While Sophie Oakeshott gained professional experience through an internship with Qantas, Alec entered the consulting world of EY. We caught up with Alec, who is currently completing his second year of his Bachelor of Science and Advanced Studies (Psychology and Neuroscience) degree, to learn more about his experience.

It was a great Open Day experience that first drew Alec to 麻豆原创 College. 鈥淭his was my first view of any college,鈥� he recalled, 鈥渁nd I instantly admired the college culture. I knew this was a place that would do everything it can to help me succeed.鈥�

In a seminar at 麻豆原创 earlier in 2025, Alec was introduced to CareerTrackers. In his words, 鈥淓veryone in the room was really blown away by the opportunity that had just been put in front of us, and it鈥檚 difficult to express how excited we all became.鈥�

Once he began the internship at EY through CareerTrackers, he realised that they offered more than just educational and career progression; they also offered an amazing community for participating students. As Alec put it, 鈥淐areerTrackers was more than the internship; they brought every intern together to interact and share their experiences. It is difficult to explain the sense of pride I felt seeing all of these students that were doing everything they could to improve their future. The best part is, all of us are in contact and can watch each other鈥檚 careers prosper. The level of effort and time CareerTrackers exudes to help First Nations students is truly remarkable. Every event I took part in felt personally crafted for each student. Knowing that this organisation cares so much about our futures really imbues me with a great amount of pride and excitement.鈥�

Alec and Sophie attend a CareerTracker’s meeting

Alec outside EY during his internship

St Andrew’s College First Nation students meeting with CareerTrackers

Through his experience at CareerTrackers, Alec has also been encouraged by the great work being done to support First Nations students at a tertiary level nationwide. 鈥淜nowing that companies like CareerTrackers out there that are doing everything they can to support vulnerable students in building a better future for themselves,鈥� he noted, 鈥渞eally fills me with pride for Australia as a whole. Companies like this ensure every Aussie is living the Australian dream.鈥�

Although he is unsure of where his career may lead, Alec is committed to empowering other students and 鈥榩aying forward鈥� the opportunities he has received. 鈥淭hanks to the opportunities I have been awarded by the likes of 麻豆原创 College and CareerTrackers, I am in a place that the鈥疉lec鈥痮f even one year ago would have thought inconceivable,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to pay back the opportunities I have been so lucky to receive, as I know not everybody is as lucky as I am. As long as in whatever career my future holds, my priority is helping the people that need it the most, I will have lived out my dream.鈥�

The post Shaping Futures: Alec Ellston’s CareerTrackers Journey appeared first on St Andrew's College.

Fresher Year: PG 2010 (postgraduate)

Degree/s: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Queensland and Master of Strategic Public Relations from the University of Sydney

Occupation:  Senior Legal Counsel, Spotify

Tell us a little bit about yourself! Where are you originally from, and where did you grow up?
I was born in Sydney but grew up in Queensland, on an alpaca farm in Eumundi. I always knew I wanted to return to Sydney but first moved to Brisbane where I completed a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and became a lawyer at the fresh age of 21. I practised as a lawyer in Brisbane for a short period of time before making the move to Sydney to explore a career outside of law. I decided to undertake a Master of Strategic Public Relations at the University of Sydney, focusing on corporate and political public relations.

What made you choose to come to 麻豆原创 College? What about Andrew鈥檚 appealed to you the most?
I didn鈥檛 know anyone when I moved to Sydney, so – just like I鈥檇 done in Brisbane, where I initially resided on campus at The Women鈥檚 College – I figured that joining a college was my best bet to make friends. This time I wanted to experience a co-ed college. Drew鈥檚 was warm and welcoming, including to postgraduates (we鈥檙e not all weird!). Wayne Erickson, the Principal of Drew鈥檚 at the time, is also a legend.

What aspect of College did you enjoy most? Was it sport, performing arts, events, friends?
The events at Drew鈥檚 were awesome – I especially remember the Father鈥檚 Day Dinner with my dad, which ended in us all getting kebabs on King Street in the early morning hours 鈥� but what I enjoyed most was living in the cottage with my postgraduate mates. The year was filled with late night chats, pranks and snack expeditions (hello, fresher five). We became close friends and I moved out with one of them when we graduated at year end.

