2016electionedition.

the 2016candidatesthank youfor yourconsideration.

For more election information please visit nusa.org.au

table of contents.

PRESIDENT

NUS REPRESENTATIVE

MEDIA OFFICER

WELFARE OFFICER

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ACTIVITIES CONVENOR

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5.

7.

9.

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Brianna FarnhamFOR PRESIDENT

{POLICY STATEMENT}Dear Student of UON,As President I will bring my passionfor student advocacy to the students of UON! NUSA is primed for launching and NOW is the time for strong leadership. This is a critical period in UON history as NUSA is one of longest standing student unions and nowyou have the power to vote for thereinvigoration of your student union.

MY POSITION, PLANS AND POLICIES INCLUDE, BUT ARENOT LIMITED TO:

Advocacy for quality education, equality and equity, accessible and abundant welfare services, ample transport availability, environmental sustainability, the growth and prosperity of students at the University of Newcastle.

REVITALISATION OF OUR

AUTONOMOUS COLLECTIVES:

International, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Post-Grad and Part-Time Students, Equity, Queer, Women's, Activities, Environment and Transport.

. . . you have the power to vote for thereinvigoration of your student union.“

“

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““Campaigning for student health with specific focus on nutrition, physical health, mental health and sexual health.

IMPLEMENT OF INITIATIVESsuch as Car Pooling Meet & Greets, "How To" guides to navigate both free/ affordable food and cheap transport, providing a safe supportive environment (zero tolerance to discrimination and bullying) at UON, activism and support for student issues in the form of advocacy, petitions, rallies and public forums.

Since 2011 Newcastle University Students' Association has been experiencing some operational difficulties. In this last year NUSA have identified the underlying issues, which have been inhibiting their services.

As such, since my introduction to NUSA, I have been working in my capacity first as a council member and then later as an employee to overcome these issues.

To me, NUSA is the difference between getting a piece ofpaper and a REAL student experience.

NUSA has EXTRAORDINARY potential to bring people together to support each other, create networks and initiatives that benefit us all and make memories that will lasta lifetime.

Sincerely,

BRIANNA FARNHAM

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Phill JohnsonFOR PRESIDENT

{POLICY STATEMENT}I’m running for President because I want to create a strong, prosperous and inclusive students’ association that serves and brings merit to the entire university community.Throughout this year as Vice-President, I have seen the importance of an organisation that listens to its members. Adopting a direction for NUSA that puts students first is crucial.

{WHAT I STAND FOR}

AN OPEN, TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE STUDENT UNION:

At any successful student union, all decisions are made to benefit students following a process that ensures consultation, transparency and accountability. Major reform should follow a process that includes the NUSA council, students and clubs in the discussion from the beginning.

Council meetings and records should be accessible to all.

FIXING THE TRANSPORT PROBLEM:

The University has become infamous for its parking and traffic problems. In peak periods, parking capacity is pushed past breaking point with few convenient public transport alternatives available.

Adopting a direction for NUSA that puts students first is crucial.“ “

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““We need a sustainable solution to fix parking and traffic problems.

I’m prepared to work with the University, Local Council andthe State Government to seethis happen.

We need to build on current campaigns promoting the benefits of cycling or catching public transport to Uni to solve the issue. This includes pushing for concession Opal cards to be available to all students – notjust full time domestic students.

STREAMLINED CLUBS

ADMINISTRATION:

NUSA needs a dedicated staffing position to oversee and assist in clubs administration and grants. With this, there still needs to be an elected Clubs and Societies Officer who can develop and present policy to council for the benefit of all clubs. Clubs are a core aspect of NUSA and it’s

important that there is an elected council member who can bring policy to NUSAC on their behalf.I want to see a simple systemthat is accessible to all clubs,no matter how big or small,new or old.

AN ACTIVE AND ENGAGING NUSA:

It’s important that as the peak representative body for students at UoN, NUSA have a presence on campus and in student life. Student engagement activities such as info stalls and free BBQ’s offer a chance for students to meet their elected representatives.

Seeing more action from NUSAon the ground is something that we should work towards in the coming year.

Thank you for your support

PHILL JOHNSON

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““The role of Media Officer has been long coveted by myself as I yearnto interact with the students of UON in a way that electrifies them.I want to bring passion for literacy, entertainment and studentadvocacy back into the NUSAmedia representation!

I will create effective working relationships between the University of Newcastle, YAK, UON Radio 2NURfm, NEWSPORT, NUPSA, local news and radio station and NUSA so as to deliver comprehensive updates and information on available services, activities, initiatives and all the breaking news!

OPUS, our student Magazine will return to its former glory! Next year OPUS will feature articles from our autonomous collectives and convenors, our Clubs and Societies,

politics, music, the latest in engineering, medicine and more! Your student magazine will be tailored so there is something for everybody.

