300 words for Office Bearer positions and 200 words for Students’ Council, Committies and other positions. If a statement ends abruptly, it is because it was over the word limit and was cut in accordance with the Student Union’s Electoral Regulations.

There were some tickets that submitted the same speech for different positions and individuals. Where this has occured we have printed the speech once, listing all of the candidates under the one heading. Other than this, with the exception of text formatting, we have not edited any of the following speeches in any way, including spelling and grammar.

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.

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

The purposes of UMSU are: 1. To advance the welfare and interests of Students; 2. To represent Students of the University within the University and to the community; 3. To provide amenities and services, principally for Students and other members of the University community, and incidentally to the public, but in all cases not inconsistent with agreements made with the University, as the case may be, from time to time; 4. To provide an independent framework for Student social and political activity; 5. To develop, maintain and support Student clubs, societies and associational life generally; 6. To promote and defend the rights of Students to education on the basis of equality, without regard to race, colour, sex, sexuality, gender identity, age, physical disability, mental illness, economic circumstances, political religious or ideological conviction, or national or social origin; 7. To oppose violence and/or hatred through militarism, nationalism, or discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, sexuality, gender identity, age, physical disability, mental illness, economic circumstances, religion, or national or social origin.

8. To provide a democratic and transparent forum in which Students’ affairs and interests can be governed in an effective and accountable manner; and 9. 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.

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PRESIDENT STATEMENTS 2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE | OFFICE BEARER POSITIONS

FIND YOUR FACTS What is the role of the UMSU President?

What are the responsibilites of the UMSU President?

What power does the President have?

Who does the President answer to?

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Ezra Bangun | VVholesome

Hi there, Ezra here, again! With VVholesome!

But instead of Pikachu, we have Pingu now!

So, what exactly is our ticket? It’s quite a meme ticket but also with a slight seriousness here and there. We want to ensure that UMSU Election is fun and democratic.

With UMSU election still usually getting less that 10% turnout rate, it’s very important to raise awareness that you can and you should vote! Now! I want normal students to be more involved in UMSU because they comprise more than 90% of the student population. No one really knows, even hacks, what UMSU is or what it should be. This is not the most serious ticket, but if you vote for it, it shows you want to redefine UMSU. You want UMSU to becomes better and represent the whole student population.

So, if you are reading this guide, you will be able to read all my statements! Please enjoy my procrastination work and have a laugh. If you are unsure who to vote for, make sure to read everyone’s statements and ask them about their policies so you’ll be informed!

You should also vote for us because I do believe that we, including me, are viable candidates, even with our fun statements.

Not all of us hope to be elected, but we all care about students! Enjoy election week everyone! I’ll be here hanging out with Pingu!

Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Jeremy Mann | Amplify

I’m standing as your UMSU Presidential Candidate with Amplify on a centre-right wing platform of representation, accountability and sensible governance. I believe in a Student Union that truly delivers for the needs of all students; ensuring that student union funds are used in an appropriate matter to serve your best interests. During the difficult times we are all facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, students have not been able to fully utilise the services that they are paying for and entitled to utilise.

With Amplify, I will advocate on your behalf to abolish the unfair and undemocratic Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) once and for all; whilst students find themselves isolated at home and unable to participate in any on-campus activities. I believe in actively standing up for students by pushing for the University to ensure that all lectures are recently recorded, and course resources are updated to meet the demands of an online learning environment.

As your UMSU President, I will deliver on providing greater accessibility to student services, including timetabling, career advice and dynamic study spaces. Our Student Union should look at what truly affects students and Amplify will ensure that your voice is heard.

Allan Tran

No statement recieved

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

Archit Agrawal | Community for UMSU

UMSU is meant to represent all students at the University of Melbourne. However, it has not done enough to represent marginalised communities. It’s now time for a change.

I am an international student, who came to Melbourne in 2018. I volunteered for UMSU INTL for almost 2 years before being elected as President. During my time, I have campaigned for the launch of the Emergency Support Fund, I fought for a 24x7 Mental Health Toll-free Support Line and I established close ties with Council of International Students Australia to bring more opportunities for our students. My passion for activism and change has led me to be able to do these things.

Despite these successes, there have been many times where I’ve felt frustrated and hurt by UMSU’s complex bureaucratic systems that exclude those who don’t fit the mould. UMSU has so much potential but has crucially fallen short of being the kind of representation students need. UMSU can do better, and I know I will get us there if elected.

This year has been challenging. It has been exhausting. But that’s why we need a leader who will care about students and act in their favor. I vow to bring the passion and activism from UMSU INTL to UMSU. UMSU should be a place where everyone is welcome, where students regardless of their background can grow and learn from each other.

Differences should be celebrated, inclusion should be a priority and above all, we should strive for a representative body that actually reflects its students.

If you’re after an UMSU that better represents you and reflects the realities of UniMelb today, take this chance to vote [1] for Community, your community! For more details on Community, my achievements this year, and my policies for 2021, visit communityforumsu.com

Henry Jackson

Jack Buksh | Stand Up!

Hi! I’m Jack (he/him) and it would be an honour to be your 2021 UMSU President. The last year serving as General Secretary has only cemented my passion for this union and the amazing work that it does. 2020 has not been an easy year for students and now, more than ever, we need a progressive student union that can fight for their rights and make real change.

As General Secretary this year, I have been able to lead UMSU’s response to COVID-19.

We were able to take student voices straight to the university executive – that was how we won the WAM amnesty, changes to special consideration, COVID-19 financial support and so much more. This robust experience that myself and the rest of the Stand Up! team has means that we know how to get results for students when it counts.

But the fight isn’t over yet. I’ve seen firsthand the absolute inability for the university to adequately respond to student demands and student needs. Universities are student funded and they should be student owned – this means putting student voices at the forefront of University decision making processes. Student voices are powerful – we proved that this year – when we come together and stand up for our rights, we can make a difference.

I will fight for reform to university council; more student representation on Academic Board, including a representative for UMSU International; fairer, more accessible special consideration; more support for students in the fallout of Covid-19, and more.

We can – and must – fight back. Against government funding cuts to our education, on safety on campus, cuts to university support services and an inaccessible campus.

Together, we can make this happen.

Vote [1] Stand Up! and keep up the fight.

Dan Crowley

No statement recieved

Benjamin Cronshaw | Independents

for Student Democracy I am a 4th year Arts student completing a thesis on Roman slavery and early humanitarian thought, including early Stoic and Christian writings on slavery. It is quite fascinating, and connects to my passion for contemporary social justice and the modern fight against slavery. I have had a great experience in my time at university, and I want to help make a positive time for everyone else as well. I have been deeply involved with the Unimelb community and clubs and societies.

This has included serving as: • President (Classics and Archaeology Students Society • Vice President (Chocolate Lover’s Society + Biological Society) • Education Officer (History Society) General Committee (Film Society and many others) For the past year, I have also served as an elected representative on the UMSU Activities Committee, helping with events such as trivia. I believe university is a great place for learning and the exchange and contest of ideas. We should be respectful of each other, but also opened to being challenged and hearing new perspectives (even where we disagree). The Student Union has an important role in upholding the varied interests of students and facilitating a positive and caring student community. Why I am running for President? The simple answer is because I can, which is to say, I think we should always appreciate and take the opportunities we have in a democracy. I encourage people to be involved in democracy wherever they can, whether to vote, supporting a ticket/ party or standing for office themselves. If you are reading this and voting, perhaps you might want to run for President next year too. Independents for Student Democracy is a group of students passionate about democracy and promoting student wellbeing and community/clubs experience on campus.

No statement recieved

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

GENERAL SECRETARY STATEMENTS Sara Burns | Amplify No statement recieved

Benjamin Cronshaw | Independents for Student Democracy No statement recieved

Ciara O’Sullivan | Community for UMSU

I believe that students at the University of Melbourne can dramatically change how we

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Ciara O’Sullivan continued...

experience the University. But this takes a long-term strategic vision, a diversity of tactics to win. I believe that student representatives should be working with students, not just for students. For me, creating change isn’t about doing things on the 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 concert with their demands.

UMSU is supposed to be working with students, but a lack of engagement and consultation has led to a fundamentally alienating organisation.

UMSU isn’t accessible-it’s run through complex bureaucratic systems that are nearly impossible to navigate, and do not reflect the experiences of the average student.

UMSU’s constitution doesn’t work for students, it works against them. It is inflexible, it is restrictive, it is Kafkaesque. UMSU needs to be completely over-hauled, so we can build a student union that actually understands the student reality.

Despite this, over the past two years I have worked tirelessly to represent the queer community, first as Queer Rep on Council, and this year as Queer Officer. This past year I: • helped raise the profile of queer students on campus by lobbying the university to create a gender affirmation policy and introduce student ally training.

• Campaigned against transphobia in tutorials • was one of the first departments to respond to the COVID-19 crisis by creating care packages for students who could not access essential supplies due to panic-buying.

I cannot sit by and allow an institution with so much potential to support students continue to waste its promise.

That is why I’m running for General Secretary. Vote [1] Community for all positions, for an UMSU can do better.

Timothy Lilley | VVholesome

“Two plus two equals five.” – George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four

Harry Black | Stand Up!

My name is Harry Black (he/him), and I am running to be the General Secretary of UMSU in 2021. Like many students, I have been a great beneficiary of the services and advocacy provided by the student union. It would be an honour and a privilege to be able to make my own contribution to the union in the role of General Secretary.

Over the last three years, I have been actively involved with several student societies that are at the heart of life on campus. Having organised some of the largest events on campus as part of the FMAA, and with my experience in oversight of club governance through the C&S committee of UMSU, I understand the importance of societies to campus life at the University of Melbourne.

These experiences have given me an appreciation of how students engage with UMSU - and unfortunately, how many students feel alienated from it.

In 2021, with your support, we can change that. We can build on the work done over the last year in delivering the WAM amnesty by demanding more of our University leadership. We can look after the interests of international students who are paying too much to receive too little, we can find new ways to connect students even if it is over the internet, and we can make UMSU more transparent than it has ever been before.

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

Harry Black continued...

I know that this year has been difficult at the best of times. With your support, I would like to make next year the best that it can be. Vote for an experienced team, vote for a progressive team, vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the fight!

FIND YOUR FACTS What is the role of the UMSU General Secretary?

What are the responsibilites of the UMSU General Secretary?

What power does the General Secretary have?

Who does the General Secretary answer to?

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

CLUBS & SOCIETIES STATEMENTS David Collis (not picutured) & Olivia White Just Clubs. Just Activities.

Hi there! We are Olivia and David and we are running for the Clubs and Societies office for 2021. Clubs are such a special part of life at university and provide an unrivalled opportunity for all students to make new friends and pursue their interests on campus. Clubs do such an amazing job and we want to do everything we can to help them be the most fun and inclusive spaces possible. The impacts of online university this year have hit clubs hard and we want to help build back clubs at Melbourne Uni bigger and better than ever.

We will mobilise our experience in a wide range of clubs of all sizes as well as our background working within UMSU departments to change C&S for the better.

We want to create better communication and collaboration between C&S department and clubs to provide clubs with the information needed to best run their clubs We also want to smooth over the process of executive changeovers, when the most issues happen, by creating new up-todate introductory material that is automatically provided to new execs. By having all information accessible, club events will run more smoothly and more frequently to the benefit of all uni students. We also wish to create better engagement with students that will welcome all to participate in clubs and allow students to make friends and share their passion.

At Just Clubs. Just Activities. we are all about the fun stuff on campus and we want to help continue the thriving student life our uni has to offer. Vote [1] Just Clubs. Just Activites. for Clubs and Societies department!

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Kalyana Vania & Muskaan Hakhu | Community for UMSU

Hi there! We are Kalyana and Muskaan. We both identify as women of colour and hence know the strong emphasis and importance of representation and diversity. Having been involved in various clubs and societies in and outside of campus, Kalyana was a 2 term President for Australia Federation of International Students and whilst Muskaan was the president of the Unimelb Bollywood club. We both have a passion for organizing social events within our societies. This means that we have in depth experience in how to run clubs and make sure events go smoothly.

That said, we think this year represents unique challenges for all clubs and societies especially amidst the pandemic. We strive for all clubs within university to get equal treatment, and that includes fundings from university and also placements during Clubs Fest in O week. We want every club to be able to get the same opportunity in doing what they value and cherish. Equal funding from the university could help assist these clubs in doing more events, and also promote them to a larger scope of students . We truly believe clubs and societies are an essential role in the University community, and we will always aim to continue this safe space for students in all clubs, no matter their background! We are here to make a change and always be a transparent platform where everyone is free to come and speak with us. By electing Community to positions in UMSU, we can definitely strive for this and make an amazing year for all clubs and societies.

Ezra Bangun | VVholesome

Instead of talking about myself, I want to talk about the Clubs & Societies department since I’ve been part of it for most of the last 2 years. It’s an amazing department and you should join more clubs! You should also run clubs and even make new clubs! It could be hard and there are many regulations and tough love, but it’s required to ensure that all clubs are amazing! So yes, join a club NOW! (And vote for people who you believe will manage Club & Societies Department the best!)

Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Kuanysh Batyrbekov No statement recieved

FIND YOUR FACTS What is the role of the UMSU Clubs & Societies?

What power does Clubs & Societies have?

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

CREATIVE ARTS STATEMENTS

Evelyn Chong Jia En No statement recieved

Ezra Bangun VVholesome

Instead of writing a lot of statement about how good my artistic side is, just go to my Instagram. Just us my name to find it. On the 9th latest post, I posted my amazing painting skill when I was in high school. I don’t think I need to say anything more.

Thank you!

Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Merryn Hughes & Vaishnavi Ravikrishna | Community for UMSU

Art is invaluable in our society and in our culture.

As Creative Arts Office Bearers, we will continue the work of our predecessors to foster a thriving Arts community here at The University of Melbourne, supporting student artists to create and share art that is: 1. Inclusive: We want to nurture our student arts community by establishing our weekly themed Creative Arts Collective and hosting social events and workshop/mentorship opportunities throughout semesters. We will recognise, support, and celebrate each other’s creative artmaking.

2. Accessible: We believe in art that is inclusive and embraces diversity. When artmaking is not accessible, only the voices of the privileged can be heard. We will ensure that all workshops, events, performances, and exhibitions will accommodate all students, including those with accessibility needs e.g. lift-access, AUSLAN interpreted and captioned performances, image descriptions, relaxed performances, options to attend online etc.

3. Sustainable: We will promote artmaking that is sustainable for the artist and their well-being as well as the environment, supporting productions that make conscious efforts to recycle materials, reduce waste and introduce innovative ways to make art while staying environmentally friendly.

4. Experimental: During this pandemic, students have pushed the boundaries of mainstream art to include all that is experimental or unconventional and we embrace it all!

We will continue supporting student artists during and beyond lockdown, providing them with the opportunities to showcase their talents as well as develop their craft.

The transition into University life can be challenging. For us, the UMSU Creative Arts department has been a welcoming space to explore and practice our creativity and has made that transition an enjoyable one. Our vision is to help other students feel accepted and welcomed into a creative space where they can be themselves without fear

FIND YOUR FACTS What is the role of the UMSU Creative Arts?

What are the responsibilites of the Creative Arts Officers?

What power does Creative Arts have?

Who does Creative Arts answer to?

of judgement.

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

DISABILITIES STATEMENTS Brigit Doyle and Lindsay Tupper-Creed Disabilities Community for UMSU

We, Lindsay and Brigit, are entering our final year of bachelor’s in commerce and science.

Lindsay strives to bring his passion for fairness and accessibility to a role where I can give back for others. Brigit will bring creativity, community spirit and determination to fight for accessible education for all.

We both struggle with disability. We know how hard studying with a disability can be.

This year we’ve seen isolation impact the most vulnerable, and we need to provide better support. We’re running for Disabilities Officer to make sure every person can access education. Education is the best way to empower someone with a disability, and help them achieve their dream.

We’re here to help with isolation and the recovery process. Ensuring every person with disabilities can be a student, in the best way possible. We want to fight for better academic adjustment plans and counselling - that you don’t have to wait a month for.

Our aim is to support all disabilities, and help every student we can, in whatever way they need. We’re planning a mentorship program, because not everyone fits into a box. We will campaign for automatic captioning of lectures, because there’s no excuse. We will create safe spaces, because people need it.

We are driven to provide better support for students with lived experience of disability because it’s time for a change.

If elected, we will: - Promote disability awareness - Seek to ensure every student with disabilities can access available services - Fight for simpler and clearer access to learning support and counselling services - Work with individuals to provide specialised support and advocacy - Campaign for automatic subtitling, and the mandatory recording of lectures when campus resumes.

Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

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Max Dowell (Stand Up!)

G’day, I’m Max (he/him) and I am proud to be the 2021 Stand Up! Disabilities candidate. As a queer student on the spectrum I know firsthand the alienation many are feeling in isolation right now. With about a quarter of students identifying as having a disability and mental health in crisis during this pandemic, the role of the Disabilities office is as important as ever.

I therefore intend to fight for an accessible department, UMSU, campus and community. I’ll expand the range of collectives to include all autonomous departments, establishing an intersectional foundation for the department. I will also provide a variety of structured/non-structured collectives to provide a space for neurodiverse students to make friends free from the ambiguity of a conventional setting.

The transition to online learning has revealed that the university is more than happy to cater to able-bodied students when they can no longer access campus. I will ensure that they extend this generosity outside the pandemic. Special consideration and academic adjustment plans shouldn’t be antagonistic, and I will work closely with my peers to secure better student conditions in proud Stand Up! Tradition.

I also want to see an accessibility review for all university campuses, as well as the provision of accessibility plans for all UMSU events, publications and political actions (or help provide meaningful alternatives to physical attendance) so no student misses out on university life.

Finally, UMSU’s resources and reach are vast; we have a platform to fight systemic issues for a truly accessible education.

I intend to collaborate with community organisations to empower people with disabilities both on and off campus to become the loudest voice in the union.