How do you feel your time at 麻豆原创 influenced your post-college life?
Moving to a new place where you don鈥檛 know anyone can be daunting. Drew鈥檚 gave me a support system from day one in a new city, which springboarded me into the next chapter of my life. I gained friendships at Drew鈥檚 that continued long after my time at the college and created the foundation for my life in Sydney.

What intrigued you most about becoming a lawyer? 聽What is it about the industry that you find most interesting?
Having just turned 17, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I finished high school. Law wasn鈥檛 an obvious choice – I studied maths, biology, chemistry and physics and did work placement with a veterinarian 鈥� but after realising a career in science or medicine wasn鈥檛 for me, I thought that I should still 鈥榰se鈥� my good grades to enter a profession. I naively could visualise myself in a pencil skirt with a French twist in my hair walking into a large office building to start my day as a lawyer. As those in the tech sector tend to dress casually and my employer supports flexible work from anywhere, this couldn鈥檛 be further from how my day looks now.

Before your role as Senior Legal Counsel at Spotify, you worked at Nine Entertainment, von Muenster Solicitors and Attorneys, and McInnes Wilson Lawyers. How did these roles shape your career and help you get to where you are now?
I didn鈥檛 realise it at the time, but looking back, I can see how one role created a step for the next. At McInnes Wilson Lawyers in Brisbane, I clerked in Commercial Litigation, before transferring to Personal Injury where I got more client exposure and experience running my own files. I soon figured out that my interest lay elsewhere, which prompted my move to Sydney. After completing my Master鈥檚 degree, I worked at von Muenster Legal for four years, which combined my experience in law with my interest in the media and entertainment industry. I realised during this time that I wanted to go in-house, at which point I moved to work at Nine Entertainment for another four years across their television and digital businesses. It was at Nine, a national company headquartered locally, that my interest expanded to working for a global company headquartered internationally. This led to my role at Spotify, where I鈥檝e worked for over seven years.

What is the most interesting part, for you, to work in the entertainment industry? Is there something specific that drew you to a company like Spotify?
Working in the media and entertainment industry can be interesting because what you鈥檙e transacting and protecting is often intangible, such as talent, reputation, intellectual property and data. How the intangible can be exploited and how laws regulate its exploitation is always evolving. However, what drew me to Spotify was not just that it鈥檚 a globally recognised company in the media and entertainment industry, but its philosophy, principles and people. The Swedish genesis of Spotify that remains central to its core, and how Spotify revolutionised an industry that was plagued by piracy (where the intangible 鈥� music 鈥� was exploited without permission), was what made the company compelling to me.

What are the best parts, and what are the more challenging parts about your role at Spotify?
Constant change is both one of the best and more challenging parts about my role at Spotify. To paraphrase what my manager once said: if you don鈥檛 like where you are, don鈥檛 worry it鈥檒l likely change; and if you do like where you are, don鈥檛 get too comfortable. I value novelty and thrive when learning and having to figure out something new, so I welcome change as it keeps me moving forward. However, you have to stay on top of your game to keep up with the rapid pace of change both within a tech business as well as the legal landscape, particularly today in a world grappling with the advancement of AI against a backdrop of regulatory pressure.

After working in Australia for 12 years, you moved to Los Angeles, USA with the company. How is working in the States? How was the transition to the American corporate world, and do you plan to stay there for a while?
I joined Spotify in Sydney as their product and services legal counsel for the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, South East Asia, Japan, India and South Korea. After I became qualified to practise law in California, and chasing my next challenge of moving to Los Angeles, I raised with my manager that I was now an expanded legal resource and Spotify should consider utilising me in this capacity. My manager was supportive and facilitated the transition, even during the pandemic. I鈥檓 now a senior legal counsel at Spotify managing the legal function for video and audio podcast monetisation globally.

