NDSLS ELECTIONS 2025/2026
2024 NDSLS
Nominations
President
Alana Oxley
Cleo Boardman
Vice President
Kiara Beard
Secretary
Kiara Beard
Cleo Boardman
Treasurer
Alana Oxley
Jesse Panovski
Social Justice Director
Diana Raheem
Grace Nenadic
Social Justice Assistant Director
Andrea Nouris
Grace Nenadic
Education Director
Jesse Panovski
Sponsorship Director
Alana Oxley
Competitions Director
Kiara Beard
Second Year Representative
Grace Nenadic
VOTING OPEN SOON
CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT
CLEO BOARDMAN
I wish to put myself forward for the role of President of the Notre Dame Law Society. Having served as Sponsorship Assistant Director, I have developed a strong foundation of leadership, communication, and organisational skills, which I believe make me well-suited to this position.
In my current role, I have had the privilege of liaising with external parties, building and maintaining professional relationships on behalf of the Society. I have managed client profiles with precision and professionalism, whilst ensuring that all deadlines were met to a high standard. Additionally, I have created bespoke sponsorship packages, tailored to the expectations of stakeholders, which required adaptability, strategic thinking, and diplomacy. These experiences have shown me that effective leadership depends on the ability to balance competing interests whilst maintaining integrity and professionalism, qualities I believe are at the core of what it means to be President.
I believe my personable and approachable nature is one of my strongest attributes. This enables me to foster positive relationships within the student body as well as with external partners. I am committed to ensuring that all members feel represented and supported.
Furthermore, having already completed a degree in journalism, I bring with me highly developed communication skills, which are directly relevant to representing the Law School with professionalism, clarity, and confidence.
Academically, I bring with me a wealth of tertiary experience gained through four years of higher education and one completed degree prior to commencing law. This has provided me with advanced communication skills, maturity, resilience and insight into balancing academic rigour with extracurricular commitments, all of which are essential for representing the Law School and managing the demands of student leadership. I am committed to being a dependable source of guidance, encouragement, and balance for the Society, ensuring that all voices feel heard.
Looking ahead, my vision for the Notre Dame Law Society is to further expand opportunities for student engagement and professional development. I am committed to strengthening career networking initiatives, fostering closer ties with alumni and industry partners, and ensuring the Society remains an inclusive and supportive space for all law students. My goal is to lead with both strategy and empathy, ensuring the Society continues to thrive and represent the very best of our law school.
I have always prided myself in being ready, willing and able to work in a team professionally and to also make the environment an inviting atmosphere for all members involved. I am a very independent person and can make my own decisions with good measure, be they large or small, while considering all factors. This skill applies to every aspect of my life. I believe this would add value to the NDSLS and allow students to feel safe under my guidance as President due to my lived experience.
I would be honoured to serve as President and to build on the Society’s achievements, ensuring its continued growth and success.
Thank you for considering my application.
Yours faithfully,
Cleo Boardman
ALANA OXLEY
I am writing to express my strong interest in the President position for the NDSLS in 2026. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication and Media (Advertising).
I have had the privilege of serving on the NDSLS committee in 2025 as the Vice President and in 2024 as the Assistant Marketing and Communications Director. These roles have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the society’s
operations and allowed me to refine my leadership and communication skills.
Specifically, the role of Vice President, has equipped me to successfully oversee and facilitate the execution of events and initiatives, ensuring they effectively support
student success.
In 2025, I also served as the Treasurer for SAUNDA, where I further developed my ability to coordinate initiatives and collaborate with peers, faculty, and university staff while focusing on enhancing the student experience on campus.
If elected, I am committed to leading with integrity, accountability, and enthusiasm. I am eager to implement changes that enhance engagement, advocacy, and student wellbeing on the Sydney campus. I am confident my experience and determination will enable me to guide the NDSLS committee successfully as President in 2026.
Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards,
Alana Oxley
Read supporting testimonial in support of Cleo's application here
CANDIDATES FOR VICE PRESIDENT
KIARA BEARD
Hi! I'm Kiara Beard, and I am running because I care about a Law Society that feels organised, welcoming, and genuinely supportive.
