2017 ANNUAL REPORTLeadership. Learning. Leverage.

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This time last year, I remarked that it had been a rollercoaster of a year – well it turns out that was just the entrée, if I may mix my metaphors, with the main course still to come. In May 2017 we gathered in Hobart for our biggest annual conference yet, collaboratively sharing knowledge and ideas, and celebrating our wonderful industry.

Then, in August, we saw the release of the Australian Human Right’s Commission ‘Change the Course’ report into sexual assault & harassment on university campuses, with significant industry, media, and government attention on the issue rightfully continuing to the present day. This and other challenges, including the ever-accelerating expansion of our industry, has meant that many of us in the sector are feeling busier than ever.

Having said all of that, the past year has also been one of tremendous success, with the industry providing a high-quality experience in purpose-built student accommodation for more local and international students than ever before, and our industry body APSAA transforming into what it is today.

It has indeed been a year of significant change and advancement for our industry body itself, beginning with changes to the structure of the organisation from an association registered in New South Wales, to a company limited by guarantee registered federally in Australia with ASIC.

As part of this change, our committee has transitioned into a volunteer professional board, meeting in person four times per year with video conferences in each of the other months. This significant time commitment has meant a lot has been possible to achieve. We have also employed a dedicated and highly experienced Industry Development Manager on an ongoing basis, now ensuring that more resources than ever before are available to advance the interests of our industry and our members.

Of course, the most significant and visible change has been the shift from our historical identity of AACUHO to a new name for our association, APSAA – the Asia-Pacific Student Accommodation Association. Our new name appropriately reflects the growing and diverse activities of the association and its membership. There was

overwhelming support from a majority of members for the new name, but I do wish to acknowledge that as AACUHO we enjoyed a great and proud history and have achieved many things over 25 plus years.

While our name has changed, the core business of the Association, being professional development and networking for the industry will continue and indeed move to new heights in the coming year. Meanwhile, the transition in name and identity will enable a clear and robust platform to represent the interests of the industry with a broad range of issues and stakeholder groups.

To that end, last year APSAA publicly released our 2017-22 Strategic Plan, encompassing the three pillars of Leadership, Learning, and Leverage. This strategic plan captures all the existing activities of the association, and also outlines additional initiatives, taking historical strengths to new heights, as well as embarking on all new directions. Work is underway to enhance the advocacy and representative work of the association, including the formation of an Industry Advancement Committee with broad representation.

We’re also proud to have launched – or to be about to launch – a range of other new initiatives under our strategic plan. APSAA has begun self-publishing a professional quarterly journal ‘Student Accommodation’ for the first time in 2017, and also launched all new Industry Guidelines which are now being released as a comprehensive set of documents exclusive to members at our conference in May 2018.

We’ve partnered with global body ACUHO-I to deliver additional resources to our members, including a ground-breaking first for our region. The inaugural Global Housing Training Institute to be held later this year in Melbourne will provide intensive learning, engagement, reflection, and networking customized for student accommodation professionals from our region and around the world.

All of this has been achieved whilst continuing the day to day work of the association: We’ve held or assisted with events right across Australia and New Zealand, we’ve provided our members with resources and advice on important topics, and we’ve represented our members at conferences locally and around the globe.

From the PresidentWhat an incredible year it has been for the student accommodation industry, and for our industry body now known to us all as APSAA!

Vincent Wilson CEO, Deakin Residential Services President, APSAA

F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

APSAA Annual Report 2017 3

From the President 2

From the Industry Development Manager 4

APSAA Board 5

APSAA Sub-Committees 5

About APSAA 6

Governance Structure 6

Our Vision 7

Our Strategic Plan 2017-22 7 – 9

Member Benefits 10

Membership types 11

APSAA/AACUHO Life Members 11

APSAA Conference 12

APSAA Awards 14

APSAA Excellence Awards 14

APSAA Journal 15

Affiliations 16

Contents

C O N T E N T S

I talked earlier about the rapid expansion of our industry, and of course this is just the tip of the iceberg, with many thousands of beds coming into the market over the next two to three years, and billions of investment dollars flowing into the industry across the region. Naturally, such rapid expansion of the industry presents both challenges and opportunities, making it all the more important that we work together as one in the best interests of our students and staff, our organisations, and our industry.

Finally, I would like to recognise and thank the APSAA board for their dedication to our industry and their tireless work over the past twelve months.

