47 minute read
Welfare Committee Women’s Committee
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!
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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Myo Mon San continued... 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.
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 interna-
tional 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 Charlotte continued... 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)!
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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India continued... 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
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 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.
Sunny Yuqing Lu | 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! 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.
Xinling Lu | Community for UMSU 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!
Zill-e Rahim | Community for UMSU 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. Janise continued... 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.
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! 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!
