There is a long (long, long) list of candidates competing for your vote during election season next week. As part of Pelican’s meet the candidates series, we will be bringing you some of the responses that Office Bearer (OB) candidates gave to questions we asked them.
Here are the Spark OB candidates…
NARENDRA DHARMARATNE
Running for: General Secretary
Studies: Integrated medical science and clinical practice
What motivated you to run for your position this year?
I ran because I was tired of waiting for my time at UWA to become the university experience I always dreamed of. I ran because I believed the vision that Ami and SPARK had this year. I ran because I am confident in my abilities to bring about the change that will improve the student experience for good.
What is the policy you are the most passionate about?
There is actually 2 policies that really excite me. The first is the parking app. This parking app will use AI and smart software to help students decide when and where to park. This is a realistic and tangible improvement to parking that can be done. What is most exciting is, that with the data collected from this app, we will confidently be able to approach the university and lobby for better allocation of red / yellow bays.
The next policy is bringing night time food vendors to campus. This is SPARK’s first step to liven up the campus at night. We believe that UWA should be a place to come back to at all times of the day.
What do you think are the biggest issues on campus now and into the future?
Parking is by far the most pressing issue on campus. It is difficult and complex and won’t be easily solved. Some parties claim their is an easy fix such as building a new parking lot, however such claims have been thrown around for years and no tangible change has come about. This issue will continue into the future unless someone does something about it.
Additionally, the growing financial deficit, that is currently $600,000 gets increasingly more concerning with each day. If this isn’t accounted for, this will negatively impact every club and student on campus.
Dream job?
Space surgeon
What are your hobbies or passions outside uni?
One of my passions is innovation. I am working on a start up to help medical students get into research opportunities and keep up to date with research that is outputted. Besides this, I love to play tennis in my spare time and gym!
Why are you the best person for the job?
To be General Secretary of the Guild, you need expertise in the field, leadership skills and innovative ideas. My time as DESI Student Society President has given me the leadership experience necessary to lead to team. Running 600 person balls and managing a $80,000 budget has given me the confidence to handle not just a team but money.
Being a current 180 DC consultant has taught me how to think critically through issues. Proving to me that no problem is too big to be solved. It’s experience like this that will allow me to approach the Guild’s finances in a critical and thorough manner, to not only improve the $600,000 deficit but to bring new ideas and improvements to the Guild.
Lastly, being innovative is the key to improve student experience. With new ideas that will genuinely excite students and make them want to come and stay on campus. I’ve been involved with start ups and innovation competitions. I know what it means to be innovative and I will bring those same skills to the Guild.
Convince us to vote for you in ten words or less:
For innovation that will excite you, vote 1 Naz.
JAK BEARD
Running for: Societies Council President
Studies: Electronic Music and Sound Design
What motivated you to run for your position this year?
I’ve been involved in a lot of different uwa clubs, both professional clubs and those more social orientated. My broad experience has given me a really good idea of what the guild does well to support uwa clubs, but also what it really needs to improve upon. As cringey as it sounds too, I genuinely believe in Ami’s vision for the guild so I’m super pumped to make some actual meaningful long lasting change.
What do you think are the biggest issues on campus now and into the future?
Definitely a lacklustre campus culture is a main issue, its so hard for clubs to host quality events mainly due to financial reasons. The other main issue in clubs is the lack of sexual harassment and bullying reporting guidelines, as well as the current outcomes for victims.
What is the policy you are most passionate about?
Getting rid of the super bad start of sem guild parties that literally no one goes to – and redirecting the funds from these to help create a start of year largescale festival, from party vibes all the way through to food trucks and activities. This festival would be ticketed cheaply to help fund, as well as being opt in for every single uwa club so everyone from all parts of campus can get involved! It will also serve as such a great start of year experience for clubs to gain the knowledge they need to run more events throughout the year!
What is your favourite movie?
Brother Bear.
Favourite book?
Dragon Ball Z.
Why are you the best person for the job?
Having built up my club experience, serving as a President, Vice President, Events Director and Orientation Director, I truly believe I have the most hands on club experience of any candidate this year. And I believe this experience in doing such a variety of club work gives me the best possible insight into improving clubs and reinvigorating UWA campus culture.
What are your hobbies or passions outside of uni?
Making cheese, DJing (not really a hobby but), producing music, reading.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
The Ave.
MARIA WATERS
Running for: Public Affairs Council President
Studies: Finance and Chinese
What motivated you to run for your position this year?
I’ve never been involved in the Guild before because of the stigma surrounding it. Instead of complaining about the things I dislike, and wish could change, I decided to work alongside like-minded people with the same goal so we can change things ourselves.
