Lets meet LIFT. In its second year of running, it’s currently got Lachy Flavel on Council, and is looking to expand on its previous success.
- What have you achieved this
year that you’re proud of? What would you do differently?
- Lachy Flavel (General Secretary Candidate):
- As Lift’s first ever OGC, I was proud of coming up with the idea to run Guild Debate Nights in Semester 1 and 2. The quality of discussion showed that students are able to engage with complex issues in a thoughtful and respectful manner, creating an enjoyable environment. I hope this successful event is continued next year. If I had my time again, I would thoroughly interrogate the Spark led budget to deliver the level of scrutiny on funding that is expected by students. As an OGC, I wrongly assumed that those in control of finances would deliver adequate explanation for funding, however, this was not the case. I look forward to seeing the next generation of Lift talent deliver real outcomes for UWA students.
- Which of your policies are central to your platform?
- Levi Rossetto (Societies Council Candidate):
- At the core of our policies is making student life memorable here on campus. I’m personally pushing for Festivals on Oak Lawn with food trucks, live music showcasing our fantastic musical talent here at UWA, and plenty of beers with extended Tav hours. We’ll continue Lachy’s Lift initiative of Guild Debate Nights with the Speakers Union that attracted dozens of engaged students, and we’ll upgrade the Tav Pool Tables. On a less vibey note, Spark have totally screwed the pooch on parking. After 4 years in peak positions of power, they have skyrocketing demand, constrained supply, and… food for fines. As nice as that idea is, Lift is serious about having a seat at the table when it comes to decision making. If we can have a new multistorey college built on campus, a conversation can and should be had with university management.*
- Why should people get out and vote for you?
- Emilia Kelly (Public Affairs Council Candidate):
- If you don’t vote, nothing changes. Hybrid parking bays won’t happen. Support for working students won’t happen. Better study spaces and amenities won’t happen. Spark and their allies in guild politics have had years to make practical changes for students- and they haven’t delivered. Give Lift a chance. We will empower our fantastic clubs and remove the barriers that currently prevent student-led groups from running events. I want today’s UWA students to enjoy the same pub crawls and sundowners that past generations have. The easy route for the Guild would be to organise and fund its own events, but the better way is to support faculty societies and clubs so they can create and grow events driven by students.
- How can lift ensure that students have a streamlined study experience, supported by the Guild?
- Jamie D’Mello (Ordinary Guild Councillor Candidate):
- If you’re a student gunning for a job or currently working, this is the party for you. We get it. It’s hard to balance getting study done with paying the bills and having pocket money, especially in this cost of living crisis. I’ll advocate for late night study access to Barry J so you don’t have to trek to a loud, busy Reid library in peak exam periods. We’re pushing for Free Professional Headshots in Guild Village to give your Linkedin and internship applications a Facelift, and introducing individual Innovation Grants for students with BIG ideas. We want a fit for purpose Guild Website with a new Careers and Freshers Guide where the last post wasn’t from 2022, and a choice of classes after 5pm for 3rd year units so students don’t have to pick between getting good marks and kick-starting their career. Also, we reckon it’s time the Business School gets a bit of love. We’ll deliver structured study booths to fit more students with more privacy and study ambience, and install hot water taps for coffees and teas that don’t break the bank.
- Would you limit some current guild activities in this refocusing?
- Kav Wild (Presidential Candidate):
- It’s time for student fees to go to student services. Over 65 thousand dollars funding a jet set holiday for NUS reps over east is not acceptable. Is representation on a national stage important for UWA? Sure. Should we balance the sheet with more money for parking, campus vibes and study spaces for students here on the ground? We think so. Students trust their Guild people to deliver, and it’s time to give Lift a go. Our man, Lachy, single-handedly represented students in all circles and organised large scale events this year, so imagine the action that could be taken to really achieve, and turn the wheels of this current old, tired management with more representation. Vote 1 Lift to Make Uni Work For You.
*Parking is a little more complex than it seems; We’ve an article here