Candidate Data Appearing in the Ballot

Poll Group: NUS Election 2023

Poll: NUS General Representative Election 2023

MAVROFIDIS, Hannah

Our Revive team is comprised of experienced student advocates from across different faculties.

Revive is committed to utilising the National Union of Students for meaningful student advocacy on issues affecting students at UOW.

We will advocate through the NUS to:

- Introduce paid placements for university degrees;
- End period poverty;
- Raise the age of independence:
- Increase the accessibility for our physical campuses and university online; and
- Pressure the Albanese Labor government and the University to urgently intervene to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual violence on campus.

CALLEJA, Elyse

As a community-oriented and socially minded UOW student, I take pride in my university and what my cohort has to offer. Coming from a working class and strong unionist family, I have experience with everything from leading a small community socio-political group, to advising Coordinare, the NSW government public health network (PHN).
As a STEM student from a diverse background, I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to the role of Educational Officer within WUSA, employing my strong organisational and co-ordinational skills to contribute to great positive change for the undergraduate students of UOW. WUSA's unique position at UOW, and the countless hours of work dedicated by its executives and representatives has ensured that constituents have a platform to voice concerns and be advocated for against injustices and wrong-doings of the tertiary education system.
I am eager to lend my unique perspective and skill set to the team should I be elected as Educational Officer and Secretary.

ZHANG, Stanley

Stanley Zhang is a second year Civil Engineering student at UOW’s Wollongong campus but from the regional NSW town of Orange.
Having grown up in a regional area, it has shown him the wonderful impact that representatives can create within a small community.
During high school, Stanley was actively involved with the music programme there and had the honour in leading and representing his peers.
He has worked in the public sector through local government and has witnessed the diverse range of people that they serve and the importance of quality, ethno-cultural representation, including at university.
As a first-gen student, he is proud to be studying here and to represent other ethno-culturally diverse students from all walks of life. Should Stanley be elected, he will fight for several reforms including.
- Subsidising the placement programmes for nursing students,
- Abolishing the use of spyware programs like Proctorio, and
- Bringing back the 24/7 library on Campus. Vote 1 Action for WUSA

GLASGOW, Callum

My Name is Callum, I am 21 and studying a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Majors in History and International Relations. Our revive team is comprised of experienced student adovates from across different faculties. Revive is committed to utilising the National Union of Students for meaningful student advocacy on issues affecting students at UOW"

We will advocate through the NUS to:
- Introduce paid placements for university degrees
- End period poverty
- Raise the age of independence
- Increase the accessibilty for our physical campuses and university online; and
pressure the Albanese Labor government and the University to urgently intervene to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual violence on campus.

KAUL, Kshantu

I am Kshantu Kaul, a dedicated community advocate with a strong commitment to making positive change.
Born and raised in India, I have deep roots in this community, and I've seen the challenges and opportunities it has faced over the years.
I am currently pursuing a Bachelors in Media and Communications (Majors in Journalism). I am a firm believer in the power of collaboration and believe that by working together, we can achieve great things for our community. My experiences have taught me the importance of listening to the concerns of our students and finding innovative solutions to address them. Election Statement- I am passionate about student advocacy and committed to improving campus life, I promise to be your voice. I will work tirelessly to improve student services, promote diversity and inclusion, and foster a sense of community.
Together, we can create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where every student's voice is heard. Let's strive to create positive change and make our college experience unforgettable. Vote for me and together we will shape a better future for our university.

THORNING, Alexander

Left Action are a coalition of left-wing activists running in the UOW undergraduate student union elections. We want to make sure that our representative bodies - WUSA and NUS - stand up for students' rights and social justice. We think that student unions should be activist bodies, focused on organising students and campaigning actively, rather than passive or consultative bodies that make no real impact. We want to fight for a better deal for students and for left-wing issues - from the rental crisis, to the environment to anti-racist causes.

Left Action candidates are all committed activists. We spend our time organising and agitating for many issues. Just this year, Left Action activists have campaigned against landlords profiteering in the rental crisis, for the university to cut its ties with climate criminal companies, helped to organise a rally to defend a drag story time in Thirroul from the far-right and stood with Port Kembla and the union movement against the planned nuclear submarine base.

Make sure to vote on SOLS on October 4-6 for Left Action for WUSA and NUS to fight injustice and oppression.

