She/Her
Mawson Lakes
Master of Information Technology (Enterprise Management)
I am studying Master of Information Technology (Enterprise Management) I am expecting graduate in December 2025.
I wanted to become a student representative because I am passionate about creating a positive and inclusive learning environment that empowers all students. Throughout my time at university, I have engaged deeply with the student community as a mentor, volunteer and active club member. I have firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities students face and am dedicated to being a strong advocate for their needs. I believe that by serving as a representative, I can work collaboratively with students, faculty and administration to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, drive meaningful improvements and enhance the overall university experience for current and future students.
In 2025, I aim to: Amplify Student Voices – Advocate for students’ interests in the UniSA and University of Adelaide merger ensuring transparency and active consultation. Expand Opportunities – Push for more scholarships, research funding and tailored professional development. Enhance Campus Life – Improve student spaces, boost wellness services and champion safety initiatives. Promote Equity – Ensure fair access to resources for all students, including online and international cohorts. Strengthen Community – Foster connections through inclusive events, stronger club support and community-building initiatives.
I’m proud to call the University of South Australia’s Mawson Lakes campus my home! What I love most about it is the dynamic blend of innovation and community. From cutting edge labs and high-tech facilities that fuel creativity to the scenic lake views perfect for a study break, it’s a place where inspiration and collaboration thrive. It’s more than just a campus. It’s a place where big ideas are born, lifelong connections are made and every day offers a chance to learn, connect and grow.
My best piece of advice for fellow students is to stay curious and be fearless in seeking opportunities. Whether it’s joining a club, reaching out for help or taking on new challenges, every step outside your comfort zone is a chance to learn and grow. Remember, university is as much about the connections you make and the experiences you gain as it is about academics. Embrace every moment, support each other and never hesitate to speak up for what you believe in, you have the power to make a difference!
Music instantly puts me in a good mood! Whether it’s an upbeat song that gets me moving or a soothing melody that helps me relax the right tunes have a magical way of lifting my spirits and shifting my energy. It’s amazing how music can transform any moment into something brighter and more joyful!
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would undoubtedly be my grandmother. Her presence has always felt like a warm hug for the soul and every moment spent with her is filled with love, laughter and stories that carry the depth of her experiences. I’d cherish hearing her wisdom, feeling her gentle touch and sharing our favourite dishes together. It’s the simple, heartfelt moments with her that mean the world where time slows down and every word and smile becomes a precious memory. That’s the kind of love only a grandmother can bring and it fills my heart just thinking about it.
If money was no object, I would dedicate my life to creating opportunities and making a positive impact in underserved communities around the world. I’d focus on building and supporting initiatives in education, women’s empowerment and sustainable development, opening doors for people to achieve their full potential and break cycles of poverty. I’d also invest time in traveling to learn about different cultures, experiences and ways of life using that knowledge to foster global understanding and compassion. Ultimately, it would be about making a meaningful difference and spreading hope wherever possible.
Hello everyone,
My term started with a meeting alongside the HDR student representatives setting the stage for collaboration and engagement. A key highlight of my term so far has been attending the USASA Board Retreat, where I had the chance to meet all of you. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to better understand my role, learn from my peers and build connections within the board.
One of the most exciting yet nerve-wracking moments for me was hosting my first Education Committee meeting. Despite my initial nerves, I believe it went very well. During the meeting, we discussed how to strategically increase the involvement of Academic Unit Board Representatives (AUBRs) and Academic Student Representatives (ASRs) in the committee’s work. The focus is to ensure that key academic concerns are effectively identified and escalated to the board through the Education Committee strengthening our advocacy efforts.
On February 24, I had the privilege of attending the International Welcome Reception. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet and engage with a diverse group of students, helping to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for our international community. I truly enjoyed having conversations with new students, sharing experiences and fostering meaningful connections.
Overall, this term has been off to a great start and I am excited for the journey ahead. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to create positive outcomes for students.
It’s been a busy and fulfilling few weeks continuing my role as the Postgraduate student representative. My focus has remained on fostering collaboration and ensuring student voices are effectively represented across committees and events.
A key highlight was chairing the second Education Committee meeting. For this meeting, I invited the Academic Unit Board Representatives (AUBRs) to join the conversation, and it was incredible to see the level of engagement and passion they brought. Several major academic concerns were raised during the session, including issues around lecturer feedback, communication gaps and student support. It was one of the most productive meetings we've had, and as a committee, we’re now working on turning those concerns into practical, student-focused solutions that can be escalated to the USASA Board. I felt proud to facilitate such a valuable space for open dialogue.
Outside of the committee, I’ve continued attending Finance Committee and Council meetings, contributing to broader university discussions that impact students. I’ve also remained engaged with USASA events on campus, including the Campus Fair, where I had the opportunity to connect with students and promote awareness of USASA’s services and representative roles.
