MEET YOUR NEW EXECUTIVE

On Wednesday the 18^th of June, your USU Board of Directors elected the new Executive team for the 2014 – 2015 term. Here is your chance to know a bit more about us, and what we plan to do over the next twelve months. 

The Executive Team for 2014 - 2015

President - Tara Waniganayaka

Tara having "fun" at Open Day

What does your role entail?
I act as the main conduit between the Board and staff, liaise with the University and other groups of interest. I also represent the Union externally. Ultimately I am a true believer in servant leadership, which emphasises collaboration, trust, empathy, and the ethical use of power. At heart, the President is a servant first, making the conscious decision to lead in order to better serve others, not to increase their own power or clout.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the Union in the next year? I think our biggest, and most rewarding challenge is being adaptable to an ever-changing environment. We have a diverse membership, and in order to remain truthful and loyal to our base we must be as inclusive and embracing as possible of all facets of our community. What is the one change you wish to make to the Union? The Union should be the place for all students to find a new passion, make new friends and receive support throughout their degrees. I hope to set the foundations for future growth, and ultimately universal access, so that one day we may see every student a member of a club or society, and proud to be part of the last-remaining independent student organisation in the country. What is your favourite thing about the Union? The Clubs and Societies Program is beyond incredible. The fact that there are over 22,000 unique members of over 200 clubs and societies producing over 1,500 events every year – this community is massive and all I can hope is that it continues to grow and flourish, and create a second home for all our members. Which Clubs & Societies are you a member of? United Nations Society, Arts Students’ Society, Politics Society, Law Society, Media and Communications Society, MADSOC, SURG, EpicSoc, SUDS and SHADES At the moment you’re addicted to… Using black inky pens. What song have you got on repeat at the moment? Harder Than You Think – Public Enemy Favourite food? Sushi with cornflakes on top – trust me it is amazing.


Vice President - Bebe D'Souza

Bebe enjoying a SHADEy evening

What does your role entail? I'm responsible for assisting the President and making sure the board functions collectively. I also coordinate student recruitment to make sure that the USU has as much member involvement as possible in the running of our organisation. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the Union in the next year? The threat of fee deregulation on the welfare of our membership is something that the USU needs to combat in the coming year, in particular figuring out how as an organisation we can resist any threat to the accessibility of education. What is the one change you wish to make to the Union? I would like to see the union focus more on student welfare than it does currently. Whether that be by providing more facilities like childcare services and kitchenettes or running campaigns through our autonomous portfolios and events like Radical Sex and Consent day. What is your favourite thing about the Union? That it's an organisation which is member driven and democratic. Which Clubs & Societies are you a member of? Greens on Campus, Political Economy Society, and the Feminist Society At the moment you’re addicted to… Orange is the New Black What song have you got on repeat at the moment? I wiped my iPhone and deleted my spotlight account accidentally Favourite food? Sashimi


Hon. Treasurer - Robby Magyar

Robby enduring exercise at O-Week

What does your role entail?
The primary difference between my role, and that of the rest of the executive is, I am to ensure the entire Board has a sound understanding of the financial position of the Union. To achieve this I sit on the Finance Committee, and meet regularly with our Director of Finance, Helen Summerfield. Within my role I have the ability to spearhead new strategic initiatives, such as looking towards external investment and sponsorship. I also manage the Board Blog. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the Union in the next year?
We need to be innovative in the way we engage new students - as the campus population continues to evolve, we need to ensure we can offer services that enrich the student experience and promote the welfare of as many people as possible. Universal ACCESS may always be the goal, but ensuring that Union membership is valuable is the biggest challenge we will always face.

What is the one change you wish to make to the Union? Having implemented a lot of the policies I ran on, my biggest focus this year will be to ensure the Union provides services for students from low socio-economic backgrounds and marginalised groups that allow for personal development - such as grants to attend conferences like Queer Collaborations, NOWSA, and Students for Sustainability. What is your favourite thing about the Union?
O-Week - three days of free booze and parties, all run by students. Which Clubs & Societies are you a member of? The ALP Club, History Society, Greek Society (SUGS), Fine Arts Society, SUTEKH, and SHADES. At the moment you’re addicted to… Beyond the usual substances, my XBOX One is proving to be a bit consuming. What song have you got on repeat at the moment? Fancy by Iggy Azalea Feat Charli XCX - pretty much the whole New Classic album actually. Favourite food? Cheese in mass quantities, I don't even need crackers.


Hon. Secretary - Eve Radunz

Eve..... in Russia

What does your role entail?

I chair the Clubs and Societies Committee and the Verge Advisory Committee; meaning that I get to be the Board representative for both our Clubs and Societies Program and our wonderful Verge Art Gallery. I also undertake basic administration duties for the Board and help oversee editions of our flagship publication, BULL, as a Director of Student Publications. I also get to help plan the USU's Annual Dinner; the celebratory, end-of-year dinner we invite all our student leaders and staff to, this year's we will be reflecting on the hundredth anniversary of the beginning of the Women's Union. 

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the Union in the next year? 

The fact that we're currently undertaking so many capital works is something that we will need to keep a really close eye on. We are close to finishing the Holme redevelopment, and we are also undertaking refurbishments of Fisher Coffee Cart, Carslaw Coffee Cart and Engineering Cafe. We will need all the expertise of our staff to pull these off!

What is the one change you wish to make to the Union? 

I would love to see our Clubs and Societies Program reflect our progressive values and implement affirmative action for all our club executives.

What is your favourite thing about the Union?

I love the fact that the USU opens so many different doors so that any sort of student can get involved, no matter what their interests are. 

Which Clubs & Societies are you a member of? 

SciSoc, Fred Hollows Society, Feminist Society, Tae Kwon Do Society, and the Labor Club.

At the moment you’re addicted to… Licorice Bullets.

What song have you got on repeat at the moment?

Still D.R.E - Dr D.R.E ft. Snoop Dogg 

Favourite food?

Japanese.