For Vice President, I’m a calm collaborator who listens first, brings people together, and helps the team work in a collaborative and approachable way. I would ensure the President is well supported and that Society procedures are kept aligned with our goals and responsibilities.
Friends and peers describe me as reliable, kind, and calm under pressure. I'm happiest when helping others do their best. If you’re looking for someone who will represent our School with integrity, keep things friendly and professional, and put students at the centre, I’d be honoured to earn your vote.
CANDIDATE FOR SECRETARY
KIARA BEARD
Hi! I'm Kiara Beard, and I am running because I care about a Law Society that feels organised, welcoming, and genuinely supportive.
For Secretary, I’m detail-minded and trustworthy. I am someone who values clarity, consistency, and good governance, so members always feel informed and included. I have past experience in Secretarial roles and would feel confident in this.
Friends and peers describe me as reliable, kind, and calm under pressure. I'm happiest when helping others do their best. If you’re looking for someone who will represent our School with integrity, keep things friendly and professional, and put students at the centre, I’d be honoured to earn your vote.
CLEO BOARDMAN
I wish to put myself forward as a candidate for the role of Secretary of the Notre Dame Law Society. I believe my professional background, personal qualities, and academic experience make me well-suited to carry out this role with diligence and integrity.
As Sponsorship Assistant Director, I have demonstrated a consistent ability to manage responsibilities with accuracy, professionalism, and attention to detail. My role involved liaising with external parties, managing client profiles, and creating bespoke sponsorship packages to meet stakeholder expectations. These tasks required me to be organised, deadline-driven, and required diplomatic qualities that are central to the Secretary’s role in maintaining records, coordinating communications, and supporting the smooth operation of the Society.
I am recognised as being personable and approachable, which enables me to foster positive relationships with students, colleagues, and external partners. These qualities, combined with my degree in journalism, equip me with excellent communication skills, which are invaluable for maintaining correspondence, and representing the Society in a professional and articulate manner.
In addition, I bring a wealth of tertiary experience, having already completed four years of higher education and one degree before commencing law. This background has given me maturity, resilience, and the ability to balance academic study with demanding extracurricular commitments.
I understand that the role of Secretary requires someone who is both highly organised and adaptable, able to keep accurate records while also stepping up to assist the Executive team when required. I am confident in my ability to provide stability, structure, and clear communication in this position.
I am confident that my experience, skills, and personal qualities make me well-suited to the role of Secretary, and I am committed to serving the Society with professionalism, precision, and dedication.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Cleo Boardman
CANDIDATES FOR TREASURER
ALANA OXLEY
I am writing to express my interest in the Treasurer position for the NDSLS in 2026. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication and Media (Advertising).
I have had the privilege of serving on the NDSLS committee in 2025 as the Vice President and in 2024 as the Assistant Marketing and Communications Director. These roles have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the society’s
operations and allowed me to refine my leadership and communication skills. They have also provided a foundation for understanding budget planning and forecasting along with resource allocation to ensure that NDSLS maximises its support to students.
In 2025, I also served as the Treasurer for SAUNDA, where I oversaw financial planning for student initiatives and collaborated closely with peers and university staff to ensure accountability and maximise the impact of resources. This role
strengthened my ability to balance priorities, maintain accurate records and support initiatives that enhance the student experience.
If elected Treasurer, I am committed to ensuring efficient financial management, provide strong support to the NDSLS committee an help facilitate initiatives that promote engagement, advocacy and wellbeing for all Law students.
Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards,
Alana Oxley
JESSE PANOVSKI
This year I’ve served as Assistant Competitions Director and now as Education Director, where I’ve supported our moot and mock trial teams, run skills workshops, produced the 2025 Graduate Guide, and launched the Weight of the Wig series to highlight wellbeing.
I’m now nominating for Vice President, Treasurer or Education Director because I want to keep building on that work and ensure NDSLS continues to deliver real value for students. I bring:
Experience: I have proven myself through running major projects for the Society and in my paralegal work.
Organisation: from managing events to handling detail-heavy tasks with accuracy and accountability.
Commitment: I care about making sure every law student gets the most out of their degree, academically and socially.
Alongside my work within the NDSLS, I work as a commercial law paralegal, which has honed my skills in organisation, accountability, and working under pressure, skills and qualities all of which I bring back to the Society.