Working in the States can feel precarious, as employment is generally ‘at will’ (meaning you can be terminated at any time) and your ability to work tends to depend on your employer sponsoring you. Personally though, I find that my career feels more expansive in the States. Working in the States has also afforded me a better work life balance, as I鈥檓 closer in time zone to my employer鈥檚 main offices and most of my meetings are no longer throughout the night. As my employer has sponsored my green card and I鈥檝e married an American citizen, I plan to remain in the States for a while, but am keeping the future open for a return to Australia.

Is there a 鈥榯ypical day鈥� for you? If so, what does it look like?
My day often starts early with video calls to stakeholders on the east coast of the States and in Europe, which continue throughout the day amongst pockets of 鈥榙eep work鈥� and responding to infinite urgent emails and slacks. My work includes contract drafting and negotiation with enterprise organisations, networks and content creators for the supply of their content in which Spotify can deliver ads and monetize their video, as well as providing product counsel for the launch, maintenance and expansion of Spotify鈥檚 monetisation platforms, services and programs (such as the Spotify Partner Program and the Spotify Audience Network).

What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment since leaving 麻豆原创 鈥� within your career or otherwise?
I think my biggest career accomplishment since leaving Drew鈥檚 would be, as an internationally qualified lawyer, deciding to take and passing the California Bar Exam on first try in February 2020. This exam had one of the lowest overall pass rates in decades. Practising law in Los Angeles (despite never having visited the city) was a pipe dream of mine for a long time. I studied for the exam for less than 50 days, but it involved 7 days a week, 12+ hours a day of active study. I was incredibly proud when I received the results. Passing the exam changed the trajectory of my career.

What advice would you give to current students wanting to explore a career in the legal industry?
Take control of your career. Lawyers can end up specialising in a field without having made the conscious decision to do so (for example, this can be because it鈥檚 their final rotation as a law clerk, or their firm has available head count in that team). Stay curious and grab the reins of your legal career to steer it where you want it to go. I can only imagine how different my life would be had I not done this.

What does life look like outside of your work? How do you unwind and switch off?
As work can be mentally challenging, I enjoy staying fit and physically challenging myself to keep my body aligned with my brain. I listen to podcasts (obviously) and enjoy reading but need to encourage myself to read books, as so much of my day involves reading documents. Making quality time for my husband and friends is also important to me.

Looking ahead, what鈥檚 next for you? What are your goals for the year ahead?
As I鈥檓 presently on parental leave having just had my first baby, this is the first in a very long time when I鈥檝e had to take a step back from my career. It has however been a refreshing perspective shift and reminder of what鈥檚 important in life, where productivity is not a measure of success and external validation is not the reward. I鈥檓 keeping an open mind as to how my career may evolve with a baby in tow.

Is there anything else you would like to share that hasn鈥檛 already been asked?
There鈥檚 a lot to do and figure out while you鈥檙e at university, but enjoy your time in college 鈥� it can be one of the best times of your life.

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Graham grew up in a family of innovators and problem-solvers, both his father and grandfather were civil engineers, and followed their path into Engineering at the University of Sydney. In 1956, his final year, he found himself pulled toward medicine鈥檚 practical frontiers. He wrote his thesis on Medical Apparatus, noticing that many clinical devices of the era emerged from informal arrangements between doctors and tradespeople, without the benefit of rigorous engineering standards. Two outliers, the DeBakey heart鈥搇ung machine and the Kolff artificial kidney, proved what excellence could look like. After graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical & Electrical), Graham resolved to bring that level of professional precision to medicine.

He joined Commonwealth Industrial Gases (CIG) as Assistant Manager of the Medical Section, working on anaesthetic systems and, crucially, learning where innovation really lives: in the clinical detail only doctors routinely see. Determined to gain full clinical access he made a radical choice 鈥� he would study medicine. Despite doubts and warnings from family about finances, he pressed on, enrolling in Medicine I at Sydney in 1958 while working full-time and studying at night in the Maclaurin Room. In a famously competitive first year (650 students, roughly 250 progressing), he passed 鈥� including a practical exam requiring the exposure of a frog鈥檚 brain by dissection.