What do you think are the biggest issues on campus now and into the future?
At this point in time, the biggest issues are the job cuts being experienced. If these cuts are not stopped, it will flow on to become a future problem. Students will not be able to receive the educational experience they deserve in terms of receiving support from academic staff/mentors. Academic staff will also feel a lack of security because they can be made redundant if those in power decide to make more cuts.
What is the policy you are most passionate about?
The policy I am most passionate about is the ‘Around the world at UWA’ series. This series will allow UWA students to see how diverse our campus really is. I think this is really important now more than ever especially with a lot of students not being able to travel or re-connect with families overseas. Hopefully it will act as a little piece of home on campus, and for others it should serve as a way to learn about an abundance of other cultures.
Who is in Paris?
Emily
Why are you the best person for the job?
I am the best person for the job because I am passionate about everything PAC encapsulates, from arts, culture, faith, politics, and volunteering. I believe I can utilise what I have learnt holding committee roles in various clubs, and apply it to my role.
What are your hobbies and passions outside of uni?
Outside of uni I enjoy playing volleyball, drawing/painting, going to the beach, making videos, and travelling.
Dream job?
Valet driver in Monaco.
JASMINE HENSLEY
Running for: Education Council President
Studies: Genetics and Law and Society
What motivated you to run for your position this year?
Volunteering with organisations like Teach Learn Grow and UN Youth WA has highlighted to me the importance of education in Australia and working with Arts Union as education Vice President has brought to light how your university experience fundamentally revolves around the quality of your education. As a student studying both science and humanities, the power that the diversity of education offered at UWA holds is clearer than ever. Education is what unites us, brings us together and makes us strong. This is why I’m running to be your education council president, to advocate for the best education possible for all students.
What do you think are the biggest issues on campus now and into the future?
Building a strong sense of belonging and community amongst UWA students and ensuring that all students’ needs are catered for, particularly regarding education resources.
What’s the best part of a big brekky, and why is it hash browns?
Definitely the half an avocado you had to pay $5 extra for.
What is the policy you are most passionate about?
Introducing practice exams with model answers for all units, to ensure that students have valuable resources to aid them in achieving to the best if their ability.
Why are you the best person for the job?
I am genuinely passionate about providing you with the best quality education possible and will advocate for the needs of all students, on every corner of campus and offshore.
IKNUR VIRIK
Running for: Environment Officer
Studies: Electrical Engineering and Digital Creativity
What motivated you to run for your position this year?
So outer space has always been my one true love. I guess from there I got more and more obsessed with the sky, the ocean, and soon enough just the Earth and everything on it.
If guess if I had the chance to use my experience on clubs and societies to revive and ignite widespread interest in the Enviro Community, which is the first step towards making impactful change, I’d take it. So… I did? Climate change is too big an issue to be solved by a fraction of people alone, and it’s my goal to get every single one of you students on board. In such little ways, you probably won’t even notice x
That, combined with how much I just vibe with the whole SPARK team this year, our vision, and the thought that we could maybe just make that a reality, like, say less bro.
What do you think are the biggest issues on campus now and into the future?
The Cuts. Sexual assault and harassment. Parking.
In terms of enviro specifically though, I think there are 2 main hurdles to jump right now. First, the lack of new interest and involvement in Enviro from the wider student body. Second, the university’s current stance on divestment and the Centre for Long Subsea Tiebacks.
In the future? The ice is melting. Campus is on Earth. It’s getting hot in here, fast.
What are your thoughts on the moon landing?
Yeah it was fun and all but there’s nothing like being back on Earth. God I love the Earth.
What is the policy you are most passionate about?
It’s got to be the Campus Trade & Op-shop. Or maybe the revived green spaces on campus. I can’t decide. That’s a W though I reckon.
What is your favourite movie?
Interstellar. I’ve only watched it 17 times. And counting.
(Editor’s Note: At least three Spark candidates listed Interstellar as their favourite film. Something in that, I reckon)
Why are you the best person for the job?
My time on UWA clubs and FacSocs means I know how to plan, market and host events that would appeal to students. That’s such a key part of engaging more interest, and I feel I could really bring the fresh perspective we need right now. I also really know how to talk a point home, if I do say so myself. Every single one of the enviro clubs at UWA do so much important work and being that bridge between them, and the university administration, a lot is going to come down to being able to convince the university to take our side on the big issues.
What is your favourite poem/poet?
My twitter account.
What are your hobbies or passions outside of uni?
Yall have passions outside…of uni?
