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TABLEOFCONTENTS

WHOARETHEWSA?_________________________________________________________32016ExecutiveCommittee___________________________________________________________42016GeneralCommitteeandOtherVolunteers__________________________________________42017ExecutiveCommittee___________________________________________________________42017GeneralCommitteeandOtherVolunteers__________________________________________4

PRESIDENTREPORT__________________________________________________________5

GENERALMANAGERSREPORT_________________________________________________7

ADVOCACYANDADVICE______________________________________________________9PROMOTIONOFLOCALCOMMUNITYSERVICESANDSTUDENTSERVICESONCAMPUS__________12COMMUNITYDOOR_______________________________________________________________14

WELFAREANDCAREERSTATISTICS_____________________________________________15

ACTIVITIES________________________________________________________________16

POSTGRADUATE ___________________________________________________________18

HEALTHANDWELLBEING____________________________________________________20

PERFORMANCES,EVENTSANDENTERTAINMENT _________________________________22

SPORTS __________________________________________________________________23Cheerleading_____________________________________________________________________24

HANGARHALLANDFACILTIES_________________________________________________28

WSATRAINING ____________________________________________________________30

2016STUDENTLEADERSHIPCONFERENCE_______________________________________30

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WHO ARE THE WSA?

latrobe.edu.au

CRICOS Provider 00115M

CRICOS Provider 00115M

TheWodongaStudentAssociationisastudentcollectiveaspiringtoconnect,empowerandrepresentallstudentsthroughouttheiracademic

journey.

latrobe.edu.au

CRICOS Provider 00115M

CRICOS Provider 00115M

Thestudentcollectivewill:• Connectallstudentstoenhancetheirwellbeingthroughacademic,

culturalandsocialinteractions• Empowerstudentstosharetheirvoiceandopinionsina

confidential,respectfulenvironment• Representstudentsthrougheffectiveadvocacytosupportthe

identifiedneedsofindividualsorstudentcohorts• Promoteawarenessandunderstanding,andensuretransparency

andaccountability,ofWSAoperations

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2016 Executive Committee President–TylerShaw

VicePresident–SamanthaBarlow

Treasurer–JoshuaHarms

Secretary–BreanneShaw

ResidentsandSocialNetworking–CameronCrow

LaTrobeStudentRepresentative–RebeccaWray

SportsandRecreationOfficer–JodieMcVean

PublicationsOfficer–SamanthaTreffers

EntertainmentOfficer–DanRamsay

WellbeingOfficer–SamanthaPetzke

2016 General Committee and Other Volunteers BenWalther ShirrazeWhite JamesFord StevieSchipper AaronDominguezBeckMcCluskey AaronMelbourne GabrielleMorey AmeliaPaech-Enever

2017 Executive Committee President–SamanthaBarlow

Vice-President–MoniqueWurtz

Treasurer–BenWalther

Secretary–BrettSanderson

ResidentsandSocialNetworkingOfficer–CameronCrow

SportsandRecreationOfficer–AliciaEmmerson-Webber

PublicationsOfficer–KelseyMcNally

WellbeingOfficer–ChantelWinkler

LaTrobeStudentRepresentative–AdamMitchell

EntertainmentOfficer–DanRamsay

2017 General Committee and Other Volunteers JoshHarms RileyDrew LillyMoore GabrielleMorey

JordanGarner GabrielleSmith

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PRESIDENT REPORT ThefirststudentleadershipconferencewasheldinFebruary2016attheLaTrobeUniversityBendigocampus.WSAcommitteeandstaffwhoattendedfoundthesessionsandnetworkingopportunities incredibly beneficial. Late in 2016 WSA beganplanning to host the conference in 2017. Before start ofsemesterone,theWSAsentrepresentativestoattendtheclubstrainingday inMelbourne.Anothergreatopportunityforskilldevelopmentandnetworking.2016Orientationplanningbeganinlate2015andwasagreatsuccess.With200studentsattendingthewelcometouniversityFratPartyonthefirstnightoforientation,theatmospherewasgreatwithallenjoying thevariousgamesand famoushangarpunch.Anothergreatorientationeventheldthefollowingnightwasthekaraoke/lipsynceventontheWednesdaynight.Duringorientation theWSA launched their newandupdatedsocialmediaplatformsandwebsite,withlivetweets,Instagramcompetition,fantasticnewsocialmediaboardandsnapchataccount.OurwebsiteandFacebookwereupdatedandtherewasagreatincreaseinstudent’sengagement.WSA Orientation activities extended beyond the first week – with La Trobe engaging anongoingorientationprocessforstudents.ThereturnoftheTourdePubs–Hollywoodtheme–wasawellreceivedorientationevent.ThefirstTrivia-Gamesnightoftheyearwasagreatsuccesswillallwhoattendhavingagreattime.Thankyoutoallexecs,staffandvolunteerswhocontributedtowhatwasanextraordinarystarttotheuniversityyear.WorkingwiththeuniversitytoinformstudentsaboutStudentsServicesAmenitiesFees(SSAF)theWSA promoted the SSAF savvy survey during semester one and had an outstandingresponse,oneofthebestrepresentativesofstudentsataLaTrobecampus.SSAFalsohadadedicatedsectionduringourWSApresentationinorientation,aswellastheintroductionofthefundingbySSAFlogo.ContinuingoursupportofclubsandsportsoncampustheWSAfacilitieswereusedweeklybytheLaTrobecheerteamandfreefitsessions.Throughout2016theHangaranditsstaffsupportedtheJamsessions,buskingforabreakthrough,moveLaTrobe,pendulumandLANgamingleaguethroughprovidingvenue,supportingeventmanagementandpromotion.ThecampusmarketdaywasalotoffunandWSArepresentativesalongwithBundoorarepsworkedhardtopromotesportsatLaTrobeandtheupcominguniversitygames.Itwasagreatopportunitytoputtheskillslearntattheconferencesattendedearlierthatyearintopractice,