Keen to broaden his horizons, Graham resigned from CIG in 1960 and sailed to London to apply in person to medical schools. St Mary鈥檚 Hospital Medical School handed him a blank sheet of paper with the prompt: 鈥淭he value of an education at an English university to an Australian.鈥� He wrote about overcrowding back home and the chance to deepen his experience, then faced a semicircle of consultants and questions ranging from space travel to human purpose. A few days later, he was accepted into the second Bachelor of Medicine course. He supported himself as a development engineer at British Oxygen Company, played jazz in an East End pub (thawing his hands by the fire before each set), and lodged above two grand pianos owned by a music publisher who offered him a spare room. He earnt his second degree in a Bachelor of Medicine, earned fee support from a college trust, and completed his MBBS (London) in 1967, later training in anaesthetics at St Charles Hospital, Ladbroke Grove.

It was during these London years that his most celebrated innovation emerged – a portable infant incubator designed specifically for ambulances, inspired by the winter reality of newborns transported at night without safe warming. Using an ellipsoid shell, double-wall insulation, carefully controlled airflow, and minimal power draw, he engineered a device that was safe, portable and practical. After patenting the concept, he worked with Oxygenaire to manufacture it. When Oxygenaire opened its new factory in Basingstoke in October 1964, a prototype of Graham鈥檚 incubator was presented to HRH Princess Alexandra, a public acknowledgement of an invention that directly saved lives.

Dr Grant presenting gis portable incubator to HRH Princess Alexandra in 1964.

The design of the portable incubator.

Dr Grant awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2023.

Across his career he continued to solve problems at the point of care, co-developing the ventilation meter later manufactured as 鈥淪piroflo,鈥� producing disposable oxygen mask prototypes, creating a medical humidifier that precisely stabilised temperature and humidity during anaesthesia, and working on new forms of paediatric ventilators, laryngoscopes and anaesthesia ventilators. Many of his designs earned global acclaim for their simplicity and inherent safety, even when commercial decisions later shut production despite ongoing demand. Through all of this, he learned to fiercely protect his work, patent his ideas, and keep building even when the industry hesitated.

College remained a constant. Graham spent six happy years at 麻豆原创 and, in 1975, returned to marry artist and academic Lyn Wood in the Chapel, arriving in a 1920s Rolls-Royce. Graham met Lyn whilst he was a resident at 麻豆原创, at a farewell party for a mutual friend. Lyn, a resident tutor at The Women鈥檚 College, studying her Masters of Art in renaissance art, shared Graham鈥檚 sensitivity for the creative process. Their family, including internationally commissioned orchestral composer daughter Alicia, grew alongside Graham鈥檚 hospital practice as a Visiting Medical Officer in public and private settings for three decades. Music, too, never left: he wrote songs for the 1959 SRC Revue Dead Centre, played jazz standards from the 1920s鈥�50s, and saw creativity as kin to clinical innovation.

In January 2023, his lifetime of innovation and contribution was recognised with his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) 鈥� formal acknowledgement of a career that raised the standard of care in theatres, ambulances and neonatal units around the world.

Looking back, he credits 麻豆原创 with belonging and momentum 鈥� a community that emboldened him to take risks, whether sailing to London with a half-skeleton for anatomy study, sketching a Sydney rail map in the style of London鈥檚, or building prototypes in a small workshop after hours and going to jazz gigs. Looking forward, that same quiet drive remains. His message to current Androvians echoes a life well-lived: don鈥檛 wait for perfect conditions or institutional permission. Start where the need is clear, learn what the problem demands, and build with care.

The post Dr Graham Grant AO (Fr 1951): A Lifetime of Innovation appeared first on St Andrew's College.

Claire Oslington (Fr 2024) – Cultural Secretary

Claire studies a double degree in Law and Information Technology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). A passionate musician, she sings classical voice and plays piano and alto saxophone. After two formative years at 麻豆原创, Claire ran for the House Committee to give back and to help shape a richer cultural life for new students. In 2025, she directed Dramsoc鈥檚 production ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’, led Small and Big Choir (placing third and Highly Commended), and performed at major College events. Claire hopes to foster camaraderie across music and theatre, and she credits College life with broadening her horizons and forging lifelong friendships. Her advice to future leaders is simple: be passionate and dedicated.