For real though, I’d have to say travelling. I travelled a lot growing up and the feeling of being lost in unfamiliar territory, with so much to learn and experience is just… it’s the best. It doesn’t even have to be far away, could be the next street, just has to be…new.
Call Me Maybe or Shake It Off?
Call Me Maybe? We can catch up for a coffee! I’d love to talk to you about the Guild and all that it does for – *You can no longer send or receive messages from this user. See more options*
Convince us to vote for you in ten words or less:
The Lorax speaks for the trees. I act for them.
ESTHER NIXON
Running for: Women’s Officer
Studies: Law and Society
What motivated you to run for your position this year?
I’ve noticed a few things on campus that directly impacted me as a woman, and I knew that a lot of other women and NB students were on the same boat. I’ve tried getting onto the Women’s Department committee a few times, and then I decided, I’d love to make a change from the top-down. SPARK has had a huge impact on me and my view of the Guild, and I truly believe that as a team, we have the ability to enact change in all kinds of ways. Those two reasons, combined, has made me want to run as Women’s Officer.
What do you think are the biggest issues on campus now and into the future?
Sexual assault reporting avenues are sparse on campus, and this is a huge issue given the intrinsic rape culture that is present at UWA. Everyone knows about this, but why isn’t it addressed? Why do we sweep it under the rug? We should be providing safe spaces and multiple avenues for students to be able to come forward about sexual assault, both on campus, online and at colleges.
What is the policy you are most passionate about?
One of the other issues on campus right now is that there are no easily accessible period products for women in bathrooms. The women’s department, in the last two years, introduced a free pad and tampon dispenser in one of the bathrooms on campus, which is a fantastic initiative, which I think can be improved. I want to introduce dispensers across all bathrooms starting with those in Reid, Sports Centre and BJM Library.
Call Me Maybe or Shake It Off?
The rap in Shake It Off = girlboss, gaslight, gatekeep vibes.
What are your hobbies or passions outside of uni?
Bit cliched but reading books, watching the same sit-com over and over again, and going on long drives.
Convince us to vote for you in ten words or less:
Women + NB only cocktail night = bag secured.
Do you know what the Guild actually does?
Well, I’m keen to find out.
SAPPHIRE CARTER
Running for: Welfare Officer
Studies: Engineering Science
What motivated you to run for your position this year?
I’ve always found it in incredibly rewarding when friends have reached out when struggling with mental health or uni and I’ve been able to support them in finding resources to help them and supporting them through what can be a very difficult time and process. Running for Welfare this year I want to expand on this to help and support the wider student body.
What do you think are the biggest issues on campus now and into the future?
Implementing policies that don’t financially burden the Guild, and offshore student engagement, particularly with ongoing COVID restrictions.
What is the policy you are most passionate about?
Peer to peer support drop in.
Why are you the best person for the job?
I am the most experienced candidate, having sat on Welfare Committee as Student Living Officer this year, and on the Access Committee as an OCM, two departments with a lot of intersectionality. I am extremely passionate about student wellbeing and have extensive experience supporting and advocating for other students in my personal and uni life, and I know I can bring this to Welfare next year to grow the department.
Have you ever, as a kid, shone a light through a magnifying glass to burn an ant, and at first you felt ashamed and upset but something just kept you holding the magnifying glass. and you watched the ant burn head, thorax and legs. and eventually, after the upset, shame and guilt, you realised you truly felt nothing and moved on?
No I am not a psychopath.
(Editor’s Note: Sapphire’s response to this question has not been fact-checked by Pelican)
Convince us to vote for you in ten words or less:
I will dedicate myself to helping every student on campus.
What is your favourite preparation of eggs?
Scrambled eggs or fried eggs with the yolk cut out and put in the bin where it belongs.
(Editor’s Note: What the fuck?)
JOSEPH KADDIS
Running for: Sports Representative
Studies: Psychology
What motivated you to run for your position this year?
I want to ignite change and create a better sporting environment!
What do you think are the biggest issues on campus now and into the future?
Lack of engagement on campus.
What is your favourite book?
12 Rules For Life by Jordan Petersen.
(Editor’s Note: 😕)
What is the policy you are most passionate about?
Live screening of all major games at the guild!
Sex, Marry Kiss: Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, Jair Bolsonaro.
Idk these people lol.
Why are you the best person for the job?
I’m the only candidate with experience as a sports representative. I know the flaws in UWA sport like no other having been the Arts Union 2021 Sports Rep.
What are your hobbies and passions outside of uni?
Soccer.
Convince us to vote for you in 10 words or less:
24/7 gym, live EPL, NBA, AFL games. New gym café!