Snap news: updates, announcements,
events and things of interest.
UniSQ extends hosting of SVA until 2027
MEDIA RELEASE
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) will continue its role as host institution for Student Voice Australasia (SVA) until 2027, strengthening its commitment to authentic student voice, meaningful partnership, and shared leadership across higher education.
Established in 2019, SVA is an international network of students and staff dedicated to embedding inclusive, evidence-based approaches to student voice in higher education decision-making. The network fosters meaningful student engagement in governance, learning and teaching, and the overall student experience.
UniSQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Nelson said the University was proud to champion initiatives that empower students as partners.
“Student voice is fundamental to shaping an inclusive and responsive higher education sector,” Professor Nelson said.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Student Voice Australasia, a network that demonstrates the transformative impact of genuine collaboration between students and staff.”
As host, UniSQ will continue to provide leadership and coordination for the expanding network, supporting flagship initiatives such as the annual SVA Symposium, professional learning opportunities, and collaborative projects.
Chair of the SVA Steering Committee and UniSQ Associate Provost, Professor Lorelle Burton, said UniSQ’s continued commitment reflects the University’s dedication to student partnership and shared decision-making.
“Student Voice Australasia is underpinned by research and guided by principles that ensure students are active partners in shaping higher education,” Professor Burton said.
We are proud to help grow a dynamic community where students and staff co-create resources, share insights, and influence national and international conversations about the value of the student voice.”
2026 Membership sign-ups are now open. To learn more or become a member, visit www.studentvoiceaustralasia.com
2025 Student Voice Award Winners Announced
Student Voice Australasia is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural 2025 Student Voice Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to student voice, agency, and partnership across Australasia.
These awards celebrate the individuals, teams, institutions, and partnerships that are leading the way in embedding student voice into decision-making, governance, and learning. Whether through grassroots advocacy or systemic transformation, each winner exemplifies the power of students and staff working together to shape inclusive, impactful education.
Award Categories and Winners
1. Student Voice Changemaker Award
Winner: Ebe Ganon, UTAS & UNSW
Ebe led national and international disability advocacy, amplifying neurodivergent student voice and co-creating systemic change through research, policy, and media.
2. Institutional Excellence in Student Voice
Winner: Deakin University
Deakin’s Equity-First Students as Partners program engages over 600 students in co-leading curriculum, policy, and institutional transformation.
3. Staff Excellence in Student Voice
Winner: Prof Terry Cumming, UNSW
Terry’s Diversified initiative embeds neuroinclusive design and student co-leadership into teaching, research, and institutional culture.
4. Student-Staff Partnership Impact Award
Winner: Charles Darwin University – Be A Better Human (BABH) Committee
A student–staff partnership leading gender-based violence prevention through co-created campaigns and events.
Congratulations! You can read their full nomination details on the page here.
The Student Voice Awards are more than recognition—they’re a celebration of the belief that students are not just participants in education, but partners in shaping it. Every nomination told a story of courage, collaboration, and commitment to student voice.
To all nominees, finalists, and winners: thank you for inspiring us. Your work is helping build a future where student voice is not an add-on, but a foundation.
October 2025 Newsletter and Award Finalists Announced
Dear SVA Network,
We’re arriving a little later than usual with this month’s newsletter—but for good reason! It’s been a rewarding and busy period, with student voice taking centre stage in national conversations.
In this issue, you’ll find:
Announcement of the finalists for the 2025 Student Voice Awards
Final published program for next week’s Student Summit and Student Voice Symposium
Reflections on the UA & UNSW Student Voice in Governance discussion
Partner opportunities and new publications
We know many of you are eager to hear about SVA's hosting arrangements for 2026—and we’re excited to share the news at next week’s symposium! Renewals will also open by the end of the month, so stay tuned to help you plan ahead.
For those joining us on the Gold Coast or online—we can’t wait to welcome you!
Enjoy the read,
Warm regards,
Belinda Brear
SVA Coordinator
September 2025 Newsletter Overview
Dear SVA Network,
We're excited to share some key announcements in this edition of the newsletter. In this issue, you’ll find:
Preliminary program for the Student Summit and Student Voice Symposium
Launch of the new Student Voice Awards
Free Explorance Amplifying Student Voices Virtual Summit
Practitioner network meeting
New case studies, consultation papers and surveys
Enjoy the read!
Warm regards,
Belinda Brear
SVA Coordinator
Introducing the inaugural Student Voice Awards!
SVA is thrilled to launch awards recognising students, staff, and institutions leading the way in embedding authentic student voice, agency, and partnership into decision-making.
>> Four categories celebrate student changemakers, staff, institutions, and student–staff partnerships.
Nominations are NOW open until 30 September. Winners will be announced at the Student Voice Symposium (24 Oct, Gold Coast).
Your story matters—let’s celebrate it!
👉 Learn more and nominate here
August 2025 Newsletter Overview
We’ve had a big month at SVA, collaborating with our working group to put the finishing touches on the Symposium and Summit programs. In this issue, you’ll find:
Keynote and guest presenter announcements
Registrations now open for both major events
Upcoming meeting for the Student Disability Leadership Collective (SDLC)
New case studies and partner events
If you applied to present at the Summit or Symposium, outcome letters will be distributed by the end of the month. Stay tuned for the full preliminary program coming in September. Enjoy the read!
Warm regards,
Belinda Brear
SVA Coordinator
July 2025 Newsletter Overview
Welcome to July- we are officially more than halfway through the year. This newsletter edition is packed with important updates and helpful resources including:
upcoming meetings for the Disability Student Leadership Collective and the SVA Practitioner Network
final call for applications to present at the Student Voice Symposium and Student Summit
latest research and insightful case studies &
warm welcome to our new members
Enjoy the read!
Warm regards,
Belinda Brear
SVA Coordinator
June 2025 Newsletter Overview
Check your inbox! The June 2025 Newsletter was delivered this morning.
This edition is packed with important updates including:
symposium and summit theme announcement and a call for presenters
an extension date for the student rewards survey
a call for members of new working groups
welcome and congratulations to our new operational committee members
mid-year discounted membership offers + more
Student Rewards Survey- closing date extended
HREC Project ID: ETH2024-0501
Student Voice Australasia is conducting a nationwide survey to explore how higher education institutions in Australia reward and recognise the time, effort, and contribution students make to enhance the quality of education and the student experience.
This survey seeks to better understand how student voice is recognised across different institutions and inform a nationwide conversation about appropriate forms of recognition for student contributions across the sector. The summary results of this survey will be published on the SVA website, shared in reports and presentations, and used in future projects relevant to student reward and recognition.
Thank you to those who have already completed.
The closing date has now been extended to 27 June, 2025.
April 2025 Newsletter Overview
Check your inbox! The April 2025 Newsletter was delivered this morning.
You’ll find details about our annual events calendar, an invitation to the first Operational Committee Meeting, and information about the next Practitioner Network Session — plus more.
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