Equipping Prospective Mature-age Students for Success

Alissa Candy

Program Coordinator - University Pathways
University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC)

Alissa Candy is the creator and coordinator of UniSC’s Widening Participation program for prospective adult students, UniSC Equip, one of the only HEPPP-funded programs in Australia specifically supporting prospective non-school leaver students from equity backgrounds. In 2024, Alissa was recognised for this work, receiving the UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President’s Awards for Excellence in Engagement (Sustainability and Accessibility). She has 15 years’ experience in using marketing and education knowledge and skills for ‘good’ in a variety of sectors. More recently, Alissa has spent the past eight years at UniSC in both student recruitment and widening participation roles, using case management, community engagement and strengths-based methodologies.

VTAC’s Applicant Persona Research – Transforming Digital Services to Improve Awareness of and Access to Equity Programs 

Elise Joosten

Engagement Manager, Marketing And Communications
VTAC

Elise is an accomplished marketing and communications professional, currently in the position of Engagement Manager (Marketing and Communications) at VTAC where she leverages her extensive experience to enhance VTAC’s communication strategies and engagement initiatives. Elise's career also includes a number of years at La Trobe University, where she held multiple roles working across marketing, events, communications and student recruitment. With a strong background in marketing, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making, Elise continues to drive impactful communication and engagement efforts in the higher education sector.

Michael Ciesielski

Interim Director, Engagement and Strategy
VTAC

Michael leads the engagement, strategy, and governance functions at the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). VTAC is a shared admissions service which adds value for learners and tertiary institutions when connecting students to courses. In previous roles, Michael has led schools engagement, public programs, and content channels at VTAC.

Beyond Financial Aid: The Transformative Impact of the Narrm Scholarship

James Kelk

Manager Student Recruitment Equity
University of Melbourne

James Kelk is the Onshore Recruitment Manager (Equity) at the University of Melbourne, leading widening participation initiatives for prospective students. James brings to the role two decades of experience in education and the social sector both domestically and internationally. Driven by social justice principles, James utilises these to advocate for positive student outcomes and systems change for students historically underrepresented in tertiary education.

Matt Elsum

Manager, Student Access and Success
University of Melbourne

Matt Elsum is the Manager of Student Access and Success at the University of Melbourne, with over 12 years of experience in the higher education sector. He has led a range of student success and support initiatives, ensuring students from diverse backgrounds have the resources and opportunities to thrive. Matt played a key role in the inception of the Narrm Scholars Enrichment Program, a flagship initiative designed to support and empower students throughout their university journey and beyond. Passionate about equity and inclusion, he works to enhance student services and create programs that foster belonging, engagement, and achievement across various cohorts.

Kate Flynn

Director, Widening Participation
University of Melbourne

Kate is currently Director, Widening Participation at the University of Melbourne. She has 24+ years’ experience in Higher Education designing programs ‘with and for’ young people (aged 12-25 in Australia) from priority groups. She is most proud of her work that centres the needs and voices of underrepresented people while finding alignment with national, State, and community priorities for maximum impact. Kate has won multiple awards for her work in developing and implementing whole-of-institution strategies to improve access and completion rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students from low SES and regional and remote backgrounds, and students living with disability. Kate was previously Co-Chair of the Queensland Widening Participation Consortium and has been an Executive Member of EPHEA since 2017.

Caitlin Ryan

Program Manager, Widening Participation
University of Melbourne

As Program Manager, Widening Participation, Caitlin contributes to the development of strategies and policies to support underrepresented cohorts at the University of Melbourne, and works with operational teams to implement Widening Participation initiatives. Caitlin has previously managed development of the university-wide Student Wellbeing and Mental Health Framework, and for over 10 years supported the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) Network Project. Prior to joining the University of Melbourne, she worked in various community development roles, including coordination of youth advocacy and women’s leadership projects with the International Women’s Development Agency. She has a Master of Social Science (RMIT), and a Bachelor of Arts (University of Melbourne).

