Read the policy statements of your candidates below:
Yang Chen
My name is Yang Chen, and I am standing for Cairns Campus Officer. As a PhD student at JCU Cairns, I want students across our campus to feel heard, connected and able to find the support they need.
Organising camping and fishing trips has helped me develop coordination skills and bring people together safely and inclusively. I would bring the same approachable, practical attitude to representing Cairns students.
If elected, I will seek feedback from students, raise their concerns at Council, and share clear updates on the issues they identify. I want to make information about JCUSA support, campus activities and opportunities easier to find, particularly for students who are new to Cairns.
I will work with students, clubs, JCUSA staff and fellow councillors to support affordable, inclusive activities that connect students across courses and backgrounds. Outdoor activities can offer one way to build friendships while respecting our local environment. I will listen to undergraduate, postgraduate, domestic and international students and work towards a welcoming Cairns campus.
Alexi Cross
My name is Alexi Cross, and I am a third-year medical student at James Cook University.
I am applying to be Cairns Campus OAicer because I want to help build a connected, welcoming campus where students can thrive.
I have been involved in student and community leadership from a young age, beginning with the Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club junior committee at 15 and continuing through my high school Youth Action Council. I am now president of the JCU MBBS Run Club. I have also worked collaboratively with the Youth Action NSW Health Club, Headspace Action Group and, currently, the CAN-I Nutrition and Adolescent Health group, which aims to improve how nutrition is discussed in education.
Balancing these commitments with work as a JCUSA Fit instructor, Spinal Life personal support worker and JCU tutor has taught me to be dependable, organised and thoughtful about priorities. I am passionate about the outdoors and promoting a balanced, healthy lifestyle, and I believe campus life can help make that possible.
Cairns campus has enormous potential. As Campus OAicer, I would champion regular evening events that support safe student connection, explore the feasibility of a campus bar as a safe local venue and source of university revenue, and advocate for a sports carnival that brings students from every year group together. I would listen to students and work collaboratively to turn practical ideas into a more vibrant campus community.