A special mention must be made of those directors who have recently stepped down from the board, or who are doing so at the upcoming AGM. More than ever, it has truly been a team effort to accomplish all that we have this year. So, thank you, on behalf of our members, for the lasting contributions you have made to our association and our industry.

I encourage all our members, partners, and friends to get involved and take advantage of what your industry body has to offer, be it through attendance at the conference or other events, service on the board or sub-committees, or through one of any number of new ways to engage with each other.

Have a wonderful year ahead, and I look forward to seeing all of our members very soon!

Vincent Wilson President, APSAA

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F R O M T H E I N D U S T R Y D E V E L O P M E N T M A N A G E R

This plan includes developing the Industry Guidelines into a document that members can utilise when reviewing their current processes and determine what areas need further development. I am working closely with our Industry Guidelines Sub-Committees to ensure this document is available at the APSAA 2018 conference.

My role also includes working through industry issues in a range of forums. The Industry Advancement Committee (IAC) is one such forum where – through a series of meetings and surveys to members – we have streamlined the most pressing issues according to members.

As an advocacy group, the IAC will work to progress these issues in the coming 12 months – with the understanding that external forces may impact on the types of issues that the IAC focus upon.

For example, the AHRC Change the Course Report (Implementing Recommendation 9) is one such issue that APSAA has responded to by holding our first industry roundtable webinar on the topic. Many of our members came together to share their status on their process and the progress continues.

In 2017, APSAA launched its new professional journal – Student Accommodation for the student accommodation industry in Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Asia Pacific region. This publication is produced quarterly – March, June, September and December and features news and views relevant to all in the sector. The Student Accommodation Journal Editorial Committee encourages contributions from members – opinion pieces, research articles, political insights, team and member profiles, articles, tips, photos and news of planned and upcoming building developments. It has been warmly welcomed by the industry.

As you will see in this Annual Report, a Special Resolution in December 2017 to change the name of the association

from AACUHO to APSAA has taken affect with a new logo, website and style guide. The change embraces the range of student accommodation providers that now make up our industry – universities, private residential colleges and commercial accommodation providers. Building on the success of AACUHO’s 26 years, APSAA is now well placed to represent the interests of the student accommodation industry on the broad range of issues that affect our members.

I work as part of a small team of Association Professionals where we support all aspects of APSAA including the Annual Conference, Member Events, Professional Development and networking opportunities, membership enquiries and Board secretariat services.

APSAA’s membership continues to grow, with members in all States and Territories of Australia, as well as New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore.

We encourage all members to get involved with the association – your involvement will ensure the association remains relevant and robust for the future.

On behalf of the APSAA team, I would like to thank the APSAA Board, in particular our President, Vincent Wilson and Vice President Steve Tucker, who have provided ongoing direction and support.

In conclusion, none of the above could have been achieved without all the support and input provided by our valued members.

Honi McNaughton Industry Development Manager, APSAA

From the Industry Development Manager

As the Industry Development Manager for APSAA, my role is to work with the Board to progress the 2017-22 Strategic Plan – Leadership – Learning – Leverage.

Honi McNaughton Industry Development Manager, APSAA

APSAA Annual Report 2017 5

APSAA BoardBoard members have a broad range of skills and expertise and provide their time and knowledge to APSAA on a voluntary basis. It is the intent of APSAA to ensure the Board comprises of one member from each State and Territory of

Australia plus three other members. All Board members are proactive in initiating new activities and identifying new strategic opportunities for the benefit of APSAA members.

President Vincent Wilson, Deakin Residential Services, Vic

Vice President Steve Tucker, Campus Living Villages, NSW

Edwina Ellicott, University of Wollongong, NSW

Adam Campbell, La Trobe University, Vic

Marion Bayley, Deakin Residential Services, Vic

Tara Holst, John XXIII College, ACT

Bob Laurenson, St Catherine’s College, WA

Phil Shelley, Scape Living, NSW

Wade Hurst, Griffith University, Qld

Jacob Waitere, University of Auckland, NZ

A P S A A B O A R D

APSAA Sub-CommitteesConference Organising CommitteeVincent Wilson

Tara Holst

Phil Shelley

Wade Hurst

Laura Burge

Finance CommitteeBob Laurenson

Adam Campbell

Steve Tucker

Industry Guidelines CommitteeBob Laurenson

Yonna Cowan

Steve Tucker

Laura Burge

Jodie Lawer

Edwina Ellicott

Glenn Angus

Grant Hyndman

Phil Shelley

Vince Wilson

Industry Advancement CommitteeSteve Tucker

Phil Shelley

Adam Campbell

Cameron Bestwick

Dominic Kilduff

Areti (Ari) Metuamate

Vincent Wilson

Journal Editorial CommitteeTara Holst

Marion Bayley

The following members were part of the APSAA Board during 2017: John Dance, Jorge Conteras, Mick Alldis, Mark Thornton, Samantha Schofield, Maryann Pidcock and Andrew Renfree