Luc Do (Fr 2024) – Social Secretary

Luc is studying a Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with a specialisation in Space Engineering. Drawn to electronics, coding and building practical solutions, Luc is committed to using technology for positive change. He ran for House Committee to give back to a community that has become his home, and to build on the strong leadership he鈥檚 admired. As Social Secretary, he will focus on planning inclusive, well-run events and collaborating closely with event secretaries to ensure everyone has fun. His experience in rugby league, swimming, choir and stage band, plus prior secretary roles, taught him the importance of teamwork and delegation. Luc says leadership is about having a go and growing with the support of others.

Olivia Oakeshott (Fr 2024) – Social Secretary

Olivia studies Medicine at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and is passionate about sport, inclusive spaces and helping people feel they belong. Born in Port Macquarie, Olivia has been active across hockey, soccer and rugby sevens, where she captained a winning side. She stood for House Committee to give back to the place that has felt like home and to strengthen everyday connections as well as headline events. Olivia wants to make 麻豆原创 a welcoming environment where students are listened to and supported. College life has made her more resilient and organised, and her leadership advice is to back yourself; you don鈥檛 need to be the loudest person to make a strong leader.

Charlie Simpson (Fr 2024) – Honorary Assistant Treasurer

Charlie is from Mudgee and is studying Mechanical Engineering (Honours). He is passionate about agriculture, mechanics, entrepreneurship and college sport, and has been involved in organising social events and practical projects around College. Charlie ran for House Committee to give back and to gain hands-on leadership experience that will inform his future career. As Honorary Assistant Treasurer, he intends to expand the role beyond finance to support operations and coordination among staff, teams, and students. His background includes Rawson rugby and diving, social rugby league, DramSoc stage construction and the Highlander Bar Team, along with leadership course experience. Charlie encourages students to put themselves forward, opportunities at 麻豆原创 often lead further than you expect.

Nathan Sewart (Fr 2024) – Intercollegiate Representative

Born and raised in Adelaide and a former Blackfriars Priory student, Nathan is studying Actuarial Studies and Finance at UNSW and brings a strong interest in mathematics, politics, and debating. Nathan ran for the House Committee to give back to the scholarship-supported community that profoundly shaped his experience, and to bring more memorable moments to incoming students. He is organising Welcome Week 2026 and aims to strengthen intercollegiate relations and ensure new students enjoy a warm, exciting introduction to College. Nathan is a huge supporter of Palladian; his roles in debating, Big Dance, chamber ensemble, and stage band have built his confidence and teamwork skills. His message to future leaders: lead with conviction and go for it.

Zoe Bremner (Fr 2024) – Rosebowl Secretary

Zoe is studying Aerospace Engineering and hails from Launceston, Tasmania. Sport, cooking and space science drive her, sport keeps her motivated, cooking provides balance, and curiosity about space led her to her degree. Zoe ran for the House Committee to help preserve and grow the positive atmosphere she values at 麻豆原创. As Rosebowl Secretary, she will focus on strengthening team spirit, support and inclusivity so that sport benefits the whole College, whether students are playing, cheering, or simply turning up. Her wide involvement across basketball, mixed rowing, netball, athletics, soccer, rugby sevens and choir has taught her adaptability, resilience and the importance of teamwork. Zoe鈥檚 advice: don鈥檛 be afraid to put yourself forward and be consistently genuine.

John Coleman (Fr 2024) – Rawson Secretary

John Coleman is studying a combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Finance, International Relations and Economics. Born in New York and raised across Sydney and the Southern Highlands, John is committed to kindness and mental health advocacy as much as he is to sport. He stood for the House Committee to help others enjoy the transformative College experience he has had and to pay forward the support he received. As Rawson Secretary, he aims to empower athletes and captains to build competitive but supportive teams and a community that shows up for one another. John鈥檚 College involvement in rugby, diving, oration and the Highlander Bar Team shaped his teamwork and leadership, and his advice is to lead by showing up for others.

