2026 CANDIDATE

Personal Statements

Meet Jashan Dugal

Hey there! My name is Jashan Dugal, a Health Science student who spends a lot of time not just studying but also trying to make university life better for those around me. I’ve always been someone who enjoys connecting with people, getting involved in events, and building communities that make students feel at home. Whether it’s through volunteering, mentoring new students, or organising events with various societies/ the student association, I’ve found my place at Notre Dame by helping others find theirs.

That’s why I’m running for Vice President of Broadway SAUNDA. For me, this role is about making sure students are heard, supported, and enjoy being part of our campus. In 2025, I served as Clubs and Societies Director, which has given me a chance to see how clubs and societies work from the inside and to support them in reaching more students. Both roles are about the same thing at the end of the day: making Notre Dame a place where students don’t just studybut belong.

I know that student life can sometimes feel disconnected. Too often, people don’t know about events until they’ve already happened, or they feel societies only exist for one type of student. I’d like to change that. Simple things like a shared student calendar and more regular email updates can go a long way in making sure nobody misses out. I’d also love to bring in a wider variety of events—BBQs, movie nights, chess tournaments, video game competitions, or even laser tag—because student engagement works best when it’s fun and diverse and relatable to everyone.

I also care about the more practical and professional side of student wellbeing. While SAUNDA already does an incredible job, even more awareness could be built around counselling and support services, so people know where to turn when they need help. The student pantry could be made more visible and accessible. And I believe SAUNDA can play a better role in pushing for more flexibility in classes andhelping with on the ground solutions, because the last thing students need is extra stress from systems that aren’t working for them.

I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do bring energy, humility, and a genuine desire to represent students well. My approach has always been to listen first, act second, and keep things approachable (and also a little fun) along the way.

If elected Vice President, I’ll work hard to make sure every student feels connected to this community. And yes—I’ll bring the snacks; you just bring your thoughts and ideas – I’d love to hear them.

Meet Kiara Beard

I am nominating for the positions of Secretary and Vice President (Broadway) because I believe the Student Association should be an organisation that is approachable, accountable, and genuinely focused on the needs of students. Both roles require dedication, organisation, and leadership, and I am confident that my skills and experiences equip me to contribute meaningfully in either capacity.

At Notre Dame, I have already served as Clubs & Societies Assistant Director and as Competitions Director for the Law Society, where I have organised events, managed student engagement, and represented student interests. These roles have given me insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our student community, while also building my ability to balance fairness, collaboration, and accountability.

Beyond campus, my current role as a Tribunal Officer at the Administrative Review Tribunal has strengthened my ability to manage complex information, maintain accurate records, and communicate clearly with a diverse range of people. These experiences translate directly into the responsibilities of both Secretary and Vice President. As Secretary, I would bring accuracy, reliability, and transparency to the Association’s records and processes. As Vice President (Broadway), I would focus on student voice, welfare support, and building a vibrant, inclusive campus culture.

I recognise that Notre Dame is already a campus where students feel valued and supported. My goal is to enhance and build upon this strong foundation by creating even more opportunities for connection, growth, and belonging. I want to see clubs and societies not only continue to thrive but also expand their reach and visibility so more students can share in their success. Above all, I aim to strengthen the culture of professionalism, integrity, and inclusivity that makes Notre Dame such a unique community, ensuring every student feels their voice is heard and their experience is enriched.

I am approachable, organised, and passionate about strengthening the student experience. Whether as Secretary or Vice President, I am ready to listen, advocate, and deliver outcomes that reflect the needs of our student community.

I would be honoured to represent you and to contribute to a Student Association that is inclusive, accountable, and driven by students, for students.

Thank you for considering my application.

Kind Regards,

Kiara Beard

Meet Alana Oxley

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Treasurer for SAUNDA in the academic year of 2026. I am currently undertaking a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication and Media (Advertising) at the University of Notre Dame Broadway Campus.

In 2024, I joined SAUNDA as the Representative for the School of Law, aiming to improve student experience and advocate for concerns and interests raised by students. In this role, I developed strong time management skills, actively participated in event planning and engaged in fortnightly meetings with the Dean to ensure the voice of law students was represented effectively.