GOWERS, Sarah

Hi, I'm Sarah Gowers (Pearce) and I am a second-year law/arts student.
I also manage a bar at one of Wollongong's leading venues, and am super passionate about community and leadership. I am the 2022 Vice Chancellor's Elite Academic Scholar and have been the Legal & Compliance Officer of the UOW Law Student's Society for over a year, ensuring that our Society meets its constitutional and regulatory obligations and that we are following UniClubs policy.
I am also the 180DC Events Officer, and work in a similar role to ensure compliance matters are properly addressed, highlighting my key skills in organisation.
I am also the Cook Coordinator at Lighthouse Community Kitchen. In this role I not only prepare nutritious and delicious meals for the most vulnerable in the Wollongong community, but I also coordinate the other cooks, manage the stock and pantry and organise food ordering.
I am approaching my 3000 meal milestone soon and am proud of the journey our small community initiative has been on to expand so much in such a small amount of time. I am also a Youth Frontiers Mentor with YWCA, working with vulnerable young women for better life outcomes.

SAWAN, Abd El-Ghani

Hi. My name is Abd El-Ghani Sawan, but everyone calls me Aboudi for short. I am a second-year undergraduate student studying a Bachelor of Laws/Arts.
I am applying for the role of the Disabilities Officer at WUSA. As a person with a disability, I find this role appealing as I have a passion for helping others, and especially people with disabilities. I love raising disability awareness, and would be honoured to assist, encourage and advocate for students with disabilities at UOW.
I have very low vision, being diagnosed with congenital glaucoma and nystagmus at birth. I have learned to never see my disability as an obstacle but to embrace it and accept that some people have different ways of approaching life. It’s what makes me unique. With this mentality I have been able to succeed in a lot of aspects in life.
I was a vice-captain at Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts; I’ve achieved Grade 7 AMEB in my piano; I am a volunteer lifeguard at Wollongong City Beach and have a Bronze Medallion; I have been invited to play futsal for the Australian Visually Impaired Football Team.

PADOR, Hanzel-Jude

As a firm believer in student politics and Amplify Your WUSA, I, Hanzel-Jude Pador, intend to run as Treasurer with Amplify Your WUSA. I strongly believe in the introduction of free period products on campus, a public food pantry, as well as the expansion of the existing free breakfast program and WUSA book bank.
These key policies were designed by Amplify Your WUSA to amplify your voices as students of UOW. As WUSA Treasurer, I intend to ensure these beliefs and ideas properly materialise as policies.
We want to Amplify your voices, and Amplify your WUSA! Vote [1] Amplify!

DaLAPA-SOARES, Connor

My name is Connor Soares, and I am running for the position of General Representative. The thought of promoting change within the university sphere is extremely motivating for me and I wish to put this passion into practice through involvement with WUSA. I believe that all students should have the opportunity to have a voice and I want to promote moral and ethical decision making within the university for the benefit of its students.

My inspiration for leadership is grounded within a sense of community. Through engaging in campus life, I believe that I have seen the values that are important to the student body of UOW. I believe that through WUSA I will have the opportunity to give back to others and represent the interest of all students. With the help of previous leadership experience, I have learnt the importance of being in service to others as well as the importance of bringing people together in order to promote change.

I hope that through a nomination as a general representative for WUSA I can support the vision of the university and ultimately enable the pursuit of change for the betterment of the student community

HOGDEN, Mackenzie

Left Action are a coalition of left-wing activists running in the UOW undergraduate student union elections.
We want to make sure that our representative bodies - WUSA and NUS - stand up for students' rights and social justice. We think that student unions should be activist bodies, focused on organising students and campaigning actively, rather than passive or consultative bodies that make no real impact.
We want to fight for a better deal for students and for left-wing issues - from the rental crisis, to the environment to anti-racist causes. Left Action candidates are all committed activists. We spend our time organising and agitating for many issues.
Just this year, Left Action activists have campaigned against landlords profiteering in the rental crisis, for the university to cut its ties with climate criminal companies, helped to organise a rally to defend a drag story time in Thirroul from the far-right and stood with Port Kembla and the union movement against the planned nuclear submarine base.

Make sure to vote on SOLS on October 4-6 for Left Action for WUSA and NUS to fight injustice and oppression.

