ISANA Queensland

qld@isana.org.au

Welcome to the ISANA Qld branch page. ISANA Qld is comprised of a diverse group of people with the membership coming from all sectors of international education – high schools to university in both government funded and private institutions.

The Qld branch holds regular meetings with a focus on current and topical issues surrounding international education. As well as a formal agenda, the meetings provide members with professional peer support and an opportunity to discuss casework and policy changes.

Recently, the goals for professional development have been focused in two general areas. Firstly, to organise regular activities for the branch meetings and secondly to offer a full day workshop for members and prospective members.

Branch Committee

Please scroll down page for committee bios.

President

Samantha Hilbig

Vice President | Professional Development

Kiri Bishop

Secretary

Emma Dawson

Treasurer

Andy Ng

Regional Representative – Northern Qld

Louise Myers

Regional Representative – Gold Coast

Sarah Sekulic

Sub-committee Rep. – Higher Sector School

Lio Lay

Sub-committee Rep. – ELICOS/VET

Andrew Parkinson

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President

Samantha Hilbig
e: qld@isana.org.au

I have been an active member of ISANA for many years and have been

current Queensland President for 3 years. I started my experience with International students as a Student Adviser with Charles Darwin University over 16 years ago and have been employed by Griffith University for 15 years, 10 years as Homestay Coordinator. In my role I have experienced many highs and lows as this role is very diverse and involves interacting with students, families, agents and both internal and external community sectors.

ISANA has provided me with the opportunity to interact with many people from different sectors, develop my skills and also create lifelong friendships.

Regional Representative

Louise Myers
e: qld@isana.org.au

Louise Myers is the Manager of the International Student Support team at James Cook University in Cairns and Townsville. She spent many years as a teacher in North Queensland and in the Torres Strait Islands before transitioning to the tertiary sector in 2013. Louise has been a member of ISANA for 2 years and is passionate about ensuring students studying in regional Queensland have a positive experience. Being a native Far North Queenslander herself, Louise understands the challenges students may face. She brings a unique perspective and contribution to the ISANA Queensland committee.

Vice President | Professional Development Coordinator

Kiri Bishop

e:qld@isana.org.au

Secretary

e: qld@isana.org.au

Emma Dawson has been working in the international education sector for the past 14 years, specialising in recruitment, marketing, communications, business administration and event management at a variety of levels. Emma is a strong believer in the transformative nature of education and the significant importance of innovation and collaboration within the industry. She is passionate about building partnerships, nurturing strategic growth and immersing herself in working with young people and their families from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, to help guide and support them to achieve their career aspirations. Emma is constantly looking at strategies to better support students studying internationally through market positioning and various communication channels. Emma looks forward to contributing to the ISANA Queensland committee.

Fun fact about Emma, is that she speaks Mandarin Chinese!

Treasurer

Andy Ng
e: qld@isana.org.au

Andy spent most of his career in Brisbane working with Tertiary students and has over 17 years of experience working with local and international students in the private sector and educational institutions. Andy is currently the Accommodation Officer and Under 18 Guidance Officer (International Students) at Queensland University of Technology. He undertook a number of roles which include assisting domestic and international student’s in their transition into tertiary studies and their accommodation needs. Andy was an international student and have a good understanding of what is like to be an international student living in Australia. Andy has established himself as a hard-working team leader and has always enjoyed a “hands-on” approach to work. Andy is a member of ISANA since 2014 and recently been appointed as treasurer in 2018.

The photo below was taken at the PD day, Critical Incident Management, presented by Mary Ann Seow in sunny Cairns!