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andalsotoengagewiththestudentsonwhatsportsandactivities theywould liketoseeofferedatourcampus.TheannualStPatricksDaycelebrationsheldintheHangarwascompletewithgreenpunch,greenoutfitsandStPatricksdaydecorations.Itwasgreattoseeallwhoattendedhavingagreattimeandgettinginvolvedinthecelebrations.Whitepartywasasemesteronehighlightandanexceptionalwaytolaunchtheticketsalesfor the biggest event of the year, the Sexual Diversity Ball. Bright Light, Fluoro, UV andfantasticmusic.WSA was involved on Semester two orientation for new and continuing students. WSAprovideafreelunch,diariesandwallplannersandengagedwiththenewstudentsinthefulldaysessionpriortosemester.TheWSAcommitteeandstaffengagedwith‘WayOutWodonga’toplandiversityweekintheleadup to thesexualdiversityballearly insemester2.WSArepresentedstudentson thepanelofthehuntinggroundshowing,flagdecorating,sexualawarenessstallsandDiversityday.Thediversityballwasafantasticnightandliveduptoitsreputationasthebesteventoftheyear.Thankyouagaintoallwhoattendedandgavetheirtimetoputtingtogetherthisgreatevent.TheLaTrobeMasqueradeballwasheldatTheBendedElbowinOctoberof2016withasilentauctionheldtofundraisefortheFoodShare-foodpantry.Withover100beautifullydressedattendees,alotofmoneywasraisedandallhadagreattime.AHangarRefurbishmentwasundertakeninearly2016.TheupgradetotheHangarincludedsomeflooringandtheinnerfaçadeofcaféandbarwererenovated.Newfurnitureincludedstudybooths,chairsandtables,lounges,andlockers.Furtherupgradestothehangerincludedthestagerailingandstairs,projector,pooltablecovering,gymupgrade,aswellasvariouschairsandtables.Thankyou,SamanthaBarlow

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GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT WodongaStudentAssociationduring2016hasprovidedarangeofactivities,servicesandfacilitiesforstudentsenrolledatAlburyWodongacampustosupportandassiststudenttoengagewithLaTrobeUniversity.AmajoradditiontotheStudentAssociationCalendar in2016wasthe1stAnnualLaTrobeUniversity Student Leadership Conference, held on Bendigo campus. This 3 day event,commencingWednesday3rd February2016,wasattendedby studentsand staff from thestudentorganisationsfromBundoora,Bendigo,Mildura,SheppartonandWodonga.Itwasafantasticconference,initiatedanddevelopedbyMitchTrevena,GMatBSA.Allstudentsandstaff gained a wealth of knowledge and experience for the sessions on offer. The othermassive bonus from the conference was the fantastic networking opportunity for thestudentsandstaffsfromallLaTrobestudentorganisations.During2016,WSAorganisedalargevarietyofactivities,andworkedwitharangeofareasofLaTrobeUniversitytoprovide150activitiesforstudents.Thiswasupfrom105activitiesin2015. This increase can be attributed toWSA generatingmore activities, plus the addedbenefitofWSAworkingwithanincreasedvarietyofareasofLaTrobetoprovideactivities–includingstudentservicesstaff,SPO,schoolsengagementandHeadofCampus.Thisprovidedthebonusforstudentsofincreasedofferingofactivitiesduring2016.The types of activities fall into a range of categories including orientation, events andentertainment,postgraduate,welfareandcareer,healthandwellbeing,sportandcommunityevents.2016 Orientation contained 12 events, including lunchtime activities with free food andmusic,theFratPartyattheHangarBar(attendedby200)andwateractivitiestocooldownintheveryhotweather!OthersemesterOnehighlightsinclude-weeklynetballcompagainstCSU,Trivianightanddinner,ShaveforaCure,MarketDay,StPatricksDay,,EasterBunnyvisit,White–GlowintheDark–Party,PunchforLunchattheHangar,ShutUpandWritesessionsforpostgraduatestudentsandstress-lessfreemassagesintheHangar.Semester two highlights include a range ofsocial, sporting, careers and wellbeingactivities, such as postgraduate free lunch,sportsdayagainstCSUfollowing,RUstillOKDay, Stress Less week - free massages, LaTrobe Ball and Annual Diversity Ball at theHangar. For the first time WSA held aDiversity Week and provided a range ofactivities such as showing the HuntingGroundandcombiningwithandpromotingarange of La Trobe services (multicultural,diversityandequity,chaplaincy,counselling,

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IndigenousStudentServicesOfficer,SPO,accommodationandlocalcommunityservicessuchasWayoutWodonga(supportingLGBTQI),VisionAustraliaandGatewayHealth.During2016theBendigoBankCommunityDoorProgramhasadvancedasaserviceprovidedto students. Community Door provides students the opportunity to join local boards.Continueddevelopmentof thishasonlybeenpossiblebythemassivesupportofBendigoStudentAssociation.WithWSA’slocalknowledgeandrelationshipswiththecommunityandBSAsupportingWSAindevelopingrelationshipswithBendigoBankWSAhasbeenabletoincreasetheinterestofLaTrobestudentsandoflocalBoards.Furtherattractingboardsandmatchingstudentsandboardsisthenextstep.OthermajorWSAservicesin2016includesAdvocacy,theHangarCafé,theFoodPantryandtheGym.In2016Advocacysessionsincreasedfrom170,comparedto100in2015,WSAwithbeingabletoprovidesupporttostudentsinneed.TheHangarCaféhascontinuedtobeaflagshipserviceofWSA,aswellasprovidingafoodserviceoncampusit isoftenthefirstpoint of call for students to accessWSA and La Trobe services and activities, providing avaluable face to face link withmany students. The Hangar Café staff are also amassivesupporttothefreefoodserviceWSAofferstostudentsthroughboththeFreeFoodPantryandcookedfreefoodactivitiesofferedbyWSA.Lateinsemester 1 2016, planning commenced for Gymimprovements, including first aid kits, facilities andequipment needs. A wide range of students haveaccess these services and facilities in 2016 andbenefitedgreatlyfromthebroadrangeonofferduring2016.Hangarrenovationsoccurredduring2016asaresultofsuccessfulapplicationstoLaTrobeUniversityforSSAFcapitalfundinginpreviousyears.TheseimprovementstotheHangarwereplannedduring2015andoccurredin2016.Renovationsincludedarangeofnewfurnitureitems, including, brightly coloured booths, couches,ottomans,tablesandlockers.Otherchangesincludednewcladding to front to theHangarBar and sideofcaféandsomenewflooringinpartofHangarHall.JoMatheyGeneralManagerWodongaStudentAssociation

