Snap news: updates, announcements,
events and things of interest.
2025 Year In Review
Thank you to all who contributed to a successful year at SVA!
2025 was all about growth, connection, and impact for students-
✅ 26 institutional members (7 new)
✅ 929 LinkedIn followers (+37%)
✅ 11,000 website visits (+42%)
✅ Student Voice Symposium: 250+ attendees, 100% positive ratings
✅ Student Summit: 130+ attendees, 9 travel grants
From launching the National Rewards & Recognition Survey to hosting the inaugural Student Voice Awards, we’re proud of the progress made together. Thank you to everyone who contributed to amplifying student voice this year.
Happy Holidays from your National Coordinator- Belinda Brear
December 2025 Newsletter
Dear SVA Network,
This year, Student Voice Australasia celebrated incredible milestones and we could not have done so without the support of students and staff within our community. Together we:
Expanded our network with seven new institutional members.
Shared monthly newsletters, and new case studies via our network sessions.
Launched the Student Voice Awards, honouring changemakers across the sector.
Hosted our largest Student Summit & Symposium to date—with 300+ participants and 60+ presentations under the theme “From Voice to Choice.”
Thank you to every student, staff member, and partner who made 2025 a year of impact and collaboration.
In this issue you will find:
Appreciation to our committee members who strengthened our governance in 2025
Call for EOI's to host our major events in 2026
New member signups are now open
Final call to complete our annual end of year feedback survey
We have exciting plans for 2026 and look forward to connecting again early in the new year.
Note the SVA Office will be closed from 22 December - 5 January.
Before closing, we want to acknowledge the heartbreaking events this week at Bondi Beach and the significant impact this is having on staff and student members of our community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted, notably the Australian Jewish community. We understand that not everyone may have the capacity to engage with this newsletter right now, and we deeply respect that. Please lean on the support services available.
Over the holiday season, please prioritise looking after yourself and your loved ones. Happy Holidays!
Warm regards,
Belinda Brear
SVA Coordinator
November 2025 Newsletter Overview
Dear SVA Network,
We’re still riding the wave of energy and inspiration from the 2025 Student Summit and Student Voice Symposium! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us—whether in person or online. It was a truly rewarding opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the power of student voice across our network.
We were thrilled to open the event with a special announcement from SVA Steering Committee Chair, Professor Lorelle Burton: UniSQ will proudly continue hosting Student Voice Australasia for another two years. You can read the full media release here.
In this issue you'll find:
Membership Prospectus now available – Renewals and new sign-ups are officially open
Celebrating the WINNERS of the 2025 Student Voice Awards
Summit & Symposium Wrap-Up and call for 2026 hosts – Highlights and 2026 plans
Call for Feedback – Help shape our 2026–27 direction by sharing your thoughts
Partner Opportunities & New Publications – Explore ways to collaborate and stay informed
If you’d like to schedule a meeting or presentation to discuss your 2026 membership, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
Belinda Brear
SVA Coordinator
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
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