I will stand up for all students across the disability spectrum; in return, just vote [1] Stand Up! to win the fight.

FIND YOUR FACTS What is the role of the Disabilities and Education Academic Departments?

What are the responsibilites of the Disabilities and Education Academic Officers?

What power does do these departments have?

Who does Disabilities and Education Academic Officers answer to?

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

EDUCATION ACADEMIC

STATEMENTS

Daniel Clarke & Varaidzo Chipunza 0not pictured) (Stand Up!)

Hi, we’re Varaidzo (she/her) and Daniel (he/ him) and we hope to be your next Education Academic Officers.

We study Politics and English (Varaidzo), as well as Computing and Software Systems (Daniel). Through witnessing first hand the difficulties people are facing during COVID-19, we believe that now more than ever student representation at university is paramount to having a fair and transparent higher education experience. We wish to continue the work Stand Up! has been able to achieve, such as the WAM Amnesty that has assisted so many in these pressing times and the ongoing support and advocacy that the current Stand Up! Office bearers have provided students with.

If elected, we will collaborate with students and academics across all faculties in order to ensure that students are provided with a fairer experience. We will endeavour to ensure that there is transparency in subjects, subject coordination, the expected workload and the various key dates associated with assessments.

The pandemic has proven how necessary it is for every student to have access to services and support in order to be able to complete their studies. We will advocate on behalf of all students to ensure that they receive the best possible education throughout this crisis going forward. This includes making sure that Special Consideration is accessible for all students who need it and that it is a fair process.

Given the current situation with COVID we are aware that University life is going to continue to be vastly different heading into next year. So vote [1] Stand Up! for a ticket that has a proven track record of delivering real outcomes for students to help them get through these difficult times. And we look forward to hearing any concerns going into 2021 so we can get through this together!

Jennisha Arnanta and Planning Jay Vynn Saw Education (Academic) OB

Hi! We’re Planning, third year Bachelor of Biomedicine, and Jennisha, third year Bachelor of Commerce. We will fight for greater accountability and transparency in the academic and policy processes of the University.

We will ensure transparency between UMSU and the student population in their communication with the university. The pandemic has shown us that there has been a lack of inclusivity of students’ voices to contribute to the decisions made by the University.

The student population are not aware of the processes and proposals that underlie the decisions such as Fee Reduction, WAM Change or GPA Change, leaving students to question the rationale of these outcomes.

We will reignite the fight towards Fee Reduction for all students. This should not be an issue that “this too shall pass”, and it is unreasonable for the university to assume that the same quality of education is delivered when lecture contents are recycled and in-person tutorials and practical.

We will ensure that the university allows for greater input from students in the co-design of subjects. Instead of only offering subject experience surveys, student representatives should be involved in discussions with the subject coordinator after a subject has ended, so that improvements can be made to the subject based on the feedback of the students.

We will ensure that Stop 1 is run competently. Students often face anxiety and stress as they wait for long periods of time before receiving a reply from Stop 1. There has to be more staff in Stop 1 especially during peak periods and the pandemic has once again shown the inadequacy of our student support services.

Students from all over the world travel to Melbourne expecting a world-class education and therefore, we will fight for all their voices, both domestic and international, to be heard loud and clear.

Phoebe Legget and Benjamin Cronshaw - Ed AC - Independents for Student Democracy

Phoebe Leggett is a second-year Arts student studying linguistics and ancient history.

I am involved with various clubs, including serving as Secretary and President of the Classics and Archaeology Students Society.

I firmly believe that all students should be able to access and have a say over their education. As the Greek philosopher, Plato said: ὁ δὲ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ “the unexamined life is not worth living”.

Benjamin Cronshaw is a fourth-year Ancient World Studies Honours student. I am planning on studying a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration. I believe university is a great place for learning and the exchange and contest of ideas. All students should expect a quality education and should be supported in their learning experience.

Independents for Student Democracy is a group of students passionate about democracy and promoting student wellbeing and community/clubs experience on campus.

Timothy Lilley - VVholesome

Education (Academic Affairs) Officer “I’m going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed.

Or worse, expelled.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Michael Josefsson No statement recieved

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

EDUCATION PUBLIC

STATEMENTS Ezra Bangun | VVholesome

Well, the question is how are we going public if Corona is still going? Well, isn’t it obvious? We are going to start a Youtube channel! So please don’t forget to SMASH that like button, subscribe and hit the bell icon to get notified. And also comment if you have any other idea on how to become public! (Honestly, this is not a bad idea, Education Public has to be public! Get the voice out in a constructive and fun manner!)

Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Education (Public Affairs) Officer Justin Riazaty Amplify No statement recieved

Education (Public Affairs) Officer TAOYANG LIU No statement recieved

Education (Public Affairs) Officer Noman Khan No statement recieved

Education (Public Affairs) Officer Edison Wei Long Ngu No statement recieved

Hannah Krasovec & Tejas Gandhi (Stand Up!)

Hey everyone, we’re Hannah (she/her) and Tejas (he/him), your Stand Up! Education Public Affairs candidates for 2021.

2020 has seen numerous attacks on education for Unimelb students - subjects have been cut, over 450 Unimelb staff have lost their jobs, and the Liberal Government wants to increase the price of some degrees by 113%, and cut funding for others. The current Stand Up! Education Public Officers have led the fight on all these issues.

We know that these attacks aren’t going to disappear next year - we will continue the fight and win, just as Stand Up! fought the university to introduce the WAM amnesty.

But we also have new plans - to create a collective for rural, regional and interstate students. Currently, UMSU has no department for rural, regional and interstate students - by introducing a collective, we hope to engage students and allow them to lead the movement to create a department in UMSU. Currently with online learning, we plan to work with the university and partner with more open educational resources that are accessible to all students and staff.

This will enhance the learning experience of students at the university. We believe in supporting students academically and financially by working on reducing textbooks costs and increasing scholarships and bursaries for students. Active learning and upskilling yourself before graduate school is important for academic success but the university has been ignorant to this. So we plan to introduce and increase new and more graduate preparation workshops so that students are prepared for their graduate school learning.

Overall, our aim is to make each and every student voice heard and make sure every student has an equal opportunity to study and be successful in their academic endeavors particularly during these uncertain times. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

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Verity Crane and Caleb Ribates- Education | Community for UMSU

The integrity of Unimelb’s status as a world-leading University is undermined by putting profit margins ahead of the interests of students and staff. The future of higher education depends on the student community being treated as genuine partners in their education. Now more than ever, we need a University that is willing to stand up against the Government’s proposed fee hikes and confront systemic inequalities within society.

Course fees for students are set to increase, the government contribution made to the University will also decrease under proposed changes. These changes mean larger class-sizes and less one-on-one engagement for students. If these changes are not opposed, students can expect to pay more for a poorer quality education.

Focussing on the University’s WAM policy alone fails to address the most urgent issue faced by students: paying exorbitant fees for an education that has diminished in quality since moving online. If elected, we will work to obtain fee relief through pursuing collective cohort grievances, through grassroots campaigns resisting increases to higher education fees and to oppose mass job cuts, we will create a taskforce of students and staff to address the crisis in secure housing and we will lobby the State Government to introduce free public transport for all students including international and graduate students. Under our leadership, Education (Public Affairs) will focus on ambitious, lasting change that protects the University and its students from the harms of profit-seeking decisions.

Caleb and Verity hope to elevate national discourse on free education through campaigns. This team has been instrumental in the ongoing fee relief campaign with UMSU Southbank. They bring a wealth of experience in community engagement and filmmaking practices, integrating these into their work as Education (Public Affairs) offi-

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

ENVIRONMENT STATEMENTS Ann Nguyen and James ParkCommunity

We’re Ann and James.

Ann is a Science student who has spent the last three years advocating for environmental issues through her involvement with Vegan Club and Effective Altruism. James is a Commerce student who is passionate about social impact, and hopes to shift the paradigm with which today’s youth view environmental justice.

Our experiences have taught us the value of a supportive community in achieving sustainable impacts. No one has to be a perfect environmentalist; the Enviro Office needs to foster consistent effort and a willingness to engage.

We want the Enviro Collective to be a welcoming space for all students, regardless of experience or knowledge of environmental activism. By collaborating with UMSU INTL, alongside like-minded clubs and societies, we will platform the grassroots initiatives already flourishing on campus. We want to make sure the journey towards being a better activist is an engaging, not exclusionary process.

We hope to diversify environmental education- in a way that recognises the barrier faced by international students, people of colour, and all those from diverse backgrounds in accessing these spaces. We want to run workshops to highlight the growing trends in environmental activism, and make this knowledge accessible to all.

We will still be fighting for the ‘big issues’ that face our environment today. We want to pressure the University to follow global trends and declare a Climate Emergency, seizing on this momentum to divest from destructive multinationals once and for all.

And because there can be no environmental justice in an oppressive world, we want to foster a truly intersectional understanding of our Department. We want to engage in dialogues with allies, and centre marginalised voices in the struggle for environmental justice in all work we do.

Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Briana Symonds-Manne & Emma Dynes (Stand Up!)

We’re Emma and Bri! We’re radical climate activists running for the Environment Office next year. Capitalism is destroying the planet. The system’s endless search for profit has already created rising temperatures, savage bushfires, and extreme floods.

Events like this are going to become the ‘new normal’ globally. Last year we organised university contingents to all the school strikes, Extinction Rebellion protests, blockaded the world’s largest mining conference in Melbourne, IMARC, and helped found Uni Students for Climate Justice, which organised huge protests over Scomo’s mishandling of the bushfires. On campus, we protested the university’s sponsorship of IMARC and Rio Tinto at the Careers Day expo. This year we crashed the ‘commencement ceremony’ to remind everybody that Melbourne University is complicit in climate destruction through its undisclosed investments in fossil fuels, arms manufacturing and sponsorship of mining conferences. Greta Thunberg’s school strike rebellion that mobilised millions globally is the mass movement we need to fight climate change. We can’t rely on politicians when support for coal, gas and oil is bipartisan politics in Australia.

The Liberal government is for a gas-driven economic recovery, and the Adani coal mine is being built under Queensland Labor.

Fossil fuels are at the heart of Australian capitalism. Real resistance will only come from below.

If elected we’ll dedicate the Environment Office to fighting for climate justice. We will demand that the University divest from fossil fuels and arms manufacturing, and end collaboration with climate criminals like Rio Tinto. From the Government, we’ll demand an immediate stop to the construction of the Adani coal mine, an end to coal and gas extraction, and a just transition to 100% renewable energy. We’ll fight in solidarity with Indigenous struggles and for the millions of refugees displaced by environmental destruction. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Ezra Bangun – VVholesome

Welcome back to my Ted Talk. Last year I gave the fun fact that Dendrophilia means someone that is (sexually) attracted to trees.

This year, my fun fact is Rafflesia Anorldi is a very smelly flower. It’s named after British botanist and statesman who collected its specimen. To be honest, I have no idea why they want their name to be related to a not so nice thing. It’s like naming UMSU “Scott Crawford Student Union” since he’s the reason why we have UMSU instead of MUSU. Thank you for listening to my second Ted Talk.

Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Gabrielle Kennedy

No statement recieved

Michael Thomas Plant Amplify No statement recieved

FIND YOUR FACTS What is the role of the Environmental Department?

What power does do these departments have?

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

INDIGENOUS STATEMENT Hope Kuchel

No statement recieved

Shanysa McConville No statement recieved

elected unopposed

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

MEDIA STATEMENT

Ailish Hallinan, Elmira Cheung, Lauren Berry and Pavani Ambagahawattha | Independent Media elected unopposed

Hey pals! We’re Pavani, Lauren, Elmira and Ailish, and we’re running to be your Media Officer Bearers (OBs) in 2021. We’ve been extensively involved with the department in the past and bring diverse skills and lived experiences to this position. Pavani (she/ her) is a second-year international student committed to making the department more representative of the student body it serves.

Lauren (she/her) is a third-year Media, English and French student dedicated to growing ‘media’ in all its forms: print, audio-visual and online. Elmira (she/her) is a second-year Fine Arts (painting) student with a passion for pushing boundaries of design and accessibility to campuses beyond Parkville. Ailish (she/her) is a third-year Politics & Media major on a mission to create more publication opportunities for students.

We recognise that 2020 was a turning-point for media, and our experiences this year shape our 2021 vision. As OBs, we have four main goals. First, we will make media more accessible to all students, primarily by expanding our online presence. We will revamp the Farrago and Fodder websites as well as organise a more frequent upload schedule to showcase student work outside traditional print cycles. Second, we are passionate about stimulating engagement from all aspects of the student community.

We intend to partner closely with satellite campuses, and collaborate with various faculties, UMSU departments, and societies. Third, we want to showcase media in all its forms, with a revived focus on audio, audio-visual and social media-based

Independent Media continued...

content. Finally, we consider student media our home, and are determined to foster this community spirit. We want to provide contributors with individualized support, host free educational workshops and cross-team meetups, and nurture autonomous spaces where BIPOC contributors can collectively discuss their specific needs.

For an independent and inclusive Media Department, Vote [1] Independent Media!

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

PEOPLE OF COLOUR

STATEMENTS

Mohamed Hadi and Emily AlRamadhan- Community

Hey guys! We’re Mohamed and Emily, we’re international students studying science and we’re super keen on becoming your office bearers next year!

Engaging with the POC department over the past two years has given us safe spaces to express ourselves and learn from different cultures while exploring our intersectionalities. However, we are disappointed with the current state of the department because of its low student engagement and transparency. It was frustrating for Mohamed to face unneeded difficulties and obstacles when coordinating the only safe space for Bla(c) k students on campus. This experience has shown us the realities and the fundamental problems that the department has. Because of this, we are driven to reform and improve our department.

We want to bring a bigger sense of community by bi-weekly newsletters, multiple engaging campaigns, and hold public informal forums to continuously receive feedback and understand what the community needs.

A big part of our campaign is to work on improving mental health services by establishing in-union Bla(c)k and POC run mental health services in conjunction with UMSU international, while fighting harder for more psychologists of colour in the university’s CAPS services.

In addition, its essential to collaborate with UMSU Indigenous in our conversations and bring them to the table, by a campaign about what constitutes good allyship, establishing affirmative action for Bla(c)k and POC students on committees and lead an effort with UMSU education to decolonize subjects by diversifying reading lists and resources.

There’s a lot more that we want to do, but we have hopefully given you an insight into what we dream that this department can become, and what we hope is a legacy of community-grounded activism. We want the strong vision that we have to inspire people for years to come and create

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Nicole Nabbout & Comfort Agunbiade (Stand Up!)

Hi everyone! We are Nicole (she/her) and Comfort (she/her) and we’re running with Stand Up! for the People of Colour Office!

Nicole is a first generation Lebanese woman completing a Bachelor of Arts and Comfort is a first generation Nigerian woman completing a Bachelor of Arts! Through involvement in the POC space, we have both developed a significant passion for activism and fighting for student services.

Students of Colour have a right to feel safe, included and empowered to voice their concerns in an environment that equips them with the resources to do so.

More particularly, we will continue to lobby the University to increase the accessibility of mental health services for students of colour. POC do not see themselves represented within the services that are available to them at their University and this needs to change immediately. This includes campaigns around increasing representation within CAPS, extending free CAPS sessions and increasing funding. We will also be fighting for an autonomous POC space that will be used for all collectives, events and workshops. As well as this, we will campaign to increase POC representation and expression within the university curriculum through advocating for more encompassing subjects. Our fight for worker’s rights will also continue with the expansion of the POC Workers and Activist Collective, where we will fight against one of the greatest barriers to an accessible education. Finally, we hope to form an UMSU Anti-Racism and Discrimation Working Group to fight against the racial violence that has undoubtedly risen in recent times.

POC students deserve better than a University that constantly neglects them - we know it is more important than ever to keep up our fight and this change will only occur through a progressive student union. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Ariana Tugaga

No statement recieved

TAOYANG LIU

No statement recieved

FIND YOUR FACTS What is the role of the UMSU POC Office?

What are the responsibilites of the POC Officers?

What power does the POC Officers have?

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

QUEER STATEMENTS Amy Bright and Laura Ehrensperger | Community

Hello! We are Amy Bright and Laura Ehrensperger. We want to make 2021 bigger and gayer than ever by becoming your Queer Officers! Laura is a bisexual woman who studies Criminology, plays three different instruments, and has a black belt in Taekwondo (groovy, right?). Amy is a bi/ace, trans girl studying Theatre and Politics, and served as president of GLEAM at Monash - a queer club for professional development - before defecting to Unimelb; she proudly made the space accessible to TIGD students and queer POC, and brings that mindset to the UMSU Queer Department.

Student advocacy remains our key priority.

We will combat transphobia at Unimelb, deplatform prominent TERFs at the uni, and move along progress on the All-Gender Bathrooms. Resources will be directed to queer international students to make our queer spaces accessible for them and support them with visa, immigration and asylum processes where relevant. Queer and intersectional autonomy will be at the heart of our advocacy, and that means consulting and empowering our beloved autonomous groups.

2021 will feature your favourite queer events, including Queer Ball (get hyped), G&Ts with the LGBTs, and Queer Lunch, alongside exciting new events to contrast 2020’s tough circumstances. We want everything from cute picnics and game nights, to bigger stuff like queer and intersectional workshops, self-defense classes for queers, and inclusive gym and swim sessions. All of our events must be accessible for everyone, not just abled, cis and white people, otherwise they do not serve their purpose of community-building and creating safe spaces for free expression and visibility.

Amy and Laura are dedicated to accessibility, inclusivity and autonomy, because queer spaces are not for ‘palatable’ types of queer.

Queer spaces are for all queer people (that includes you, asexuals and aromantics!).

Vote [1] Community!

Jason Rimmer & Jessie Ferrari (Stand Up!)

Hi I am Jay and I am a Non-Binary Kaurna person passionate about making a space for LGBTQI+students at the University.

