With the beginning of the new year, Burgmann has seen exciting developments to the student leadership of the College. Three new positions, Cultural Diversity Advocate, Regional Rural and Remote Advocate and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advocate, have been introduced to the cohort and with them, has come huge success. From the inaugural Regional and Remote Dinner pre-move in to the special Harmony Day breakfast and dinner plans, the impact of these new roles has been felt community wide. The weekly Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Island coffee and dinner meets in collaboration with Tjabal have similarly brought a new year of lifted spirit.
This is owed to a keen group of 2025 residents who noticed gaps in student representation and took initiative to ensure the whole student body feel seen and heard. Through the Cultural Change Working Group, students dreamt and advocated for the establishment of new roles and worked with the College to recruit for the three portfolios that now comprise the Burgmann Advocacy Network.
Congratulations to Freya Wills (Cultural Diversity Advocate), Kelly Schofield (Regional Rural and Remote Advocate) and Noah Smith (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advocate) for so enthusiastically taking on these responsibilities.
After a spectacular start, it’s encouraging to see that excitement amongst the Burgmann Advocacy Network remains strong. Commenting that she was inspired to make her mark on Burgmann, Freya reflected on the celebration and education around cultural diversity that she’s been able to facilitate through N week and O week information sessions and events like weaving and rock painting. Kelly stressed her desire to give back to Burgmann by facilitating friendships amongst the Regional, Rural and Remote (RRR) community and fostering the inspirations and passions of fellow RRR members for their degree and future industries.
It’s truly exhilarating to see the College growing into the most open, safe and representative space it can be.
Over the year, the three will work under the Director Student Culture and Development and alongside the wider leadership team of GSEAs and RAs. After a tremendous start, Burgmann is eager to see what they do next!
Article by Celia Watson, 2026 Communications Intern
