Written by Brooke Parsons
So you’ve heard of SSAF, right? Well, you’ve definitely paid it (or put it on your SA-HELP!). But Charles Sturt students don’t just pay SSAF, you help shape it!
SSAF funds aren’t some distant, mysterious pool of money. They’re funds that Charles Sturt students actively help steer, with the Student Senate having a real say over where your money is spent. From health and wellbeing programs and sporting facility upgrades, to events held on campus, the priorities come from the people who use these services and facilities the most: students!
Under government legislation, 40% of SSAF funding needs to be spent on students, by students. The Student Senate has been at the forefront of funding real student-led initiatives to make a difference on campus.
So, what has SSAF helped make happen?
Albury-Wodonga:
We’re so fortunate to have funded several projects at our Albury Campus including bike storage solutions for the Residential Accommodation, which will provide a safe storage solution for student-owned bikes. We’re also proud to have funded the free continental breakfast for students on Albury Campus, giving students access to a nutritious start to their day, helping to improve concentration and academic performance while reducing financial pressure.
Bathurst:
Senate has had the absolute pleasure of supporting the SRC Foundation Day Winter Warmth celebration on Bathurst Campus, allowing students to come together in an inclusive and welcoming environment at a time of year often marked by the winter blues.
We’ve also been able to ensure students on Bathurst Campus have access to essential sanitary products and subsidised Thursday night meals on campus to help relieve some of the cost-of-living pressures we’re all facing.
Dubbo:
FIT mask testing has always been a pain point for nursing students, especially on Dubbo Campus. This year, SSAF covered the cost of FIT masks for on-campus nursing students in Dubbo, providing practical financial support to students.
Orange:
During 2025/26, the sporting facilities at Orange were redeveloped, with improvements made to the basketball court and outdoor sporting facilities.
This has made all the difference to Orange students, allowing students to participate in sport in safer, improved facilities.
Port Macquarie:
SSAF funding enabled the installation of a shipping container at the Port Macquarie campus, giving the SRC and student clubs a practical and dedicated storage solution.
Wagga Wagga:
Friday Unwinds has been a long-standing SSAF initiative for Wagga Wagga, reducing the cost of a Friday night meal, giving students the opportunity to decompress after a stressful week and catch up with mates without being financially burdened.
SSAF has also been an important part of providing educational opportunities on Wagga Wagga campus, funding the annual fourth-year Vet Bus trip to Canberra, allowing students to explore potential job opportunities. SSAF has also funded the registration of the Charles Sturt Meat Judging Team at the National ICMJ conference, allowing students to network and explore job opportunities at no cost to them.
All Campuses:
The SSAF-funded Food Pantry has helped reduce financial stress for students on all campuses through improving access to essential groceries and supporting food security. Easing the cost of everyday living allows students to focus on their studies, maintain their wellbeing, and feel more connected during times of financial pressure.
Online students:
SSAF supports a range of services available to all students, including the 24/7 Student Wellbeing and Support Line, online mentoring, and free access to LinkedIn Learning. Students attending intensive schools have also benefited from meal subsidies and complimentary lunches, helping to reduce costs and foster connection and engagement with their peers.
However, these are only some of the incredible things we’ve been able to support students with this year – to see what else we’ve got behind, look out for the “Student Senate SSAF Funded” logo and visit https://www.csu.edu.au/current-students/financial-and-scholarship/fees/student-services-amenities-fee-ssaf/how-SSAF-is-spent for more information.
Have you got an idea to help improve student life? Well, let us know! The 2027 Annual Round of SSAF funding applications open on 10 August and close on 20 September. The Student Senate is here to turn your ideas into action.
Visit https://www.csu.edu.au/current-students/financial-and-scholarship/fees/student-services-amenities-fee-ssaf/submit-an-idea for information on how to submit a SSAF Expression of Interest.
Your voice. Your university. Your Student Senate.
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