APSAA Company Secretary Melinda Casperz

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A B O U T A P S A A

About APSAAThere are more than 80,000 students living in Colleges, Halls and Residences which are either owned or affiliated with Australian and New Zealand Universities or privately run, and a large professional student accommodation workforce exists to support these students.

APSAA is the peak industry body for accommodation which is for the exclusive use of students in Australasia and the Pacific. Our large and diverse membership includes universities, private residential colleges, commercial providers, and individuals.

Whatever your role in student accommodation, APSAA is the home for you! Join us today!

The core purpose of APSAA is to:

• Support and encourage the professional development of its members

• Support and facilitate quality standards of service delivery in student accommodation

• Advocate the sustainable economic and pedagogical benefits of student accommodation

Our vision is to be recognised as the body that sets the standards for student housing in Asia Pacific.

We do this through our annual conference, our networking events held throughout the year, our collaborative partnerships and by providing a range of resources for our members to access.

APSAA recognises the important role played by student accommodation professionals and the contribution made to the overall student experience. As professionals in this field our roles are diverse, challenging and importantly, very rewarding. APSAA provides a valuable support network by putting members in touch with other members and offering professional development opportunities.

APSAA was formerly known as AACUHO – the Australasian Association of College and University Housing Officers. The name of the association was changed by Special Resolution at a Special General Meeting, held on 15 December 2017 and was registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission with effect from this date.

Governance StructureOn 15 December 2017 AACUHO changed its name to Asia-Pacific Student Accommodation Association Ltd.

From 6 October 2017, AACUHO became registered as a Public Company, limited by guarantee, under the Corporations Act 2001. The Company’s ACN is 622 108 196.

Prior to October 2017, AACUHO operated as an Incorporated Association under NSW Fair Trading since it’s inception on 31 August 1990.

For the purpose of this document, AACUHO will be referred to as APSAA.

APSAA Annual Report 2017 7

A B O U T A P S A A

Our Strategic Plan

Leadership

Driving strategy, promoting best practice, and celebrating

excellence.

Industry Guidelines

Networking Events

Quarterly Journal

Board and Sub-Committees

Research Projects

Annual Awards

Learning

Facilitating high quality learning, access to resources,

and development opportunities.

Annual Conference

Professional Development

Training Institute

Online Courses

Member Resources

Study Tours

Leverage

Building our profile, enhancing our reputation,

and creating a unified voice.

Member Representation

Industry Advocacy

Policy Guidance

Affiliate Associations

Benchmarking and Statistics

Corporate Partnerships

Our VisionAPSAA is the peak industry body for accommodation which is for the exclusive use of students in Australasia and the Pacific. Setting industry guidelines, APSAA seeks to advocate on relevant issues to government and key stakeholders on behalf of the industry. We do this through our annual conference, networking and education events held throughout the year, our training institute and collaborative partnerships.

We publish a student accommodation journal for all members and industry professionals quarterly, a monthly newsletter, and we regularly update members via social media campaigns. We provide a range of resources for our members to access,and are sought out by the media to provide statements to the press on behalf of the industry.

The core purpose of APSAA is to:

• Support and facilitate quality standards of service delivery in student accommodation

• Advocates the sustainable economic and pedagogical benefits of student accommodation

• To be the leading professional organisation providing our members access to information and resources

• To be a leading Association that delivers professional development to its members

Leadership, Learning, Leverage.

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Management, Operations and Finance

Strategic PlanningA strategic plan exists with relevance to the needs of stakeholders and where applicable, education institutions. The plan reflects the needs of the Higher Education industry and is adaptable to the changing needs of residents throughout the lifecycle of the property.