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ADVOCACY AND ADVICE Advocacyandadvice isofferedbyWSA toall students.During2016,WSAprovided170Advocacysessions. This included - 185 Letters/Emails, 100Consultations, 91 telephone calls. Therewere15representation,mainlyrelatedtoAcademicProgressCommitteeandappeals.ThemostcommonreasonsforAdvocacyduring2016relatedto

• Assessments(34cases),• AcademicProgressCommittee(32cases)• ProcessandProceduresrelatingtoLaTrobe(28Cases),• SpecialConsideration(16cases)• Relationshipissues(15cases).

Otherareasthatrequiredadvocacyforstudentduring2016includedthefollowingareas–

• FailedSubject(7),• AcademicMisconduct(7),• Postgraduate(7),• Fees(6),• CourseTransfer(5),• RemissionofDebt(5)• andsubjectload(4).

During2016WSAconducted170advocacysessionwithstudents,upfrom100sessionsin2015.Theextrasessionsin2016havecomemainlyfromincreasesin-

• Assessments-20in2015comparedwith34in2016• AcademicProgress-26in2015to32in2016• In2016twocategoriesof - ProcessesandProceduresatLaTrobe(28)and

- Relationships(15)didnotregisterin2015figures. Thesetwoareasinvolvedmultiplysessionwithalimitednumberofstudentsandmostlikely relatesspecificallyto2016,includinginvolvementandsupportfromotherareasofLaTrobe.

In2016therewasa reduction in thenumberofstudentadvocacysessions about Special Consideration. Students needing assistancewithapplyingforSpecialConsiderationwas32in2015anddroppedto16in2016.Thisreductioncanbeattributedtoarangeofproblemsstudent experienced with the introduction to online specialconsideration during 2015. During 2016, students became moreaccustomedto theonlinesystemandtherewas lessproblems forstudentsusingthesystem.

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ADVOCACYFORMATSTATISTICS

Telephone23%

Consultations26%

Letters/e-mails47%

Representation4%

ADVOCACYFORMAT

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REASONSFORADVOCACYSTATISTICS

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Assessment

APC

Coursetransfer

Failedsubject

Fees

Academicmisconduct

Subjectload

Specialconsideration

Remissionofdebt

LTUinsurance

Post-grad

Mentalhealth

Processes andprocedures

Relationships

Internationalstudents

AdaptiveLeadership

REASONSFORADVOCACY

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WELFARE AND CAREER SUPPORT The main areas of Welfare that came under the focus of WSA during 2016 included – Free

Food Pantry, Mental Health, general student welfare, orientation support and information and WSA services information and legal services.

The main areas of WSA that had a skills development and gaining experience opportunities in the Student Careers area during 2016 included – Community Door, Leadership Conference, general career, placements, one on one consultations and promoting on campus and community career and training opportunities on social media.

During 2016, WSA provided 159 welfare and career related consultations and discussions with students. Apart from the main area listed above, there were a broad range of welfare and career issues from student including – insurance, safe alcohol information, complaints process, post graduate, respect and La Trobe, second hand books, student housing, federal election, LGBTIQ, International student and on campus residential students support and the environment. The WSA also maintain and offer a free Student Wardrobe loan service, providing attire for students to loan for interviews, placement, etc.

PROMOTION OF LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES

AND STUDENT SERVICES ON CAMPUS Throughout2016WSAsupportedandengagedwithstudentservices.Thecampuschaplaincy

coordinatorandWSAworkedcloselytogethertoprovidestudentswith spiritual, calming and peaceful activitiessuch as the mandala (photographed), labyrinth andcolouringin.TheoncampuscounsellorregularlyvisitedtheHangartoconnectwithstudents,aswellasworkingwith WSA on activities and services such as diversityweekandstresslessweek.WSAhascontinuedtoworkcloselywiththeoncampusaccommodationpersonneltoprovide support, orientation events, catering andadditional support unique to residential life. TheWSAalso worked closely withmany other campus servicessuchastheinternational,equityanddiversity, learningandstudentparticipationdepartments.

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THE FOOD PANTRY 2016 has been another successful year for WSA’s relationship with Food Share AlburyWodongaandagainthishasprovidedahugebenefittothestudentsontheAlburyWodongacampus.TheFreeFoodPantryisoftenrestockedmultipletimesaweek,withvisittofoodshareonaveryregularbasis,usuallyweekly.Themanagingand restocking,etcof thePantry is staffedbyWSA staff - including Hangar café staff, the studentcommitteeandotherstudentvolunteers.The Free Food Pantry stock varies according to what isavailable,butmainlyconsistsofthefollowing–

• Non-perishable takehomefoods forstudents tocookathomesuchas -awiderangeofbreakfastcerealsoats,muesli,etc,arangeofpacketsoup,cannedgoods( tuna, fruit, vegetables, bake beans, spagetti), pasta,rice, a variety of jars of sauces and other meal baseoptions

• Perishable options such as bread, rolls, muffins,

crumpets and other bakery sweet options such asdonuts.

• DairyproductssuchasMilk,Yogurt.

• Fruit and Vegetables, such as apples, oranges,

mandarins, watermelon, potatoes, carrots, pumpkin,celery,etc.

