Heather Richards

Phone: 0424 439 332

I have been the president of Newcastle University Students' Association (NUSA) since 2011. I was the vice-president of CISA from 2010-2012 and am now the Welfare Officer.

During my term as vice-president I worked on national crises affecting international students, particularly the Libyan and Iranian student crises. I was also responsible for writing a number of CISA's submissions.

During this term as welfare officer, I retain responsibility for national crises and will continue advocating for the Federal Government to establish a National Contingency Plan and Emergency Fund for international students in crisis as a result of events in their home country.

I will continue to work on the issue of transport concessions in NSW and Victoria and hope to work with the CISA Equity Officer on raising sexual health awareness amongst the international student community.

International students contribute significantly to the Australian economy and community. We are a vulnerable group and can be a target to less scrupulous persons. In my role as NUSA President, I have worked on a strong safety campaign. I intend to bring elements of this campaign to my work in CISA to assist international students throughout the country.

If you are a student from Iran, Syria or are a student affected by national events in your home country that are beyond your control, please email me at: welfare@cisa.edu.au.

If you are a pregnant international student who has been refused medical attention in a public hospital, please contact me at: welfare@cisa.edu.au.

I look forward to working with you.