Student Voice Australasia (SVA) has a unique structure allowing consistent governance and member engagement while being hosted by a new tertiary education host every three years.

SVA hosts to date:

  • University of Southern Queensland 2023-2025

  • University of Adelaide 2020-2022

  • University of Technology Sydney 2019 (Pilot)

SVA Governance

The Steering Committee provides strategic direction for, and governance oversight of, the delivery of the SVA Annual Action Plan.

The Operational Committee Informs and guides the delivery of the Annual Action Plan and oversees the progress of projects initiated by Working Groups and Chapters.

Executive support to both Committees is provided by the SVA Coordinator, in addition to maintaining the constant operation of the network deliverables such as network sessions, annual events and daily support of the members in the network.

Read more about the Operational Group commitments in this document: SVA Operational Group [PDF]

SVA Steering Committee 

The Steering Committee provides strategic direction and governance oversight against the agreed objectives within the SVA Annual Action Plan. The Steering Committee monitors institutional and sector-wide issues and provides advice on those that may present an opportunity or risk to the network or have impact on the project’s success. The Steering Commitee ensures provision of the required resources for planning and delivery of the network and champions SVA at sector level to foster relevant strategic connections with stakeholder bodies and groups.

Membership: Executive leaders (invited by the Chair) & Student Leaders (elected annually amongst members)

Steering Committee members:

Professor Lorelle Burton (Chair), Associate Provost, University of Southern Queensland

Wayne McCosh, University of Adelaide Student Representative

Vanessa Crawford, Operations Manager (Higher Education), TAFE Queensland

Professor Shaun Ewen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Education, Griffith University

Charlie Tran, Griffith University Student Representative

Dr Lydia Dutcher, Head of Student Life, University of Sydney

Tina Tran, University of Sydney Student Representative

Vacant: 2 x Student Representative, 1 x Executive Leader

SVA Operational Committee

The Operational Committee informs and guides the delivery of annual project plans by the Working Groups and Chapters as well as SVA’s Annual Action Plan. The Operational Committee comprises elected student and staff champions, acting as the link between members and SVA’s governance.

Membership: Elections for additional members will be held during the Annual planning day in March 2025.

Operational Committee members:

SVA Chapter and Working Group Leads sit on the Operational Committee.

SVA Networks

The networks are designed to share good practices, discuss national issues, and provide collegial support and guidance. The SVA Coordinator curates online sessions and discussions based on member feedback and best practices relevant to members of the network.

Current Networks:

SVA Chapters

Member-championed networks and collectives which drive practice exchange, networking and discussion for different groups in the network (eg.: State Chapters, VET Chapter, etc.). The chapters are initiated by members and are established with the support of the SVA Coordinator. Chapter Leads automatically join the Operational Committee and report on the progress to members.

Current Chapters include:

Working Groups

We believe in collaboration for the common good…as a result, SVA members, students and staff, can join working groups that are focused on creating useful resources and guides, or embark on any other projects that improve everyone’s experience in the sector. Each working group works closely with the SVA Coordinator or SVA Student Partner who provide admin support and actively contribute to each project. Working Group automatically join the Operational Committee and report on the progress to members.

Current Working Groups: