Read the policy statements of your candidates below:
Yana Carpen
My name is Yana Carpen, and I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management. Growing up in Mauritius, I have always been surrounded by nature and curious about our place in it. Moving to Australia has deepened my connection to nature. Learning about First Nations peoples’ perspective has strengthened my view of how we should care for nature the way nature cares for us.During my time in the role, I built an Instagram page to raise awareness and promote activities and events. I have also helped organise hands-on activities that make sustainability enjoyable, such as the Bottle cap Mosaic Workshop. This encouraged students to reuse materials creatively and think differently about waste. I have continued to explore further initiatives, including a Clothes Swap event to reduce textile waste and promote sustainable fashion.
If re-elected, I will continue to strengthen the Environmental and Sustainability Committee and support its members to take ownership of new ideas and projects. I will maintain and grow our social media presence to share practical sustainability tips, promote events, and celebrate student involvement. I also hope to deliver more engaging activities,such as campus clean-ups and awareness campaigns, while working closely with the student association, university staff and students.
My goal is to continue building a campus community where sustainability feels inclusive, practical and empowering. I want students to see themselves as part of nature rather than separate from it, and to feel confident that small collective actions can create meaningful change. I am committed to representing students, supporting a greener campus, and ensuring the Environmental and Sustainability Committee continues to grow beyond this year.