• Snackfoodsthatcanbeeatenimmediately,suchasmueslibars,rollups,avariety

ofbiscuits,packetsofchipsandvariousothersnackfoods,fruitcups,etc

• OtherFreezerandrefrigerateoptionsforpreparationofcookedfreefoodsuchasmeat,freshpacketpasta,freshpastasauces,freshsoups,cream,Items from the foodpantry are alsousedbyour amazing caféstaff,whothroughouttheyearusetheseingredientstocookupsometastyseasonalrecipe’ssuchasgourmetsoupsinthewinter.ThisyearaccesstothefoodpantryrequiredWSAtomakea$1500donationbasedonusage,theSilentauctionheldattheannualLaTrobestudentballwasusedtofundraisetowardsthetotal.

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COMMUNITY DOOR

During 2016, Bendigo Student Association continued to support WSA in implementing the Bendigo Bank Community Door programme at the Albury Wodonga campus. Community Door is now incorporated into WSA services and increases the career development, work experience and networking opportunities available to La Trobe University Albury Wodonga students.

With the support of BSA, WSA has achieved some solid initial outcomes for this programme, including significant work to develop partnerships with Boards and Committees in the region and important consultation with some of the Bendigo Bank Branch Managers in Wangaratta, Wodonga, Albury and Lavington.

Some of the outcomes from offering the Community Door programme to students through WSA have included:

Student Interest - • More than 40 students have registered their interest with the WSA to become

involved in Community Door at Albury Wodonga campus

Current Board opportunities for students in Community Door programme • Centre Against Violence (CAV) Board, Wangaratta – Student placed • Rural Housing Network Board, Wodonga • YES (Youth and Family Services) Board, Albury

Further Board options - Other Boards that have been targeted for possible future involvement in Community Door include –

• North Albury Chamber of Business • North East Trades Labour Council Wodonga • Beechworth Food Share • Hot House Theatre • Wodonga Diamonds Soccer Committee • Murray United Soccer Committee • Wodonga Bulldogs Football Club • Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund

WSA’s local knowledge and relationships within the community has enabled the programme to advance during 2016, with the essential support of BSA. WSA now has all marketing and advertising material required to actively promote the programme and also has access to correctly branded materials from the Bendigo Bank to keep the programme advancing. This allows WSA to approach Boards and Committees with the Bank’s full support.

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WELFARE AND CAREER STATISTICS

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Foodtrolley

Leadershipconference

Career

Insurance

Placements

Orientation - servicesinformation

Student residentssupport

WSAservicesandSSAFinformation

Alcohol information

Federalelectionandvotinginformation

Welfareactivitiesplanningandstudent input

International students

Post-graduate

CommunityDoor

Second-hand books

Housing

LGBTIQ

Mentalhealth

Respect@LaTrobe

Complaintsprocess

Environment

WELFAREANDCAREERSESSIONS

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ACTIVITIES In2016atotalof150ActivitieswereheldorsupportedbyWSA.Thisisanincreaseonthe105activitiesin2015.TheincreaseintheseeventscanbeattributedincreasedWSAeventsandotherfactors.Theseotherfactorsincluded–

• Thecontinuedincreaseinworkingwiththefollowingareastoprovideactivitiesforstudents-

- LaTrobestudentservicesstaff,- LaTrobeschoolparticipationstaffand- OfficeofHOC- Communitynetworks

• AlsotheadditionofStudentParticipationOffice(SPO)fundedevents(thatwerenotheldin2015)helpedincreasethenumberofactivitiesin2016.During2016numerousSPOeventswere-

- heldinconjunctionwithWSA- and/orheldinWSAfacilities,ietheHangar- and when not in unification with WSA, or in the

Hangar, were still supported by WSA staff andstudentcommittee.

Allofthesefactorsenabled2016toofferagreaterrangeofeventsandentertainmenttothebenefitofthestudentpopulation.Note,someactivitiesareclassifiedundermorethanoneheading–suchassomeactivitiesweresport,butalsohealthandwellbeing.

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ACTIVITIES STATISTICS

Numberofactivities 150Orientation 12Events&entertainment 50Post-graduate 22Welfareandcareer 10Healthandwellbeing 43Sport 29Communityevents 19

Freefoodevents 38

7%

27%

12%

5%

23%

16%

10%

Activities- 2016

Orientation Events&entertainment Post-graduate Welfareandcareer

Healthandwellbeing Sport Communityevents

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POSTGRADUATE During2016,postgraduatesupportandactivitiesincluded22activities.ThisincludedweeklyShutUpandWritesessionswhichcommencedinApril.EveryweekWSAdonated$5Hangarcafévoucherstoallwhoattended,duringHangarcafétradingweeks.Thiswaspopularwithpostgraduatestudents.

ActivitiesduringtheEducationintensivesincludedaMarchdinnerandtrivianightwith120studentsand friendshavinga freedinner in theHangarwith creamymushroomorherb, capsicum tomatotortelliniforall,followedbysomebrainteasingfunwithtrivia.

WSAhelditsfreePostGraduatelunchintheHangar,whiletheEducationstudentswereoncampuslaterintheyear,witharound100postgraduatespartakinginthefreelunch.Itwasagreatchanceforthemalltogettoknoweachotherbetterataninformalgathering,andtofurthertheirnetworksbothfromonthiscampusandwiththemanyeducationstudentsfromothercampuses.FollowingthePsychologyClubsmovienightforRUOKDayearlyinsecondsemester,WSAheldaRUSTILLOKDay,incorporatingapostgradfreelunchinthemix.30postgraduatestudentsenjoyedthefreefoodandthediscussionsaboutbeingOK,andthediscussionsthatwerehadaboutnotkeepingthisquestionforonedayoftheyear,buttocontinuetoaskothersiftheyareOKanytimeoftheyear.WSAalsosupportsomepostgraduatestudentsthatrequiredadvocacysupportin2016.ThisincludedsomecomplicatedsupportworkingwithstafffromAlbury-Wodongacampusandforothercampuses.