Ashley Fung (Fr 2024) – Alumni Secretary

Ashley is an Abbotsleigh graduate, is studying a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Laws. Passionate about giving back, Ashley ran for the House Committee to strengthen connections between students and alumni through networking, mentoring and career-focused initiatives. Her experience spans Rosebowl basketball, athletics, rugby sevens, hockey, soccer, mixed rowing and social AFL, along with volunteering at Sony Camp and serving as Social Sport Secretary and Pastoral Care Leader (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer). Ashley plans to increase alumni engagement and create pathways for students to access career guidance and support. College life, she says, built her resilience and confidence; her advice to aspiring leaders is to get involved broadly and trust your ability to make a positive difference.

The post Meet our 2026 House Committee appeared first on St Andrew's College.

Sam brings a thoughtful, curious, and community-minded approach to the Students鈥� Club executive role. Born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, Sam鈥檚 move to Sydney and life at College have broadened his perspective and deepened his appreciation for the diverse opportunities of collegiate life. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at UNSW.

Passionate about learning, community, and the experiences that shape how we see the world, Sam鈥檚 interests range from international affairs, history, and philosophy to surfing, camping, and travel. He鈥檚 also an avid West Coast Eagles supporter and values camaraderie that sport brings. These passions reflect his curiosity, commitment to community, and the balance of intellectual and lived experience he brings to leadership.

Sam chose to stand for Honorary Treasurer because he wanted to be more deeply involved in how College runs and to play a part in shaping a future that all Androvians can be proud of. 鈥淚 care deeply about the 麻豆原创 community and am motivated by the opportunity to help shape the College in a way that current and future students are proud to be part of,鈥� he says.

In the Treasurer role, Sam hopes to ensure that every student receives clear value for their contributions to the Students鈥� Club. His priorities include strengthening revenue generation, ensuring thoughtful and responsible allocation of funds, and increasing transparency and accountability in spending. He sees the role as a practical opportunity to deepen his knowledge of finance and governance while developing skills that will support a future in commercial law or finance.

Sam鈥檚 involvement across College life, from community service initiatives to committee work and sport, has prepared him for this role. These experiences have taught him the practical realities of running a large student organisation and reinforced the importance of listening, collaboration, and integrity.

Reflecting on how College has shaped him, Sam highlights the importance of stepping outside one鈥檚 comfort zone, listening widely, and taking responsibility. 鈥淏eing part of such a diverse and driven community has encouraged me to listen more carefully, think more broadly, and take responsibility for both my actions and my impact on others,鈥� he says. His advice to aspiring student leaders is simple: step outside your comfort zone, say yes to opportunities, and invite connection. “When I was a fresher, I was told that the best purchase you can make is a doorstep, because it invites conversation and connection. That openness is one of the great strengths of life at Drew鈥檚.”

With Sam as Honorary Treasurer, 2026 promises considered stewardship and an emphasis on accountable, community-focused financial leadership. We look forward to the contributions he will make to College life in the year ahead.

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Organised, community-minded and calm under pressure, Lola brings a practical, service-first approach to the role. As Honorary Secretary, Lola will manage the Students鈥� Club鈥檚 administrative and communications functions 鈥� keeping accurate records, supporting meeting processes, coordinating key events and ensuring clear, timely information flows across the College community. Her focus will be on making College life run smoothly so students can get the most from their time at Drew鈥檚.

Born in Kuala Lumpur and raised in Sydney from the age of five, Lola is studying a Bachelor of Business at UTS, majoring in Marketing, Advertising and Management. Her academic interests sit naturally alongside a deep commitment to team sport and the sense of connection it fosters. 鈥淚鈥檓 passionate about netball and team sport, as well as the sense of community that comes with them,鈥� she says. 鈥淪port has taught me organisation, communication and accountability, all things I bring into College life.鈥�

Lola says she ran for Honorary Secretary because she wanted to give back to a place that has given her so much. 鈥淚 decided to run for Honorary Secretary because I鈥檝e had such a positive experience at College, and I want others to be able to have the same experience as I have,鈥� she explains. 鈥淚 enjoy being someone others can rely on, and the role aligns perfectly with my strengths in communication, organisation and planning.鈥�

In the role, Lola hopes to deliver a well-organised, supportive and vibrant year for the Students鈥� Club. Her goals include maintaining clear communication, ensuring processes run smoothly and creating memorable experiences for both Freshers and returning students. She sees the position as an opportunity to develop skills central to her future career in marketing and management, especially leadership and navigating fast-paced organisational challenges.