If re-elected, I’ll keep driving initiatives that are practical, professional, and genuinely useful for students. I’d love the opportunity to continue serving you in 2026, and I’d be grateful for your support.
CANDIDATES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE DIRECTOR
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DIANA RAHEEM
My Name is Diana Raheem, and I am a fourth-year student studying a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts (Sociology).
I am nominating myself for the position of Social Justice Director.
I am incredibly passionate about the role of social justice in the lives of law students. Our profession hinges on service to the community. As such, it is crucial that part of our learning incorporates social justice principles to enhance empathy and develop the skills necessary to work with vulnerable individuals.
I have been part of the Social Justice Portfolio for two years, dedicating myself to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion within the law school by planning events that align with social justice objectives.
This year, I have created opportunities for students to support organisations in our community that support vulnerable people. This includes the walk for WAGEC, where our efforts raised over $2,000 in support of women and children escaping domestic violence. We also hosted a Winter Appeal, collecting Items for Wayside Chapel.
Next year, I aim to center social justice initiatives to cater to our own students. This includes a student advocacy framework that supports students and fosters a space where they feel heard. I will also prioritise educational opportunities, creating events for students who are passionate about social justice to connect with like-minded firms and organisations.
Kind regards,
Diana
GRACE NENADIC
My name is Grace Nenadic, though most people know me by my middle name, Manda. I am
a first-year Law and Arts student, majoring in history. I am a highly motivated and organised
individual who strives to achieve evolving academic and personal goals. I enjoy films, music,
literature, and history.
I nominate myself as a suitable candidate for the Law society at Notre Dame University. My
double degree has enabled me to befriend peers from diverse backgrounds, broadening my
understanding of student needs. During Notre Dame’s recent technical difficulties with
timetables and exams, many peers confided in me, highlighting my ability to be a voice for
students.
My experience as a club leader, tutor and public speaker has strengthened my communication skills and emotional intelligence. As a former club leader of an LGBT+ association at my school, I worked closely with Amnesty and Wear It Purple to promote
inclusivity, while also developing promotional and event management skills.
As a first year law student, I aim to encourage students experiencing imposter syndrome and
advocate for initiatives to ease transitions for new students, such as more social gatherings
early in the semester.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
CANDIDATES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
ANDREA NOURIS
My name is Andrea, and I am applying for the role of Social Justice Assistant Director for the NDSLS
in 2026. I am deeply passionate about this role and believe my skills and experience make me a strong
candidate.
Beyond my studies, I am a dedicated volunteer to Ronald McDonald House Charities in Randwick,
and passionate about social justice issues which pertain specifically to women and young people. I
enjoy engaging in events which reflect these causes such as the RMHC ‘Walk Me Home’ marathon,
and ‘Walk for WAGEC’, both of which helped support vulnerable people through organisations.
Additionally, having held this position in 2025, I feel I am equipped to deal with the demands and
expectations of the role, as well as the responsibilities that come with being a part of the NDSLS as a whole. My experience has taught me the importance of dedication, consistency, and professionalism which I feel is essential to this role.
If I were to be selected, I would bring my utmost enthusiasm to the role and aim to uphold the goals
and values of the NDSLS and Notre Dame as a university. I would also strive to plan and establish
causes and events that were valuable to law students, ensuring I share my passion for social justice in a meaningful and beneficial way. Upon reflecting on my work in 2025, if re-elected, I would focus not only on encouraging students to support external organisations and causes but also prioritise
student wellbeing and internal events.
Thank you for your time in reading my application. I would be honoured to continue working with the
NDSLS and furthering its commitment to social justice in 2026.
Sincerely,
Andrea
GRACE NENADIC
My name is Grace Nenadic, though most people know me by my middle name, Manda. I am
a first-year Law and Arts student, majoring in history. I am a highly motivated and organised
individual who strives to achieve evolving academic and personal goals. I enjoy films, music,
literature, and history.
I nominate myself as a suitable candidate for the Law society at Notre Dame University. My
double degree has enabled me to befriend peers from diverse backgrounds, broadening my
understanding of student needs. During Notre Dame’s recent technical difficulties with
timetables and exams, many peers confided in me, highlighting my ability to be a voice for
students.