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WELFARE AND CAREERS ACTIVITIES

WSA regularly promotes and hosts activities thatsupport Welfare (also Health and Wellbeing) andCareer opportunities for students. This includedpromotion of Student Services and CommunityServices.

Onthe3rd,4thand5thFebruary2016WSAtookfivestudents and two staff to the first StudentLeadershipConferenceheldinBendigo.Thiswasanamazing experience with all gaining so muchinformation, andexperience, from the conferenceand having the opportunity tomeet and networkwith the student leaders from all the other LTUcampuses. This conference provided such anopportunity for personal and future careerdevelopmentforthestudentsinvolved.On the 21st February four of our WSA executivememberwenttotheSportsandClubTrainingdayheldinBundoora.Thesecommitteememberscameback with a wealth of information to help WSAcontinue with their support of clubs and great

sportingideasandopportunities.InearlyAprilWSAtraditionallyfindstudentstobeemployed,onLTUA/WGraduationday,tohelpwithvendorsand their sellingofwaresandphotographersorganisingstudentsetc.Eight studentswereemployedin2016.

Onthe1stSeptember,theLTUScienceForumwasheld.Approximately20ofoursciencestudentstookpartinthisforumdiscussingthefutureofscienceatLaTrobeA/W.Ourstudentsshowedtheirpassionfortheirchosensubjects,theirlecturersandmentorsduringthisdiscussion.In2016WelfareandCareersactivitiesalsoincludedHarmonyDay,Mandala,AboriginalCareersDay,NTEUWoman’sConversations,Planningforthe2017SLC,DiversityWeek,BlueStockingsWeekandtheLTUScienceForum.

WSAalsoprovidedaSocialWorkplacementforoneofourinternationalstudentsfromlateAugusttoearlyDecember.AlanwasinvolvedinalargerangeofWSAservicesandactivitieswhilstfulfillinghisplacementrequirements.FreeFoodevents-in2016WSAheldorsupport37freefoodevents,comparedwith34in2015.2016freefoodeventsincludedeventsprovidedbyWSA,manyofthesebasedaroundsuppliesfromfoodshare,pluspurchasesbyWSAandstafflabourforplanning,shopping,cookingandservingfromtheHangarCafé.WSAalsosupportedanumberofSPOeventsthatfundedfreefood,providingstaffingandstudentcommitteeassistanceand/orhostingtheeventintheHangar.

Note-SometimesthereisoverlapbetweeneventsthatcontributetobothWelfareandthenextsectionofthereportHealthandWellbeing

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING During2016,WSAheld36HealthandWellbeingactivities.Thisisanincreaseonthe19heldin2015.

Somehighlightswere-

Alcocups trainingwas held in theHangarwith 40 students attending the safe drinkingworkshop.Studentswereeducatedonthedangersofoverdrinkingandhowtoensurethattheyknowhowmanystandarddrinkstheymightbeconsumingatanyonetime.Thesestudentsenjoyeddinneroflasagne,chipsandsaladafterwards.

Therewere freemassages in the Hangar as part of our “stress less” activities during the secondsemester. Up to 20 lucky students and staff took advantage of getting the free 15-minute neck,shoulder,backandarmmassagesmakingforaveryrelaxedafternoon.WSAalsolaunchedour“GratitudeTree”–aplacewherestudentscananonymouslyputstick-itsonthetreestatingwhattheyaregratefulforeachday,againaspartofourstresslessactivities,puttingperspectiveontheimportantthings!Onthe15thMarchaverybravenursingstudent,MeaghanEvans,participatedin2016’sShaveforaCure,andraisedover$600fortheleukaemiafoundationbyshavingalloffherbeautiful, longhair.Manystudentsdonatedtoher,andalsocheeredheronthroughthiscourageousdeed.WSA’sRUSTILLOKDaywasagreatday,with30studentsenjoyingfreefoodandtoopendiscussionsaboutbeingOK,askingifsomeoneisOKandtocontinuetoaskothersiftheyareOKthroughouttheyear.SometimesthereisoverlapbetweenHealthandWellbeingandsportactivities–thusbeinglistedunderbothcategories.

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ORIENTATION

Orientation provided a great start to the beginning of the 2016 University year with heaps of new students joining in all the fun activities.

First on campus were the on campus residents, with Resi Orientation activities including Residents Welcome in the Hangar on 21st February and Self Defence training 22nd February.

Tuesday 23rd February

The first year students commenced the day in the Hangar, being welcomed to La Trobe University Albury Wodonga campus, before departing the Hangar for orientation sessions. At lunchtime WSA and La Trobe spoiled students with free paella and entertainment and games in the Hangar hosted by DJ Ricey, our very own Dan Ramsay. After a very hot day, back yard cricket was moved indoors to the Hangar. In the evening it was back to the Hangar for the 2016 Frat Night and was a huge success with around 200 attending. Many new friends were made, games played – such as Hungry Hippo and plenty of music and dancing!

Wednesday 24th February

Day two of orientation was equally as fun and still super hot! The Amazing Race included detours and road blocks and the sweltering heat to challenge. Lunchtime was cooler in the Hangar air con with live music and free hotdogs at the Hangar. The hot day ended with a water fight activity to cool down. The evening event was Get Pitched Slapped at the Hangar with nearly all attending having a go at either Lip Sync tune or a Karaoke song.

Another part of orientation is a range of activities for on campus residents in the Hangar including welcome event, two self-protection sessions and netball practice for the upcoming Resi Games.

Week 1 of classes also included some more orientation activities including an Alcocups information session, tour de pubs Hollywood theme and the two day Giant Poster Sale in the Hangar and promotion of an on campus movie night.

The Hollywood theme for the 2016 bus trip encouraged some fantastic dress ups for the popular and successful annual event and rounded out a fantastic orientation period with 12 great orientation events for 2016.

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PERFORMANCES, EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

During2016,WSAheldorsupported50eventsclassifiedundereventsand entertainment. This was an increase on the 34 events held in2015. This number does not include the other activities classifiedunder the other areas of Orientation, Postgraduate, welfare andcareer,healthandwellbeing,sport,communityevents.

