Student Network
The Student Network has been established as an avenue for communicating with the wider student body to develop and sustain a culture of student partnership in governance nationally. The network meets to exchange ideas and knowledge, share case studies and best practice approaches, discuss challenges, and provide insight and support about engaging with our institutions. Students from SVA’s member institutions are encouraged to join and engage with these sessions.
2025 Sessions
13 March: Student Representative Toolkit
Format: Panel and discussion
Description: Student Representation is both a rewarding and demanding role. As such, individual representatives constantly gain new strategies, techniques, and knowledge that they bring to their approach. This session brings together three Student Representatives with varying backgrounds, roles, and experiences in hopes of providing real-world advice and suggestions for new and experienced representatives. We hope to finish the session with a robust discussion with attendees on how Student Voice Australasia can better support Student Representatives in 2025 and beyond- whether this is through resources, sessions, workshops, or initiatives run by students, for students.
Speakers:
Lisa Connolly (she/they), University of Southern Queensland, Student Voice Australasia
Lisa is a teacher and researcher who most recently held the position of Disability and Inclusion Student Representative (2023-2024) and Co-Chair (2024) on the University of Southern Queensland’s Student Senate. As a neurodiverse person (autism/ADHD), they have issues with imposter syndrome and perfectionism that lead to burnout at times. In response, she now prioritises self-care and time management. In sharing their experience, she hopes to provide useful tips and tools for new or returning student leaders to maintain good mental and emotional health.
Myles Ikin (he/him), Curtin University
Myles is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology at Curtin University. Having grown up in low socio-economic, rural areas of Queensland and Western Australia before relocating to pursue higher education, Myles aims to bring this unique perspective to improving tertiary student experiences. He currently works as an assistant for Students as Partners at Curtin and has served in various student support roles including residential advisor, student mentor, tutor, and volunteer. Myles is passionate about enhancing student experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
Shai Wittles (he/they), Flinders University
Shai is a trans student and activist who focuses on LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion. They are the currently the Flinders University Queer Collective President (2024-2025) and the FUSA Queer Officer. They centre their work around community building and aid, and bringing members of the Trans community to the forefront of discussion. In sharing their experience, they hope to teach you how to build and mobilise communities, and lean on others for help