Geemal Jayawickrama, the first international UWA Guild President in twenty-eight years, met with Dr Sue Boyd AM, the first woman UWA Guild President in 1969 and the first President to serve on the UWA Senate.  

During this thought-provoking discussion, Geemal and Sue delve into their experiences as Guild Presidents, sharing insights into their biggest challenges, proudest achievements and more.  

Geemal: Let me begin with the questions that many aspiring Guild Presidents face: what inspired you to run for the position, and what were the challenges you encountered?

Sue: Well, it all started when I was approached, and it was suggested that it was time for a woman to take on the role. Initially, I was hesitant, but I ran for the position with my peers’ support and encouragement. 

There were two candidates I was up against, one being Tim Blain, who had been selected as the Rhodes Scholar and set to leave for Oxford. I found his candidacy audacious since he wouldn’t be available to fulfil the responsibilities of the role. It made discrediting him quite easy. The other contender was Kim Beazley AC, who posed a more serious challenge. However, his strong affiliation with the Labor Party worked against him because the students wanted a non-party political leader.

During my campaign, I emphasised my qualifications, track record and conveyed my vision for the role. Additionally, I promised that if elected, I would ensure soft toilet paper in all the campus toilets, which surprisingly struck a chord with the students! However, beyond that, I was acutely aware of the significance of becoming the first woman President, and I was determined to give it my all. Fortunately, I emerged victorious.

Geemal: That’s quite an inspiring journey, Sue. I can certainly relate to some aspects of your experience. Last year, I was approached by the then Guild President, who was affiliated with a different ticket but thought I would be the best candidate for the role. It was a shock to receive such an invitation considering my international status, and there hasn’t been a President who is an international student before. 

It actually took me a few weeks to come to a decision due to the immense commitment that comes with the position. What was the workload like for you? 

Sue: I understand the weight of that decision. I was the last Guild President who didn’t receive time off from studies, and the role was extremely demanding. That’s why I advocated and convinced the UWA Senate to ensure the Guild President should have a year off from studies to fully dedicate themselves to the role, given its immense responsibilities, and be provided with a salary. 

So, I was the last amateur Guild President, in a sense, as the subsequent presidents became professionals.

Geemal: I thank you for that, Sue!  

Sue: You are very welcome, and it is much deserved. The campus has expanded, and the number of students has increased substantially compared to when I was in office. With more students and a greater number of clubs and causes, there are higher demands on the Guild President’s time. Taking positions on various matters and addressing the student body’s needs has become more complex and demanding.

Geemal: Sue, I would also like to explore your experience living at St Catherine’s College during your time as Guild President. How did living there contribute to your ability to fulfil your role?

Sue: Living at the College enormously impacted my ability to carry out my duties effectively. As a migrant who arrived in 1966 and immediately started university, it was a fantastic experience because I didn’t stand out as someone new. Everyone else in College was also new, so I easily blended in and felt like I belonged.

When I decided to run for Guild President, I had already spent three years at St Catherine’s, and it made practical sense for me to continue living there because the College was conveniently located just across the road from the university. 

Geemal: 

Being part of St Catherine’s had a tremendous impact on my ability to step into the role of Guild President. The entire College rallied behind me and my team during the elections. It created a sense of unity and camaraderie among the residents.

Even the small gestures, like conversations in the Dining Hall where everyone would ask how it was going and offer help, created a strong support network. Many residents dedicated their time to campaigning for me, distributing flyers and supporting me and other candidates. It was a heartwarming experience to witness such support within the College community.

Sue: That is wonderful, Geemal. St Catherine’s is an extraordinary place. 

Geemal: Shifting focus to one of your major achievements, the creation of the Stirling Highway Underpass, could you share the story behind that accomplishment?

Sue: The creation of the underpass was a project that we prioritised due to safety concerns. Tragically, students had lost their lives while crossing the highway at night, returning to College Row. We recognised the urgent need for a pedestrian walk phase in the traffic lights. 

However, Main Roads refused to grant us the walk phase, citing potential traffic congestion in the city. Faced with this obstacle, we explored alternative solutions and proposed the idea of a tunnel instead. We considered it an even better option and presented it to the Senate. The planning and approval processes were challenging due to the involvement of multiple authorities responsible for the land. This led us to organise a public demonstration to highlight the issue. 

Eventually, the plans were approved, and various stakeholders came together to make the underpass a reality. It was a proud achievement, but somewhat cheekily, the Pelican named it Boyd’s Passage! 

Geemal: This year, I have focused on fostering a vibrant campus community that can offer students meaningful engagement opportunities. This has mainly been through empowering the clubs and societies on campus to encourage student engagement. We have an impressive number of clubs, around 160, which is unique to our university. Additionally, we have worked towards providing improved facilities for these clubs. We have increased club grants by $30,000 to support them further this year. By investing in the clubs and societies, we aim to give students compelling reasons to be on campus and participate in the university experience.

The Guild was also asked to contribute a submission to the WA University Review. We are currently awaiting the interim report, which is expected to be released by the end of the month. It will be interesting to see the government’s vision for the sector. The review’s outcome will shape the direction of universities moving forward, so it’s a significant development that we are closely following.

Sue: Michael Wesley’s book, Mind of the Nation, presents a valuable examination of the Eastern states’ universities and the public’s perception of universities in general. While there are only minor references to the UWA in the book, the insights it offers are still relevant to our context. It delves into the changing attitudes towards universities and the evolving expectations of students and their parents. The book captures the ongoing transition the education sector is undergoing and is an interesting read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of these shifting dynamics.

One notable change is the issue of pastoral care. When I attended university, it was relatively small, allowing for personal connections between students and teaching staff. Lecturers and tutors knew us individually and took a personal interest in our development. However, with the growing size of universities and the increased demands on teaching staff, students often need help finding the support they need. I have encountered students who feel lost and need guidance but are unsure where to seek help.

The beauty of St Catherine’s lies in its strong emphasis on pastoral care and personal relationships. It offers a supportive environment where students can form networks, develop friendships and gain exposure to different cultures and ideas. Additionally, the College ensures students have access to guidance and support throughout their academic journey. The connections and friendships made at College can extend beyond university years and provide a valuable network for the future.

Geemal: I completely agree. The unique experience of living at College means I can come to Perth knowing no one and be elected Guild President three years later! 

Sue:  I see you have brought some masterplans with you. What are these for? 

Geemal:  Another key issue we are focusing on is accessibility. Currently, the Guild Village faces challenges in terms of accessibility, with limited lifts and ramps for students with mobility issues. We would like to enhance the accessibility of the Guild Village to ensure that all students can utilise the facilities and feel included. Additionally, we aim to create more space for students to sit and study as student numbers increase.

Sue: These plans look fantastic, and I can’t wait to see the results. 

I am also interested to know what your plans are for next year? 

Geemal: After completing my term as Guild President, I plan to transition into the workforce. While I have studied economics, my strengths lie in areas beyond analysing economic trends. I am considering a career in consultancy, where I can utilise the skills and experiences gained during my time as Guild President to make a meaningful impact. 

Sue: That sounds like an exciting path, Geemal. Your role as Guild President and the skills you have developed will undoubtedly pave the way for a successful career. My advice to you is to be open to diverse experiences and maintain an optimistic mindset. Your time as Guild President has equipped you with valuable attributes that will undoubtedly contribute to your future success. Best of luck in your endeavours.

Geemal: Thank you, Sue. I appreciate your advice and encouragement. I will take your words to heart as I embark on the next chapter of my journey.