Lola鈥檚 College involvement is wide-ranging: she has been a Welcome-Week Mentor, Fresh Fresh Mentor, Food Secretary and Netball Secretary, and she has represented 麻豆原创 in Rosebowl Netball, AFL, Tennis and Basketball. She has contributed to committees including Sophomore Scuba and the Highland Ball, taken part in College tours for prospective students, assisted with candidate interviews, and volunteered at the University of Sydney Market Stall and Newtown Mission. Lola, alongside four other St Andrew’s students, represented the College at the National Association of University Colleges (NAAUC) National Conference in Queensland last year. She has also participated in the Mentoring program and attended personal development and alumni networking events, including the Women in Leadership Dinner.

Reflecting on how College life has shaped her, Lola highlights resilience, balance and the importance of showing up for others. 鈥淏eing surrounded by motivated and diverse students has pushed me to aim higher while also appreciating the importance of inclusivity and kindness,鈥� she says. College, she adds, has helped her become more organised, confident and committed to contributing positively to the community.

Her advice to aspiring leaders is straightforward and encouraging: 鈥淪ay yes to every opportunity thrown at you, get involved early and be the kind of person others feel comfortable approaching. Leadership at College isn鈥檛 just about titles, it’s about being consistent, reliable and genuinely caring about the people around you.鈥� We look forward to Lola鈥檚 steady and energetic stewardship in 2026, and to the positive difference her organisational skill and community-first attitude will bring to College life.

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Grounded, thoughtful and energetic, Aredith brings a blend of quiet reflection and on-field grit to the role. As Senior Student, the 鈥楥EO鈥� of the Students鈥� Club, Aredith will represent the student community, advocate for student interests, work closely with College staff and Council, and liaise with other colleges to build connections and shared purpose across the collegiate community.

Born in Sydney and raised in Hunters Hill, Aredith is studying Commerce and Advanced Studies, majoring in Finance and Philosophy. This balance between action and reflection defines Aredith鈥檚 life at College. He鈥檚 passionate about cricket and football, noting that 鈥渕any of my best mates and life learnings have been made out in the middle鈥�, and he鈥檚 also a DJ who enjoys bringing people together through music. 鈥淭here is a soul and energy to music,鈥� he says, listening tastes from reggae, oldies, electronic and house.

His love of philosophy sits comfortably alongside his fierce commitment to sport and music. 鈥淥ne way or another, life has a funny way of making philosophers of us all,鈥� he says. 鈥淲hen I first laid eyes on Seneca鈥檚 statement, 鈥楾he unexamined life isn鈥檛 worth living,鈥� it lit the fire of writing and journaling as a passion of mine. There is a powerful beauty in capturing the essence of life or an experience through writing.鈥�

Aredith describes 麻豆原创 as home and says he ran for Senior Student because he鈥檚 grateful for the friendships and growth the College has given him. 鈥淚 am grateful for the opportunity to lead, represent and give back to this incredible community that has afforded me so much. I will forever cherish the friendships, lifelong memories and growth I鈥檝e experienced here.鈥�

As Senior Student, he hopes to embody the kind of leadership that shaped him: leaders who showed him 鈥渁 life where you don鈥檛 take yourself too seriously but balance your priorities in developing yourself and serving others.鈥� He sees a central part of the role as representing the Student Body with purpose, patience and collaboration, and expects the skills he develops at College to be 鈥渋nvaluable in whatever endeavour I pursue.鈥�

Aredith鈥檚 leadership is supported by a long list of College involvement: he was part of 麻豆原创 winning 2024 Rawson Cricket team and returned as an opening batsman in 2025; he represented the College as a central midfielder in the Rawson Football campaigns of 2024 and 2025; he鈥檚 served as Secretary of the Palladian Oration and competed in both 2024 and 2025; he has been a Pastoral Care Leader in charge of the Education Portfolio; and in 2024 he was elected 2nd Year Representative by his peers. He also DJs many College Landers and Afters, a small but telling example of how he brings people together beyond the formal roles.