Te (Hello) I’m am Jessie a proud Trans, Genderfluid, Bisexual, Neurodivergent Yorta Yorta person. I am the current Indigenous Student Representative on the student council and the current Indigenous committee member for QueersInScience. I come from a strong bloodline of Indigenous unionists and activists and am continuing on that legacy and channeling that fire into fighting for the rights of LGBTQI+ students at the University.

We’re really excited to be running to be your Queer Office Bearers for 2021!

Next year, we will ensure that the Queer Space is activist, inclusive, accessible and decolonial. By making sure that the Queer Space can cater to those with special needs, we can ensure the department is representative of all queer students on campus.

The Queer Department needs to elevate the voices of BIPOC LGBTQI+ people. We will run events regarding queer diversity.

Within the queer community there are so many different types of people and much greater diversity within, we need to create a safe space for Queer Indigenous and Bla(c) k people to engage safely in the queer department. We will set up the first Bla(c)k and Indigenous collective Queer collective, to give those a safe space to build their voice within the department.

And of course, we are going to keep up the fight against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, acephobia, enbyphobia, interphobia! We will continue to pressure the Vice Chancellor against Holly Lawford-Smith and the anti-trans sentiments she spreads on campus.

We will collaborate with other autonomous departments, to make this a whole of union fight. When we all come together and fight, we make change.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

FIND YOUR FACTS What is the role of the UMSU Queer Department?

What are the responsibilites of the Queer Officers?

What power does Queer Department have?

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

WELFARE

STATEMENTS Evelyn Ranogajec (not pictured) & Felix Sharkey (Stand Up!)

Hi everyone!

We’e Evvie and Felix, and we’re campaigning to be your Welfare Office Bearers for 2021!

Evvie (she/her) is a third year arts student majoring in English and Creative Writing.

Felix (he/him) is a second year arts student majoring in Politics. We are both heavily involved in student activism, having been in many campaigns and protests and we’ve both served as Students’ Councillors this year.

The Welfare Office provides many essential services that students rely on, such as the free breakfasts and the food banks. We will fight to see this expanded to include additional essential items such as sanitary products and household goods. We see the Welfare Department as one that should be at the forefront of activism. The COVID crisis has laid bare the systemic issues that affect young people and students.

We wish to run campaigns focusing around CAPs, providing more accessible and funded resources to reach more students. Drug law reform is another issue pertinent to students and we will use our position to de-stigmatise drug use and ensure pill testing kits and harm reduction training is readily available. Furthermore, we wish to start the Welfare Collective up again, with a focus on class activism and run for and by low SES students. Finally, we want to focus on ensuring the university is doing everything they can to provide adequate housing for students. We will do this by supporting grassroots campaigns against the privatisation of public housing, advocating for a reformed college structures with more scholarship opportunities and making sure UMSU Legal and Advocacy have more funds to assist students with rent issues.

We want to make sure the Welfare Department is at the forefront of activism as well as focusing on service provision. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

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Ezra Bangun (VVholesome)

Well, Corona is not very good. That’s why Welfare is more important than ever. There are three things that you should do, sleep, eat, and drink!

Sleep: Sleeping is good! If you don’t have enough time to sleep at night because you are playing and idle game and waiting for that energy to fill up, just turn off your zoom camera in class and sleep. It seems like most people are already doing it!

Eat: Make sure to get enough food. Go to KFC now before they run out of chickens (which already happened)!

Drink: GET BUBBLE TEA! NOW! IT’S GOOD!!!

Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Yuhao Zhai

No statement recieved

Edison Wei Long Ngu No statement recieved

TAOYANG LIU

No statement recieved

Henry | AMPLIFY No statement recieved

Hue Man Dang & Allen Xiao (Community for UMSU)

We’re Allen and Hue Man. We’re both studying Biomedicine, and we would love to be your Welfare Officers for 2021!

Our combined volunteering experience extends across clubs, colleges, and UMSU itself. We want to build on this to create a thriving Welfare Department that supports all students. We’ve seen first-hand how a corporatised university system lets us downwhether it be international students who live far from home, low-SES students who are struggling financially, or simply students who need extra support.

This needs systemic change. We want to rethink the role of the Welfare Department in the lives of students. We want to expand the Department’s volunteering programs, facilitating workshops that ultimately empower students to support their peers.

Beyond that, we have so many goals for 2021: * ‘Wellbeing at Home’ aid program to subsidise the cost of home appliances for students. * Mutual support in Welfare Collective - help students with the cost of buying professional clothes for interviews (because you shouldn’t break the bank to get a job!). We will also help students with building CVs, knowing your employee rights, and connecting to union services, to better prepare them for the world of work. * Advocate for better Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) because no student should wait 6 weeks for mental health support. * Expanded ‘Food Aid’ Program: more nutritious food that supports your dietary requirements and is culturally diverse (you’ll have to share with us your favourite home cooked meals!)

For a Welfare Department that will support all students, no matter where they come from, vote [1] Community in all positions your community fighting with you!

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

WOMEN’S

STATEMENTS Phoebe Leggett (Independents for Student Democracy)

I am a second-year Arts student studying linguistics and ancient history. I am involved with various clubs, including serving as Secretary and President of the Classics and Archaeology Students Society. I also play the Bassoon. I firmly believe that all students should be able to access and have a say over their education without fear of discrimination. As the Greek philosopher, Plato said: ὁ δὲ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ “the unexamined life is not worth living”. Independents for Student Democracy is a group of students passionate about democracy and promoting student wellbeing and community/clubs experience on campus.

Marit Gillam

No statement recieved

Hena Maker

No statement recieved

FIND YOUR FACTS What is the role of the UMSU Women’s Department?

What are the responsibilites of the Women’s Officers?

Sneha Challa & Thonya Deverall (Stand Up!)

Hey everyone!

We’re Sneha (she/they) and Thonya (she/ her), and we want to be your Women’s Office Bearers for 2021! Since starting university we’ve both been passionately involved in the fight for students on campus, and active members of the Women’s Department. Together we hold positions on the People of Colour Committee, Women’s Committee and Students Council. We aim to run a Women’s Department that is welcoming, intersectional and impactful, and work to engage all parts of our community. Our main focus for this year will be continuing the Safety on Campus campaign, fighting for the right of every student to feel safe on campus and for a survivour-centric response to sexual assault and harassment.

We aim to focus this campaign on three overarching areas: Demanding a Primary Prevention Approach, Championing a Therapeutic Response and Creating a Safer Unimelb Culture. This involves advocating safer events and for a Health and Wellbeing center that centralises support for survivors and prioritising their safety in seeking help and if they choose to report. Intersectionality is an essential part of this campaign and will be prioritised through the UMSU Sexual Assault and Harassment Working Group as well as the Women’s Action Collective to involve students and elevate their lived experiences as much as possible. We will launch the Empowerment Project which aims to increase student engagement with the department and empower students who are women and non-binary people with the knowledge, confidence and skills to smash the patriarchy wherever we find it.

The project will consist of biweekly ”themes” with complimentary activities including workshops (such as a return of the It’s Not A Compliment Active Bystander Workshop), guest speakers and discussion sessions organised through our Women’s Collective.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Srishti Chatterjee & Mickhaella Ermita (Community for UMSU)

This is a year we’ve all realised how much we need our communities. Historically, the Women’s Department (and feminist activism) has been a space for mostly cisgender women, most of whom are white, who engage in a very specific kind of activism. Mickhaella(she/her) and Srishti(they/them) are women and non-binary people (respectively) of colour. We are international students, building our lives within the hardships we uniquely face because of our intersecting identities.

Through initiatives like trauma-informed ‘Safety on Campus’ that focuses on survivors’ mental health support, BIPOC-specific reporting services, and Advocacy and Legal workshops for international students to help them navigate reporting processes in “Australia”, we want to make sure EVERYONE, at different stages of learning, feels safe at University.

Women and non-binary people don’t just exist to be movements. We are people with diverse experiences. We want to bring the conversation on consent, relationships and sex to people who have always been excluded from it - people with disabilities, asexual and aromantic people. We also want to make sure we make menstrual hygiene products available to all libraries, especially after-hours to make studying a more comfortable experience for all people who menstruate. We will make fun movie nights, reading groups and a personalised podcast happen - our communities have SO MANY stories to tell, and stories make tough conversations easier.

We would also love to make UMSU committee meetings (which are open to everyone) and year-long policy forums accessible to people outside of UMSU. The Union is a site of life, and not just banners, posters and microphones that are made for a few.

Now, more than ever, our main objective is to include voices that have been traditionally excluded from the department and the Union, and we will make that happen for our communities.

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

Burnley Campus Coordinator Kaitlyn Hammond No statement recieved

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

SOUTHBANK

Southbank Campus Co-ordinator

Will Hall | Community

A Southbank campus that lives up to its claims of bravery and inclusivity needs to encourage autonomy among its staff, students and artists. Currently, a maleficent university management are hoodwinking students and disenfranchising their educators by reducing the importance of their education to a dollar sign. By ensuring greater student representation on faculty committees, pursuing fee relief, and recovering the collective power of student activists and artists we can hold them accountable.

The decisions made at Parkville don’t always take into consideration the unique requirements we have as a campus; this means more than the odd cash splash. Helping to foster the values and attitudes that have made the Victorian College of the Arts and the Melbourne Conservatorium such stalwarts of artistic pursuit and advance are of paramount importance to the strength and resilience of our community.

My view is that the missing part of this equation is strong and compassionate student leadership and an informed student body that demands consistent and honest communication. When students enrol in years to come, we want to make sure they can devote all their attention to their practice without having to worry about being covered by insurance or having reasonable contact hours for their wellbeing. The Faculty Executive has a healthy ambition and devoted staff, but without an organised student community they will sadly continue to fall short of our needs. Our goal is for artistic liberation and institutional transparency to foster an atmosphere at Southbank where we can fearlessly stand for our beliefs.

Leyla Moxham | Community

Every student at the Southbank campus deserves the right to access a high standard of education. Right now the university is implementing cost-cutting procedures that fail to meet that standard. I believe in the power of the student collective that will foster artistic integrity through demanding transparency and elevating the voices of our students.

By voting Community you are supporting a grassroots movement of students who will continue to fight for the quality of education you deserve.

FIND YOUR FACTS What is the role of the UMSU Southbank Department?

What are the responsibilites of the Southbank Officers?

What power does Southbank Department have?

Ikshvak Sobti (Stand Up!)

Hey everyone, I’m Ikshvak (he/him) and I’m very excited to be your Stand Up! Southbank Campus Co-ordinator Candidate for 2021! I’m very passionate about the arts and particularly advocacy for artists and creatives during this extremely difficult and uncertain time. At present, the over 6000 Southbank students only have access to one counsellor available a mere three days per week, despite the difficulty everyone is facing during this time. By fighting against the reduction of mental and physical health support, I hope to bring counselling and psychological services to all students, regardless of background financial status to a minimum of 5 days a week for absolutely no cost. Southbank students have the most contact-hour-heavy courses at the entire university, and we deserve access to not only mental health support services but also legal, medical, academic and sexual harassment and assault support for all students.

Southbank students are among the strongest when it comes to collective action and rallying for change, and I intend to continue this; continuing the fight for fee-remission and reduction for subjects impacted by COVID-19, standing up against the increase in tuition fees, and pushing back against cutting and furloughing key VCA and MCM staff that are crucial to our learning. Southbank students also deserve time to destress away from the academic, performance and creative setting; which will be achieved with more accessibility for the food bank program and an increase of on-campus activities and events.

Being the leader of such a diverse, creative and amazing group of students would be an absolute honour, and I’m looking forward to working with everyone at Southbank to campaign and rally for positive change! Vote [1] Stand Up! to continue and support the fight for a fairer, more inclusive and safer campus!

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

SOUTHBANK ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR

Jungwoo Kim | Comunity

Due to the pandemic, mental health has worsened, and this risks their opportunities to stay socially active within the community.

I intend to put my values into preparing and delivering plans for the Southbank community. I will also use my experience in directing and managing events so that students are socially engaged while studying at home. In this unusual world, it is crucial that students’ mental health is maintained well.

By voting Community at the election, we will work hard to ensure more mental health assistance can be effectively provided to students within the Southbank Campus.

Noman Khan

No statement recieved

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE Benjamin Cronshaw (Independents for Student Democracy)

I have been serving on the Activities Committee for the past year. Credit to the OBs for their hard work and keeping events going during lockdown. Being a committee member has been a great experience for me and I have enjoyed contributing to planning for events, particularly trivia nights.

Fun fact about me, I am quite a trivia buff, including appearing on the SBS quiz show Mastermind Australia – with my special knowledge topics being US Presidents and HMS Bounty. If you want more cool trivia, I would be happy to continue serving as your representative on the Activities Committee.

Joshua Seddon- Community

I’m Josh Seddon, a 2nd Year Bachelor of Biomedicine student. I’m running for the Activities Committee as the social arena of Melbourne Uni has been integral to my University experience. Furthermore, I see it as an opportunity to ‘give back’ and engage with the wider community. As a committee member of the Biomedicine Students’ Society and a member of Melbourne’s hospitality workforce, I have experience organising events on a macroscale and fine-tuning the logistical components. I have ideas to augment UMSU Activities given the opportunity. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Tejasvi Madan- Community

I am Tejasvi Madan and I see myself as an integral part of the Activities Committee.

Focusing on learning outcomes of students through improving resilience, coping skills, personal engagement and a sense of belonging, has been my utmost priority. My experience in dance and piano reflects my confidence to earn the post of a choreographer at UMSU’s Bollywood Club.

If given the opportunity to take up a post, I will abide by the rules and regulations of Unimelb, keeping its integrity at the highest priority. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you

Lingbo (Tanya) Ma | Community

I’m Tanya (Lingbo) Ma, studying Philosophy and Psychology. I admire the close bond developed between uni students with continuous interaction in the major UMSU events.

I believe we can create an equally homely, or better environment for our students. The Activities Committee shapes UMSU events into a place for new, as well as existing students to express, have fun, relax and bond. I am passionate and committed and I would love to contribute and be a part of this process and be proud of the result Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

COMMITTEES Sanskar Bhatia- Community

I’m Sanskar, a second-year undergraduate student studying Computer Science, running for Activities Committee. I see the positions of the Committee Representative as a way to be part of making a positive contribution to the student community. I feel I am suited for the position as I am a highly motivated, results-oriented individual, willing to go the extra mile to reach goals and learn along the way. If elected I will respect your support and pledge to work for the issues that are critical to all students. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Mohammed Ali Gondol- Community

My personal goal in life is to facilitate the kind of knowledge that can only be experienced when surrounded by people speaking a familiar language. The language of music in a concert, of laughter in a social gathering, and that of love amongst different cultures. As seen by my role in the logistical department of the Bollywood club and a trophy-winning team in the UniMelb soccer tournament, I will be able to provide a solid foundation on which all of us can flourish, together. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Alexandra McKay-Trezise - Community Hey guys! Im Alexandra and if there’s one thing that i’ll remember from my time at university is spending tuesdays listening to local tunes and grabbing a free beer!

When people think about university they remember the fun, action packed events that shape everyone’s time at uni. Alot of planning goes into those however and having the chance to contribute to big events gives me a chance to provide fun, safe, and inclusive events for all students. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Andreas Tunaley - Community

Hey! I’m Andreas and I’m running for the activities committee because I am a Meme Queen, and I believe that everyone else deserves free and equal access to memes. I would love to have the opportunity to represent you, the student body, my fellow lovers of memes, on the activities committee. I will strive to ensure UMSU events are fun, inclusive, accessible, and most importantly, full of memes. I am excited to be able to represent you, and your university experience. Vote[1] Community for good memes, and an UMSU you can be part of.

Ezra Bangun – VVholesome

Let’s get physical, physical! And do some activities! And Dance! And now I’m too lazy and going to bed again!

Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Lucia Pafumi | Just Clubs Just Activities

Hi! I’m Lucia. I am excited by the opportunity to be part of the Activities Committee. To me, the Committee creates an important environment - one which strives for an enjoyable and full experience for students!

I have experiences similar to the running of the committee as an involved member of 3 volunteer groups at high school where I contributed to the organisation of fundraisers, social days, and awareness events.

I take great pride as someone who enjoys being heavily involved with the community and wish to contribute to the running of activities at Melbourne Uni with the Activities Committee.

Jesse Barrett | Just Clubs Just Activities

Hi, my name is Jesse and I am running for the Activities Committee. As a Grad student studying a Master of International Relations, I know how important it is to relax, get involved with student life and have a drink while at one of the many gigs that the Activities Committee have to offer. While studying my undergrad I was very involved in a number of societies as a Director of Events and managed bars in nightclubs around the city, so I know what it takes to throw a memorable event.

Yoo-Na Kim | Just Clubs Just Activities No statement recieved Josie Sym | Just Clubs Just Activities No statement recieved

Charlotte Brownlee | Stand Up!

Hi! My name is Charlotte and I am running for Activities Committee. I want to run for this position because I really enjoy being part of running events and engaging in the community at Melbourne Uni. I think the activities department is important for creating social connections and ensuring everyone has an enjoyable University experience.

Working with others to create fun events and activities is what I’m passionate about.

I want to be on the Activities Committee so that I can ensure this is achieved.

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE Jake Krohn | Stand Up!

Hello valued members of the student body, the name’s Jake (he/him) and I am a first year Commerce student running for a place on the Activities Committee. If given the opportunity I hope to bring to the position a new perspective and an exuberant abundance of enthusiasm. In 2021, more than ever, our union deserves representatives with the motivation and the sustained stamina to proactively pursue the goal of student engagement. I have the commitment, I have the coordination, I have the passion, I have the drive but most importantly I have a brilliant team behind me.

Vote [1] Stand Up!

Henry Glaspole | Stand Up!