Diverse Thinking. How to Succeed as a Future Student Recruitment team (Interactive Workshop)

Mark Krnjaic

Director, Organisational Development
Southern Cross University

Mark Krnjaic B.Ed (University of Melbourne)   is the Director of Organisational Development at Southern Cross University. He has partnered with both national and global organisations in the corporate, health, higher education and not-for-profit sectors and works closely with leaders and high performing teams in order to cultivate a collaborative culture of positivity and productivity across all levels.

A Rising Tide Raises all Boats. Insights into Effective Integration of Widening Participation and Student Recruitment Engagement Teams

Sebastion Marx

Senior Manager, Future Students
University Of The Sunshine Coast

Sebastion is an experienced leader in student recruitment and widening participation, with more than 15 years working with prospective students in Queensland universities. Passionate about customer experience, strategic decision making and research-informed engagement, Sebastion believes that effective outcomes are primarily driven by a better understanding of the prospective student.

Kylie Ciocca

Senior Manager - Future Students
CQUniversity

Kylie is a seasoned marketing and projects practitioner with two decades of industry experience. Prior to joining CQUniversity, she worked for major brands such as Diageo (Bundaberg Rum) and the Australian Publishing Network (APN). Kylie is known for her human-centered approach to marketing and has a passion for strategy and leadership. Since joining the Higher Education and Training sector, Kylie has developed a strong interest in improving higher education aspiration and attainment for students from regional, rural, remote and disadvantaged backgrounds. This interest has led her to commence towards her doctorate studies in this area.

Panel Discussion - Fostering Access and Equity in Higher Education from Those who Understand the Challenges and Opportunities for Students

Amy Newman

Senior Student Recruitment Coordinator, Monash Business School
Monash University

Amy is a Senior Student Recruitment Coordinator at Monash Business School and has worked in student recruitment roles at Monash University since 2013. Before this, Amy worked at the University of Melbourne working with future students in the Faculty of Medicine; Nursing and Health Sciences, and Faculty of Law. Amy holds a Bachelor of Business and Commerce/Communications from Monash University and has also completed postgraduate studies in international relations. Amy is the mother of two young children and is passionate about raising aspirations for young people towards higher education. She is a first-in-family student at the university. Outside of her role, Amy plays footy for an over-35 women's football team.

Lisa Buchner

Outreach Manager
Monash University

Lisa Buchner is a dedicated Special Education Teacher with extensive experience in areas of education, disability and homelessness. With a deep passion for social justice and a firm belief in equal access for all young people, Lisa has built a career rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and inclusivity.Lisa is Outreach Manager in the Access, Inclusion, and Success Team at Monash University, where she leads efforts to create equitable opportunities for all students. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Special Education and a Diploma of Leadership and Management, which have fueled her commitment to effective leadership and education.Lisa's career spans education and community sectors, where she has taught children and adults with disabilities, newly arrived refugees and supported individuals experiencing homelessness. Her work has always centered on resourcing, advocating for, and empowering marginalised communities. She believes in the potential of every individual, striving to break down barriers and reduce obstacles to success.Throughout her career, Lisa has remained steadfast in her conviction for educational equity and everyone is capable of greatness. By helping others access the tools and support they need, she is dedicated to breaking cycles of disadvantage and ensuring that all people have the opportunity to thrive.

Amy Joseph

Careers And Pathways Leader
Monterey Secondary College

Amy is the Careers and Pathways Coordinator at Monterey Secondary College. She has spent the last 15 years working across a range of public schools as a careers and pathways coordinator and teaching in an alternative learning environment where she taught literacy and work-related skills to young mums and at-risk young people, including those who had been in the juvenile justice system or suffering from severe mental health issues that prevented them from continuing their learning in a traditional school environment. Amy has a Bachelor of Adult and Vocational Education and postgraduate qualifications in Career Development. Amy is the first in her family to have post-school higher education and believes that education can be the answer to many problems our young people face today.