ThehighlightsofSemester1included–TriviaandGamesnight,FreeSocialWorkClubBBQattheHangar,ShaveforaCure–withnursingstudent,MeghanEvans raisingapproximately$600shavingherhairforcancerresearch,JamsessionsintheHangar,StPatsDayPunchforLunch,HarmonyDayfreelunchandavisitfromEasterBunnyandfreehotcrossbuns.

AftertheEasterbreakWSAhadabusysecondhalfofsemesterone.HostingmoreofSPO’sJamSessionsintheHangar,holdinga‘AfterGrad’partyforgraduatingDEMEstudents,havingaWhite(GlowintheDark)Party,andanother‘Punch4Lunch’day.

Semester 2, although traditionally not as busy as first semester it stillincluded promoting and celebrating diversity on our campus, withDiversityWeek being very popular amongst students, and rounded offwithourAnnualDiversityBall - thisyearwithabuckingbull -attractingapproximately300studentsandtheirfriends.Jamsessionscontinuedtobe held regularly in the Hangar, and with free food and drinksaccompanyingthemwerealwaysasuccess.AnothersuccessfulTrivianightwas held attracting over 50 students and friends wanting to test theirknowledgeonallthingsfrivolous!TheanotherannualeventrunbyWSA-

‘TheLaTrobeBall’-sawaround120studentsandtheirfriendsdressupintheirfinesttoattend,withtheyearlysilentauctionraisingapproximately$1000forAlbury/WodongaFoodshare.

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SPORTS 2016wasagreatyear forsportingactivitiesatLaTrobeAlbury-Wodonga.Theseactivitiesstartedduringorientation and includedTheAmazingRace,BackyardCricket andaWaterFightafternoon,whichwastheperfectendtoaswelteringday!Also during orientation, and the first fewweeksoffirstsemester,cheerleadingputon3spectacular demonstrations and held twocome and try nights - one during first yearorientationandtheotherduringfirstweekofclasses,toenticenewstudentsintotheclub.Duringtheacademicsemesterstherewas:LaTrobe teams in the CSU weekly netballcompetition, regularnetball training, netballtraining for Resi Games (held in March inBundoora),weeklycheerleadingtraining,askitrip, self-protection workshops, big gamesdays,dodgeball in theHangar,SouthernUniGamesvCSU (hosted inWodongacampus -mixednetballandsoccer)andrelayforlife.AsmentionedaboveWSAhostedtheannualLTUv’sCSUsportsday,onthe20thSeptember,withfriendlycontestsinsoccerandmixednetballwiththestudentshavingsomuchfunthattheyhadtobecalledinside,aftervolunteeringtoplayextragames,asitwasgettingdarkout!AfterthegamesWSAhostedabout50ofthehungrycompetitorstoafreedinner,withthebaropenandtheopportunitytostayandjoinintheLANLeaguegamesbeingheldlaterthatafternoon.WSAandLaTrobesupportedActiveApril–with a range of activities promoted and/orprovidedonandoffcampusforthemonth.WSA also supported a range of active SPOevents–throughpromotion,thesignupandpaying for at the Hangar Café as well asprovidingtheHangarasavenue,usingWSAstaffandexec’sforsetupandpackdownoftheirevents–forexample:LazerTag,Indoorrock climbing, Flip out, Rio Games Day,CanoetheMurray,BubbleSoccer.Free Fit, although an SPO organised groupoperatingmainlyduringsemester,washeldmostly in theHangar,HangarGymorWSA

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outdoor multipurpose (basketball) court. They ranthree group sessions a week utilising the HangarfloorspaceandtheWSAgymanditsequipment.Manyof their less serious/fun sessions included the use ofWSA’smultipurposecourtandtabletennistables.Another aspect of sports and recreation on the A/Wcampus is borrowing of sporting equipment (such asbasketballs, footballs, soccer ball and portable nets,netball, volleyball/badminton and net, cricket andbocce). This equipment is used on the multipurposecourt (basketball, netball, etc), the soccer fields orgrassedareasaroundtheHangarandUniversity.Thereisalsoarangeofindoorrecreationsuchastabletennis,pool,andsomegiantgamessuchassoccerearthballorHungryHippo).

Cheerleading WSAhassupportedCheerleadingClubontheAlburyWodongacampussinceitsinceptionin2014.TheHangarisusedbycheeruptotwiceaweekfortrainingintheHangarHallspaceandtheHangar Gym. The Hangar stores the two specialisedcheerleadingmatsthatWSAandCheerfundraisedtopurchaseinpreviousyears.The Albury Wodonga Club ispartoftheLaTrobeUniversityDance Sports Club on theBundoora campus. This yearthecheerclubstartedoffwithperformances on the AlburyWodonga campus during first

yearorientationandtwocomeandtrynightsintheHangarinearlysemester1.TheAlburyWodongaCheerleadingclubcompeted insometournamentsovertheyearincludingWinterFestandSpringCup.Aswellastravelingtocompetitions,theCheerclubalsodidanumberofpromotionsandperformancesoncampus,such as at Market Day and to High School students atExperienceLaTrobeDayandpromotionofCheerleadingatotherhighschoolvisits.