OperationsAccommodation is managed to ensure it is safe and secure and meets the legislative requirements for the Workplace Health and Safety of all staff, students, contractors and visitors. The accommodation is managed to ensure that the product experienced by residents matches what is marketed. The terms and conditions of the residential contract and any other supporting instruments are made clear to applicants and published governance procedures outline the responsibilities and rights of individuals, including procedures for administration of grievances and appeals.

Human ResourcesEmployment contracts and position descriptions are prepared in accordance with relevant regulatory frameworks. Regular, relevant professional development is available to all employees. An induction is undertaken by all employees, which describes and explains the context of the accommodation within the Higher Education industry.

FinanceThe quality and integrity of the financial system of the organisation is integral to its survival and success. It is critical that the organisation can meet its current and future obligations to its stakeholders, most importantly its students and residents. A financial system should include as a minimum; maintenance of a database, a double-entry accounting system, a debtor’s system, a payroll system, a creditors system and an appropriate system for recording stock or other goods consumed in the provision of meals or other contracted services. It should also include an appropriate system for recording assets and to register maintenance requests or repairs and a budget process that is supported by policies and procedures to ensure probity is maintained. The financial system is inter-linked across all facets of the organisation – underwriting all activities, operations and management requirements.

Our industry is changing. As part of our L3 strategy commitment to members, APSAA has commenced a revision of our Industry Guidelines, last published in 2015. The revision includes consultation with leaders from corporate PBSA providers, Colleges and university residences.

Over the term of this strategic plan you can expect to see the rollout of a quality education program that offers something to all members, and is recognised for its relevance to the region by industry stakeholders. A review of our Industry Guidelines is already underway, and we will be adding more benchmarking tools, including strategic guidelines, issues-based benchmarking and crisis management guidelines over the term of this plan.

The student accommodation industry is growing at a rate of knots. Tertiary education is Australia’s second biggest export, with not enough currently built or planned accommodation available for students wishing to live here. More than ever, a unified industry is important.

In the meantime, we have identified key items, giving you a snapshot to consider when benchmarking your accommodation facility. If you’d like a copy of these snapshots for your workplace, it’s available to download and print from the APSAA website (www.apsaa.org.au).

In sharing this strategy, we issue you with a challenge – become involved! With your involvement our industry will strengthen, and together we can ensure a robust and relevant future for the sector.

There is more to come – the full document will be released during 2018. We welcome your feedback during this process – please forward your thoughts and ideas by email to idm@apsaa.org.au.

S T R AT E G I C P L A N

Industry Guidelines

APSAA Annual Report 2017-18 9

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Student Experience and Wellbeing

Living and learning environmentThe residential support available to students during their time in student accommodation is vital for the success of both domestic and international students. Accommodation for students is enhanced by the development of supportive social, safe, connected and engaged living and learning environments; providing holistic development opportunities for the students.

ProgramsHolistic Support Programs addresses but are not limited to the following areas: Wellbeing Promotion and Support, Academic Support, Critical Incident Prevention and Management, Diversity and Cultural Awareness, Sexual Harrassment and Assault Management Prevention and Community Engagement. These areas play an important role in providing opportunities for academic and personal enrichment, growth and development, whilst also enhancing their independent living and learning skills.

RelevanceWhilst the resident support schemes will cater for the varied needs of students throughout the period of residence, they will also be agile, inclusive and student-centred in meeting the emerging needs of residents, their courses and institutional expectations. Resident support programs are measureable, assessed and reviewed on a regular basis and may contribute to co-curricular recognition at the student’s tertiary institution. The effectiveness of these programs can provide a competitive advantage to the student housing operation.

Incident Management and ResponseThe health, safety and wellbeing of all students is paramount for the maintenance of healthy, happy residential communities. A critical component of this is a comprehensive, coordinated and systematic approach to incident response, management, and reporting. This should, at minimum, include clear guidelines regarding incident types, actions and outcomes, detection and reporting mechanisms, response and support models, and clear communication processes to ensure an efficient, transparent and student-centred approach.

Facilities and Development

Day-to-day operations of buildings (Soft Facilities Management)All cleaning is conducted to a scope, which encompasses the needs of the resident community. Security is focused on the protection of residents and all other stakeholders; including intellectual property. Deployed security personnel are empathetic of the nature of the resident community. Reactive maintenance includes testing, inspection and repairs to an asset, compliant with all relevant federal and state legislation. A Planned Preventative Maintenance Program is in place to control operational costs and reduce the need for Reactive maintenance.