Hello! I’m Henry and I am running for Activities Committee with Stand Up! Throughout my university experience I have been involved with many of the social aspects offered. This includes my involvement with the Activities Department, through attending the weekly Tuesday BBB and helping out at their events. I’ve been involved as the Media Officer at the Science Student’s Society. Through these two experiences I have gained an understanding of the importance of social connection at university, and it is my passion to ensure everyone feels like they have a place.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Jordan Di Natale | Stand Up!

What is up superstars! Who doesn’t love to have fun when not studying!!?? Is that even a question! Activities at uni are the most exciting events that UMSU has to offer!

From BBB to comedy shows to music performances, there is ultimately going to be a good time. As the current C&S office bearer, I know how to make students’ experiences engaging and memorable! This year I have tirelessly supported this student union in any way possible, and this is not going to stop in the future! So vote [1] Stand Up! As always, keep being superstars!

Hannah Buchan | Stand Up!

Hi, my name is Hannah (she/her) and as a member of Stand Up, I love fun! But something that I love more than fun is Babba.

That’s why, if elected, my campaign platform is to lobby the Activities department to FINALLY and PERMANENTLY change BBB to Babba, Beers, and Barbecues! Who said you can’t combine good old fashioned activism with F - U - N. Haha minimum word count.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Charlie Joyce | Stand Up!

Hi! My name is Charlie (he/him) and I love it when UMSU is both staunch and fun! As a student union, we’re a broad church. We need to be just as good at throwing monster parties and booking bands as we are at winning progressive change for students. I believe we can do both.

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That’s why I’m running for the Activities committee. Vote [1] Stand Up! to Keep Up the Fight!

Timothy Lilley | VVholesome

“Get busy living or get busy dying.” – Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption

Tsz Ching Keung

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Yiting wang

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Noman Khan

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Pritesh Hemant Thanekar No statement recieved Xinglong li

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CREATIVE ARTS COMMITTEE

Sonia Li | Community for UMSU

Art, music and performance are indicators of culture, yet are often overlooked and disregarded. I hope to encourage others to share my passion for artistry, planning events to showcase creative talent and delegating grants to enable students to pursue their passions. This should be a safe space since creativity is incredibly intimate and we all deserve an outlet for self-expression. By creating more opportunities for students to perform and share their art, I believe we can encourage their confidence in themselves, and as a member of the Committee, I wish to foster a greater appreciation for creativity in our community.

Jo Chen | Community for UMSU

Through working with the Creative Arts department as an actor, photographer, and publicity manager, I learned so much about not just art-making but being more responsible and productive. Participation in arts activities has compensated me for not being able to study theatre. Given this year’s circumstances, producing works of art is a bit different. Looking at the bright side, it gave me an opportunity to reflect on the stuff I’ve done. I realised that I wanted to help other students to create arts and provide them with the help I received and make the most out of the university.

Torsten Strokirch | Community for UMSU If elected to the creative arts committee, I would endeavour to continue the work done by this department in supporting students with their art-making. My own experience with music, theatre, and creative writing would help me to support other artists in these fields, though I have a passion for creativity in all forms and would be eager to work with creators from any background. The best art is that which connects us, inspires us, and celebrates the diversity of our student body in an inclusive and sustainable manner. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Isabelle Welstead | Community for UMSU If elected, I will contribute to representation of students of all backgrounds and identities. I am particularly excited to provide opportunities for students within minority groups to express themselves through their arts for a public forum, as I believe the arts to be a very powerful tool in creating positive change. I also hope to bridge the communication gap between the Creative Arts and Southbank committees, which will encourage the artistic collaboration and communication between Parkville and Southbank students. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Charlie Zhang | Community for UMSU

Moving away from my home country to Australia wasn’t easy, but being involved in the Melbourne university theatre community has made my experience a lot easier.

They welcomed me with open arms and now I would like to give back to the community by working with Creative Arts OBs. I have a background in devised theatre and comedy, and I am currently researching my own artistic practices. I would like to work for the Creative Arts department because I believe that my conviction for arts can create a diverse community and give new students opportunities to shine and to grow!

Akash Anil Nair | Community for UMSU

As a Committee member, I would: - Promote theatre and art forms from various cultures. Unimelb has students from hundreds of countries and possibly even more cultures, and this would promote a greater world view for all students in the university community. When different art forms from different cultures come together, we have true diversity. Furthermore, this would also serve as a great opportunity for more representation of people of colour and other minority communities.

- Work with the Disabilities committee and UHT to make all Creative Arts events like MUDFEST accessible to all members of society.

7. Cassandra Starc - Creative Arts Commit-

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

Cassandra Starc | Community for UMSU

Art is an important part of my life as a passionate illustrator and singer. I’ve found so much solace and support in having a space at uni where those interests are shared and encouraged. I want more students from all over the university to feel comfortable and accepted in our space, and will help achieve this by advocating for measures and approaches that center diversity, accessibility and intersectionality in our spaces and events. The arts is something that all students should feel comfortable engaging with. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Ezra Bangun | VVholesome

Poetry: NEVER will I ever GONNA let myself GIVE in to UMSU because YOU are worthy and UP here I’m having fun NEVER will I ever GONNA take the lose and LET myself to YOU once and for all even in up and DOWN Now read the capitalized words Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Atticus Corr | Stand Up!

Hey my name’s Atticus, I use he/him pronouns, and I’m a second year Arts student.

Creative Arts has always been a great passion of mine since being a drama kid in high school. I’m ready to help make next year’s Creative Arts Department the best one ever. I want to help create a space where all students feel welcome and supported in their creative endeavours. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Edie Bush | Stand Up!

Hi I’m Edie and I’m really passionate about Creative Arts! I think the Creative Arts Department is really valuable within UMSU as students should always have the opportunity to voice their thoughts, activism and ideas through the arts. It’s amazing that the Creative Arts Department can support budding artists like it does. I’m really excited to be running in this year’s elections.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Georgia Walton Briggs | Stand Up!

Hey there! I’m Georgia (she/her), a third year Geography and Creative Writing student. The Arts have played such a vital role in social movements and activism over the years, it’s such a powerful thing with a rich history and place in student unionism. 2020 has been a devastating year for all of us working in the arts industry, so now more than ever this department is so important to support young, emerging artists. I want an inclusive, vibrant and dynamic Creative Arts Department supporting students finding their creative voice.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Charlie Joyce | Stand Up!

Hi my name is Charlie (he/him) and I’m a third year history/politics student. I have always had a passion for the creative arts, especially music - being a trumpet player, toot toot. I think UMSU is so chock full of artistic talent, and we just need to give it the chance to be seen and heard. I want to make sure that happens on the creative arts committee in 2021.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Naomi Grace Smith | Stand Up!

Hi there! My name’s Naomi, I use she/her pronouns and I am a first year Social Work student. I have always been incredibly passionate about my creative outlets, as they have always been a refuge for me to explore new ideas and recharge my mind and spirit.I believe that the Creative Arts Department should be a safe, inclusive environment for all students. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Lachlan Hinds | Stand Up!

Hi! My name is Lachlan (he/him). I’ve found creative outlets to be a great way to destress during COVID-19, and the creative arts department has been such a great opportunity to get involved. I want to make art accessible to all, and this is a great way to do so. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Evelyn Chong Jia En No statement recieved

Sonia Li

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DISABILITIES COMMITTEE

Mittraphab (Poom) Sangruang | Community for UMSU

My name is Poom Sangruang and I’m running for Disabilities committee! Working with the Disabilities department in recent semesters has been an honour. The work done to champion equity, compassion and community has always aligned perfectly with the core values I hold dear and try to practise every day. A position on the Disabilities committee would allow me to practise these values, implement change and provide my ideas at a higher level to benefit those like me who really need a community to call their own. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Surabhi Mishra | Community for UMSU

I’m Surabhi Mishra, a third-year Arts student. This University is one of the most prominent institutions in this country, and yet, not all student-run events have the resources to make them accessible and inclusive. I want to use my experience as

Surabhi continued...

an international student, and as someone who has been in charge of multiple clubs to provide accessibility during events, not just the larger events, but the smaller ones too. I want to make this campus more accessible, enjoyable and a positive environment for everyone. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Nikila Jayasuriya | Community for UMSU

Hi everyone! My name is Nikila and I’m a first-year science student. I am running for Disabilities Committee because as a neurodivergent queer person of colour, I understand the difficulty of university for those who don’t fit the status quo. As a committee member, I hope to make the university a more welcoming place where all students can thrive, and to help make the Disabilities space an even more comfortable place for all students with disabilities. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Sarina Narula | Community for UMSU

I’m Sarina, an Arts student majoring in Psychology. As someone who understands how mental illnesses can directly affect one’s educational and social life, I am strongly driven and excited to run for Disability Committee!

University can be overwhelming especially for those who face disabilities. My vision is to create an environment that is inclusive, supportive, and loving. I believe that more change is required to support students’ hard work that is compromised largely due to their physical or mental disabilities.

Through working with the team my desire is to make things less stressful, more accessible, and fair for each student.

Akash Anil Nair | Community for UMSU

I’m Akash, a small human with a loud voice from India, studying the Arts! Having certain accessibility issues for the better half of my life has taught me that life with any disability can be extremely challenging. I believe the Disabilities department exists to give people with disabilities a community to rely on in difficult times and to advocate for them and provide them with a safe space regardless of the circumstances. I hope to make the disabilities space known to students and make events on campus more accessible.

Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Tejas Sethi | Community for UMSU

I’m Tejas Sethi, an international student pursuing my Bachelor of Arts. As a person of colour with disability, I feel COVID has had a severe impact on our community. I made a lot of friends with domestic students who been equally impacted by the pandemic. I have a holistic approach I want to make dis-

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

DISABILITIES COMMITTEE CONTINUED...

Tejas Sethi | Community for UMSU

I’m Tejas Sethi, an international student pursuing my Bachelor of Arts. As a person of colour with disability, I feel COVID has had a severe impact on our community. I made a lot of friends with domestic students who been equally impacted by the pandemic. I have a holistic approach I want to make disability services more accessible to students.

I will advocate for tutors to actively talk about disability services in the first tutorial of the semester and inform students about them. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Rachel Kirby | Community for UMSU I’m Rachel and I want to represent you in the disabilities committee. I’ve seen first hand the transformation the disabilities space went through this year. I’ve seen what good hard work could do for my community, and it inspired me to do more. I want to contribute to the work the department has done in the past year and be part of an even bigger change! I’m so excited to serve on the committee and I will actively represent students with disabilities and communicate our needs! Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Matthew Harper-Gomm | Stand Up!

A critical part of any successful student union is the ability to engage with every single student that it represents. Unfortunately, getting involved in representation and activism is often inaccessible to disabled students, something I am committed to turning around if elected. Additionally, with funding being cut across the board, disabled students and students relying on mental health services are going to be some of the hardest hit, which is why we need a disabilities department we can rely to unapologetically stand up for our rights! Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Alex Chung | Stand Up!

Hi my name’s Alex and I’m passionate about advocating for students with disabilities.

I am currently completing the Masters of Public Policy and Management at the University of Melbourne and completed my honours and two masters. In 2013, I served as Disabilities Officer for the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations and just recently I interned for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Hong Kong. I can’t wait to bring this experience to UMSU, Vote [1] Stand Up!

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Naomi Grace Smith | Stand Up!

Hi everyone! My name is Naomi (she/her) and I’m a first year Social Work student. Our University has a loooong way to go before it is truly accessible. One major change that I want to advocate for is to make special consideration more accessible for students at VCA and graduate students. Even if these students have special consideration it does not make their work load or course more accessible. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Gurpreet Singh | Stand Up!

Hey everyone, I’m Gurpreet (he/him), a third year Science student running for Disabilities committee. University is a hugely inaccessible institution and it is the role of the student union as a whole- not just the disabilities department- to stand up for students and fight for accessible education.

Unfortunately, it’s not just education which is inaccessible but activist spaces where change is actually made are often inaccessible themselves to students aiming to hold the university accountable and make a genuine difference. It’s time to make universities and the union accessible. Vote [1] StandUp! Keep up the Fight!

Noni Bridger | Stand Up!

Hi there! I’m Noni (she/her) and I’m an honours student who’s running for the Disabilities Committee! I’m very passionate about the accessibility of academic and activist settings and would love to help consult on expanding the accessibility of the student union and the university more broadly. We need a disabilities department that ardently fights for the rights of disabled students and activates them within department campaigns. Around a quarter of students identify as having a disability, it’s time universities became more accessible and accommodating. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Conor Siryj | Stand Up!

My name’s Conor (he/him), I’m a second year Arts student hoping to serve as one of your representatives on Disabilities Committee. Believe it or not, in a year where I’ve dealt with a cancer diagnosis I’ve had more stress dealing with asking the university to make the appropriate accommodations for me than I have from the diagnosis itself. I’ll Stand Up! for students to see that UMSU Fights Back! to ensure a University environment that accomodates, not neglects, students with disabilities and chronic illnesses, and continues to provide the services that allow them to thrive. Vote [1] Stand Up!

EDUCATION COMMITTEE Amy Hermans | Independents for Student Democracy

I am a 2nd year Bachelor of Science student in Psychology, hoping to specialise in Forensic Psychology. I am passionate about helping people who are ostracised or disadvantaged, including educational inequality. My volunteer experience includes mentoring indigenous children in Beswick, Northern Territory and tutoring Further Mathematics with the Student Welfare Outreach Team. I am excited to be part of my second election with the ISD and be part of the civic process and student community. I am a keen watcher of Disney and Pixar movies, so to quote that timeless classic, Toy Story, “you’ve got a friend in me.”

Benjamin Cronshaw | Independents for Student Democracy

University is a great place for learning and the exchange and contest of ideas. I believe all students should expect a quality education and should be supported in their learning experience.

Briana Symonds-Manne | Fee Remissions Now!

Hi, I’m Briana and I’m running for Education Committee to fight to have 2020 fees refunded for all students.

This year we’ve been expected to pay tens of thousands of dollars for Zoom lectures.

Now the government’s doubling the cost of arts and slashing funding across the board.

Science students do “labs” where you watch someone else do a prac over Zoom or video. Sure, class has to be online until the pandemic is over. But instead of Melbourne Uni hoarding $100 million/year in reserves and exec salaries, it should make education free until the pandemic ends.

Huiting Chen | Community for UMSU

I’m Huiting (Whitney) Chen and I’m running for the Education Committee. COVID-19, a global pandemic, has brought a huge impact on our education. In such challenging times, it’s immensely important to ensure our university provides the education we all have signed up for. I’ll endeavour to be the voice of our students, to fight for better teaching quality and for our education rights, including but not limited to fee reduction, academic support, fair grading and safe learning environment.Given the chance, I’ll ensure proper standards of equity and fairness are set and implemented by all faculties in our university.

Nishank Jain | Community for UMSU

I will do my best to fight for the equity for all students, whether it be fee reductions/ relief for students adversely impacted by the transition to online learning or fighting for the rights of staff who make learning

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

Nishank continued...

possible. I will explore potential issues that are affecting the community and to ensure that as a union representative, their voices are heard. Students and staff deserve to be treated better than they are now, and I will make sure to fight for a better university and union. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Anson So | Community for UMSU

During the pandemic, the university have revealed their apathy and inadequate support to us, who already underwent tremendous hardship of isolation and studying from home. Despite sitting on the highest revenue of all of Australian tertiary institutions, the University of Melbourne still racks up fees of humanitarian subjects and proposes staff cut to further undermine the quality of our education. They failed, time and time, the expectation of their most important stakeholders, we, the students. This has to stop. If I were elected, I would endeavour to fix these issues and make the university a place for students again.

Jess Blain | Community for UMSU

My name is Jessica Blain and I am running for the Education committee. Our communities’ lives shape our identities, values and connections with each other, and it is my goal for everyone to find their community in the University of Melbourne. The pursuit for education is what unites us in this community, and when we fail to remove the barriers to entry many students face in their studies, we leave valued members behind. A vote for Community is vote for inclusivity training to recognise the diversity in disability, LGBTQ and nationality, and to start removing those barriers to education.

Sujith Nair | Community for UMSU

I want to make education accessible, meaningful, and empowering for the student community. I have been an advocate for education all my life, from volunteering at not for profits in my undergraduate course to working at an Ed-Tech company back in my home country (India) to enhance the quality of education. The kind of challenges that we face over the course of our study here at university is something that interests me a lot and would love to change and contribute towards that by making student voices heard. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Sunny Lu | Community for UMSU

We all come to the university for education, so making sure everyone’s academic experience is fulfilling is super important! Originally born in China and came to Australia at an age of 16, I have experience with different education systems. I am also fully aware of challenges that both domestic and international students are facing for their education, especially during this COVID pandemic!

It is time for us to make a change finally! I

Sunny Lu continued...

I wish to be the essential bridge between you and the academic and policy processes of the university. Together, we will make education in unimelb meet your expectations!

Andie Moore | Community for UMSU

Hey! I’m Andie, I’m an Honours student, activist in the staff union, and love education! Having run a successful campaign for all-gender bathrooms on campus, organised a successful NO vote to staff cuts and organised against transphobic lecturers, I understand how to run engaging campaigns that improve student life. The key - grassroots organising. Talking to people, network-building, mass meetings, forums and people power. Only by connecting with ordinary people outside the UMSU bubble can we democratise the University - and I’ll make sure we do that.Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Ezra Bangun | VVholesome

Education committee is important to bring the balance between student life, academic life, and life life. UMSU and University has to reach an agreement through discussion to ensure students receive the best they could.

So that’s why I want to ensure that the Education department does so!

Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Phoebe Legget | Independents for Student Democracy

I am a second-year Arts student studying linguistics and ancient history. I am involved with various clubs, including serving as Secretary and President of the Classics and Archaeology Students Society. I also play the Bassoon. I firmly believe that all students should be able to access and have a say over their education without fear of discrimination. As the Greek philosopher, Plato said: ὁ δὲ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ “the unexamined life is not worth living”. Independents for Student Democracy is a group of students passionate about democracy and promoting student wellbeing and community/clubs experience on campus.

Sami Zehir | Stand Up!