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HANGARGYMForaccesstotheGymduringbusinesshoursandduringcafétrading,theHangarCaféstaffopenthegym.StudentscanalsorequestattheHangarOfficeforthegymtobeopened. Studentscanalsoborrowthegymkeyfromthelibrary(thisisoftenusedforafterhouruse).During2016,asoncampusstudentresidenceareamajoruserofthegym-gymkeywasissuedtotheOnCampusAccommodationforstudenttouse.Thishasbeenveryconvenientforoncampusresidents,particularlywiththeLibraryclosingtimebeingearlierthanitoncewas.TheOnCampusAccommodationgymkeyhasreducedthenumberofLibraryGymKeyloansthatwasneededin2016.A future improvement to Gym accessibility will be offeredwith Student Card swipe access to beinstalled in the future by La Trobe University. Some of the initial installation wiring has beencommencedfromthepanelofftheHangarfoyerthroughtheHangarhalltotheGym.Furtherwiring,gymdoorreplacement,gymrampaccessandexternalfenceswipeaccessneedstobecompetedforStudentCardaccesstocommence.Late inSemester12016,WSAcommencedreviewingandplanningforsome improvementstotheHangarGym,includingpurchaseoffirstaidkitsandsomelooseequipmentandfacilityimprovements.Belowarethe2016LibraryGymKeyborrowingstatistics.PleasenotetheHangarGymusersinclude–StudentResi’sfromAlburyWodongacampus,DentistrystudentsfromBendigostayingatA/Woncampusresidenceforplacement,someTAFEstudentssuchas a disability group anddual enrolmentnursing students aswell as the general LTUAWstudentpopulation.Gymkeyborrowingfromlibrary LoanYear LoanFullMonth Loans2016 Jan-16 42016 Feb-16 102016 Mar-16 412016 Apr-16 402016 May-16 372016 Jun-16 182016 Jul-16 142016 Aug-16 192016 Sep-16 262016 Oct-16 122016 Nov-16 132016 Dec-16 3Total 237

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HANGAR CAFE WSAprovidestheHangarCaféattheLaTrobeUniversityAlburyWodongacampus.TheWSA,andinturntheHangarCafé,isalsoamemberofTAG(Tertiary Access Group) and the café participates in all supplier votingthroughTAGandpurchasesmostwholesalegoodsthroughTAG’spreferredsupplierslist.ThisprovidesafinancialbenefitforWSA,asTAGprovidesanational university buying group to gain competitive prices fromwholesaler’sduetocriticalmass.Wherepossiblethesesavingsarepassedontostudentsthroughlowerpricing.BeingpartofTAGanditsbuyinggroupisoneofthemanybenefitsfortheHangarCaféandWSAinhavingaTAGmembership.TheHangarCafeissituatedintheHangarbuildingandistheclosestpointofentrancefromtheuniversitytotheHangarhall.Theoperatinghoursofthecaféisdirectlyreflectedbythestudentsoncampus,itisopenMondaytoThursdayduringsemesterandoperatesonFridaysaswell during peak times in semester. The café staff consists two casual staff thatworkseasonallyandasrequired,andmyselfwhoisapermanent0.8FoodandBeverageSupervisor–employedtoworkinallareasofWSAincludingthecafé,barandWSAofficetoassistwithactivitiesandfacilities.TheHangar café offers a variety of food and beverage choices that fitwithin a student’sbudget.Therearealwayshealthyoptions,aswehaveaverywellusedsaladbarforcustomerstopurchasemadetoordersandwiches,rolls,saladsetc.Thereisalsoavarietyofhotfoodavailablerangingfromdelicioushome-mademealstodimsimsandpotatocakes.Alltheusualhotandcoldbeveragesarealsoavailableatverycompetitiveprices.Thepricingofthefoodandbeveragesatthecaféisdeliberatelylow,toensureaffordabilityforstudents.Thisdoesreduceprofit/lossmarginsasatrade-offtosupportthemanystudentsthatareonorbelowthepovertyline.Lowprices,healthyfoodoptionsandcheap(butgood!)coffeeisaservicethatWSArecognisesasanessentialprovisionthatthecaféprovidestothestudentsattheAlburyWodongacampus.ThecaféanditsstaffplayamajorroleinallfreefoodactivitiesthatWSAprovidesorsupports.Whetheritisrearrangingtheroomanditsfurnituretoallowforoutsidefoodtobeboughtin,receivingthedeliveryofsuchfood,packingupandthecleaninguprequiredafter,orspendingmanymanhourspreparinghome-mademeals,fromfresh/healthyingredients,forstudentsonfreefooddays.Atanyonetime,thecafécouldbehelpingwithfreefoodtofeedasfewas20orupto120studentsdependingontheoccasion.TheHangarCaféabsorbsthecostofthestaffhoursspentonfreefoodevents,whichalsonegativelyimpactsonthecaféprofit/lossmargins.Theprovidingoffreefoodisawelfareandwellbeing service that WSA offers to support students that are financially struggling. Ifstudentsareworkingfreefoodmaypossiblyhelpthemreducetheirpaidworkload(smallerfood costs) and create amore balancedwork/study life. The provision of free food is ofassistancetostudent’sindividualfinancesandenablesstudentstospendthemoneysaved

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byreceivingafreemealonotherexpenses,suchastravel,utilitiesandeducationexpensesetc.WSAcaféalsoplaysavitalroleinmanyofLaTrobe’sexperiencedaysforhighschoolstudents.The café caters formanyof thesehigh school groups, and again thenumbersforcateringcanrangefrom40to300,aswithExperienceLaTrobeDay!Manyofthesehighschoolstudentsarerepeatvisitors,andoncetheyknowthattheycanalsobringmoneytospendinthecafé,wecanfindourselvesswampedwithordersofhotchipsandgravy!!!!TheHangarcaféalsooffersarelaxingatmosphereforthosewhoneedabreak.Outdoorseating isverypopularduringthewarmermonthsofsemesters,buttheindoor seating also provides relief from the cold during chillier months, and a coolairconditionedoasisduringtheheightofsummer.Thecaféandourstaffhavealwaysbeena‘firstpointofcall’formanystudents–notonlyastheclosestentrytotheHangarfromLaTrobe,butadditionallyasaplacewherestudentscanaskthe“silly”questions,ventandgenerallyhaveachattopeoplewhohonestlycareabouttheirwelfareandtheiracademicexperiences.ThisisoneofthereasonsthattheCaféistheflagshipservicesofWSA.Studentwhohavequestions,haveconcernswiththeirstudies,oranythingelseoftenaskusatthecafé.Astudent’squestionmaybeaskedwhilebeingservedfoodoranyothertimetooneofthefriendlyface’sbehindthecafécounter.Theycanthengetdirection(toWSAorLaTrobeservices)tothehelptheyneedforwhateverproblemtheyareexperiencing.Thecafearelaxedplacewherestudentsfeelcomfortableenoughtovoicetheiropinionsaboutwhatisgood,orbad,abouttheirstudiesandwhatisgoingonaroundthemknowingthattherewillbenojudgementorretributionfortheirviews–onlyafriendlyeartolistenandassistancewhenneeded.AspartoftheWSAteam,theHangarcaféstaffactivelypromoteallWSAactivities-andanyother student events that may be happening for other parties, such as SPO and theuniversity.Wecollectmoneyforevents(WSAorSPO’s),sellmovietickets,cateringsupportforevents,sellingeventticketsandprovidingstafftorunvariousactivities.The café is also a pointwherewe can get feedback fromevents that have beenheld oncampus–WSAeventsandotherdepartmentevents.ThisinformationgetstakenbacktotheWSAcommittee(orotherorganisers)andisusedforplanningfurthereventsandactivities,usingthestudentinputandfeedbackreceivedtofurtherenhancetheiruniversityexperience!On a final note, Iwould like to thankWSA for its unwavering support and especiallymycasualstaff-MichelleandSteviewhohavebothworkedinthecaféforWSAforanumberofyears now, on their dedication toWSA and the students of La Trobe University, Albury-Wodongacampus.