CHIAVERINI, Nicholas

Nicholas Chiaverini, is a first year student at UOW currently studying Pre medical health and science, who finds a great sense of satisfaction in community participation. Nick has most recently the privilege of been involved in the MS Mega Swim, passionate about supporting research towards alleviating hardship caused by multiple sclerosis. He also was involed with the “Maskerteers” project, a high school iniative to deliver masks made by design students to vulnerable populations. Now leaving high school, Nicholas has set his ambitions sky high, and aims to positively support the UOW Community in the space of student politics. As a passionate pre med student, he understands the value the sciences have, and endorses subsidised lab equipment alongside supporting nursing students in work-placement. Nick has also nominated for the position of environmental rep, and will campaign for the “return and earn” scheme, a valuable and proven effort to minimise the universities footprint. It is with upmost enthusiasm that nick nominates himself for student council. Vote [1] action for WUSA

AKYOL, Ela

HEY EVERYONE! I'm running for General Secretary for the upcoming WUSA elections with Amplify Your WUSA!

As former President of WUSA, I ensured that students were properly represented by their student union. I am passionate about issues relating to social justice, climate action and ensuring that UOW works in favour of students rather than profit!
As the cost of living is rising, now more than ever, is it essential that they have a student union that will continue the fight for their rights!
This year I have delivered some great results for students including:
- Introducing a WUSA Free Breakfast on Campus.
- Campaigning UOW to introduce Free Period Products on campus.
- Restarting the WUSA Bookbank .
- Running activities in the Women's Space for all femme-identifying people.
- Campaigning for the Voice to Parliament.
- Organising Climate Action rallies.

Plus more!! But there is still a lot of work ahead of me!

Next year, I will:
- Continue the fight for free period products on campus for all students!
- Establish a WUSA Free Pantry for students.
- Campaign for cheaper accomodation at UOW.
- Campaign to end unpaid internships.

Please vote [1] Ela Akyol for General Secretary!

CASE, Braydon

Braydon is a second year student studying a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in history and politics at the University Of Wollongong. Braydon cares passionately about his community, always looking for opportunities to volunteer. Braydon has volunteered for the admiral Save The Children charity in Wollongong and believes in their cause. Access to nutrition, basic education and a caring community are paramount to children’s well-being which this organisation helps many children achieve. Braydon is an active blood donor, providing much needed resources to those who have cancer and those with severe injuries. Given his extensive study of governance, Braydon would be a perfect candidate for this position. If elected Braydon would fight for students basic fundamental rights; including their basic right to privacy by abolishing the use of spyware programs such as proctorio. Braydon will also seek to reduce administration spending and instead seek to invest that money in students or put it towards reducing the overall cost of attending the university. Braydon also believes firmly in an open marketplace of differing views on given subjects within the social sciences, and will pursue policies that allow for students to widen their perspectives on the pressing issues of our time.

MALBY, Jacob

Hey everyone my name is Jacob and I’m running for General Representative to Amplify your voice, and Amplify your WUSA.
I study a double degree in Law and Communications and Media. I've always been passionate about student engagement and interests (and I've always had my fair share of opinions on the University). I have broad leadership experience having been a house captain in year 6, which is no easy task.
Amplify Your WUSA is all about making sure student voices are heard on campus. We want to keep student interests at the core of everything we do. Amplify your WUSA will:
Expand the WUSA Free Breakfast
Introduce a WUSA Free Pantry
Continue the fight for free period products on campus
Campaign to end unpaid internships
Fight for cheaper accomodation at UOW and much more!

We want to Amplify your voices, and Amplify your WUSA! Vote [1] Amplify your WUSA!

BUTCHER, Gabrielle

I’m Gabrielle Butcher, a first-year psychology student from Gundagai NSW. As a student currently living in I-House and as a member of UOW Labor, I believe I am a good fit for the position of general representative. I feel that I can be a voice for students living in university accommodation and on behalf of UOW Labor. In my spare time I enjoy horse riding, tennis, swimming, going to the beach, listening to music and watching films and tv shows. As an active participant within the UOW student community, I believe I would be an excellent candidate for the position, as I have a fair idea of the change and improvements desired by the student body.

SHEPRA, Chhimi Dolka

I am an international undergraduate student in the Faculty of Business and Law. I have always been concerned about welfare and progression of society which has led me to be a part of the International Youth Leadership Summit for Peace where I represented Nepal as the National Student Ambassador. I got elected as the Head Student Representative (Head Girl) in both of my Secondary and Higher-Secondary Schools. My zeal for being the voice for the underrepresented has always been indubitable for I was the National School Representative in the NRNA NCC (Non-Resident Nepali Association; National Coordination Council) Cultural Exchange and Internship Committee. Similarly, I have participated in multiple public speaking events shaping me into being an eloquent speaker. I have also been taking part in Model United Nations for 4+ years in multiple sessions to comprehend and learn how to solve world problems through the culture of dialogue. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first two semesters at the University of Wollongong, for which I believe having the esteemed opportunity to represent the International student body of UOW and use my experience to work towards the betterment of the institution and the community as a whole will be my honour.