I’m Sami (he/him) and I’m angry! I’m an Arts student who doesn’t want expensive degrees! I’ve failed a subject, but this means I might lose my HECS? I do a Science major and I don’t want less funding! I’m a regional student who gets barely a drop of support!

I live in an international community, who were forgotten about during this crisis. The Education Department is at the center of student advocacy, both on and off campus.

Stand Up! saved our WAMs this year, see what amazing things happen next year! Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Luka Michalczak | Stand Up!

Hi everyone! My name is Luka (he/him) and I’m a first year arts student who is running for a position in the Education Committee. I want to ensure an equitable and fair university experience for all University of Melbourne students, particularly due to the hindrances that Covid-19 has presented to many students. I want to help the students fight for their rights with fair assessments, ensuring accessibility of course materials and much more! I would also love to connect with students and express their concerns with the union, so that student action is taken seriously. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Anna Olivia Smith Burnett | Stand Up! Hi everyone! I’m Anna (they/she), I’m a first year Arts student! Starting in 2020, I’ve struggled to maintain optimism. This year has seen numerous attacks on education, both within Unimelb and beyond campus walls. Higher education is being made exclusive and turned into an upper-class commodity before our eyes! As the university becomes increasingly corporatized it is integral we maintain an activist education department ready to fight back against these cuts and stand in solidarity, not only with fellow students but workers facing the brunt of these attacks. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Jake Krohn | Stand Up!

Hi, my name is Jake and I am a first year Commerce student running for a place on the Activities Committee. If given the opportunity I hope to bring to the position a new perspective and an exuberant abundance of enthusiasm. In 2021, more than ever, our union deserves representatives with the motivation and the sustained stamina to proactively pursue the goal of student engagement. I have the commitment, I have the coordination, I have the passion, I have the drive but most importantly I have a brilliant team alongside me. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Jason Weerasuriya | Stand Up!

Hey my name’s Jason (he/him) and I am running for Education Committee. I have a lot of passion for education access and issues surrounding it. This year being involved in various campaigns and collectives has been important to me. I believe that education should be fair and right for all and addressing issues surrounding education would be my goal if I get elected to this position. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Timothy Lilley | VVholesome

“My idea of a perfect school is one that has no children in it at all.” – Roald Dahl, Matilda

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

EDUCATION COMMITTEE CONTINUED...

Georgia Walton Briggs | Stand Up!

Hey there! I’m Georgia (she/her), a third year Geography student, and I’ve been lucky enough to serve as your EdAc Officer in 2020. Here, I’ve helped fight for students, to make university policy fairer and more equitable. I believe adamantly in free and accessible education for all. The Education Department is very close to my heart and I can’t wait to continue advocating for students next year! Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Matthew Harper-Gomm | Stand Up!

The Education Department is at the centre of a lot of the activism that UMSU does, and it is often the first point of call for students raising issues with everything from learning conditions on campus to broader issues that students want to engage with like climate change or education funding. If elected, I will ensure that we have an Education Department that is vocal and unapologetic in holding the university to account, while also empowering students to stand up for their rights at university and beyond.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Shirley Killen | Student Resistance

Jaan Schild | Student Resistance

Hi I’m Jaan from Student Resistance and I’m nominating for the Education Committee.

Student Resistance are anti-capitalist activists at Melb Uni who will fight attacks on our education from the University and the Liberal government. The crisis in the university sector has exposed the logic of education under capitalism – run by profit-driven executives and governments rather than for the needs and interests of students. Our University is the richest in Australia, with billions in reserves and assets, yet is currently in the process of sacking hundreds of staff. As an elected representative I will fight against these attacks on staff and students.

Raphael Duffy | Student Resistance

Hi I’m Raph, and I’m running for a position on the Education Committee with Student Resistance. Student Resistance are dedicated education activists. We are committed to free education that is accessible to all, not just the well off. It is clear, however, that the government and university management are concerned with one thing only: profits.

University executives are sacking hundreds of staff and cutting subjects, while the Liberal government pushes through historic fee hikes and attacks on the already watered-down HECS system. As an Education Committee member I will mobilise students to fight against these attacks on higher education.

Hi I’m Shirley, and I’m running for Education Committee with Student Resistance.

Student Resistance are left-wing activists at Melb Uni who will represent students against attacks on our education. The crisis in the university sector has revealed the backwards priorities of the billion dollar institutions and millionaire executives: to profit endlessly at the expense of students and staff. Equally outrageous is the Liberal governments’ attacks on students and the ability for disadvantaged students to access higher education. As an Education Committee member I will fight against every sacking, subject cut and austerity measure that the university deals out by mobilising staff and students to fight for their rights.

Benjamin Fok | Student Resistance

Emma Dynes | Student Resistance

Hi I’m Xavier from Student Resistance and I’m running for Education Committee.

Student Resistance are student activists and key organisers in the campaign against attacks on higher education. For years the university has made massive profits from charging international students exorbitant upfront fees, and now that some of those profits are in danger the millionaire executives are making up for it with attacks on staff and students. Already this year the Vice Chancellor has tried to slash staff wages and conditions, which members of Student Resistance played a key role in fighting, and we continue to organise the campaign against mass sacking, subject cuts, and attacks on students from the Liberal government.

Hi I’m Emma from Student Resistance and I’m running for a position on the Education Committee. Student Resistance is a group of radical students who, in the midst of historic crisis and attacks on our education, are dedicated to transforming UMSU into a fighting body that opposes the government and university’s outrageous cuts to students and staff. I will use my role as an Education Committee member to fight for the rights for all students from all backgrounds, not just a privileged few, to attend well-resourced universities and receive a quality education without going into crushing debt.

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Hi I’m Ben, and I’m running for Education Committee with Student Resistance.

The Liberal government’s plans to increase fees by as much as 113%, slash university funding for all students, and kick students who struggle with their first-year subjects off the HECS scheme represent a historic attack on students. As a left-wing student activist I am appalled by the government’s prioritisation of profits and cost-cutting over the rights of all students to an education.

If elected I will use my position to fight for free, fully-funded education for all students, not just the wealthy.

Xavier Dupe | Student Resistance

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Benjamin Cronshaw | Independents for Student Democracy

I am passionate about sustainability and the environmental challenges of our time.

Preserving and caring for the environmental is critical for ongoing human, but also recognising the intrinsic self-worth of animals and the environment. University is a great place to learn about taking on environmental challenges as young emerging leaders and advocating for a better future for ourselves and coming generations. I am keen reader on environmental challenges and public policy, including climate change. I am also a member of several community environmental organisations such as TreeProject, Greening Australia, and Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC).

Rubina Smith | Community for UMSU

Heya! I’m Rubina, a third-year politics and geography student whose ‘hobbies’ include building grassroots coalitions to fight climate change, unionism, feminism, and environmentalism. I’ve helped build the climate strike movement here at the University to a five hundred strong contingent, fought for better response policies to sexual assault in colleges, and brought the Food Cooperative back from the dead. I know what it takes to run engaging collectives that people come back to week after week, and I know the ins-and-outs of the University’s Sustainability (mis)demeanors. I can’t wait to help keep the enviro office grassroots, active, and passionate.

Aashi Agarwal | Community for UMSU

The quality of the environment determines the health of the people and the sustainability of this environment makes it easier for future generations. Unimelb is promoting companies like Rio Tinto for career affairs which are defamed for land and culture destruction and encouraging students to be a part of such companies. A policy of greater focus and promotion of green/environmentally conscious organisation would be ideal.

To fight for a better and more sustainable environment we need to stand together and bring a change in such promotions and wastage. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Laura Cardamone | Community for UMSU

Hi! I’m Laura Cardamone, I am a third year arts student majoring in politics and philosophy. I want to join the environment committee to channel my disgust with large corporations, Melbourne Uni included, into something practical. To me, the biggest cause of inaction towards large corporation’s destructive agendas is a lack of awareness. Being selected, I want to raise awareness with disruptive protests, easy to understand info packs and crystal-cut

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

Laura continued...

evidence of what the world will be like if we don’t act soon.Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Jeremy Lorenzo Larsen | Community for UMSU Hi there, I’m Jeremy, a third-year commerce student majoring in economics and finance!

I’m very passionate about the environment, which can be seen from a large amount of zucchinis tomatoes and eggplants I am growing in my yard. I want to build awareness of climate change and other environmental issues throughout the university while contributing to long-term, environmentally friendly, sustainable measures on campus. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Jacinta Douglas | Community for UMSU Hello, my name is Jacinta and I would like to be a part of the Environment Committee. I enjoy learning about other people’s perspectives on the world and sharing with them my own, which include the importance of conserving the land and cultural sites that traditional owners from generations ago until now have preserved, and fighting for our generation’s right to have a cared for earth, this being particularly close to my heart a Dja Dja Wurrung descendent. I want to be a part of creating positive change for the university through honest and genuine conversations.

Sanskar Bhatia | Community for UMSU

I’m Sanskar, a second-year undergraduate student who is passionate about environmentalism and campaigning for a safe and sustainable future. I see the position of the Committee Representative as an excellent way to be a part of a team that makes a positive contribution to the student community. I feel I am an ideal candidate for the positions as I am a highly motivated, results-oriented individual, willing to go the extra mile to reach goals and learn along the way. If elected I will respect your support and pledge to work for the issues that are critical to all students.

Daniel Hutchinson | Community for UMSU Hi I’m Dan, and I’m running for Environment Committee. Environmental degradation is an unfortunate reality in Australia. I have been involved in campaigns about various issues in the past year particularly in defense of the Great Barrier Reef and against the Adani Coal Mine. I have been supporting protests and raising awareness about the consequences. I want to help run broad campaigns around local and global environmental damage as well as run forums to host discussion around how we can save the planet from avoidable disaster! Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Ezra Bangun | VVholesome

Do you want another plant fun fact? Well, plants are able to convert Carbon Dioxide and Water into Glucose and Oxygen. The formula is 6CO2 + 6H20 -> 6O2 + C6H12O6.

Thank you for listening to my chemistry class! Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

James Gallagher | Fee Remissions Now! Hi, I’m James and I want to fight to cancel fees until we can safely have in-person classes again.

Online education is crap. We’re paying over $30 000 to read and watch Zooms. Plus the government wants to privatise education even more. They’re cutting funding to environmental science when we need it most.

Obviously class has to be online until the pandemic is over. But why should students have to pay for it while Melbourne Uni has reserves of $74 million, plus cash to spend sponsoring mining conferences? Vote Fee Remissions Now! to fight for fee refunds.

Harry Syson | Stand Up!

Hey everyone, my name is Harry Syson (he/ him) and I’m running for a position on the Environment Committee. During the pandemic focus has shifted, and rightfully so, to minimising lives lost. However, the global disaster of the rapidly changing climate still remains an issue of paramount importance and action is still needed, more so then ever. Our campus has a rare opportunity to be a force for good in the fight for a sustainable world and I’d love to be a part of that.

So make sure to vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the fight!

Jaslyn Potter | Stand Up!

Hi I’m Jaslyn (she/her), I am a first-year Bachelor of Science student with a keen interest in Human Biology and Environmental Science. I believe that environmental sustainability should be equitable to all. As a member of the Environment Committee, I will prioritise the interests of students and advocate for progressive and sustainable climate action. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Vishal Chopra | Stand Up!

Hi! I’m Vishal (he/him) and I would like to inspire people to cultivate a connection to nature, whether it’s by growing a plant, or appreciating our local wildlife. There are many local issues that I would like to bring attention to - barriers to accessing green spaces, which is an issue that has been highlighted in COVID restrictions. I would also like to spread an awareness of native Australian foods that we can grow in our campus and local community gardens, such as Finger Lime, Native Sage, Saltbush, and more!

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Emily Kaji | Stand Up!

Hey everyone, I’m Emily Kaji, and I am running for Environment Committee. Issues surrounding the environment are really important to me, as to many students.

Whether this is Unimelb investing in fossil fuel industries or our government denying climate change, in my position on the Environment Committee I will make sure that the Environment Office Bearers will be working on both internal and external campaigns. I can only do this if you vote for me and Stand Up! Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Edie Bush | Stand Up!

Hi everyone, I’m Edie and I’m running for Environment Committee. The impacts of the changing climate is something that affects every single person, especially students. We can’t study on a dead planet, and with the university insisting on investing in companies that profit off the destruction of earth, fighting these is incredibly important. The university should be held accountable for these atrocious investments, and that’s something I want to fight. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Desiree Cai | Stand Up!

Hi everyone, I’m Desiree and I’m running for Environment Committee! I’ve been actively involved in running campaigns for UMSU and NUS for awhile now, and the environment has always been an issue that comes up consistently. Climate change is one of the scariest prospects for students, with many worrying for their future. I want to make sure the university is making good choices, and that we’re running incredible campaigns to fight for the planet. Vote [1] Stand Up, Keep up the Fight!

Xavier Dupe | Student Resistance

This year began with unprecedented bushfires setting huge parts of the country ablaze, clearly driven by the effects of climate change. Meanwhile our government’s “National Covid-19 Coordination Committee” is stacked out by billionaire mining execs, who have signalled that Australia’s economic recovery will be led by a more vicious programme of extracting and burning fossil fuels, accelerating the already existing climate catastrophe. Clearly we have a fight on our hands. They have their committee, lets put radical activists in ours so we can organise protests and strikes to shut down this system that puts profits above all else.

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Shirley Killen | Student Resistance

Mining is the beating heart of our country’s economy, and what a morbid thing that is.

Indigenous land and the natural beauty of our planet cruelly pillaged to line the pockets of an ultra-rich few, ultimately accelerating the destruction wrought by climate change. I think our environment committee should be dedicated to smashing that morbid logic of unrestricted profit-making at the expense of the planet, and the only way to do that is to build mass activist movements which can challenge the government and big business. We need a committee of radical anti-capitalists and experienced activists like me.

Raphael Duffy | Student Resistance

Last year was the year of the climate strikes and extinction rebellion. Millions of people around the world answered the defiant call of Greta Thunberg to come out onto the streets and stop business as usual demolishing the planet. Activists like myself helped organise and promote mass demonstrations like the climate strikes, as well as smaller, more disruptive protests on campus against our own university’s dirty addiction to fossil fuel blood money. If you elect activists like me to the environment committee, we could turn its resources over to deepening and extending radical climate activism before its too late.

Benjamin Fok | Student Resistance

When the bushfires ripped through the country in January, blanketing major cities in a suffocating veil of smoke, 30,000 people came out on the streets of Melbourne to demand climate action. Socialist activists like myself organised that demonstration, despite the objections of the police, the state Labor government and a swathe of conservative organisations trying to stop us from “politicising” the fires. Students need an environment committee that is going to stare the Australian state dead in the eye as it tries to protect its mining CEO mates and say “fuck you, we’re fighting for a better planet anyway.”

Terence Taylor | Student Resistance

Both major parties have consistently committed to giving huge subsidies to mining corporations and rolling out the red carpet for their new projects like Adani. All this whilst they cut funding for education and welfare; dismantling our quality of education, shattering our social safety net and pouring all that money into the fire that’s burning the planet beneath our feet. I want the UMSU environment committee to use every single resource it has to build the power of student protests against this atrocity. We need to organise to strike, occupy and shut it down.

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Anneke Demanuele | Student Resistance Morrison blithely commented last year in response to the school strikes for climate that classrooms shouldn’t be turned into parliaments. I think every single classroom would make a far better parliament than our current excuse for a democracy: the lower house, the upper house and the uppermost house of the minerals council of Australia. Our house is on fire and I want our environment committee to fight to turn our classrooms, our workplaces and our streets into parliaments which actually fight for the environment against the parasitic climate criminals at the top.

Timothy Lilley | VVholesome

“In the beginning the Universe was created.

This has made many people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move.” – Douglas Adams, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

INDIGENOUS COMMITTEE Brittney Henderson Elected Unopposed

Kiara Davies

Elected Unopposed

Lauren Scott

Elected Unopposed

Lillian Ryan

Elected Unopposed

PEOPLE OF COLOUR COMMITTEE

Mayank Gurnani | Community for UMSU

I’m Mayank, a second-year master’s student from India. People of Colour and the challenges we’ve faced have been overlooked and ignored. I have experienced just how isolating and scary situations can feel sometimes, and I want to change that. I’ll push for the campus to be an open and welcoming space for students from all races, and nationalities, where they not only feel welcomed but celebrated. I wish to help create a campus and university where no student of colour ever feels talked over and/ or alone which we can accomplish with your support.

Hibatallah (Hiba) Adam | Community

for UMSU Hello! My name is Hibatallah (Hiba) and I am running for PoC Committee. I am currently in my third year of my Bachelor of Arts degree and planning to do postgraduate studies at the university in the future. As a first-generation Eritrean/Libyan refugee who grew up in Australia I have experienced racism not just in public but at the university too. I know what it feels like to maneuverer between different identities, trying to find a space where you fit in. I want to contribute to making structural change within the university and creating a safe space for PoC.

Myo Mon San | Community for UMSU I am Myo Mon San and I am currently studying Masters of Marketing Communication. By running to be a committee member of the People of Colour Department, I am determined to bring different opinions and live experiences to the department and contribute my voice to the UMSU to balance the team dynamic. I will commit my time and effort to push back all forms of discriminations and lift up the voices of the PoC community to create a sense of belonging for everyone on our campus. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Vignesh Krishnan | Community for UMSU

I’m Vignesh and I’m currently in my second year. As an international student, I am familiar with the challenges we face especially during these unprecedented times. During this pandemic, it is important that international students have their voices heard and needs addressed. If I were to be elected, it would be my primary goal to ensure that this group of students have their problems recognized and are given the assistance they so desperately need while pursuing an education in this country and university.

Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Tejas Sethi | Community for UMSU Hey, I am Tejas Sethi. I am pursuing my Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and Media and Communications. As an international person of colour with disability, I feel COVID has had a severe impact on our community. But having a community of colour on campus by attending POC collectives and workshops gave me a better connection to people of other backgrounds and allowed me to understand the intersectionality between living with a disability and being a person of colour. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Joyce Mo- PoC Committee My name is Joyce and I’m a Jaffy studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine. I’m an ABC and incredibly keen to run for the PoC Committee!