Andrew Leap

A/g Senior Policy Officer
Australian Government Department of Education

Andrew completed his Bachelor of Commerce and Global Studies at Monash in 2024. Throughout his time at university, he was an active volunteer, improving academic governance and student experience at the Monash Business School, and mentoring VCE students from disadvantaged backgrounds with Access Monash. Andrew’s strong passion for access and equity in education outside of university led him to join the board for VCE Summer Tutoring. This not-for-profit charity offers a two-week intensive summer school designed for students to get a headstart in their VCE. Notably, Access Monash and VCE Summer Tutoring provided high school students who are the first in their families to go to university, from low SES backgrounds or underrepresented schools, the opportunity to learn from and work with university students from similar experiences, helping to break down the barriers of higher education and make it more accessible for all students. At the same time, Andrew also worked at Monash in domestic student recruitment and at a local government secondary school as a Student Leadership Programs Coordinator. He now works for the Australian Government Department of Education, with experience supporting policy and program implementation across the early childhood, higher education and research sectors.

Bridging the Gap: Uniting Recruitment, Marketing, Digital and Admissions for a Seamless Student Journey 

Ursula Safe

RMIT University

Biography available shortly.

Adelaide University – Co-creating a Holistic Student Journey Framework Championing Greater Access to Education

Kym Sara

Manager Communications & Marketing
University of South Australia

Kym is the Manager Communications and Marketing at the University of South Australia (UniSA). In this strategic role, Kym leads a team of communications, marketing, student recruitment and outreach professionals to partner with the university’s Education Futures and Creative Academic Units (Faculties), UniSA College, plus cultural entities including MOD., the Samstag Museum of Art, and the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.With 15 years’ experience across Australia’s higher education sector, Kym has led large portfolios spanning events, student recruitment, marketing, communications and extensive stakeholder engagement at Flinders University, the University of Adelaide, Monash University, RMIT University, and most recently at UniSA. Kym champions an unwavering commitment to widening participation for more people to access higher education demonstrated through ongoing partnerships with community and university enabling program teams across metro and regions, membership on Ally networks and advocacy groups, and ongoing professional development.Kym holds a Master of Strategic Communications Manager (Monash University), and a Graduate Certificate in Tourism (Festival and Event Design and Management) and a Bachelor of International Tourism (Flinders University).

Prof. Jessica Gallagher

Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and External Engagement
Adelaide University

Professor Jessica Gallagher is the inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor International & External Engagement for Adelaide University – Australia’s new for-purpose university, dedicated to ensuring the prosperity, wellbeing and cohesion of society by addressing educational inequality through its actions and through the success and impact of its students, staff and alumni.Professor Gallagher oversees a diverse engagement portfolio, with a focus on contributing to growth and sustainability through the leadership of strategic partnerships, student recruitment and outreach, community and regional engagement, widening participation, and internationalisation initiatives.Jessica brings significant senior management experience through her current and previous roles including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University of Adelaide and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Entrepreneurship) at The University of Queensland, coupled with a deep connection to the NAPSA community serving as Student Recruitment Manager in her early career.With extensive experience in business development and strategic partner engagement initiatives, Jessica is highly regarded for her global outlook and community mindset, working to better serve the University and its stakeholders through diverse engagement initiatives across private, public and academic sectors.Professor Gallagher has a PhD in Comparative Cultural Studies from The University of Queensland.

Dr Andrea Parks

Manager Student Equity, Access, and Success
The University of South Australia (UniSA)

Dr Andrea Parks is the Manager: Student Equity, Access, and Success at the University of South Australia (UniSA).Andrea is passionate about supporting others in realising their educational aspirations, improving access to education, building agency and promoting lifelong-learning.With a career in higher education spanning 25 years, in Canada and Australia, Andrea’s passions are coupled with expertise in career decision-making and the study choice process: how people make choices about what degree to study and how the prospective student experience intersects with career decision-making and higher education recruitment.Andrea recently returned to UniSA after serving in the Australian Government's Department of Education, Higher Education Access and Equity Branch. Andrea has held various roles at UniSA, including tutor (UniSA College Foundation Studies Program), Academic Developer (Teaching Innovation Unit), plus Research Assistant, Project Manager, and PhD student (UniSA STEM). Her work at UniSA has also included the Defence and Space portfolio focused on research partnerships and implementing the Veterans' Engagement and Education Program (VEEP).Andrea holds a PhD from the University of South Australia, Master of Education from Flinders University, and a Bachelor of Arts (hons) from Mount St Vincent University (Canada).

