Written by Brooke Parsons
The 2026 uni year is off to a flying start, and whether you’re brand new to Charles Sturt with fresh notebooks and a clean lab coat or logging in from the comfort of home for the millionth time, we’re so glad you’re here!
“We,” you’re asking, “who is this we?” This “we” is the 2026 Student Senate and we can’t wait to tell you all about us!
So, who are we? Well, think of us like the Avengers… if the Avengers spent considerably more time in committee meetings than saving the world. But hey, we’re still here, doing our best to make sure you have the best uni experience possible.
The Student Senate is the overarching student representative body. Our role is to identify and advance the interests of all Charles Sturt students. The Senate is comprised of two members from each Student Representative Committee (SRC), and we’re focused solely on you, yes, you – our amazing, incredible Charles Sturt students!
So, what do we actually do? Well, that’s a great question. Our key functions are to:
- Communicate issues of concern, both academic and non-academic, to the big guys (e.g the Vice-Chancellor, the Provost, and various other Executive Directors of the university)
- Ensure all students are treated fairly, regardless of category, mode of study or study location
- Consult with the big guys, aka senior leadership, on rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines related to student activities
- Support the administration of our SRCs
- Support the administration of SSAF funding for student-based initiatives
So you know what we do, but who actually are we?
Wagga Wagga Representatives:
Name: Brooke Parsons (President)
Course: Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Fun Fact: I’m Australia’s youngest rowing umpire!
Name: Charlie Graham
Course: Bachelor of Education (K-12)
Fun Fact: I have broken eight bones (apparently I break very easily :/ )
Port Macquarie Representatives:
Name: Blue Cook
Course: Nursing Bridging Course
Fun Fact: I’m a self-taught makeup artist of 9 years!
Name: Lilis Hine
Orange Representatives:
Name: Himanya Sajani
Course: Doctor of Medicine
Fun Fact: I’ve never broken a bone (touchwood!)
Name: Ellen Bolger-Rowe (Vice President)
Course: Bachelor of Pharmacy
Fun Fact: I own and run my own Highland Dance studio in Orange, Blayney, and Bathurst!
Online Representatives:
Name: Erima Collins-Rowe
Course: Bachelor of Human Services
Fun Fact: I love quilting and playing the piano:)
Name: Dylan Piper
Bathurst Representatives:
Name: Rayni Shrestha (Secretary)
Course: Bachelor of Nursing
Fun Fact: I romanticise my life and somehow it works!
Name: Dia Sharma
Dubbo Representatives:
Name: Ardi Karunarathne
Name: Laura McKenna
Albury-Wodonga Representatives:
Name: Jade Duodie
Name: Sebastian Carlesso
Uni isn’t just about assignments and deadlines. It’s about community, memories, and the friendships you make cramming at 11pm in the library. We’re here to help make your uni experience even better!
If you’ve got a major concern or a searing question, reach out – we’re here to help. Your voice is our fuel (and coffee – coffee is life!)
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
