2024/25 ELECTION CANDIDATE GUIDE
The following guide presents the individual candidates for positions on the 2024/5 MULS Board.
Each candidate profile contains:
1. Candidate’s Name
2. Candidate’s Photo
3. Candidate’s Statement of Intention
Pursuant to s 9 of the Election Regulations, the candidates have been grouped by the positions for which they are nominating and alphabetically ordered by surname.
Question Period
Ask nominees any questions you might have here
● Monday 14th October 2024, 9am - Question period opens
● Wednesday, 16th October 2024, 5 pm - Question period closes
Voting Period:
● Monday, 21st October 2024, 9am - Polls open
● Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, 5pm - Polls close
Voting will take place on iLearn.
PRESIDENT
RACHEL DUONG
Hello everyone!
I’m excited to be running for President of the Macquarie University Law Society (MULS) in my final year. I aim to lead MULS by applying my experience to help you make the most of your law school journey.
Throughout my degree, I’ve worked in law, leadership and management roles, as an Assistant Supervisor at a community legal centre and run my own business. I’m experienced in managing business operations, conduct, finances and organisational functioning.
Within MULS, I’ve served as the Executive Officer (Corporate Careers), competed in Negotiations and Alternative Dispute Resolution and represented Macquarie University at the UNSW Intervarsity Negotiations Competition.
I’ve seen how MULS can help students build legal skills, career clarity and confidence. As your President, I will use my leadership and stakeholder management skills to maintain internal and external relationships, so that MULS can continue offering personal and professional development opportunities to you.
My Commitments
If elected, I will:
1. Strengthen the reputation of our law school and students.
2. Enhance professional development opportunities.
3. Ensure you can make the most of your university experience.
Reputation
Having successfully navigated the clerkship process this year and competed against students from other universities, I understand the importance of reputation. I’ll strengthen our relationships with sponsors, universities and professionals to enhance our standing.
Professional Development
I’ll support your professional development through MULS. I want to hear about what you want to see and will collaborate with the Law School and MULS Board to enhance these opportunities.
Your Experience
University looks different for everyone and MULS should reflect that diversity. I’m committed to expanding the reach of our activities so you can tailor your MULS experience to your goals.
I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead for MULS and I’ll be honoured to serve as your President for 2025.
ZACHARY HAYNES
Hello everyone! My name is Zachary and I’m honoured to be running for MULS President for 2025. Having served as a MULS Executive Officer of Competitions in 2023, Secretary of MULS in 2024 and Acting President of MULS between June to August 2024, I’m excited to continue my commitment to serving MULS as the 2025 President.
As Secretary, I developed a comprehensive understanding of how MULS operates through managing the administrative matters of eight MULS portfolios, regularly advising the Board on internal governance matters whilst also working closely with the President to resolve disputes, represent MULS externally and facilitate society meetings. As the President is required to understand how MULS operates when making decisions for a multitude of stakeholders, I am confident that my experiences as Secretary have prepared me to serve as a capable President.
As Acting President, I temporarily assumed the Presidential duties over three months and advised best courses of action for society initiatives, became the primary contact for external stakeholders and continued to manage internal disputes whilst simultaneously fulfilling my duties as Secretary. From this unique experience of being the MULS President temporarily, I have developed effective time management skills and a direct understanding of how to execute the Presidential duties which I believe make me a strong candidate for President.
Seeing over the years the invaluable benefits MULS can provide, my vision if elected President will be to innovate new opportunities and expand upon existing initiatives to ensure that MULS provides a beneficial experience to all law students Specific plans include:
- Advocating for both a public interest and graduate careers fair
- Restructuring select law competitions to better accommodate for both less and more experienced competitor demographics
- Implementing both a Competitions and Post-Graduate subcommittee to allow for more ‘gateway’ opportunities into MULS
SECRETARY
DIAKO NABAVI
I am Diako Nabavi, and I am excited to present my candidacy for the Secretary position in the Macquarie University Law Society. With a deep commitment in providing opportunities and fostering an uplifting environment, I believe my experience and skills uniquely position me to effectively serve the MULS community. My vision for MULS is to empower and provide opportunities to law students to boost their careers and passions.
I have previously served as the President of the Macquarie University Business Society, elected in semester 2 of 2024. During this time, I re-established our relationship with our sponsors including PWC and KPMG, and I successfully restored the effective operations of the society. I became very familiar with the management of a large society, and specifically the organisation and attention to the administration of the society to maintain our affiliation with the University. This familiarity means that I can step into the role of Secretary with more ease and success.
I have worked for the CEO of Etymon Projects in a management intern role where I created and administered policies for the whole company. I attended to administrative matters of the company including maintaining our compliance with laws and regulations and establishing the operations of subsidiaries of the company. The knowledge I have gained in this role assisted my role as the President of MUBS and running a society.
Finally, I competed in the Kirby Contract Law Moot where I advocated as Senior Counsel in the final round. This moot taught me just how beneficial opportunities are for students, and the connections that can be made to industry leaders from managing directors of firms, justices of the superior courts, and professionals around the globe. I intend on maximising these opportunities for law students if elected to the secretary position.
TREASURER
REESE HARVEY
Hello, I am running for the role of Treasurer for MULS in 2025. Since beginning my journey at Macquarie University in 2023, I have been dedicated to enriching my university experience and contributing to our vibrant and ever-growing community.
Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving as Marketing Publicity executive and being in the marketing subcommittee. These roles allowed me to liase with every portfolio, ensuring effective and efficient communication. My collaborative efforts with other portfolios also emphasised the importance of teamwork and effective project management.
In addition to my LLB, I’m also pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Finance. This dual focus has provided me with valuable financial management and accounting skills. My accounting units have made me comfortable with Xero and conscious of the high importance of practicing ethical accounting.
I pride myself on my organisational and time management skills. Balancing MULS marketing work, university studies, heavy competitions involvement, and outside employment, while still maintaining my hobbies, has taught me the importance of efficiency and dedication. These skills are crucial for the role of Treasurer, where meticulous financial management and timely reporting are essential.
This role demands a high degree of responsibility. My current experience with MULS has strengthened my organisational skills, enabling me to ensure quick turnarounds for marketing requests. I will apply these skills to provide timely reimbursements and meet reporting requirements. Additionally, my involvement and appreciation for the culture of MULS has emphasised the importance of balancing funding allocations between portfolios to achieve the optimal outcome for MULS in academic and professional outcomes, social engagement and development of the society.
I am confident that my experience, skills, and passion make me a strong candidate for Treasurer. I look forward to the opportunity to serve MULS and contribute to its ongoing success.
VICE-PRESIDENT (EDUCATION)
ALISON CHEN
I would be grateful for the opportunity to support the education of Macquarie law students as Vice-President of Education for 2025, and I believe my experiences in attending and volunteering at various education portfolio events have equipped me well for this role.
I understand how events such as O-week and First Year Morning Tea are organised, as well as the importance of executing them well to provide incoming students with a positive first impression of Macquarie University. Having attended these events in the past as both a participant and volunteer, I understand student expectations as well as planning and preparation requirements. As one of this year’s Social Events Executives, I am experienced at planning large events and well prepared for the challenges of this role.
A key function of the education portfolio is to provide access to resources for students, especially those facing economic disadvantages. For this reason, I would prioritise and expand initiatives such as the textbook equity scheme. I also intend to introduce new initiatives, such as a buddy program which would pair first-year students with older peers, to provide them with mentorship and foster a sense of community. I recognise that law school can be difficult to navigate, especially for first generation law students and would aim to help fill this gap through student Volunteers.
Additionally, I would be excited to continue the Justified podcast. I would like to release an episode exploring the different practice areas within commercial law that students may be interested in, e.g. commercial litigation, employment law and insurance, as well as an episode on alternative career options besides private practice, including in house legal and government advisory to educate students on the various career pathways available to them.
VICE-PRESIDENT (SOCIAL JUSTICE)
SASKIA GERAGHTY
I am a passionate and experienced candidate for the role of Vice President (Social Justice). In my first year, I was appointed as a member of the Social Justice Sub-committee, in my second year, I was elected as the Community Outreach Executive Officer, and I would love to dedicate another year to the Social Justice portfolio in the role of Vice President (Social Justice).
Our Social Justice Portfolio runs a range of valuable panel discussions on Social issues and their interaction with the law and the legal field. As Vice-President, I would sustain this initiative by organising one law-focused panel each semester while also launching broader awareness and fundraising campaigns that extend beyond the legal field. In practice, this would look like bringing back the social justice trivia night, and introducing new initiatives such as Live Below the Line and a City2Surf team. These activities not only foster community engagement but would also provide opportunities for collaboration with other portfolios, enhancing our collective impact as a Society.
I believe that a law degree is a useful tool to get into a position in which one is able to enact positive social change. Because not all law students are planning on becoming practising lawyers, it is important that we get exposure to Social Justice issues that go beyond the legal field.
My hope is that in the role of Vice President, I will help our Social Justice Portfolio empower law students to discover their passions, advocate for meaningful change, and actively support initiatives that have a tangible impact. My vision is that the Social Justice portfolio creates an inclusive space for all students who are driven to study law by the desire to make a positive difference on the world.
JULES GOBRAN
As I progress in my journey at Macquarie University, I intend to contribute my unique perspective and expertise to the role of a Vice-President for social justice. My primary objective is to address and analyse social injustices that affect MULS members. My interest in this role is that my father and grandparents are both refugees from Egypt, which has profoundly influenced my passion for highlighting issues related to discrimination, education, and human rights. These are the main proposed issues I would like to address in 2024.