My experience as a club leader, tutor and public speaker has strengthened my communication skills and emotional intelligence. As a former club leader of an LGBT+ association at my school, I worked closely with Amnesty and Wear It Purple to promote
inclusivity, while also developing promotional and event management skills.
As a first year law student, I aim to encourage students experiencing imposter syndrome and
advocate for initiatives to ease transitions for new students, such as more social gatherings
early in the semester.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
CANDIDATES FOR EDUCATION DIRECTOR
JESSE PANOVSKI
This year I’ve served as Assistant Competitions Director and now as Education Director, where I’ve supported our moot and mock trial teams, run skills workshops, produced the 2025 Graduate Guide, and launched the Weight of the Wig series to highlight wellbeing.
I’m now nominating for Vice President, Treasurer or Education Director because I want to keep building on that work and ensure NDSLS continues to deliver real value for students. I bring:
Experience: I have proven myself through running major projects for the Society and in my paralegal work.
Organisation: from managing events to handling detail-heavy tasks with accuracy and accountability.
Commitment: I care about making sure every law student gets the most out of their degree, academically and socially.
Alongside my work within the NDSLS, I work as a commercial law paralegal, which has honed my skills in organisation, accountability, and working under pressure, skills and qualities all of which I bring back to the Society.
If re-elected, I’ll keep driving initiatives that are practical, professional, and genuinely useful for students. I’d love the opportunity to continue serving you in 2026, and I’d be grateful for your support.
CANDIDATES FOR COMPETITIONS DIRECTOR
KIARA BEARD
Hi! I'm Kiara Beard, and I am running because I care about a Law Society that feels organised, welcoming, and genuinely supportive.
For Competitions Director, I’m fair and encouraging. I believe competitions should build confidence as well as skill, and that every student deserves respectful advocacy and a level playing field.
Friends and peers describe me as reliable, kind, and calm under pressure. I'm happiest when helping others do their best. If you’re looking for someone who will represent our School with integrity, keep things friendly and professional, and put students at the centre, I’d be honoured to earn your vote.
CANDIDATES FOR SPONSORSHIP DIRECTOR
ALANA OXLEY
I am writing to express my interest in the Sponsorship Director position for the NDSLS in 2026. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication and Media (Advertising).
I have served on the NDSLS committee as Vice President in 2025 and Assistant Marketing and Communications Director in 2024. These roles have deepened my understanding of the society’s operations and developed my leadership and communication skills. In addition, my experience as Treasurer of SAUNDA in 2025 required me to liaise regularly with faculty and external stakeholders, which in turn has strengthened my ability to communicate professionally and ensure accountability in meeting requirements and expectations.
As Sponsorship Director, I want to develop and strengthen our relationships with law firms and external partners, ensuring these connections provide lasting value for both students and sponsors. My goal is to improve our collaboration with firms, secure meaningful opportunities for students, and increase the NDSLS’s visibility and reputation.
I am committed to bringing professionalism, initiative to reach out to new potential sponsors to ensure the societies sponsorships and partnerships continue to grow and support the success of Notre Dame Sydney Law Students.
Thank you for considering my application.
CANDIDATES FOR SECOND YEAR REPRESENTATIVE
GRACE NENADIC
My name is Grace Nenadic, though most people know me by my middle name, Manda. I am
a first-year Law and Arts student, majoring in history. I am a highly motivated and organised
individual who strives to achieve evolving academic and personal goals. I enjoy films, music,
literature, and history.
I nominate myself as a suitable candidate for the Law society at Notre Dame University. My
double degree has enabled me to befriend peers from diverse backgrounds, broadening my
understanding of student needs. During Notre Dame’s recent technical difficulties with
timetables and exams, many peers confided in me, highlighting my ability to be a voice for
students.
My experience as a club leader, tutor and public speaker has strengthened my communication skills and emotional intelligence. As a former club leader of an LGBT+ association at my school, I worked closely with Amnesty and Wear It Purple to promote
inclusivity, while also developing promotional and event management skills.
As a first year law student, I aim to encourage students experiencing imposter syndrome and
advocate for initiatives to ease transitions for new students, such as more social gatherings
early in the semester.
Thank you for your time and consideration.