As Media Officer I will be creating opportunities for us all, volunteers for journalism, editing and more will be available to any student wanting to get involved in the publishing of our magazine. This will help build student resumes, as I will provide a reference on request to my hard working volunteers.

I HAVE PREVIOUSLY HAD EXPERIENCE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN, MARKETING AND PUBLISHING OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS, covering advertising and magazines companies. As Media officer I promise to restore OPUS magazine to involve all students input and represent NUSA.

Sarah AlexanderFOR MEDIA OFFICER

{POLICY STATEMENT}

As Media Officer I will send my shock wave through the student viamedia outlets such as: Facebook • Twitter • NUSA.org.au • Face to faceFliering • OPUS Magazine • Lunacy (Women's Collective magazine)Weekly Newsletter • Clubs and societies event booklet

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Batsirayi MusaFOR MEDIA OFFICER

{POLICY STATEMENT}I am a self driven, ambitious first year student who has a desire to rebuild the Opus student magazine. The journey has started, but is far from completion.

I am running for Media Officer so asto build on the progression we have already made. If you vote for me,I will be able to achieve more thanI did last year.

. . . one of my desires is to makesure OPUS reflects the students.“ “

One of my desires is to make sure Opus reflects the students in terms of cultural diversity, inclusiveness, illustrations and thought provoking articles.

Opus has been around for 61 years, and with such history it is important for us to make sure that this history continues on.

We will be working on having a better online presence and engaging the UON students.I will be working on ways in which we can captivate the audience at large.

Thank you for the opportunityto initiate change, and torekindle the Opus spirit.

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Erin NolanFOR WELFARE OFFICER

{POLICY STATEMENT}

• IMPROVED STUDENT HEALTH;by raising awareness and accessibility of on campushealth services.

• ADVOCACY FOR STUDENTS experiencing extensive challenges whilst completing courseworke.g. chronic illness, disability, or as a primary carer/parent.

• INCREASED ACCESSIBILITYto tutors from a variety of faculties.

• OPEN LINES OF COMMUNICATION between the student bodyand the university via your student union.

• Creation and implementation of a Student Peer Support Network, focusing on student health and wellbeing.

As welfare officer I will be actively seeking out welfare issues that need addressing. Once located·, I will implement a policy focused on support, information and guidance to eradicate welfare inequalities with in the University of Newcastle. In my role as Health Faculty Representative I was a strong advocate for mental health issues and as Welfare Officer, I will have the capacity to be your conduit to the University and a better future.

I will be actively seekingout welfare issues that

need addressing . . .

It is my belief that every student hasthe right to comprehensive welfare opportunities throughout their university experience. As such I am campaigningto make it my priority thatstudent's receive:

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Giacomo ArnottFOR WELFARE OFFICER

{POLICY STATEMENT}

I AM AIMING TO HAVE A RENEWED, ACTIVE WELFARE COLLECTIVE,WITH A STRONG MEMBERSHIPWHO REGULARLY MEETS TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO STUDENT WELFARE.

I want the Welfare Collective to have a strong volunteer base, to allow the important welfare work which NUSA carries out to continue.

Initiatives allowing students access to regular cheap or free food is high on my agenda - we all know how difficult it can be some days to afford a decent breakfast or lunch while at Uni, and it's important that NUSA, as your student association,

is capable of stepping in to help keep students healthy.

The role of Welfare Officer is one of the most important in the student association, and I have not nominated for this position to neglect it- I have nominated for this position because I know I am more than capable of improving on the work of previous Welfare Officers, and I know that I can bring a lot to the position and I will work hard to assist students.

THANK YOU FOR READING, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE ON CAMPUS NEXT YEAR.

The role of Welfare Officeris one of the most important . . .

I have nominated for the position of Welfare Officer as I have, through my life experiences to date, been involved in various progressive groups which has given me a raw insight into the difficulties faced by young people, particularly students.

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Sarah AlexanderFOR ACTIVITIES CONVENOR

{POLICY STATEMENT}

Hi my name is Sarah Alexander and I have 10 years experience in events management,

advertising and marketing.

As such I feel I will be a perfecta candidate for the roll of the Activities Convenor at the University of Newcastle.

I WILL MAKE IT MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKESURE THE NEEDS OF THE STUDENTS ARE ADEQUATELY REPRESENTED AND SEEN TO.

I am an optimistic person and revel at the opportunity to contribute to theNUSA committee.

I have also been the activity convenor for 2015 and been actively promoting and organising events allyear for NUSA.

