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)

2025 Steering Committee members:

Co-Convenors: 

Professor Lorelle Burton, Associate Provost, University of Southern Queensland 

Jade-Bianca Thomas, Student Co-Convenor, University of Southern Queensland 

Staff: 

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

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

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

Students: 

Charlie Tran, Griffith University Student Representative 

Wayne McCosh, University of Adelaide Student Representative 

Courtney Stark, University of the Sunshine Coast

Guests: 

Ali Jaquet, Director, Support for Learning, University of Southern Queensland 

Belinda Brear, Student Voice Australasia Coordinator 

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, usually in March each year.

2025 Operational Committee members:

Alex Green, Students as Partners Officer, Deakin University (Co-Convenor)

Belinda Brear, SVA Coordinator (Convenor)

Staff:

Libby Kinna, Students as Partners Coordinator, Curtin University 

Kate Walsh, Senior Coordinator, Student Representation and Partnerships, Flinders University 

Sara Ardern, Practice Lead, Student Partnerships, Griffith University  

Students:

Connor Coombes, Deakin University Student

Alex Purcher, Student Partner, Curtin University

1 x Vacant student position

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

• Tina Whitmore, Holmesglen (VET Co-Convenor) 

• Jennifer Lowe, Student University of Newcastle
  (Student Disability Leadership Collective Co-Chair)

• Casey Dykes Student UNSW
  (Student Disability Leadership Collective Co-Chair)