Today, these issues can be delicate. I propose to approach these social justice issues with sensitivity and inclusivity. Open-mindedness is a crucial virtue that I believe I possess and consider vital when serving as a Vice-President for social justice.
Having an open mind means recognising that there can be various approaches to addressing these topics. While I am deeply passionate about the areas of social justice mentioned above, I also have a strong passion for sports. What makes sports special is that it promotes inclusivity, similar to the responsibilities of a Vice-President for social justice. I plan to blend the best of both worlds to shed new light on these social justice issues. In addition, I aspire to continue guest panels during my tenure.
My background in MULS, retail, hospitality and the legal field has equipped me with strong communication skills. Additionally, my ability to efficiently manage my time, allows me to balance various responsibilities while still devoting time to advancing the proposed initiatives.
Moreover, I am proficient in technology and email applications, which will help increase engagement on the MULS Social Justice Facebook page and minimise technical issues.
The combination of these skills and experiences has prepared me well to lead and enhance social justice discussions at Macquarie University.
RAYANNE SABRA
As a proud Muslim woman, my experiences as part of a minority have profoundly shaped my understanding of the need for equal social rights and opportunities. I have personally faced social discrimination based on my culture, religion, and gender. These experiences have ignited my passion for social justice and my desire to advocate for others who face similar challenges. This commitment to justice and equity motivates me to run for Vice President (Social Justice) at the Macquarie University Law Society (MULS).
Representation is crucial in addressing the systemic issues that affect marginalised communities. Too often, the voices of those most impacted by inequality go unheard. If elected, I will tirelessly ensure that all students feel seen, valued, and respected. My vision for this role is to foster an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can thrive.
My leadership experiences as School Captain and volunteer work at the Australian Muslim Project–a charity supporting camps in Africa–have equipped me with the skills to organise and manage events effectively. I also participated in the Foundations of Law
Mooting Competition, which helped refine my critical thinking and advocacy skills. As a Women Entering Business Society member, I attended panels to strengthen my communication and networking abilities. These experiences have prepared me to coordinate social justice initiatives that will have a meaningful impact on MULS members and the broader university community.
My commitment to this role is unwavering and rooted in a deep belief in the power of love, compassion, and respect. These values drive my dedication for social justice, and I am determined to use this position to make a positive and lasting impact. I will bring empathy, a commitment to fairness, and a passion for change, working with MULS members to promote social reform, advocate for equality and ensure every voice is heard.
VICE-PRESIDENT (CAREER ENGAGEMENT)
JORDAN LAU
Hello everyone! My name is Jordan, and I am entering my fourth year in 2025. My nomination for Vice-President (Career Engagement) follows a long and invaluable tenure with MULS where I have had the honour of working both as a Corporate Careers Executive Officer, and as part of the MULS Board as the current Vice-President (Publications).
While my experience in the Careers team, including organising the Clerkship Fair and conducting research on firm initiatives, are directly suited for this role, my time on the Board has developed my strategic planning skills and understanding of the demands of the society. Outside of university, I work for a top tier law firm as a Paralegal where my exposure to a full-service legal environment will inform how I approach sponsorship meetings with our corporate sponsors.
In 2023 and 2024, Macquarie University produced the highest number of finalists in the prestigious Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards. Accordingly, the focus of the Careers portfolio should be to connect our talented graduates with a wider range of industry partners through the following new initiatives:
Expanding Relationships with International Firms
There is further scope to develop our relationships with international law firms to expand the potential for Macquarie students to pursue global careers.
Inter-Society Events
New professional development events run in collaboration with the Women Entering Business Society, aimed at establishing networks between MULS members and female leaders in the law.
Paralegal and Junior Position Workshops
Workshops run by professional recruiters to assist students in securing junior positions at law Firms.
Diverse Careers Information Sessions
A range of information and networking nights focussed on the areas of criminal law, in-house counsel and alternative non-legal pathways. 2025 is about future-proofing MULS and establishing partnerships that will assist students’
careers for long after that Board’s tenure!
DUNG NGHI (YOONG) TRAN
I am a third year Bachelor of Laws student with a passion for leadership and advocacy, applying for the 2025 Vice-President of Competitions position. My experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to effectively manage and oversee MULS’ Competitions.
I have held numerous leadership roles, including managing projects to enhance the educational environment for students and fundraising for community causes. These experiences helped me develop strong interpersonal, teamwork, and organisational skills, which I apply in my current work as a personal assistant. In this role, I manage day-to-day tasks with efficiency, including liaising with colleagues and business partners, handling administration, and ensuring discretion.