After learning about the history of student politics at Melbourne, I’m keen to work with the Community to ensure a better future for the Union, and to serve and fight for the interests of students! I’d love to help foster a Unimelb community where there’s less of

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

Joyce Mo | Community for UMSU

My name is Joyce and I’m a Jaffy studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine. I’m an ABC and incredibly keen to run for the PoC Committee!

After learning about the history of student politics at Melbourne, I’m keen to work with the Community to ensure a better future for the Union, and to serve and fight for the interests of students! I’d love to help foster a Unimelb community where there’s less of a divide between students from different backgrounds. I also want it to be a place where people are not afraid to speak up, especially international students.

Patricia Agus | Community for UMSU

Hi, I’m Trish, a second year Fine Arts student studying in the Drawing and Printmaking Department. As a person of colour I have experienced balancing my Filipino and Australian backgrounds and navigating my journey of self-discovery and acceptance. I am proud to be a person of colour pursuing fine arts and hope to prove that PoC can be successful in this field. I believe in the importance of diverse and multicultural communities such as the PoC Committee; as a VCA student I would like to encourage my peers and expose them to a community where they can belong.

Sian Tjia Hennessy | Stand Up!

Hi! I’m Sian (she/her), a Design student majoring in Performance Design/Graphic Design. From my own experiences as a woman of colour on campus, I know that it can be difficult to feel comfortable speaking out as an individual. With a position on POC committee, I want to advocate for safe spaces for POC on campus and ensure that every POC regardless of their background feels welcomed and heard. Together we can fight to solve issues faced by POC in higher education and work towards a more inclusive, anti-racist UniMelb. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Emily Kaji | Stand Up!

The university has a long way to go before it is a safe space for students of colour. Be it unrepresentative subjects, inaccessible mental health services or in broader societythe income inequality that occurs for PoC students. The inequalities do not stop once we leave the classroom and a PoC office should be activist in all aspects, be it fighting for fair wages for students of colour or accessible mental health services. I hope to hold next year’s office bearers accountable and push for an activist and inclusive PoC office. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Vishal Chopra | Stand Up!

With the way the university has neglected people of colour, now more than ever it is important to keep the fight going and push for an activist People of Colour department.

Inequality manifests itself in economic, social and political forms and it is important that the student union is able to fight against racism in any shape or form, be it through boots on the ground activism or

Vishal continued...

lobbying for change. I hope to push for campaigns on income equality for students of colour and push for an activist department.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Gurpreet Singh | Stand Up!

Hey everyone, I’m Gurpreet (he/him) and I was lucky enough to serve as one of the PoC officers in 2019. I’m a third year Science student and growing up in the northern suburbs here I’ve always been aware of the challenges faced by People of Colour, be it economic injustices such as access to housing or fair wages or social and structural injustices. Combined with the challenges of navigating an UMSU office I believe this experience has given me the skills necessary to keep next year’s office-bearers accountable and transparent. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Desiree Cai | Stand Up!

Having been involved in activism and UMSU for a few years now, I recognise first hand how important it is to have a student union staunchly and actively fighting for the rights of student of colour. The university has a lot more it can do to support students of colour, as we saw specifically this year with the COVID-19 outbreak which laid bare the inaccessible support structures that were in place for students of colour. We need a student union putting these issues at the forefront, Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Varusha Wijesinghe | Stand Up!

Hey everyone, I’m name’s Varusha (he/him), a third year Biomedicine student running for People of Colour committee. I grew up in the northern suburbs and have always been passionate about fighting against racism in any way it manifests such as through income inequality and unequal health outcomes as well as being able to call out direct and indirect racism. I will aim to keep the People of Colour officers accountable and transparent and push for campaigns around housing affordability and access for PoC as well as campaigns around income equality.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

PEOPLE OF COLOUR COMMITTEE

Raymond Wu | Community for UMSU Hi there! I’m Raymond (he/him)! I’m currently on the PoC committee and am the co-coordinator of the Queer People of Colour (Zoom) collective (12pm Thursdays, please come along!) so surprise surprise I’m super passionate about intersectionality within the LGBTQA+ community. I want to bring my lived experience as a Queer Person of ColourTM to the table, and ensure the Queer Department remains committed to fighting for and making space for the entire community (not just for a singular genre of brick-throwing cis gay white men!) Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Kameron La | Community for UMSU

Hello! I’m Kam, and I’m a Queer PoC hoping to run for a committee position for 2021!

In 2021, I want to Support all LGBTQIA+ people without exception Facilitate a transition from a high school environment that for most of us would not have been so accepting. In addition, build a flourishing campus culture that not only accepts all queer students but actively aims to support them at any and every stage of their journey. I’m particularly interested in addressing internalised biphobia and bi erasure, both things I have struggled with before, and will fight during my term if elected.

Lauren Mendes | Community for UMSU

What do I want to achieve through being a member of the Queer Committee? A voice for all, a place to call home when many of us do not have one, a place to find yourself and others like you. And I think, through my experience in leadership and human management, I would be a great candidate to spearhead this vision and help all queer people in getting what they want out of the spaces and department run by the Queer Department!! Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Kat Zhang | Community for UMSU

I have nominated for Queer Committee member for UMSU as I believe it is vital for us to empower and to stand up for the rights of all students. As a woman of colour, I hope to form part of a visible and approachable representative body. I would like the opportunity to make Melbourne Uni an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and UMSU where students’ voices can be heard. Diversity is the future! Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Annalyce Wiebenga | Community for UMSU

Hey, I’m Annalyce! I’m a bi and ace/aro-spec woman running for Queer Committee. I catalogued the Queer Space library and helped run the Southbank Queer Collective and would love to help in an official way!

I’ve had awesome experiences with the Queer Department and want to make everyone feel welcome. We’re a highly diverse community and need people who are sensitive to our varied needs. In particular, I will ensure the ace/aro and Southbank collectives remain safe and inclusive for everyone.

Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Mittraphab (Poom) Sangruang | Community for UMSU

Hi, I’m Poom Sangruang! I have personally and socially grown through participating in the multitude of events, spaces and communities available to me at the university. Through volunteering with the Queer department, I’ve come to treasure the opportunity to reciprocate the experiences

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

PEOPLE OF COLOUR COMMITTEE CONTINUED...

Mittraphab (Poom) continued...

they facilitate. Committee would allow me to extend the scope of my efforts and affect change to foster the same (if not better) standards and experiences of the community that I was so lucky to be a part of. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Georgia McCourt | Community for UMSU Hello!! I’m a 3rd year Science student passionate about intersectionality and LGBTQIA+ advocacy!

I want to work on Committee to provide an enriching environment for all queer students, with exciting opportunities/events galore. I want compulsory inclusion training for all levels of decision-making at UMSU/ Uni. I also want to ensure we work together with the UMSU International, Indigenous, women’s, POC and Disabilities departments so that every decision made in the committee is intersectional and inclusive. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

SOUTHBANK COMMITTEE

Nicola Ingram | Community for UMSU Education is only accessible within a learning community that has a proactive focus on diversity. The University of Melbourne has an incredibly diverse cohort of students and it is critical that all students’ voices are supported, especially within the new space of online learning. Online learning has the ability to be both inclusive and exclusive- I will advocate for representation of all within the university’s decision making processes.

This responsibility is not only my own but a collective responsibility.

Annalyce Wiebenga | Community for UMSU Hi, I’m Annalyce. I’m a second-year music student and I’m running for Southbank committee. The Southbank Queer Collective ensured I felt welcome in my first year and I want everyone to feel just as welcome and supported as I did.

Limited support and advocacy services put our health and studies at risk; this is compounded by the university’s stubbornness regarding fee relief. I will fight for the support and advocacy services we need, and for fee relief!

We must work together. By electing Community for UMSU at Southbank and the wider union, we will make change happen!

Jenny Le | Community for UMSU

Strong mental and social wellbeing is key to an enriching and valuable experience while studying at university. The difficulty in accessing beneficial resources due to the

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Jenny continued...

the extended contact hours of subjects, diminishes the health of students and prevents achievements from being reached to full creative, academic, and physical capabilities. In order to improve campus life, I will ensure that decisions made by the Committee and executives accommodate the needs of the students. By voting for Community, we can work together to create an environment that allows for the success of all.

Nicholas Currie | Community for UMSU

My name is Nicholas and I’m running for Southbank Committee because I think this school fosters an incredible environment of creatives coming together to further our craft, but I also think there are many ways in which it needs improving. The fight for fee relief must continue. Our career opportunities are scarce. The conditions that we are expected to survive in are deplorable.

These things need to change and I believe Community will bring about those changes.

Vote [1] Community!

Mia Brittain | Community for UMSU

So much of me wants to grab a hold of my degree, run back to the town I grew up in and share its gems. The people in that town deserve to also have access to the same knowledge I’ve been given: to engage in critical thinking, to create beautiful art with plentiful resources, and to have the respect of the wider community. I want to shape policies in a way that makes VCA/MCM accessible and equitable for all of us now while letting the future kids know that we built a place for them to share in also.

Simon Zinzovski | Community for UMSU The University of Melbourne needs strong student representation to ensure the academic, social, physical and mental welfare of its student body. The University’s mental health services in particular are left wanting and I aim to leverage a position on the Committee to affect that. Students are only entitled to short term counselling and there is no long-term mental health service offered by the University. During these increasingly stressful times, mental health is the bedrock of effective education and needs greater support from the University.

By voting for Community I will work on your behalf.

Isabelle Welstead | Community for UMSU

For the students of Southbank, the arts is not only an avenue for social interaction but integral to their performance academically at university. As a music diploma student who regularly performs with the university symphony, I understand how a welcoming environment can positively impact one’s confidence in creating art. I am excited to explore ways in which the new MCM building can be further utilised to enrich the experience of students. I also hope to bridge the communication gap between the

Isabelle continued...

Creative Arts and Southbank committees, which will encourage the artistic collaboration and communication between Parkville and Southbank students.

Hannah Gill Bowles | Stand Up!

Hi my name is Hannah, I’m a second year Music student and I use she/her pronouns.

I am incredibly passionate about fighting for all Southbank students especially in the disruptive wake of online learning. I believe our voices must be heard. I want to ensure Southbank is a safe, inclusive, accessible and exciting environment for all its students. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep Up the Fight!

Max Bowyer | Stand Up! No statement recieved

WELFARE COMMITTEE

Andreas Zakhari | Community for UMSU Hey, my name is Andreas (he/him)! Being at the intersection of a number of different communities, I will bring sauce, flavour, empathy and lived experiences to the Welfare Department. The need for an efficient and supportive Welfare Department will be heightened in the transition from online learning back to campus. A great Welfare Department can vastly improve the student experience, particularly for students from under-resourced backgrounds, BIPOC and Queer-identifying students. It would be an honour to support the Department and improve the student experience! Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Caroline Nguyen | Community for UMSU Hi! I’m Caroline! I have a passion for improving people’s lives by helping them recognise their potential. I want the welfare department to pull its weight in giving all students the support they need to make their university experience an enriching one. I want this department to provide the necessary guidance, tools and methods to support students through university so everyone can flourish as a learner and student.

Everyone can achieve if they have a strong welfare department backing them and build a community around them through tough times. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Benjamin Cronshaw | Independents for Student Democracy

The Student Union has an important role in providing services to students, which includes the provision of free food and other supports. Free food is a critical part of student welfare. To quote the poet Juvenal, the welfare of the people relies on the provision of panem et circenses, or “bread and games.” There was also an old Roman campaign inscription “Elect Gaius Julius Polybius aedile. He supplies good bread.” If elected, I too would advocate for more free food and good quality bread.

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

David Wang Shihao | Community for UMSU

I am David Wang, and I am a final year MPH international student. I want to address the welfare of our students in the University of Melbourne. I believe that the individuals’ welfare and student well-being is extremely crucial. This includes, community support, mental health awareness, and intellectual disabilities inclusivity. This is my commitment and my vision after being elected into the Welfare Department as a committee member. I will advocate for vulnerable groups, whilst promoting an equitable, safe and inclusive environment.

Ezra Bangun (VVholesome)

Well, well, well, this is my welfare committee statement. Well, well, well, what should I say? Well, well, well, maybe vote for me?

Well, well, well, that’s all from me. Well, well, well, thank you! Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Harry Syson | Stand Up!

Hey everyone, my name is Harry Syson (he/ him) and I’d love to be a part of the Welfare Committee. University is stressful under normal circumstances and this pandemic has only exacerbated those aspects of uni life. Everyone has had a vastly different university experience this year but some students have been adversely impacted on during this time and they need fighting for.

It is imperative to create as good an environment as possible for everyone to allow for students to perform their best and enjoy their university experience. Make sure to vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Jordan Di Natale (Stand Up!)

Hey hey superstars! Welfare is by far the most important aspect of university life!

No matter where you come from or your socioeconomic status, all students must be supported during their university journey, especially during difficult times! As a welfare committee member, I value the utmost care for all students and will raise awareness on all issues relating to student poverty, racism, accessibility, mental health and much much more! I will tirelessly support this student union in any way to ensure that all students have a memorable university experience. So vote [1] for Stand Up! As always, keep being superstars!

Kamyar Karimifakhr | Community for UMSU

Hello! My name is Kamyar and I’d love to be a member of the Welfare committee! The department provides many students with extracurricular events and is a vital point of call. My plan for next year is to focus on transitioning Welfare to the online space and to support the student community even more. I am passionate about supporting students from vulnerable backgrounds, especially international students. Community is essential for welfare so that’s why I think you should vote for Community! Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Sami Zehir | Stand Up!

Hi I’m Sami (he/him) and I believe welfare has never been more important, UMSU has a vital future in ensuring the mental wellbeing of students in these uncertain times.

Getting support is hard, and can be costly wherever you may be in the world. I want to secure better online support for students, rather than letting the university leave our wellbeing behind. I am passionate about safety on campus and want to ensure that students are in the safest possible environments when uni is back, and at student accommodation around campus. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Sophie Nguyen | Stand Up!

Hi everyone, my name’s Sophie (she/her) and I’m running for the Welfare Committee.

Many students struggle to attend university, and often there aren’t many support systems in place for students. With the amount of money paid to the university from students, there should be proper funding put into services to provide for students struggling. I believe everyone has the right to attend university and to feel supported when they do so. I’m passionate about holding the university accountable and making sure more support is provided to students.

Vote [1] Stand Up!, Keep up the Fight!

Thomas Coulter | Community for UMSU

Hey there! My name is Thomas and I’m a first-year science student with passion for providing support to others who need it. I want to join the Welfare Committee because I believe that everyone, irrespective of who they are, has the right to be a part of a community where they feel safe, and have as much support as possible. Our time at university is limited, and it is the role of the Welfare department to make it enjoyable and safe for everyone! Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Timothy Lilley | VVholesome

“Beware the Ides of March.” – William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

Yashna Malhotra | Community for UMSU

The role of Welfare stood out to me the most as providing services to all students regardless of their background. I would like to be part of the Welfare Department to play an active role in cultivating the changes I wish to see in my community. With my background in management, I also believe that I would be able to add value to the team through my strengths in logistics and events management. I can confidently guarantee that I would be able to enthusiastically and efficiently fulfill my duties.

Zahra Ataie | Community for UMSU) I’m Zahra, a second-year med student highly motivated to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. Maintaining and improving the physical, mental, and emotional health of students should be prioritised. Taking a generalised approach to students’ needs

Zahra Ataie | Community for UMSU)

I’m Zahra, a second-year med student highly motivated to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. Maintaining and improving the physical, mental, and emotional health of students should be prioritised. Taking a generalised approach to students’ needs shows a lack of understanding of differences in student experiences. I want to advocate and further improve student’s self-reliance and availability of services and facilities. To achieve this vision, we need every student to stand by our side. Community – to represent student’s voices and advocate for their best interest within UMSU and the university. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

Ananya Agarwal | Community for UMSU

I’m Ananya Agarwal, a second year Bachelor of Commerce student. I believe in leading through empowerment which makes me an eligible candidate to stand for the post of women’s Committee. Moreover, coming from a country and background where women constantly fight for cerebral equality and opportunity, I seek to use a more refined approach for the welfare of women. I can’t just say that I am trustworthy, reliable or responsible but people who know that I possess these traits and situations where I have shown or proven these traits will believe that I can make a difference for this university.

Anna Olivia Smith Burnett | Stand Up! Hi everyone! I’m Anna (she/they), a passionate first year Arts student, and proud feminist. As a gender-non-conforming queer womxn from regional Victoria, I completely understand the diversity of experiences and challenges faced by women and non-binary students today, not only within our uni campus but beyond. I am running for Women’s Committee to continue to push for change; cultivating a culture of inclusion and safety.

I will work to ensure that the women’s office bearers will consider the interests of all women and non-binary students. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight! (And demolish the patriarchy) Aria Sunga | Stand Up!

I’m Aria (she/they) and I’m a third year Arts student, majoring in English & Theatre Studies and minoring in Politics and International Studies. I was the Women’s Officer in 2019,and 2020 and have a thorough understanding of the Women’s Department’s function and responsibilities to students. I’m running for Women’s Committee because of my deep love for the department and I just can’t keep away! Vote [1] Stand Up! to smash the patriarchy! Keep up the Fight!

Iley Johnson | Stand Up!

I’m Iley (she/her) and I’m an honours student. I wish I could do my honours in loving women, but alas, it is not. I love women!

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WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

Charlotte Macpherson | Stand Up!

Hi my name is Charlotte Macpherson (she/ her) and I’m running for Women’s Committee with Stand Up. I chose to run for the committee because I’m passionate about improving the lives of women at the University. I am incredibly passionate about advocating for affordable and accessible services for all women at university. This year has shown us now more than ever we need a union willing to stand up for students. Vote [1] Stand Up!