In 2025, I was served as the Treasurer for SAUNDA. In this role, I worked closely with the President to establish and adhere to an approved budget, ensuring that the delegation of funds aligned with SAUNDA’s goals for fostering community and supporting student wellbeing. As 2025 was the first year SAUNDA received SSAF funding, financial management was unprecedented and required me to take initiative to learn and implement the correct financial processes. In this, I familiarised myself with the SSAF Guidelines, liaised with the University for reporting purposes and implemented accurate record-keeping processes to ensure compliance and accountability.

During my term, SAUNDA adopted accounting software, which through hands-on use, I was able to develop proficiency to ensure all expenses of SAUNDA were categorised accurately, maintain records of receipts and ensure all transactions were accounted for correctly. Beyond my role as Treasurer, I also assisted in the facilitation of weekly events across both Sydney campuses, contributing to planning and attendance.

In 2025 I also served as the Vice President on the Notre Dame Sydney Law Society (NDSLS). In this position, I was responsible for assisting the President in overseeing the society’s operations and managing various portfolios. This role has helped strengthen my organisational skills, maintain active communication and be directly involved in planning and managing the society’s activities. Balancing my responsibilities across SAUNDA and the NDSLS, has taught me how to prioritise effectively, work under pressure and mange demands of two significant leadership roles with efficiency.

If elected as Treasurer in 2026, I would continue to build on this foundation by refining SAUNDA’s financial management processes, strengthening our ability to implement initiatives and ensure that all funds allocated to SAUNDA are managed responsibly and utilised to enhance the university environment and student wellbeing. I am committed to continue to advocate and prioritise the improvement of student experience across both the Sydney Campuses. Furthermore, I believe I have the dedication and commitment to continue to promote inclusion and foster a welcoming student environment at Notre Dame.

Thank you for considering my application.

Meet Joshua Gereis

My name is Joshua Gereis, and I am putting myself forward for the role of Treasurer of the Student Association at the University of Notre Dame. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of serving as President of the Health Sciences Society, a role that has taught me the value of listening closely, acting decisively, and building trust within our student community. I am committed to carrying those same values into this new position, ensuring that the financial resources of our Association are managed responsibly, transparently, and always with students at the centre.

 I bring both practical experience and a strong personal grounding in financial management. I established and oversaw the finances for the Health Sciences Society, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and success. Beyond that, I have provided guidance to other societies to help them secure funding and maximise the opportunities available to their members. My background is strengthened by the influence of my father, an accountant and financial planner, who instilled in me the importance of precision, accountability, and forward planning. In addition, my time as SSAF Director gave me direct responsibility for ensuring student money was spent where it mattered most: on students, for students.

Leadership for me has always meant more than holding a title. As a former primary school teacher, I learned how to listen with patience, communicate with clarity, and act in ways that make a real difference to the people I serve. At Notre Dame, I have continued to apply those skills, whether by leading a society or advocating for student needs, I became everyone’s first call when guidance was asked. These moments reminded me that being approachable, dependable, and ready to act is what students value most in their leaders.

As Treasurer, my vision is clear: to ensure that every dollar entrusted to the Student Association works hard for the student body. That means transparent accounting, equitable support for societies and initiatives, and strong collaboration with staff to create opportunities that enrich our university experience. I will continue to be student-facing, approachable, and committed to turning student voices into action.

Notre Dame deserves a Treasurer who is both financially competent and deeply invested in the wellbeing of its students. I believe my track record, values, and vision make me the right candidate to serve in this role, and I humbly ask for your trust and support.

Meet Catherine Park

Hi there! My name is Catherine and I’m a first year Biomedical Sciences student. I would love to be one of your Health Sciences reps in 2026. I’ve always been a very outspoken person and I am very passionate about giving back to the community. Being a rep would be the perfect opportunity for me to do this! I believe that my experience and the deep commitment I have to making sure people’s voices are heard would enable me to help the Notre Dame community as a whole by being one of many representatives for the people.

I’m a fresh graduate of the Class of 2024, and throughout highschool I took as many chances as I could to do some form of leadership. From being vice-captain of my house and debating captain in Year 12, to being on the SRC all the way back in year 7, I’ve aimed to use my frightening lack of embarrassment and confidence to be a voice for my peers. While I would likely be one of the youngest nominees, I believe I am able to bring my energy and experience to this role in SAUNDA.

The Notre Dame community is uniquely close-knit thanks to our size, and I have already met so many incredible people who teach me how to be a better person. By joining SAUNDA, I aim to connect the many different unique and powerful voices in the Health Sciences and wider Notre Dame undergraduate cohort to make sure the decisions SAUNDA makes are good for the community.