Reflecting on how College life has shaped him, Aredith is candid: the intensity and freedom of College accelerated his self-development. 鈥淚t has taught me to hold myself accountable. It has taught me to be resilient, to deal with people and to collaborate,鈥� he says. Above all, College taught him the importance of balancing fun and responsibility and of staying disciplined while holding true to one鈥檚 values.

His advice to students who aspire to leadership is simple and direct: be authentic and be present. 鈥淜now who you are and what you stand for. Be someone that your peers can trust, a person who will not let them down and will support their interests. It鈥檚 vital not to just drift through the experience but be actively involved.鈥�

With Aredith at the helm, 2026 promises a year led by a Senior Student who values deep thinking, teamwork, and the little things that make College life meaningful, from a well-timed innings on the pitch to a playlist that gets the whole room moving. We look forward to seeing how he shapes the year ahead and to welcoming the 2026 cohort into the life of the College.

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Alice has been the Director of Student Life at 麻豆原创 since March 2023. She has had a significant impact in that role, shaping culture and leadership amongst the student body and overseeing student wellbeing.

Before joining 麻豆原创, Alice completed a Masters of Higher Education Administration in the U.S. and held senior staff positions at both The Women鈥檚 College and St John鈥檚 College within the University of Queensland.

The Principal of 麻豆原创, Dr Daniel Tyler, said: 鈥淚 am delighted that Alice has accepted the position of Vice Principal. She brought energy, experience and great skill to her contribution to the 麻豆原创 community as Director of Student Life and I look forward to working with her as she takes up this new role.鈥�

Alice served as Acting Vice Principal in Semester 2 2025 and will now take up the permanent role as Vice Principal and Director of Student Life.

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Since 2012, 麻豆原创 has hosted the four-day respite program which allows families to know that their children are in safe and caring hands. Each camper is assigned a companion and with organised activities including magic shows, petting zoo, water slides, pool day, as well as the music, sensory and games room, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

The organising committee, led by student Laura Ellis (Fr 2023) and Scarlett Pearce (Fr 2023), did an outstanding job of preparing the camp, meeting all risk and compliance aspects and selecting a team of passionate and responsible volunteers.

Laura has served as a volunteer since her fresher year and feels particularly passionate about the camp and its positive impact on campers. 鈥淚t creates a joyful, inclusive, and transformative experience for the children, families and volunteers,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an unforgettable week of adventure, fun and connection, while actively breaking down the barriers that children with disabilities often face with inclusion and social support.鈥�

鈥淔or volunteers,鈥� Laura continued, 鈥渂eing involved in Sony Camp is a life-changing experience that builds empathy, leadership, and resilience. Working as a team, our committee, companions, helpers, media team and medical team are the key to a successful camp and creating an inclusive and fun environment for all involved!”

It鈥檚 also a wider community effort. As Alice explained, 鈥渨hilst hosted and led by St Andrew’s College, we do welcome volunteers to apply from all University of Sydney Colleges, although over half the volunteers come from St Andrew’s. Sixteen medical staff (including doctors and nurses) volunteer their time across the camp to ensure we have the approved medical team numbers. Often these volunteers come from our St Andrew’s community – this year, including alumni and family members of volunteers.鈥�

Laura and Scarlett arranged fundraising throughout the year for the camp. 鈥淚t is a whole community effort,鈥� said Alice, 鈥渨ith significant in-kind donation from the College, funds raised throughout the year by students, Alumni and parents donating their time to be on the medical team. And of course, the hours spent planning by the committee and the tireless effort from volunteers on the camp. We all come together to provide an incredible experience for the children, and respite for the families.鈥�

Surprise visits from the Police Force and Firefighters were a highlight of the week, as were new and exciting activities such as a teacup amusement park ride and a visit from an Ice Cream Truck. Santa’s arrival on the final morning brought lots of Christmas joy and was a fantastic way to conclude the camp.

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