Candidate Data Appearing in the Ballot
Poll Group: Professional Staff Member Election 2025Poll: Professional Staff Member
Aiden Hill
 | I am nominating myself for the non-academic member to ECU’s University Council. As an ECU alumnus of both WAAPA (Bachelor of Arts [Arts Management]) and SBL (Graduate Certificate of Strategic Project Management) and currently studying a Master of International Relations at UWA, I offer a diverse academic perspective. My recent professional ECU experience includes leading university-wide projects like Orientation which requires cross institutional collaboration, serving as a voting ECU Academic Board member, and initiating a RAC and ECU Active Transport collaboration. Having studied, worked and started a business with a hidden disability provides me with a unique insight into student and staff needs. Additionally, I’m applying corporate and political governance theory from my studies through Academic Board participation. I’m committed to contributing my skillset and unique academic and professional staff perspectives to the University Council’s decision-making processes and ultimately ensure good governance of this institution.
aiden.hill@ecu.edu.au | 08 6304 2419 |
Ina O'Dea
 | As a Finance Manager leading a Finance Team at ECU for over 10 years, I have been privileged to be part of innovative and passionate School leadership teams while working closely with various Service Centres across the University.
I am a qualified Chartered Accountant and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors that gives me a deeper understanding of governance and financial management. Combined with my diverse work experience across the University, makes me a strong candidate for the position. I consider myself a resourceful team player, able to see both the big picture and the detail, always focused on learning, listening and communication skills. As part of the ECU Council, I would be able to further contribute my time and efforts in making a difference for ECU. I respectfully request your vote to be the non-academic staff member on the University Council. Thank you. E. i.odea@ecu.edu.au LinkedIn. www.linkedin.com/in/ina-o-dea-010a075 |
Dr Faisal Awan
 | Dr Faisal Awan is a Technical Support Engineer at the School of Engineering and a proud ECU graduate. He brings over 10 years of experience in higher education across Australia and overseas, contributing to academic, technical, and research functions. Faisal has held leadership roles including acting Technical Manager, WHS Chair, and national curriculum committee member. His diverse background gives him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing professional staff. He is passionate about staff development, advocating for fair recognition, clear career progression, and inclusive practices. As both a staff member and former student, Faisal is committed to strengthening the professional staff voice and supporting a positive, future-focused university culture.
Email: f.awan@ecu.edu.au LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/faisalawan55/ |
Dr Kylie Austin
 | I am currently the Director, Student Life with 17 years’ experience in higher education, implementing student support programs and services, peer learning programs, outreach programs and equity programs for future and current university students. Completing a PhD in 2022, I have experience in research both leading multi-institutional, national projects focused on student equity, as well as teaching experience.
I have board experience with Life Education, a non-for-profit organisation focused on preventative health education and am the current President for Equity Practitioners in Higher Education Association. As President for EPHEA, an organisation committed to challenging barriers to higher education for students and staff, I lead an Executive Committee, with membership of 1,200 staff to liaise with government departments, university executive and affiliated organisations across the sector. I will bring a student-centred and staff-centred lens to the University Council, combined with a strong understanding of university operations, research and teaching. E. k.austin@ecu.edu.au |
Margaret Jones
 | I have had the privilege of serving in the role of elected Professional Staff Member on Council once before and am keen to serve the University community again in this role. A 2019 external review of my contribution to Council reported that I bring ‘sector experience and knowledge’, am an ‘excellent communicator’ and am a ‘very strong advocate as staff representative at Council meetings’ who brings ‘a positive approach and perspective to Council business’. Serving in the leadership position of Director of Research Services at ECU for more than thirteen years, I have extensive experience that I believe would make me a valuable member of the ECU Council. This includes being a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and representing ECU on state- and national-level Boards and Committees. I would be honoured to serve in this role, providing a strong and trusted voice for professional colleagues.
E. margaret.jones@ecu.edu.au |
Marija Petrovska
 | With a passion for higher education and over 20 years of relevant experience, I am nominating myself for the ECU Council. As Manager, Global Business Development and Governance in the International Office, I advise senior executives on internationalisation and lead strategic initiatives and governance for the portfolio.
I have built and nurtured partnerships with universities and government agencies globally. I have represented ECU in sector-wide initiatives like the WA International Student Return Plan and led the 2024 Australia-Bhutan Research Conference, enhancing ECU’s global impact. My expertise includes international education, policy development and legal advocacy, cross-sector collaboration and strategic partnerships, risk-informed decision-making, governance, and multifaceted project management across diverse university portfolios. I understand the Council’s responsibility for strategic direction, performance oversight, and governance. If elected, I will bring sound judgment, integrity, and a commitment to ECU’s strategic goals: advancing student success, research excellence, social impact, and sustainable growth. m.petrovska@ecu.edu.au LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marijapetrovska |
Dawn Reid
 | I am a friendly and well-connected member of the ECU community, actively engaging in university events and fostering relationships across all levels.
With a Diploma in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master’s in Mental Health Nursing & Research Practice, I bring expertise in student support, mental health, and education. As Coordinator of The Living Room, ECU’s mental health service, I lead initiatives that enhance student well-being. My governance experience includes serving as a Work Health & Safety Representative and a former committee member for People & Culture. Having held various roles at ECU—including Lecturer, Unit Coordinator, Tutor, and Clinical Facilitator—I understand the university’s operations and the needs of staff and students. I am passionate about supporting ECU’s mission and advocating for our community. I would be honored to represent non-academic professional staff on the ECU Council. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Dawn Reid dawn.reid@ecu.edu.au |
Isabelle Lange
 | Since joining in 2017, it has been a pleasure to evolve alongside ECU’s values-driven community as we continue transforming into a University of the Future. In my current capacity as the Manager, Global Partner Strategy and Performance within the International Office, I have a breadth of experience working across major policy, strategy and engagement challenges faced not only by ECU, but the wider higher education sector. I also serve on several internal working groups, such as Analytics and Digital Productivity, operating cross-functionally with key service centres and business stakeholders to ensure best-fit outcomes for the wider university. If elected, I will ensure that the diverse interests of ECU’s professional & non-academic services are meaningfully represented and advocated for on Council, as we move towards an exciting and transformative chapter for the ECU community in 2026 and beyond.
Isabelle Lange I can be contacted via: i.lange@ecu.edu.au |