JINKS, Ryan

As a hardworking and community oriented that is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics engineering and is in first year. I have a part time job at a microbrewery. I am a highly focused individual who is practically minded and result-oriented with skills in organisation, cash management, risk assessment and financial literacy. This is demonstrated by my achievements in first year engineering. My interests involve long distance running, mathematics, electronics and economic issues. I have a long history of passionately campaigning for progressive political issues and have been doing so since I was young. My vision is that of efficient, and effective financial management of WUSA to the best of my ability. I believe that with a strong, consistent work ethic coupled with embracing the values of equity, sustainability and inclusion I will make an ideal candidate. Because of this, combined with my capability in financial mathematics I am an eager and qualified candidate for the position of treasurer of the Wollongong Undergraduate Student Association.

GRIFFITHS, Oliver

Oliver is running to be WUSA’s next Treasurer. He’s got the knowledge, experience and know-how to deliver a prosperous financial status for WUSA, which can be invested deeply into programs for students at the University of Wollongong. He’s got financial experience as a Director of his local bank - so he can be trusted with your SSAF. He’s also got an exceptional record in community service and customer satisfaction, as a readily available grocer in his local grocery store. This combined experience allows Oliver to ensure that UOW students get more bang for their buck. Oliver is committed to gutting wasteful spending, financial transparency and prioritising projects which benefit all students. This is part of the movement for healthy and responsible management of student finances. The only way we can put WUSA Back in Black, is voting [1] Action for WUSA

HANCOCK, Ben

Our Revive team is comprised of experienced student advocates from across different faculties.

Revive is committed to utilising the National Union of Students for meaningful student advocacy on issues affecting students at UOW.

We will advocate through the NUS to:

- Introduce paid placements for university degrees;

- End period poverty;

- Raise the age of independence:

- Increase the accessibility for our physical campuses and university online; and

- Pressure the Albanese Labor government and the University to urgently intervene to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual violence on campus.

CHAPMAN, Ryan

"Hey all! I’m Ryan and I’m running for the Education Office in the Wollongong Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) and NUS delegate!
I’m running with Left Action in the upcoming student elections.
Left Action is a ticket of activists determined to use our positions in WUSA and NUS to fight around the injustice and rampant oppression throughout our whole society.
Over the past year I have helped organise rallies to defend trans rights at a Drag Story-time event in Thirroul, stand in solidarity with Palestine, fight university management’s criminal ties to the fossil fuel industry and organise the massive May Day rally in Port Kembla against AUKUS and the Labor government’s plans to turn Port Kembla into a nuclear base.

So, if you want unapologetic, left wing activists who will stand up against the university and Labor government, who will fight around issues student care about, VOTE [1] Left Action October 4th-6th!"

BENSON, Frank

Hi, I am a 4th year University student who is undertaking International Relations and Politics, I enjoy playing and watching sports (especially cricket, soccer and watching F1), I also aim to help out in my local community in terms of volunteering for Salvos Op Shop, and for Legacy Australia. I am also part of the executive team for WUDFA (University of Wollongongs Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy Association), and also part of UOWs Labour club. I will be running for the ethno- cultural representative today, as a person who was born overseas and then moved to Australia, I am a firm believer in diversity and understand the hardships that international students face especially in terms of job security, language barrier, and settling in. I believe in major representation for students who have moved from overseas to University of Wollongong, International students represent a huge number of our University’s population and I want to build a support network to help them transit into Australia, and make them feel more comfortable.

PADMAN, Daniel

Dan is a third year student currently studying a Bachelor of International Studies majoring Politics and International Relations at UOW's Wollongong Campus. Dan has a keen interest in the local community and student politics, he hopes that in the position of Tertangala Coordinator he can help make a difference in the ability of the student to be heard on campus. With an appreciation of the papers history he hopes to bring it into a more popular and positive place in the UOW and broader Wollongong community.

BANKIER, Isaac

Left Action are a coalition of left-wing activists running in the UOW undergraduate student union elections. We want to make sure that our representative bodies - WUSA and NUS - stand up for students' rights and social justice.
We think that student unions should be activist bodies, focused on organising students and campaigning actively, rather than passive or consultative bodies that make no real impact.
We want to fight for a better deal for students and for left-wing issues - from the rental crisis, to the environment to anti-racist causes.
Left Action candidates are all committed activists. We spend our time organising and agitating for many issues. Just this year, Left Action activists have campaigned against landlords profiteering in the rental crisis, for the university to cut its ties with climate criminal companies, helped to organise a rally to defend a drag story time in Thirroul from the far-right and stood with Port Kembla and the union movement against the planned nuclear submarine base.