Jaslyn Potter | Stand Up!

Hi I’m Jaslyn (she/her), I’m a first-year Bachelor of Science student. This year, I have been inspired by the inclusive and progressive culture of the Women’s Department. As a member of the Women’s Committee, I hope to continue this culture and promote equity for all at the University of Melbourne and beyond! Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Emily Crawford | Community for UMSU As a member of the committee I will ensure all people who identify as women/womyn/ won*en feel safe and heard by student leadership. Identifying as a queer woman myself, I will fiercely advocate for the interests of LGBTQ+ students who may feel underrepresented in UMSU decision-making and seek to bring diverse thinking to group discussions. I also aim to encourage the growth of greater learning opportunities for women/womyn/won*en, expanding upon the already available resources to provide personal growth opportunities to students on campus and online. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Minh Giao (Veronica) Chu | Community for UMSU

TW: sexual assault Hello, my name is Veronica and I’m nominating for the Women’s committee position. In 2016, 1 in 5 students was sexually harassed on campus with female international students being particularly vulnerable. These incidences are often under-reported due to the victimization, lack of understanding about the law and support programs. The current narrative in the Women’s department is domestic-focused, leading to a lack of engagement with UMSU from international students. As an international student myself, I promise to represent and bring forth our perspectives in policy and event planning at the Women’s department.

Myo Mon San | Community for UMSU

My name is Myo Mon San and I am currently studying a Masters of Marketing Communication. I run for the committee member of the women’s department to push policies that will improve the safety and wellbeing of women. I would like to commit my time and effort to encourage activism, a greater

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understanding of gender issues that are faced by all women in the university. I will lift up the voice of marginalised women in speaking up for a variety of issues that affect specific groups. That is why I would be a valuable committee member for the women’s department.

Olivia Bell | Community for UMSU

As a member of comedic communities where cis men often dominate, I am committed to fighting the patriarchy in creative ways wherever it rears its ugly head. As the current Creative Arts OB I have invaluable experience in planning accessible and inclusive events with a deep knowledge of what makes a good committee member. This and my lived experience as a gender non-conforming person adds to my deep commitment to the Women’s Department. I aim for inclusive and safe spaces for more than just women with lived patriarchal experiences.

Phoebe Leggett | Independents for Student Democracy

I am a second-year Arts student studying linguistics and ancient history. I am involved with various clubs, including serving as Secretary and President of the Classics and Archaeology Students Society. I also play the Bassoon. I firmly believe that all students should be able to access and have a say over their education without fear of discrimination. As the Greek philosopher, Plato said: ὁ δὲ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ “the unexamined life is not worth living”. Independents for Student Democracy is a group of students passionate about democracy and promoting student wellbeing and community/clubs experience on campus.

Scarlett Padden | Stand Up!

Hi my name is Scarlett and I’m running for Women’s Committee with Stand up. I am a first year science undergraduate and I’m choosing to run for the committee because I am passionate about improving the university experience and lives of women.

I am very passionate about advocating for accessible services and ways to make every woman feel supported and encouraged, especially in these tough times - Vote [1] for Stand Up!

Tahlia Crossley | Community for UMSU My name is Tahlia Crossley and I am running for a position on the Women’s Committee.

Below is my policy statement for the position.I wish to run for a position on the women’s committee in order to represent the voices of wom*n students and to fight for policies which will promote meaningful and safe inclusion across all areas of university life. As an Anthropology and Gender Studies student I am passionate about working alongside the women’s committee to redefine underlying systems of oppression and to create a university environment where women are not only heard, but empowered.

STUDENT’S COUNCIL GENERAL REPRESENTATIVE Alex Wood | Stand Up!

Howdy, I’m Alex (he/him) - although my brother called me “Ajax Spray and Wipe” as a kid, so whatever floats your boat - and I’m hoping to represent you on Students’ Council! While we all want to leave 2020 in the dust, we cannot deny its impact on us all. Issues surrounding mental health, our sense of belonging, and access to fair outcomes have all been accentuated - which is why I’m so passionate about representing you on the Stand Up! ticket. So, if you’re looking for action as effective as Ajax Spray and Wipe Multi-Purpose Cleaner, vote [1] Stand Up!

Andoni Fischer | Community for UMSU Hey, I’m Andoni, a politics student who is passionate about student unionism. One thing that has become apparent to me is that most students have no clue what UMSU is. Institutionally UMSU can seem bureaucratic and irrelevant, and we struggle to explain why we are important, limiting our ability to fight for students. These issues reflect limitations deep within UMSU. If elected, I will work to explore paths to reform, particularly in areas such as student engagement and voting, so that UMSU can be a better union. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Anneke Demanuele | Student Resistance

I’m Anneke, and I’m running for Students’ Council with Student Resistance.

The system is in crisis. Around the world, capitalism is failing ordinary people. We are faced with a global pandemic, the biggest economic crisis for 100 years and a looming climate crisis. We need a return of radical student politics. We need to build student movements that will fight for climate justice, against racism and oppression and against massive economic inequality. The school strikes and the Black Lives Matter movement are inspiring examples of the type of politics we want to see in our student union.

Anson So | Community for UMSU

During the pandemic, the university have revealed their apathy and inadequate support to us, who already underwent tremendous hardship of isolation and studying from home. Despite sitting on the highest revenue of all of Australian tertiary institutions, the University of Melbourne still pushes staff cuts to further undermine the quality of our education. They failed, time and time, the expectation of their most important stakeholders, we, the students. This has to stop. If I were elected, I would endeavour to fix these issues and make the university a place for students again.

Benjamin Cronshaw | Independents for Student Democracy I am completing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), with my thesis on Roman slavery and early humanitarian thought. My interests

Benjamin continued...

and hobbies include Eurovision, MarioKart and 19th century Russian literature. I believe in university as a place of learning and the exchange and contest of ideas, as well as being a place of friendship and community. I am deeply involved with clubs and societies, including serving in the Chocolate Lover’s Society, History Society and Film Society among others. Independents for Student Democracy is a group of students passionate about democracy and promoting student wellbeing and community/clubs experience on campus.

Benjamin Fok | Student Resistance

I’m Ben, and I’m running for Students’ Council with Student Resistance. Students are under attack from university management.

Since the start of the COVID crisis, over 1000 staff have lost their jobs, which will lead to bigger classes and fewer teachers.

Online learning has already led to a massive decrease in the quality of our education. Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell is earning over a million dollars a year. The current student union is happy to cosy up with management. On Students’ Council, Student Resistance will stand up for students’ rights and push the union to fight management’s cuts.

Benjamin Jarick | Stand Up!

Hi! My name’s Ben (he/him) and I’m a firstyear Arts student studying Politics & International Studies and Indonesian. If elected, I will use my position on the Students’ Council to advocate for tangible, progressive action on the issues that students face on campus (and online). I will fight against the Liberal government’s cuts to uni funding and stand alongside the uni staff whose livelihoods have been threatened by the cruel actions of the university. If you want to ensure that UMSU continues to hold University executives to account, then make sure to Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Briana Symonds-Manne | Student Resistance

I’m Bri, and I’m running for Students’ Council with Student Resistance.The welfare system in Australia is a disgrace. For decades, students and unemployed workers have lived in poverty as both major parties have refused to raise the rate. The federal government is now planning to slash coronavirus payments by half, destroying the livelihoods of millions of students and workers. We have to fight for the rights of students - we demand that the university provides us with meaningful support, and that the government raises the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance and extends welfare to international students and migrant workers!

Charlotte Macpherson | Stand Up!

Hi my name is Charlotte Macpherson (she/ her) and I’m running for Students’ Council with Stand Up! I chose to run for council because I’m passionate about improving the

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lives of students at the University. As a third year BA student I am incredibly passionate about advocating for affordable and accessible services for all students at university.

This year has shown us now more than ever we need a union willing to stand up for students. Vote [1] Stand Up!

Devindee Nugawela | Community for UMSU

Hello! I’m Devindee, a second year medical student, and I’m running for Students’ Council with Community! As the major governing body of UMSU, I believe that the Students’ Council should be a representation of our diverse community of students. As a voice on the students’ council, I hope to embrace this diversity and strive to represent my peers in advocating to uphold and protect the rights of all students while ensuring that their ideas, issues and concerns are heard.

Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Emma Dynes | Student Resistance

I’m Emma, and I’m running for Students’ Council with Student Resistance.

Student Resistance are left-wing activists who will fight for social justice on Students’ Council. The Black Lives Matter uprising in the US has inspired people around the world to fight against racism and the police.

In Australia, mass protests have been held against black deaths in custody. Now is the time for a radical student union that will fight against all forms of oppression and champion the inspirational social movements going across the globe, on campus and on the streets.

Ethan Alex Georgeou | Stand Up!

Hey I’m Ethan (he/him)! I’m a first year Arts student running for Student’s Council with Stand Up! The government and university responses to this pandemic have been pretty abysmal so far and that’s why our student union should and will play an integral role in the representation of all Unimelb students.

Adding a progressive voice into the council will help push for changes that facilitate access to quality education and put students first in university decision making! Stand Up has done so much for us thus far, why stop?

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Ezra Bangun | VVholesome

Okay, let me be honest (and serious) here!

UMSU needs changes to ensure its relevance. We need UMSU to help and represent regular students. I will be the option for students who want changes that are progressive, reasonable, responsible, and transparent accompanied with discussion with all stakeholders (that’s academics, University and YOU!). Student unions are good, but they use your SSAF, so it has to be used wisely. Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

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GENERAL REPRESENTATIVE

Finley Tobin | Independent Media

Hey, I’m Finley! I had so much fun unsuccessfully running for Students’ Council last year that I’ve decided to do it again during a pandemic! What could go wrong? In all honesty, I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent in the Media Department since I first became involved back in 2018, and I would love the opportunity to give back to the department by becoming a councillor in 2021. My hope is that as many students as possible are afforded the same opportunity that I had— accessing, enjoying, and contributing to media at the University—all while keeping it independent!

Ghazal Ronagh | Community for UMSU As Council student representatives, we are the governing body of University of Melbourne union. Our aim is to provide insight and advice on students’ concerns and issues and facilitate discussions. We want to support students in fulfilling their goals during study time in Melbourne university.

The main goal is to help students have their voice heard. Both international and domestic students will be supported around their concerned areas. I believe that I can work toward common goals to empower student goals and their needs by expressing their opinions in order to make positive change.

Vote [1] Community!

Harry Syson | Stand Up!

Hey everyone, my name is Harry Syson (he/ him) and I’m a second-year Arts student studying Philosophy and Linguistics. Students have had a tough time this year, with the universities many ineptitudes coming to light during this pandemic, as well as the attacks by the federal government which would heavily impact on the price and quality of tertiary education. These forces must be strongly and vehemently fought against and I would love to be the one doing the fighting. So make sure to vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the fight!

Hayley Kebbell | Stand Up!

As a councillor this year, it has been a privilege to be able to support students and take tangible action to improve their university experiences throughout what has been an incredibly difficult year. I would love the opportunity to advocate on behalf of our amazing students again, and ensure your unique perspectives are elevated and heard – students deserve a hardworking and experienced team and that’s exactly what Stand Up is. Vote [1] Stand Up!

India Pinkney | Stand Up!

Hey everyone, I’m India (she/her), a BA student whose years at university have been shaped by incredible opportunities within clubs & societies and the wider student union. As a current Activities Office Bearer,

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I understand the importance of providing every student with safe, fun and inclusive UMSU events. To do this, Councillors must hold Office Bearers strictly accountable for ensuring department activity goes above and beyond what is expected and acts in an ethical and sensible manner. If elected, I will fight for exceptional event management practices and positive union culture. Vote [1] Stand Up!

Jennifer Lui | Community for UMSU

Hi! My name is Jennifer, and I’m here to represent students fairly and equitably. Racism is rife on campus. Far right groups feel confident to openly attack Chinese, Muslim, and Jewish Students. International students should feel welcome on our campus. I want to see our union be an inclusive space for all, and reject racism in all its forms. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Joanna Guelas | Independent Media Hi, I’m Joanna Guelas and I’m a contributor and reporter for Farrago Magazine. Since joining the Media Collective this year, I’ve quickly realized how vital student media is – not only to inform and entertain, but to provide an accessible and inclusive platform where students can express themselves.

I believe an independent Media Office is necessary to ensure the high level of transparency, accountability, and diversity any form of media must strive for. I am wholly committed to representing student voices, and if elected to Council, will fight to keep the department adequately funded, independent, and inclusive.

Lachlan Hinds | Stand Up!

Just as you can’t spell community without unity, dishonourable without honourable, dysfunctional without fun – you can’t spell UMSU without U! For the last year I’ve had the privilege to serve on Students’ Council and have seen first-hand the amazing accomplishments of Stand Up! I am proud to be part of a team that is committed to doing More! for you in 2021. Vote for a ticket that hasn’t Left Action for others, vote for a ticket that has been in the ring! Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the fight!

Lucas Brunning Halsall | Fee Remissions Now!

Hi, I’m Lucas, and I’m running for Students’ Council because the uni is ripping us off and we need to fight back. Making students pay full fees for this year is insane. Online education doesn’t compare to face-to-face, but we’re expected to still pay these exorbitant fees? Not to mention the fact that the stress of the health crisis and students losing their jobs has made studying twice as hard. The Vice-Chancellor makes $1.5 million/year while students struggle to get by. Education shouldn’t be a debt sentence. Refund 2020 fees. Cancel fees until the crisis ends.

Nancy Shi | Community for UMSU

I’m currently the Marketing and Graphics leader at Effective Altruism UniMelb, and actively involved with the BSS, acted as a camp leader, spearheading their blood drives in both 2019 and 2020 and introduced a Welfare Officer into their constitution. My goal is to bring purposeful change to the Students’ Council- as a General Representative, I’ll be unwavering in my dedication to student equity, never sacrificing my strong ethical values and tireless in my endeavours.

Naomi Grace Smith | Stand Up!

Hi! I’m Naomi (she/her) a first year Masters Student studying Social Work and passionate about creating a union that prioritises student voices. As a former Women’s Officer, I want safety on campus to become a whole of a union issue and our student council needs to discuss this issue with more focus. Additionally, I want to ensure that our student union continues to focus on the issues that are facing students during Covid-19. We need to see greater mental health support, fee relief, and to stop the cuts to our University. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Raymond Wu | Community for UMSU

Hi there! Raymond here! This year I’ve had the pleasure of sitting on the People of Colour Committee and of being the co-coordinator of the Queer PoC collective. I’m running for a position on Students Council with Community for UMSU to fight for and uplift the voices of BIPoC and LGBTQA+ students: UMSU must centre intersectional and recognise the unique struggles they face actually represent all students. I will also aim to increase the transparency and accessibility of UMSU and SC, making sure it works for the entire student body in a fair and accessible way. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Rubina Smith | Community for UMSU

Hi people reading this! My name’s Rubina, I’m a unionist, feminist, and environmentalist. I’ve helped build the climate strike movement here at the University to a five hundred strong contingent, fought for better response policies to sexual assault in colleges, and brought the Food Cooperative back from the dead. Grassroots politics is fundamentally about listening, learning, and building bridges. Student’s Council needs representatives who listen, understand, and implement their values of intersectional justice. If elected to Student’s Council, I will defend the voices of all marginalised social intersections and further meaningful campaigns that strengthen a fairer future.

Timothy Lilley | VVholesome

“And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

– F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

Ruby Craven | Stand Up!

Hi everyone, my name is Ruby Craven (she/ her), and I am running to represent you on the Students’ Council in 2021. I’m standing with a great bunch of people who united will fight for students’ rights and policies that are strong, inclusive, and forward-looking.

As a BA student with experience in advocating student interest to the university, you can vote for me knowing that you have a voice within the student union who is responsive, committed, and ready to advocate for your interests. This is our union; let’s do this together. Vote [1] Stand Up!

Sami Zehir | Stand Up!

Impressive that you have read this far, but hear me out! I’m Sami (he/him) and I love to smile :) I’m here to help make your university experience an enjoyable and supportive one. I’m an advocate for better assistance for international, interstate and regional students, who are more isolated now than ever. Mental wellbeing through having fun and professional help is at the heart of my passions, and making these resources more accessible, free and online for students who live in and outside of Melbourne is a must.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Scarlett Padden | Stand Up!

Hi my name is Scarlett (she/her) and I’m running for Students’ Council with Stand up. I am a first year science undergraduate and I’m choosing to run for council because I am passionate about improving students’ university experience. As a first year I have a unique insight to the difficulties that can affect student lives. This has been a difficult year for us all, especially in terms of mental health and accessible support systems for all students. These tough times have shown us that we need a strong, fair and decisive union who will continue to fight and advocate on the behalf of all students - Vote [1] Stand Up!

Shirley Killen | Student Resistance

I’m Shirley, and I’m running for Students’ Council with Student Resistance.

The planet is entering a climate crisis.

Politicians and their mates in business are happy to let the world burn for profit - but students are fighting back. Student Resistance are the leading climate activists at Melbourne Uni. We founded Uni Students for Climate Justice who called the huge protests at the start of the year in response to the bushfire crisis. On campus, we protested against Rio Tinto when they were invited to careers day. On Students’ Council, we will fight for climate justice, on campus and off.

Sian Tjia Hennessy | Stand Up!

Hi! I’m Sian (she/her), a Design student majoring in Performance Design and Graphic Design. I’m running for Students’ Council because I want to advocate for students and make sure our voices are being heard, especially for students who feel as though their experiences are being ignored. The

Sian Tjia Hennessy continued...

The University has failed to listen to students, and continues to reduce the quality of our education. With more progressive voices on Council, we can fight against policy decisions that will negatively affect student wellbeing and ensure that the interests of every student are represented. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Siobhan Dominique Lim Zhi Yan | Community for UMSU

Hi, I’m Siobhan, and I’m a third year Science student from Singapore. Since I started university, I have been incredibly passionate about student mental health. Especially during the pandemic student mental health has been significantly affected. As a student’s councillor, I will push for sweeping mental health reforms at our university, to make sure no student feels left behind by the system. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Sophie Nguyen | Stand Up!

