Results from the anticipated annual WUSA election have been announced and students are gearing up to see changes on campus.
An Instagram post celebrated Yeehaw’s achievement of being successfully elected into the WUSA council for 2025.
The Wollongong Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) is a 15 student-run council elected annually.
View this post on Instagram
The new president of WUSA and student union Yeehaw Hanzel-Jude Pador is ecstatic with the outcome.
“All of us in Yeehaw are excited to hit the ground running,” he said.
“We can’t wait to strengthen the union … and support all students on campus.”
Mr Pador was disappointed with the past council’s efforts to make changes to UOW student life.
“I found myself frustrated with the wasted potential of WUSA,” he said.
“I wanted the union to work to represent the student body … to improve wellbeing on campus.
“Student voices will be heard in the decision-making of the WUSA Council.
“The operations and facilities of WUSA will be as accessible and visible as ever.”
Mr Pador is fighting for several campus-related issues, ultimately aiming to restore free carpool parking on campus, and free period products in all UOW bathrooms.
First-year law student Lilly Coombes cast her vote earlier this week and thinks student voices are of utmost importance.
“I believe it’s important to vote… to support your values,” she said.
“The only way to see change is to vote in representatives that hold those same values.”
Ms Coombes was disappointed in some of the candidates, as she believes the real issues lie deeper than The Alternative Ticket’s proposed extension to the happy hour at Uni Bar.
“When you have a group stating they want alcoholic bubblers versus supporting students financially … the vote is clear cut,” she said.
Other candidates were deemed unsuccessful against Yeehaw’s strong election campaign.
The new council will enter office on December 1.