Jessica Perry

Director, Domestic Recruitment
The University of Adelaide

Jess Perry is the Director, Domestic Recruitment at the University of Adelaide.In this leadership role, Jess orchestrates comprehensive recruitment strategies that engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including prospective students, parents, educators, and industry partners. Drawing upon extensive experience in leadership and stakeholder engagement, Jess has successfully led teams in navigating the complexities of the education sector, ensuring alignment with university and sector goals. Jess’ expertise extends to cultivating relationships with key influencers, government agencies, and community organizations to drive enrolment growth and promote the university's academic offerings.In addition to their role at the University of Adelaide, Jess is deeply committed to community engagement and youth empowerment. This commitment is reflected in involvement in various leadership roles, such as serving as the South Australian Young Member for National Youth Week 2017 and contributing to organizations like the Onkaparinga Youth Committee and the Youth Affairs Council of South Australia (YACSA).

Breaking Barriers: Culturally Responsive Indigenous Student Recruitment

Alex Sims

Director, Domestic Student Recruitment
La Trobe University

Alex is an experienced senior leader with over 23 years’ experience within the tertiary education sector and predominantly within the Student Recruitment space. Currently, as Director Domestic Student Recruitment at La Trobe University, Alex is responsible for implementing acquisition and conversion strategies to achieve its strategic goal of recruiting high quality applicants across six campuses and to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Alex has held leadership roles across the sector as former President of Tertiary Information Service, Board Member of CEAV and is a founding member of a newly formed national Marcomms and Recruitment Leaders Network. She has a passion for leading teams, implementing creative solutions and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Ellyse McNish

Equity Cohort Advisor
La Trobe University

Ellyse McNish is a passionate and community-minded professional with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration. A proud 2022 graduate of the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program, Ellyse has built a career centred on education, equity, and regional community development.

Currently based at La Trobe University, Ellyse manages marketing initiatives with a clear purpose: recruiting and retaining students from equity groups into higher education, helping to create more inclusive and accessible learning opportunities. Beyond her professional role, she is deeply committed to her community. Ellyse is an active Board Member of both the Bendigo Football Netball League and Bendigo Community Health Services and contributes her expertise as a member of the Bendigo Education Plan Committee, shaping educational outcomes for the region.

In 2023, Ellyse further expanded her impact through a secondment with Jawun, where she worked at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club in Shepparton. During her time there, she played a key role in increasing sponsorships and securing vital funding to support the club's programs and initiatives.

Driven by a belief in the power of education, sport, and community connection, Ellyse continues to champion opportunities that strengthen regional communities and empower individuals to thrive.

Renee Sleigh

Deputy Director, Indigenous student success.
La Trobe University

Building a Community of Prospective Students through High School Enrichment Programs

Hannah Wallace

Student Recruitment Coordinator
University Of Melbourne

Hannah Wallace is a Student Recruitment Coordinator at the University of Melbourne, and has been working in the Future Students team for 5 years. She oversees the academic enrichment portfolio which includes the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program and the University of Melbourne Extension Program. 

Melissa Shinkfield

Manager (Programs and High Achieving Students)
Monash University

Melissa has been working at Monash University for coming up to 26 years. She has held a range of roles across administration, course advising, committee secretary and domestic student recruitment. Whilst majority of her roles/time has been in the domestic recruitment space, she has also held roles in Faculty, Scholarships and in outreach. Having also completed an Arts/Commerce degree at Monash, she often feels like she has spent the majority of her life at the uni. Her last nearly decade has focused on supporting high-achieving secondary school students to engage with the university.