Hello everyone! My name is Sophie (she/ her) and I am in my second year of studying. I have a strong vision for progressing the university to adopt fairer policies that allow the diversification and inclusion of all students. I want to fight the recent attacks on education, for safer spaces for POC and greater mental health resources for such an unstable and volatile time. The university must put students first rather than their own self interests. Now is not the time to be shy from advocacy and strong activism. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Sujith Nair | Community for UMSU

Tejasvi Madan | Community for UMSU I am Tejasvi Madan and I see myself as an integral part of the Student Council body at The University of Melbourne. Values of integrity and accountability are at the core of my life, and identifying these values that guide the cultural arena, puts clarity in what a leader is seeking to achieve. My ability to inspire others while providing a purpose driven meaningful direction, with effective communication and feedback, allows achievement of team vision. If given the opportunity,, I will abide by the rules and regulations of Unimelb, keeping its integrity at the highest priority.

Varaidzo Chipunza | Stand Up!

My name is Varaidzo (she/her) and I am excited to be running for Students’ Council with Stand Up! In 2021, we will need a diverse and experienced team to tackle the tumultuous times we are living in. Having served on Students’ Council for the last year, I hope to be able to make a contribution again this year. Vote [1] Stand Up!

Xavier Dupe | Student Resistance

I’m Xavier, and I’m running for Students’ Council with Student Resistance. The Liberals have launched a devastating attack on our education. Education Minister Dan Tehan wants to increase the cost of humanities degrees by 113% to $45,000, while slashing funding for STEM courses. He also wants to cut access to the HECS scheme for students who perform poorly. Student Resistance are radical activists who will push Students’ Council to fight back against the Liberals, smash these attacks and argue for the right to a free, well-funded education.

The reason why I am applying for this is that I want to act as a liaison between the students and the university. I want to provide assistance to students that face challenges at the university and help them with an action plan to achieve their goals.

I also want to enhance the online engagement activities at UMSU so that I can make students feel more connected and help them stay engaged with the course content.

I intend to do all of the above alongside my fellow representatives and make informed decisions that help sustain the culture of our community.

Xinling Lu | Community for UMSU

Sunny Yuqing Lu | Community for UMSU

Zill-e Rahim | Community for UMSU

Everyone is a member of the university community despite the fact that we each have unique perspectives, and we all come from different cultural backgrounds. But not everyone’s voice is realised and heard!

We all need a platform, and we need better representation! Originally Born in China and came to Australia at the age of 16, I have experience with and engage with both domestic and international students. I want to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and can reach their full potential and have a colourful uni experience! I am confident that together, we can make it happen!

Hi, my name is Xinling, and I’m a third year Commerce student from China. Since I entered the University, I have always acknowledged that UMSU has played a huge role in our experience in the University. As an international student, I believe in strong and committed advocacy for our community. I believe I will be a strong councillor, one will advocate for students and push for new initiatives to support students at the University of Melbourne.Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

I am Zill-e, a third year computer science student from Qatar. I have been serving as UMSU INTL’s Vice-President (Cultural and Social) for the past year. While the Students’ Council is the peak decision making body of UMSU, it hasn’t always represented all students. Historically, local students have been overrepresented, who do not quite understand the experience of international students. Our community is very diverse, therefore students’ council should also be diverse. I am running for council this year to make sure that there is diversity in UMSU! Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

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GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Shreya Bhutani | Community for UMSU Hello! My name is Dr. Shreya Bhutani, a final year MPH candidate and Doctor of Medicine from India. I am running as the Graduate Representative on the Students’ Council for UMSU. The main motivation behind my running for the upcoming UMSU elections is to promote and contribute to : - a fair representation of graduate students who are massively ignored. - representation of internationals, persons of colour and women. Graduate students not only make up for about 40% of the total student population, but also pay more Despite this the university constantly makes decisions that ignore our voices and make our lives harder.

Timothy Lilley | VVholesome

Graduate students get a raw deal with UMSU. We have only one Council seat dedicated to us, with most representatives being undergrads. Orientation events often don’t align with our course schedules, clubs are usually focused on undergrad students, and UMSU rarely ventures south of Grattan Street where multiple graduate faculties lie.

It’s assumed the GSA will look after us, but UMSU is for graduate students too! With your vote, I’ll use my experience as a former Student Councillor to make graduate students’ voices heard. Oh, and please enjoy my carefully cultivated selection of quotes for my other candidate statements!

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

REPRESENTATIVE Ezra Bangun |VVholesome

Fun fact, I am an international student! I do believe that my voice would be useful in council as an international student. I have been involved in UMSU as well as observing UMSU activities. I believe that I can ensure that UMSU will reasonably maintain its responsibilities towards international student sand ensure UMSU International works together with UMSU. I understand the limit of UMSU but also believe that its influence can be enhanced. Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Janise Sam | Community for UMSU

To better represent and support students, we must view their struggles and issues from their perspectives without judgment.

There are people who come from different cultural backgrounds, with different levels of learning, who face many issues including disabilities others have not faced. I will provide a safe space for all students to share their struggles and ensure every student, both domestic and international, are treated and prioritised in terms of care and support.

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There is no reason one particular group should be favoured over the other. And there is absolutely no excuse for discrimination and exclusion.

Vote [1] Community!

QUEER REPRESENTATIVE

Georgia McCourt | Community for UMSU

I’m Georgia (She/Her) and I’m passionate about LGBTQIA+ advocacy and intersectionality! All students at Melbourne University deserve to study without discrimination.

Everyone is equally deserving of an education without the additional barriers that members of the LGBTQIA+ Community face.

I want to combat the teaching of exclusionary content questioning the legitimacy of queer (especially transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming) lived experiences as “academic exercises”. I want to create uniformity in UMSU and Intercollegiate policy on discrimination. I also want to ensure all levels of decision-making are equitable and intersectional by working with UMSU International, Disabilities, POC, and women and Indigenous.

STUDENT OF COLOUR REPRESENTATIVE Aria Sunga | Stand Up!

My name is Aria (she/they) and I’m so excited to run for People of Colour rep on Council! I have been the Women’s Office Bearer for two years in a row, and I have a clear understanding of how UMSU and Students’ Council works, being a non-voting member of council for the past year and a half. As an elected voting member of Students’ Council, I will represent students of colour, and especially women students of colour. I am particularly interested in diversifying mental health resources for students of colour.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Kevin Mao | Community for UMSU

7,529,570 immigrants, 300 languages, 270 ethnic groups are numbers that define Australia’s thriving multiculturalism; a nation built on the blood, sweat and tears of our PoC Community. Our diverse community should be the University of Melbourne’s proudest achievement. Our campuses should not be painted blue and white, but rather celebrate the rainbow of cultures from around the world. As we remain committed to our mission to bring equality, voice and power to over 52,000 students coming from more than 130 countries, I, Kevin Mao, am honoured to run as your Students of Colour Representative. Vote [1] Community!

Timothy Lilley | VVholesome

“I cannot speak well enough to be unintelligible.” – Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

STUDENT WITH DISABILITIES REPRESENTATIVE

Shreya Bhutani | Community for UMSU Hello! My name is Dr. Shreya Bhutani, a final year MPH candidate and Doctor of Medicine from India. I am running as the Graduate Representative on the Students’ Council for UMSU. The main motivation behind my running for the upcoming UMSU elections is to promote and contribute to : - a fair representation of graduate students who are massively ignored. - representation of internationals, persons of colour and women. Graduate students not only make up for about 40% of the total student population, but also pay more Despite this the university constantly makes decisions that ignore our voices and make our lives harder.

Timothy Lilley | VVholesome

Graduate students get a raw deal with UMSU. We have only one Council seat dedicated to us, with most representatives being undergrads. Orientation events often don’t align with our course schedules, clubs are usually focused on undergrad students, and UMSU rarely ventures south of Grattan Street where multiple graduate faculties lie.

It’s assumed the GSA will look after us, but UMSU is for graduate students too! With your vote, I’ll use my experience as a former Student Councillor to make graduate students’ voices heard. Oh, and please enjoy my carefully cultivated selection of quotes for my other candidate statements!

Ezra Bangun |VVholesome

Fun fact, I am an international student! I do believe that my voice would be useful in council as an international student. I have been involved in UMSU as well as observing UMSU activities. I believe that I can ensure that UMSU will reasonably maintain its responsibilities towards international student sand ensure UMSU International works together with UMSU. I understand the limit of UMSU but also believe that its influence can be enhanced. Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Janise Sam | Community for UMSU

To better represent and support students, we must view their struggles and issues from their perspectives without judgment.

There are people who come from different cultural backgrounds, with different levels of learning, who face many issues including disabilities others have not faced. I will provide a safe space for all students to share their struggles and ensure every student, both domestic and international, are treated and prioritised in terms of care and support.

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

NUS (NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS) DELEGATES Benjamin Cronshaw | Independents for Student Democracy

The National Union of Students (NUS) has an important advocacy role to speak up on issues affecting students. This includes affordable housing, free public transport and access to mental health services, among other issues. I would be keen to be a delegate to the NUS to get more involved in student advocacy. As an Independent, I would strive to represent the interests of students and not delve into factional politics that undermine the purpose of the NUS.

Devindee Nugawela | Community for UMSU

Hi, I’m Devindee and I’m running for National Union of Students Delegate with Community. NUS is the peak representative body for students in Australia. It has organised campaigns to win marriage equality, to fight attacks to education, demand free education, and to force the government to stop spending millions of dollars on arms manufacturing. These campaigns can only be organised if you elect passionate, dedicated NUS delegates. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Phoebe Chen | Community for UMSU

Heya, my name is Phoebe, and I’m here to be your voice at the NUS. I will be a passionate advocate of increasing the transparency of the organisation. NUS needs to make itself more accessible, so that more students can participate in it. I will forcefully push for change from within, because I want a strong, progressive, transparent national union. That way all students across Australia can be resourced, respected, and represented. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Eleanor McMurtry | Community for UMSU

I am a seasoned student at the Unimelb, now in my sixth year of studies. I’m also experienced in governance and student politics, having been Secretary at Queer Collaborations (the peak national queer student conference) since 2017 and an elected NUS delegate last year. I attended NatCon and delivered speeches on important motions, garnering cross-factional support and compliments on my speaking. As a member of Grassroots Independents, I will fight to ensure the values Community stands for are represented on the national stage, and to ensure that our national union stands in solidarity behind each and every student.

Andie Moore | Community for UMSU

Hej! I’m Andie. Did you know delegate is pronounced de-le-gay in French? Anyway, I’m an Honours student, union activist and plantqueen. Having run a successful campaign for all-gender bathrooms on campus,

Andie continued...

organised a successful NO vote to staff cuts and organised against transphobic lecturers, I understand how to run engaging campaigns that win for students. The key - grassroots organising. Talking to people, network-building, mass meetings, forums and people power. The NUS is disengaged with ordinary students - elect me delegate and I’ll push for radical change! Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Nishank Jain | Community for UMSU Hi! I’m Nishank Jain and I’m running for National Union of Students delegate with Community. I believe that it is important to have a strong national student body to campaign for issues, to better represent and to support students. If elected as a delegate, I will make sure to keep fighting for our students and so that our campus will be supported.Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Andoni Fischer | Community for UMSU Hello! I’m Andoni and I want to ensure the University of Melbourne is represented at the National Union of Students. My experiences and work in the Queer Department has given me knowledge of how students organise and what issues are important.

I believe that there is so much potential in student unionism and the NUS, if only we could rise above factional politics and genuinely strive to be a national voice for students in these unprecedented times of crisis.Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Xingling Lu | Community for UMSU

Hi! I’m Xingling Lu and I would like to run as a representative for the University of Melbourne at the National Union of Students.

NUS is the peak representative body for students in Australia. As such, I would like to use this opportunity to learn from other students’ representatives of other Universities to better serve our student community.

I also want to be your voice at the conference and fight so that our campus will be supported. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!

Ezra Bangun | VVholesome

It’s been a year since I wrote my statement regarding NUS. I wonder if more people have learn about NUS more than last year.

Maybe? Maybe not? I would bet that more people know about NUS in Singapore than in Australia, like my parents, who wants me to go there. Big F.Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!

Anneke Demanuele | Student Resistance

The government is ripping money out of higher education. They’ve increased university fees, slashed federal funding, and pushed struggling students out of HELP entitlements so they have to pay out of pocket. All this cost cutting at our expense, whilst throwing tens of billions of dollars at weapons manufacturing to prepare their armies for post covid wars and invasions.

Students need a fighting national union that will organise to defeat the government’s wretched priorities. Student Resistance activists have organised national campaigns against militarism and for free education; bold campaigns like that on every campus are needed now more than ever.

Briana Symonds-Manne | Student Resistance

As the world sinks further into crisis, governments in league with big business are making ordinary students and workers foot the bill. University Vice Chancellors across the country are sacking casual tutors and admin staff en masse, whilst the government is cutting funding and hiking fees. We need a national union that can organise to defeat these attacks. Mass activist campaigns have defeated attacks on education in the past, they are what won us marriage equality, and Student Resistance delegates to NUS have always been at the centre of these campaigns.

Xavier Dupe | Student Resistance

With Black Lives Matter shining a spotlight on the injustices of state violence against people of colour across the world, the power and energy of the protest movement it inspired should be a model for NUS to emulate. The radicalism and mass character of the protests in America are shaking the systemically racist American state to its core.

In order to fight against racism here, NUS office-bearers associated with our ticket have recently organised BLM rallies, fought for years to free the refugees, and stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with first nations struggles against deaths in custody.

Lucas Brunning-Halsall | Student Resistance

Both major parties are thoroughly committed to winding back any level of social safety net provided to students and the unemployed. Already, the covid lockdowns have decimated industries where students are most likely to work, like hospitality, and both Liberal and Labor have indicated their keen willingness to slash the Jobseeker and Student Allowance increases they implemented at the start of the crisis.

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2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

NUS DELEGATES Lucas continued...

If we want to stop tens of thousands of students being plunged into the desperation and indignity of poverty, we need a national union that will organise a mass campaign against callous government welfare cuts.

Shirley Killen | Student Resistance

University students have no future to look forward to. The turmoil of economic crisis is on the horizon, and that will be stacked on top of the years of neoliberal attacks on education and welfare. And with the looming climate crisis we can’t even take for granted that we will have a liveable planet at all once we graduate. This system exploits people and the planet, and we need a student union that will fight to tear it to the ground so that our futures aren’t suffocated by the insatiable drive to profit. Smash the mining bosses, make education free.

James Gallagher | Student Resistance

Revolt has touched all corners of the globe in the past year; from Hong Kong to Lebanon, from Chile to France. In many of those global revolts, students have led the way with a revolutionary energy of inspiring proportions. They have often been the first to face down the brutal forces of authoritarian states, and have held their ground. I want NUS to be driven by that defiant spirit of student revolt, because that’s what it will take to free the refugees, to stop climate destruction or to overturn any of the countless crimes our successive governments have committed.

Max Dowell | Stand Up!

My fellow students: with the pandemic laying waste to higher education, faculties cutting staff left, right and centre, international students being denied the bare minimum of humanity by the government and some of the worst higher education “reforms” in recent memory before the parliament, it is clear we must all fight back tooth and nail.

The NUS is the perfect vehicle to accomplish this, but it could be better. This platform must be more accessible to all students. I will help ensure those who are most vulnerable have their voices heard. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Lachlan Hinds | Stand Up!

My name is Lachlan Hinds (he/him) and as an interstate student, I want to ensure our delegation to NUS is reflective of our student body. The NUS has been an important vehicle for change and student advocacy, particularly in light of COVID-19. The experiences of students from interstate, rural and regional backgrounds deserve a seat at the table and with your vote, I can be that voice.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

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Thonya Deverall | Stand Up!

Hi my name is Thonya (she/her), I’m a second year Arts student majoring in History and Ancient World Studies. In the wake of repeated attacks on higher education and the devastating impact of Covid 19 on students this year a strong, progressive voice in the NUS is more important than ever before. If elected I promise to stand up and fight for all unimelb students, our needs and our progressive values on a national level.

Together we have the power to make real change and have our voices heard! Vote [1] Stand UP! Keep Up the Fight!

Naomi Grace Smith | Stand Up!

Hi my name is Naomi, I use she/her pronouns and I am a first year Social Work student. I truly believe in the importance of a left-wing voice for Unimelb to the NUS. In light of the Covid pandemic and the horrific attacks on higher education by the Liberal Government a strong, activist National Union of Students has never been more important. If elected I promise to fight for your interests. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep Up the Fight!

Felix Sharkey | Stand Up!

My name is Felix (he/him), I’m a second-year arts student majoring in politics. I’m running to be an NUS delegate as I’ve been inspired by the work of the NUS throughout this year. The COVID pandemic has resulted in awful cuts by the current Liberal Government which represent a major attack to both students, and higher education as a whole. I will use my platform to ensure NUS keeps fighting for students rights and ensure it can be as progressive as possible when standing up for higher education.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Sophie Kerrigan | Stand Up!

Hi my name is Sophie, I’m a third year Science student and I use she/her pronouns.

Now more than ever students at unimelb need a strong, progressive voice in the NUS. Our quality of education is under attack, our planet is experiencing massive climate change and our society is in crisis. We need a dynamic, activist National Union of Students that will keep up the fight for all students.

Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

Jack Buksh | Stand Up!

Hi my name is Jack Buksh, I’m a third year Arts student and I use he/him pronouns.

I believe in the power of student voices to make real and lasting change. Right now students are being attacked on all sides, our quality of education is under threat and our futures are uncertain. The NUS has consistently fought back against these attacks but we need progressive NUS delegates to ensure we keep up the fight.If elected I pledge to be that passionate voice for students and represent our interests. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE

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