Make sure to vote on SOLS on October 4-6 for Left Action for WUSA and NUS to fight injustice and oppression.

HARDIE, Noah

I’m Noah Hardie, and this year I’m proud to be running for environment representative on the Revive ticket. As your environment representative, I'll make sure we're all part of a university that embraces new opportunities in renewable energy and eco-friendly initiatives. If elected, I’ll focus on real, tangible ways to make our campus a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant place to study. UOW has agreed to support sustainable transport strategies.
If elected, I’ll push for the University’s commitments to be put into action through the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell buses. Our University has pledged net carbon neutrality by 2030. It’s vital that WUSA conducts a quarterly review of UOW’s progress in curbing emissions. This independent scrutiny would ensure our university is held accountable for its emissions targets. I believe in strong community efforts to ensure environmentally sustainable practices.
Return and Earn services, community gardens on all campuses, and more food disposal bins will be the first of many green initiatives I’ll advocate for. If you want practical, sensible policies to meet our university’s environmental goals, then make sure to support me and my fellow Revive candidates as we campaign for a better future for students and a revived WUSA.

COX, Kaia

Left Action are a coalition of left-wing activists running in the UOW undergraduate student union elections.
We want to make sure that our representative bodies - WUSA and NUS - stand up for students' rights and social justice. We think that student unions should be activist bodies, focused on organising students and campaigning actively, rather than passive or consultative bodies that make no real impact.
We want to fight for a better deal for students and for left-wing issues - from the rental crisis, to the environment to anti-racist causes. Left Action candidates are all committed activists.
We spend our time organising and agitating around many issues. Just this year, Left Action activists have campaigned against landlords profiteering in the rental crisis, for the university to cut its ties with climate criminal companies, helped to organise a rally to defend a drag story time in Thirroul from the far-right and stood with Port Kembla and the union movement against the planned nuclear submarine base.

Make sure to vote on SOLS on October 4-6 for Left Action for WUSA and NUS to fight injustice and oppression.

JOHNSON, Joel

Joel is a third year student studying Law and Arts in Western Civilisation at UOW's Wollongong campus. Joel is a passionate community advocate who works passionately in his community's across Bankstown and the Sutherland Shire to achieve positive outcomes for many people. Joel's community service includes serving as a Director of the Rotary Club of Padstow, as the Vice-President of Sutherland Shire's Sister Cities Association, as a Member of Canterbury-Bankstown Council's Youth Reference Committee, and as the second place candidate for District of Wollongong at the 2023 State Government elections.
Joel has worked professionally adjacent to government for over 2 years and prior to this worked in hospitality. Joel understands the need for quality representation in all forms of governance, including on campus at university. If elected Joel would fight for a variety of reforms including; improvements to the internship programs for nursing and law, returning law exams to being digitally/remotely delivered, bringing back the 24/7 library on campus, and ending the use of spyware invigilation software such as Proctorio.

Vote 1 Action for WUSA

WALLACE, Jessica

Hi, I am Jessica Wallace I am currently studying i bachelor of Social Sciences with a major in Criminology pathway to Education. My goals is to create an inclusive and engaging environment for everyone apart of the UOW community.

I am running for president of WUSA because I believe I can impact the UOW campus in a variety of ways. I am part of a team known as Revive

Our Revive team is comprised of experienced student advocates from across different faculties.

Revive is committed to utilising WUSA for meaningful student advocacy on issues affecting students at UOW.

We will advocate through the WUSA to:
- Introduce paid placements for university degrees;
- End period poverty;
- Raise the age of independence:
- Increase the accessibility for our physical campuses and university online; and
- Pressure the Albanese Labor government and the University to urgently intervene to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual violence on campus.

Furthermore we will fight to improve the overall experience for UOW students.

HALL, Alexander

Hi, I’m Alec Hall and I’m running to represent you at the National Union of Students. NUS politics is dominated by universities in the capital cities, I believe strongly in the power of students and the things we can achieve as students when we fight back.
A better NUS is one that fights for all students and achieves tangible improvements for students around the country, in the current cost-of-living crisis it is more important than ever that the NUS fights for things like: Raising the rate of youth allowance. SSAF to be distributed on student terms. Freezing student debt. Rural and regional students need to be heard, and we are the only people with voices loud enough.
Vote [1] Amplify your WUSA, for WUSA and NUS!