SusieRobertsonFoodandBeverageSupervisorWodongaStudentAssociation

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HANGAR HALL AND FACILTIES

During2016thereweresomefantasticcapital improvementstotheHangar, includingtheHangarhall. Theprojecttoimprovefacilities,wasstartedin2015,fundedbyaWSASSAFcapitalfundingapplication,whichwasapprovedbyLaTrobeUniversityinpreviousyears.

TheyearstartedwithsomerearrangementsandgeneralcleanupattheHangar.ThisincludedmovingtheFreeFoodTrolleytothemainHangarfoyertomake space for new lockers thatwere expected duringSemester 1. La Trobe University donated some secondhandwoodencupboardsandthenewFoodPantryinthemain Hangar Foyer (opposite the WSA offices) wascreated.

BeforeMarch theHangar had received some new vinylflooring. This replaced a small section of old, worn outcarpetthatwasmany,manyyearsold!Anewfaçadetotheinternalbarandcaféserviceareas,andsomepaintinginternaldoorsandbulkheadswasthestarttogivingthehallamuch-appreciatedfacelift.

DuringMaywereceiveddeliveryofsomemuchawaited,andneeded,furniture.ThisfurnituremadeanenormousdifferencetotheHangarwith itsvisualappealanditswelcomingambience.Brightcolourswereabundant.Intimateboothsforsmallgroups,newplushcouchesforthosewantingtosettleinandgeometric,solidmodularcustom seating that could be configures into various formations of seating spaces andrequirements. New tables and bar benches added to themix. The Hangar in the Hangarcreatedaveryinvitingareatobein,withspacestosuiteveryone’sneeds.

AlsoinMaycametheadditionofsomelockersforstudentstosecurelystashtheirbelongingsin,makingitaloteasierforthem to not have to lug all their belongings around withthemallday.ThelockershavealsoproventobeverypopularforpartiesheldattheHangarastheyactasasecurecloakroomforthosenotwantingtomisplacetheirvaluables.

Other colourful decorations and improvements included arangeof largebrightand funposters (purchased fromthepostersaleintheHangarinearlyMarch),colouredflagsandnewbluePVCdoorstripswasalsoinstalledatthecaféslidingdoorentrance,producingafresh,brightandcleanfeeltothecafé,whilstkeepingthefly’sout!

During second semester, further Hangar improvements included new ceiling tiles for themeetingroom,andsomerailingsandstairsmadefor thestage,andsomeothercosmetic

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works including painting of external beams. Funding was received in 2016 for gymimprovementsandpooltablerefurbishment,withthechangesscheduledfor2017.

Additionally, in late 2016,WSAwas able to secure some second-hand school tables andseating for theHangar from La TrobeUniversity. This added considerable comfort to thediningtablesinthehall,andtheextratableshavebeenputtogooduseintheHangarhall,includinginournewboothsandthemainofficespaceofWSA.

Theadditionofournewfurnitureallowedustorethinkthe layoutof theHangarhallandofficespace,tobeabletoswitchthingsaround,trynewideasincreatingnewspacesandputinmotionatimelycleanoutofanyoldfurniturethatwaspastitsusebydate.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITEIn 2016 theWSAworked hard to improve ourwebsite and socialmedia sites. Significantimprovementsandadditions included thepurchaseof a socialmediaphoto framebeforeorientation,joiningYoutube,SnapchatandTwitter,aswellasupdatingandrevampingourwebsite,facebookandInstagram.DuringorientationInstagramcompetitionsanddrinkspecialsatthenighteventswereusedasincentivesforstudentstojoinandengagewithusonsocialmedia.

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WSA TRAINING

2016 STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

In February five committeemembers and twostaff attended the first student leadershipconference inBendigo.WealsohadoneothercommitteemembervideolinktosomeBendigosessions. The Conference was a fantasticopportunity to develop skills and knowledge,network and advocate for our campus. Therewerefantasticsessions,conductedbyLaTrobestaff, La Tobe student organisation staff,Students and staff also gained an enormousamount from linking with the other La TrobeUniversitystudentorganisationsfromtheothercampuses, LTSU (Bundoora), BSA (Bendigo),MSA(Mildura)andSSA(Shepparton).Laterin2016WodongaStudentAssociationtookontheimmensetaskofhostingthestudentleadershipconferencein2017,withconferenceplanningcommencingmid-year2016. 2016 SPORTS AND CLUBS TRAINING DAY In late February four committee members attended the La Trobe University sports and clubs training day in Melbourne. This training day was full of great sessions and was another great opportunity for us to network with staff and students from other campuses.