Throughout this period, I’ve also been involved in mentoring and peer learning sessions that have helped me further develop my leadership and advocacy skills. These experiences continue to reinforce the importance of building strong relationships across student cohorts and university stakeholders.
As always, I’m excited about the work ahead and remain committed to creating positive, lasting outcomes for students.
I hope you’re all doing well. I wanted to share an update on some of my recent activities both within the university and beyond. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in several important meetings and events that have not only supported my personal development but also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the student community.
One of the key highlights was attending the Academic Board Meeting on March 28th, which was the first meeting for the year. This session laid the groundwork for the academic priorities that will guide us throughout 2025. It was a valuable opportunity to understand the strategic direction of the university.
Another significant experience was the mediation meeting with YouX on April 14th. This was a particularly challenging meeting, as despite extensive discussions and negotiations, we were unfortunately unable to reach a resolution at that time.
Outside of university commitments, I had the privilege of representing South Australia at a national level through my involvement in the Emerging Professional Committee of the Australian Computer Society (ACS). In this role, I’ve been contributing to the development of policies aimed at supporting emerging ICT professionals across Australia. Our focus is on fostering career development, enhancing digital literacy and creating opportunities for young professionals in the technology sector. It has been an exciting and fulfilling experience to participate in discussions that shape the future of our industry on a broader scale.
Additionally, I participated in media training on March 31st, which helped me build stronger communication skills particularly in handling public and media interactions. This training has equipped me with the tools to better represent student interests in various forums.
Overall, this period has been both productive and rewarding. I’ve gained valuable insights and experiences that have strengthened my ability to serve as a representative, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to both student life and the wider professional community.
Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to what lies ahead in the coming months.
I hope everyone is doing well. I’m excited to share an update on what has been a truly fulfilling and impactful few weeks. From governance and committee representation to cultural leadership and professional development, I’ve had the opportunity to actively contribute to both student life and institutional progress in numerous ways.
On April 24, I attended the Finance Committee Meeting. This was followed by the Education Committee Meeting on April 28, which featured an informative presentation by Franco Parrella, exploring critical updates in the academic space.
One of the key highlights during this period was attending my first Student Misconduct Committee Meeting on May 1st, as well as a Formal Inquiry Meeting on April 28th. These were invaluable learning experiences that helped me understand the university’s formal processes in ensuring fairness, integrity and accountability in student matters.
In parallel with these work, I have been leading the revival of cultural representation on campus. After weeks of planning, I successfully reclaimed, reactivated and chaired the USASA Sri Lankan Club AGM on May 9. This was not just a meeting — it was a celebration of culture, identity and student initiative. I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to the USASA Board members who joined us and stood in solidarity to make this reactivation possible. The overwhelming support reaffirmed the importance of cultural inclusivity within the UniSA student community.
A particularly new and rewarding experience was being part of the interview panel and shortlisting process for the 7091 Careers Advisor (HEO 7) position. It was both exciting and humbling to engage in professional recruitment and I appreciate the chance to contribute to staff selection in a meaningful way.
Additionally, I was involved in a series of arbitration preparation and review meetings leading up to and including two formal arbitration discussions with Mr. John Irving and YouX between May 13–16. These meetings were very challenging.
I also joined a discussion on the future of Law examinations with representatives including Haemish Middleton (May 8), which opened the door to rethinking how assessments could be improved to better reflect student needs and changing educational landscapes.
Lastly, I was fortunate to participate in a mentoring session with Mr. Michael Abbott on May 6 as part of my council member role. This was a personally enriching session that provided guidance and reflection on how to lead with purpose and maintain impact over time.
Overall, this has been a highly productive and rewarding time. Each activity has contributed to my growth as a student leader and reinforced the importance of active participation in shaping a positive university experience for all students. I look forward to continuing this work in the months ahead.
Thank you for your continued support.
Every month, each member of the USASA Board writes a report on what they've been up to. Click on their names to read their reports and more.
President: Oliver Shephard-Bayly
Postgraduate Student Rep: Dasuni Imansa Jaburuthugoda Gamarachchige
Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander Student Rep: Rhys Peden
International Student Rep: Edwin John
City West Student Rep: Haider Surka
City West Undergraduate Student Rep: Yeshaiah Varona
City East Student Rep: Meetali
City East Undergraduate Student Rep: Sasha Yildirimci
Magill Student Rep: Shefali Mhatre
Magill Undergraduate Student Rep: Shaana Sihota
Mawson Lakes Student Rep: Surya Tomar
Mawson Lakes Undergraduate Student Rep: Husan Ara
Mount Gambier Student Rep: Vacant
Whyalla Student Rep: Lilly Henwood
UniSA Online Student Rep: Lily Durkin
Have a general enquiry regarding the USASA Student Board?