If I am given the privilege to be a part of SAUNDA, I would aim to continue the fantastic work we do, supporting events that can help us not only get to know each other better but also become better citizens by exposing ourselves to new perspectives and ideas. I would aim to take any and allconcerns, no matter how big or small, to the roundtable, to make sure they are discussed and seriously considered. But most importantly, I hope to be able to listen to your stories and ideas, to make sure SAUNDA continues to be a force for good.

Meet Gayatri Nair

My name is Gayatri, and I am a first-year Biomedical Science student at the University of Notre Dame. I am passionate about building meaningful connections, creating opportunities for collaboration, and finding ways to enrich the communities I belong to. Outside of my academic interests, I enjoy exploring creative outlets such as art and dance, which allow me to express myself and bring balance to my life. These passions have shaped me into a curious, open-minded and empathetic individual, which are qualities I hope to bring to my role if selected to join SAUNDA.

I am motivated to join SAUNDA because I want to contribute to shaping a more engaging and inclusive university experience. University is more than academics to me; it is about forming networks, making life-long memories, and creating an environment where every student feels valued. By becoming involved, I hope to not only make new friends but also play an active role in improving the student experience. Being part of SAUNDA would allow me to combine my desire to make a difference with my enthusiasm for university life, ensuring that the Notre Dame community continues to grow as a welcoming and vibrant space.

My experience throughout high school has prepared me well for this opportunity. As Green Team President, I learned the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and leading with initiative, especially when balancing competing commitments. I also served as a prefect, where I represented my peers, organised initiatives, and learned the responsibility of being a role model to younger students. Beyond school, I have engaged in volunteering with organisations such as Vinnies, which reinforced the value of service and empathy. I have also developed confidence and strong communication skills through public speaking, which has taught me the importance of amplifying diverse voices and ensuring everyone feels heard.

If given the opportunity to represent the Notre Dame community, I would commit to being a proactive and approachable student voice. I aim to embody the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation. This means listening openly to the perspectives of peers and juniors, and working alongside others to implement ideas that reflect our collective needs. My goal is to help transform university life into something more hands-on and accessible, encouraging students to get involved, explore their potential, and feel supported in doing so.

Ultimately, I see this as an opportunity not just to serve, but also to grow as a leader, as a collaborator, and as a representative of the Notre Dame community. I believe my background, skills, and passion make me a strong candidate, and I am excited about the possibility of contributing meaningfully to SAUND

Meet Pareesae Shahzad

My name is Pareesae and I am currently a first year student studying biomedical science in the assured pathway to MD. I am someone who is motivated to connect, collaborate and make a difference in the community. Whether that be volunteering, supporting others or contributing to student-led initiatives, I have always sought opportunities to engage with various people, hear their concerns and foster a safe and collaborative environment.

I am eager to join SAUNDA because I am keen about improving student experiences at university. I am passionate about initiatives which promote inclusivity, wellbeing, and opportunities to appreciate social and cultural connection. By collaborating with peers and staff, I would love to create programs and events that reflect the diversity and energy of our students while ensuring that all voices are considered to improve student life on campus.

I have experience working as an Administration Officer at the hospital. Every day in this role, I support patients and their families, manage appointments, and guide people during their most vulnerable times. This has allowed me to develop skills to work well under pressure, be empathetic and have strong communication with people from various demographics. These are the exact skills I’d bring to representing you — listening carefully, responding thoughtfully, and advocating for your concerns.

Throughout school I was vice captain, a peer support leader, and part of the debating/public speaking team. These experiences have not only taught me how to lead, but also to collaborate with others and bring individuals together. By being a SAUNDA representative, I am excited to advocate for you by being an approachable leader who will actively gather your feedback, support you as a student and strengthen connections to bring people together.

Outside of studying and work, you will probably hear me talking about how much I enjoy pilates classes and I’m willing to fight anyone who says that pilates is easy. Otherwise, you can always catch me taking pictures and recording moments - whether it’s capturing moments at events or spamming my phone with endless pictures of my cat. You can also always catch me with my digital camera in hand because I am a firm believer that digi pics always turn out better than iphone pics. My hobbies remind me of the importance of balance as a student and I am committed to further the wellbeing initiatives at Notre Dame to support you that tiny bit more during those high stress periods! I am driven to bring my diverse skillset, motivation and creativity to be a SAUNDA representative and I would be honoured to be your voice to improve our student life by making Notre Dame an even stronger place to connect, belong and study