REPRESENTATION

TUSA Equity Committee

Welcome to the TUSA Equity Committee webpage, your resource for equity and inclusion initiatives. Here, we are committed to championing a community where every individual is valued, respected, and provided with equitable opportunities to thrive in their academic pursuits and beyond.

As an integral part of TUSA, the Equity Committee serves as a catalyst for positive change, driving initiatives that promote an inclusive environment and address systemic barriers faced by diverse student communities. We recognise the power of embracing and celebrating differences, and through collaborative efforts, we strive to create a university experience that empowers every student, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities.

A message from our current TUSA Equity President and Chair of the TUSA Equity Committee for 2024

As the TUSA Equity President for 2024, I am excited to lead our efforts in making meaningful and lasting changes within our organisation. This year, one of my primary focuses is the restructuring of the Equity Committee to better address the evolving needs of our community. By implementing a more efficient and inclusive structure, we aim to enhance our ability to support and advocate for all.

Our new committee structure will allow for more diverse representation, streamlined decision-making processes, and increased opportunities for collaboration. We have appointed dedicated Equity Officers to the specific demographic groups of LGBTQIA+, Disability, Distance/online, Ethnocultural, First Nations, International students, and Women. This will enable us to address issues more effectively and create targeted initiatives that have a real impact.

I am committed to ensuring that our efforts are not just symbolic but result in tangible improvements. By working closely with all stakeholders, we will create a more equitable and inclusive environment. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered.

Mark Warrington
TUSA Equity President 2024

Meet our Team

Our team is composed of students with firsthand experience in the equity demographic groups they represent. Their personal jorneys and insights drive our commitment to fostering inclusivity and support fo all members. Leading this dedicated group is the Chair of the Equity Committee, the TUSA State Council Equity President, along with the Deputy Chair, the Deputy President and Southern Campus President of the TUSA State Council.

You can meet the members of the Equity Committee by clicking here.

Our Mission

The TUSA Equity Committee is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all students, recognising that individuals often embody multiple intersecting identities. Our mission is to ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances. We strive to create a community where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the TUSA Equity Committee works tirelessly to break down barriers and promote a culture of respect and equity across our campuses.

Equity Initiatives

Since its formation of July 1 2024, the TUSA Equity Committee has been actively planning a series of initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. Although our Equity Officers are still finding their feet, they are brimming with ideas and enthusiasm. We are excited to announce that our first formal meeting will take place during the first week of Semester 2. This meeting will set the stage for upcoming projects, including awareness campaigns that address intersectionality, workshops om cultural competency, and events celebrating diverse identities and experiences. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where every student can thrive, and we look forward to collaborating with the community to make these initiatives a reality.

Resources and Support

We understand that marginalised students often face systemic, cultural, and attitudinal barriers that can prevent them from accessing essential support services. To help overcome these challenges, we have compiled a list of resources and support services available to students. These include university programs, counselling services, and partnerships with community organisations dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion.

We encourage you to explore the following resources:

Get Involved

We invite all students to get involved in TUSA’s equity initiatives and events. Your participation is crucial in helping us build a more inclusive and equitable campus. Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, eager to contribute to our projects, or simply interested in learning more, there are numerous ways to engage with our work

Get involved by:

• Attending our events: Join us for workshops, forums, and cultural celebrations to learn and connect with peers.
• Volunteer: Assist with our campaigns and initiatives and gain hands-on experience in promoting equity.
• Join our meetings: Participate in our open meetings to share your ideas and feedback.

Or, become an Equity Officer! Each year, we actively recruit Equity Officers to join our team and contribute to our mission. The recruitment process takes place annually, starting with an application period in December, followed by interviews and selection in February. We seek dedicated students who are passionate about advocating for equity and have lived experiences in the demographic groups they wish to represent.

By getting involved, you can help shape the future of equity at our university and ensure that every student’s voice is heard. If you’re interested in becoming an Equity Officer or participating in our activities, please reach out to us through our website or contact the TUSA Equity Committee directly by emailing equity.president@tusa.utas.edu.au. Together, we can make a difference.

Contact Us

We encourage all students to reach out to the TUSA Equity Committee with any questions, ideas, or concerns. Our team is here to support you and work together towards a more inclusive and equitable campus.

Contact us:

Feel free to drop by during our office hours, send us an email, or connect with us on social media. We are here to listen, support, and work alongside you to create a more equitable university environment.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA) operates across the Aboriginal land, sea and waterways of lutruwita (Tasmania) and the Eora nation (Sydney). We acknowledge, with deep respect, the traditional owners of the land, the palawa and pakana people of lutruwita, and the Gadigal and Wangal peoples comprising a part of the broader Eora Nation.

The palawa, pakana, Gadigal and Wangal peoples belong to the oldest continuing culture in the world. They cared for the propected Country for thousands of years. They knew this land, they lived on this land and they died on this land. We honour them.

TUSA pays respects to elders past and present, to the many Aboriginal people that did not make elder status, and to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community, and broader Australian Aboriginal Community, who continue to care for Country. We recognise a history of truth, which acknowledges the impacts of invasion and colonisation upon Aboriginal people, resulting in their forcible removal from their lands. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and that reconcoliation needs real action.

We stand for a future that profoundly respects and acknowledges Aboriginal perspectives, culture, language and history. We stand for a continued effort to fight for Aboriginal justice and rights, paving the way for a better future.

Acknowledgement of Lived Experience

We would also like to acknowledge that everyone has their own personal lived experience. We as a committee respect and value every individual member’s lived experience.