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Dear Student of UON,I believe that more special activities should be arranged throughout semesters such as those held especially for "Stress Less Week" to make the campus a more relaxing and enjoyable environment. As Activities Convener I would put in the effort and time to organize more interesting and unique student experiences on a regular basis.

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James KayFOR ACTIVITIES CONVENOR

{POLICY STATEMENT}

. . . more special activities should bearranged throughout semesters . . .

MY POLICIES:

• A new open activity or attraction on a fortnightly basis.

• More support and recognition for student organized groups and local activities centers.

• A manageable and ideally minimal budget for events and activities.

• As convener I will participate heavily in both the organization and the setup and running of all activities.

As the NUSA activities convenerI will help to organize themed activities based on the time they

are held and research into what students would like to see or experience at their campus. Furthermore I will utilize my connections at my place of employment "The Sons of Obi-Wan Saber Academy" to organize Star Wars themed Theatre Combat Workshops on a regular basis. Unique experiences such as these would be a great investment for our campus and the experience of its students.

Sincerely,

JAMES KAY

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Michael BassFOR ACTIVITIES CONVENOR

{POLICY STATEMENT}

I have been involved with NUSA for two & a half years now, particularly with the Vegetarian Club.IN 2014 I WAS ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT AND IN 2015 I WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE VEGETARIAN CLUB.

This year we have over 400 paid members and regularly run activities with over 100 attendees. I run the Vegetarian Club with the intent to provide a neutral medium which allows students to socialise with other like-minded people and allow those who are unfamiliar with vegan/vegetarian food and philosophy a comfortable and friendly environment in whichto learn about it.

I will approach the role as the NUSA activities officer with the same philosophy. University clubs should be run for the benefit of the students an no one else. I am familiar with NUSA

and have witnessed the unique position it has on campus to facilitate such an environment as well as provide the students with a united voice. It has been disheartening to watch asNUSA member's numbers have dwindled and to watch important contributions NUSA provided to the students, such as the $15 Veggie box, move from run by student, for students move off campus. I anticipate with the experience I have running university clubs as well as the skills and experiences I bring from my prior careers, I can help deliver to the students what they deserve: clubs run by students, for students and a united voice.

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FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS EXECUTIVE OFFICER

{POLICY STATEMENT}

MY NAME IS WILLIAM PREETHAM KUMAR I AM AN INTERNATIONALSTUDENT DOING MY MASTERS IN IT.I have been in Newcastle for the past nine months and I have had good amount of exposure in the international community hereand I would love to help out more by becoming the International representative. I believe I can do this because I have a lot of skills and I am very friendly to everyoneI meet. One of my biggest advantages is I know a lot of languages to communicate insome of the languages I knoware English, French, Arabic, Hindi,Tamil. With these skills I am able to communicate with other students of almost any International community. I am also a good listener and able hear out other students problem and give them a helpful solution, I am also part of the NUSA council I am very much

involved in NUSA and weare trying to make Newcastle University on of the best in Australia for international students. Apart from this I try to help new international students find their way in Newcastle such as get them accommodation and show them shops where they can buy things, I also keep a checkon them from time to time to see if they feel home sick or lonely, sometimes I also invite themfor dinner if they feel too lonely.So as you can see I have been very much involved with the international students herein Newcastle and would loveto do more if I am given the opportunity so kindly consider me for International Student Representative.

Thanking You,WILLIAM PREETHAM KUMAR

. . . some of the languages I know areEnglish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil.“ “

William Preetham Kumar

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Batsirayi MusaFOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS EXECUTIVE OFFICER

{POLICY STATEMENT}My name is Batsi,

I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT,AND I AM VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT IMPROVING OUR STUDENT EXPERIENCE.

One of the things I would like totackle is trying to get concession for international students and working hand in hand with domestic students.

As an international student I am aware of the things we struggle with and the stress that comes with study and working. So if you vote for me I will make sure I am a voice for all, and Iwill make sure that the Newcastle University hears.

. . . I am very passionate about improving our student experience.“ “

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Clare SwanFOR NUS REPRESENTATIVE

{POLICY STATEMENT}

The National Union of Studentsis the peak body for university students in Australia.

NEWCASTLE NEEDS TO HAVE A SERIOUS VOICE ON THE NATIONAL PLATFORM THAT IS NUS.

The only way for Newcastle to be made a national priority is for us to write the motions and policy that make small and regional campuses a priority.

We can have a strong voice and advocate for our students if we get fully involved and participate in our national student activist body.

There are thousands of students out there at our universities, and we all are coming together in coordinated national campaigns to get the student voice heard.

At NUS, we can meet new people, share knowledge, and bring back policy and campaigns to our campus.

WE CAN HAVE OURVOICE HEARD ATA NATIONAL LEVEL.