As the 2024 External Professional Skills Executive Officer, I gained valuable experience managing professional skills competitions. I also assisted in running the 2024 MULS x Beatty Hughes & Associates Environmental Law Moot, giving me experience in both professional skills and advocacy competitions. Additionally, I have volunteered as a client and witness in various competitions, providing me with multiple perspectives as both an organiser and participant.
I am also an avid mooter, having reached the final rounds in several competitions. This, combined with my organisational background, gives me a well-rounded understanding of what is required to successfully manage competitions.
I believe I am an ideal candidate for this role as my strong organisational skills, experience in administration, and commitment to balancing responsibilities will ensure that I fulfill the demands of this position effectively. I look forward to contributing to MULS and ensuring competitors have a positive and memorable experience.
EMILIA PRICE
My name is Emilia, and I believe I would be a good fit for this role due to my passion for media and my past experience in the field. I have worked for several magazines before— having written articles and interviewed in Push Magazine, photographing for ToughLuckUK and Cold Archive Youth, and having done work experience at the Record Mag. I genuinely love the process of making a publication and ensuring a high quality and informative product for readers.
But in addition to this, being involved in the publication process has made me value the effort that is needed to produce a high-quality product, and also the importance to sticking to deadlines in order to bring a product to life. I would hope to bring these skills to this position if elected. I also have a vested interest in getting more students to read the publications guides because of regret of not paying attention to them in my first couple of years at Macquarie. I believe my experience would have been so much richer for it, and I hope for others to not make the same mistake.
More broadly, I work at the Downing Centre in both the local and district courts as a Client Service Officer. In this role, liaise with the lawyers, judges, magistrates and correctional staff to ensure smooth operate of the court. I believe this would also help me in my role, as you have to be on top of communication to ensure all aspects of the court are working in tandem.
TARA PHIMSIPASOM
Hello everyone! I’m honoured to present my candidacy for the Marketing Vice-President position for 2025.
My experience as MULS Marketing Executive Officer (Publicity) in 2024, and previously in the Marketing Subcommittee, have equipped me with a profound understanding of MULS member engagement, and the strategic marketing skills vital for this position. These roles have amplified my passion for visual design and social media.
My contributions to the Marketing Portfolio have resulted in meaningful successes, including follower growth of 850% on TikTok and more content posted on other platforms than previous terms, which has positively translated in engagement figures.
I have gained tremendous insight into the responsibilities and duties demanded by this role in collaborating closely with the current Marketing Vice-President and other portfolios. I vow to fulfil such responsibilities by increasing promotion for MULS’ hard-laboured initiatives, and being attentive to the questions of MULS members.
My primary intention for this role will be to elevate member engagement across all portfolio initiatives and events. I will endeavour to carry forward the positive momentum already established, and improve aspects of the portfolio that I’ve identified as in need.
As Marketing Vice-President, I will commit to implementing the following vision:
1. Informative Marketing: Diversifying content to introduce new materials to supplement the help MULS provides law students in navigating stages of their degree.
2. Information Accessibility: Ensuring information published by MULS is more accessible and publicised. This will include providing more Q&A opportunities for events and initiatives.
3. A More Connected Society: Enhancing the relationship between the Executive Council and the member community by introducing interactive content that connects members with the individuals behind MULS initiatives.
I’m eager to bring my skills, experience, and passion to this role and implement a vision that will enrich all the wonderful opportunities MULS has to offer.
GABRIEL STORGATO
While I have had the privilege of working in a professional setting and building relationships with influential individuals, I am most excited about the opportunity to contribute to the MULS community. I have always been drawn to the energy and enthusiasm of student organisations, and I believe that MULS has a unique potential to create lasting connections and memorable experiences for its members.
As a law clerk at a ‘Big Law’ firm, I have gained valuable experience in public relations and event management. I have worked closely with my supervising Partner to organise and promote her work, and I have had the opportunity to represent her at industry events. While these experiences have been rewarding, I am eager to apply my skills to a new challenge and contribute to the success of MULS.
I am particularly interested in leveraging my personal brand and social media presence to promote MULS and engage with our members. I believe that by creating a strong online presence and utilising innovative marketing strategies, we can reach a wider audience and foster a sense of community within our organisation.
I am excited about the prospect of serving as Vice President (Marketing) for MULS. I am confident that my skills, combined with my passion for marketing and my commitment to the MULS community, will enable me to make a significant contribution to our organisation’s success.
VICE-PRESIDENT (EVENTS)
This position will be put forward for casual vacancy nominations from the floor at the 2024 MULS Annual General Meeting.
VICE-PRESIDENT (JURIS
DOCTOR & POSTGRADUATE)
This position will be put forward for casual vacancy nominations from the floor at the 2024 MULS Annual General Meeting.