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“Tim Chaston

FOR NUS REPRESENTATIVE

{POLICY STATEMENT}

VOTE 1 TIM CHASTON FOR NUS REPRESENTATIVE

HI, I’M TIM, I’M A SOFTWARE ENGINEERING STUDENT, AND IHAVE A LONG RECORD OF STUDENT ORGANISING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE. I’ve previously served two years on NUSA Executive, and last year spearheaded a series of protests against fee-deregulation and cuts to university funding.

In 2012 & 2013 I attended the NUS National Conference as a delegatefor the University of Newcastle,and worked with the ‘National Independents’ grouping to bring transparency to NUS. Unlike other factions at NUS, the National Independents don’t ‘bind’ delegates to vote a certain way, and have no party affiliation. As a result it’s a group that I as a delegate can participate in without the possibility of being compelled to vote contrary to the interests of Newcastle students.

Transparency is a cause I've worked for at a campus level too, primarily through ‘The Mosquito’, an independent campus newsoutlet that aims to keep studentsinformed of goings-on at ourstudent association.

If elected as NUS RepresentativeI plan to provide frequent and detailed coverage of the National Conference for Newcastle students (on twitter, @UoNMosquito, and the Mosquito’s website, uonmosquito.net).

If you have any questions, about myself or the National Union of Students, just flick an email to timchaston@gmail.com.

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Farooq YousafFOR NUS REPRESENTATIVE

{POLICY STATEMENT}

Hi readers (if anyone is actually reading this!!!)I am a first year PhD Politics candidate, from Pakistan, having started my studies in April this year. Don’t be intimidated by my PhD asI am still a young soul (even at 27) at heart.You need to hang out or party, I AM YOUR GUY!

The ONLY reason I wish to stand for the position of NUS Delegate is getting involved in the underrated and not-sought-after NUSA politics and activities. I would only wish to work for more student participation and involvement in NUSA, and thus make NUSA a truly representative body for the students of UON.

A LITTLE ABOUT ME: I am a journalist, non-profit consultant and an avid traveller. I have previously completed my Masters in Public Policy and Conflict Studies, from Germany, and have travelled to more than 20 countries. I love cricket, table tennis, and beer ping pong(if that’s really a thing)!!!

Your Future NUS Delegate

Farooq Yousaf

I am a journalist, non-profitconsultant and an avid traveller.

(3219258) • Pakistan • PhD Politics (First Year)www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/farooq-yousaf-uon

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Phill JohnsonFOR NUS REPRESENTATIVE

{POLICY STATEMENT}The National Union of Students is Australia's Peak representative body for students.

Throughout the year I have beenactive in standing alongside the national union in campaigns fighting for accessible and affordable education for students.

I have joined in rallies fighting against the federal governments push to deregulate universities - something that could leave students with six figure graduation debts.

As an NUS delegate, I aim to take the fight of students here in Newcastle to the national stage and ensure that the voice of each and every student is not only heard, but listened to.

PHILL JOHNSON

. . . I have joined in rallies fightingagainst the federal governments

push to deregulate universities . . .“ “

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Mickala McMahonFOR NUS REPRESENTATIVE

{POLICY STATEMENT}

I have nominated for the position of NUS delegate because I am passionate about student welfare and campus life.

I have been involved in student unionism for two years now and have represented students on campus, in the community and on a national platform.

MY WORK AS A FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE AND WOMEN’S CONVENOR has allowed me to develop an understanding of the different circumstances students face. I have spent my time as an undergraduate engaging with campus organisations to ensure that the student body has access to an equitable university experience.

I have coordinated campaignsto promote the importance of consent and sexual health, advocated for increased access to services for students from culturally diverse and low socioeconomic backgrounds,and rallied against the proposed changes to higher education.

IF ELECTED I WILL UPHOLD STUDENT WELFARE AS A TOP PRIORITY AND MAKE SURE THAT DECISIONS MADE BY THE NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS REFLECT THE NEEDS OF THOSE STUDYING IN RURAL AREAS ALSO.

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Tamara TancredFOR NUS REPRESENTATIVE

{POLICY STATEMENT}Hi there! My name is Tamara and I'm running for NUS Delegate. I'm a passionate student advocate and am so excited for the opportunity to represent Newy at a National Conference of student reps from all over the country.

If you send me to the National Conference, know that I will speak up on issues important to us at UoN. My skill set in event organising and media means that I'll keep you all updated back home on what's happening at conference. I'll be actively involved at every event and discussion, and know that I'll take UoN with me when I speak up for our concerns at a national level.

Cheers guys,

TAMARA

. . . I will speak up on issues important to us at UoN“ “

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The following people have alsonominated as NUS Respresentatives.

Opus has not received their policystatements for printing.

Jacinta MortellDylan SummerellBrianna Farnham