Refurbishment Lifecycle (Hard Facilities Management)Planned Preventative Maintenance is required for the efficient upkeep of buildings and components. Life Cycle Cost policies ensure systems and equipment purchased are economically efficient and manage the procurement process accordingly, with respect to the Total Cost of Ownership. Life Cycle Cost planning includes considerations for maintenance, asset disposal, training, cost of upgrades, energy consumption and resources used in manufacture.

Statutory Requirements (Safety & Compliance)All environmental and safety related issues ensure hazard/s are prevented, as per developed and communicated policies. All statutory building safety requirements are adhered to as per federal and state legislation, with records of compliance kept and displayed where required. A policy for developing, implementing and maintaining sustainable facility practices to deliver value and benefits to all stakeholders of the organisation is in place.

Planning New DevelopmentThe planning of any new development depends on the detailed preparation of a building and construction brief. Once selected, work with the organisation’s chosen architect and design team to determine the precise needs of the building – this ensures a facility that will meet the needs of residents and staff – now and for the future. Developing a comprehensive brief also ensures the build budget is understood and can be managed by the build team, reducing the likelihood of unforeseen costs in time and construction issues, ensuring a smooth handover at the end of the construction, with the outcome being the efficient ongoing operations of the new development.

S T R AT E G I C P L A N

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Member BenefitsWorking in the student accommodation industry is a unique and rewarding experience. Industry professionals typically specialise in areas such as leadership, business management, residential life, administration, conference management and counselling. Applying these skills to a student housing environment makes for a job that is never dull, and can sometimes throw challenges our way.

The importance of the role and the contribution that student accommodation professionals make to a student’s life and their overall university experience cannot be underestimated. Many students will cite their days at “college”, as the best and most memorable ever!

APSAA recognises the broad skill set that student accommodation professionals need and the importance of industry support. Through our regular networking events, professional development opportunities and services and affiliations with other Australian and International professional associations, APSAA can provide members at any level with a valuable range of benefits not available anywhere else in Australia.

If your role is in the student accommodation profession, then APSAA is for you!

A major benefit of being an APSAA member is the opportunity to come together and meet with other members employed in the student accommodation industry at various conferences, workshops and other forums.

Members attending these events share ideas and discuss the latest industry developments and innovations. Many of our members return to our annual conferences and events each year which has resulted in a valuable culture of camaraderie amongst APSAA members. The networks formed are lasting and there are opportunities to meet major equipment and service suppliers and to broaden your knowledge of the whole accommodation industry.

Members obtain access through both individual and group/network development activities and access to a wide network of experts that can assist them with any problems on which they may need advice. Access and advice on various training facilities is also available to members.

Member Benefits• Professional development

• Valuable networking opportunities with industry peers and suppliers

• Access to Industry Guidelines

• An annual conference which is internationally recognised

• A study tour which visits student residences and colleges throughout Australasia

• Quarterly industry journal

• Board/committee membership opportunities

• Personal and professional development through member only presenting opportunities at the annual APSAA Conference

• Monthly newsletters 

• Access to job listing opportunities

• Access to post job listings to APSAA website (Institution and Corporate members only) 

• An online resource centre including past conference papers

• Information and exposure to industry specific suppliers

• Scholarships and awards which provide international travel opportunities and recognition of new professionals to the industry

• Local/National/International networks

• Information on upcoming local and international events

M E M B E R B E N E F I T S

September 2017 Volume 1 Issue 1

THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF AACUHO

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

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APSAA Annual Report 2017 11

Institution MembershipAny tertiary education institution in Australia, New Zealand or South East Asia that provides Student Accommodation facilities may apply to become an Institution Member. Membership includes one complimentary* conference registration, for the following year’s conference. Institution membership provides membership for all staff working within student housing in the Institution.

The membership fee is based on the number of beds at the Institution. There is a base rate of $950 per institution plus $1.10 per bed. The per bed amount is capped at 1,750, and will be added on at time of application.

Corporate Membership Any organisation that is a Student Accommodation provider with multiple facilities across Australia, New Zealand or South East Asia and does not have affiliation to any one tertiary education institution, may apply to become a Corporate Member. Membership includes one complimentary* conference registration, for every 3,000 beds, for the following year’s conference. Corporate membership provides membership for all staff working within student accommodation in the Corporate’s operations.

The membership fee is based on the number of beds managed by the Corporate provider. The membership fee consists of $950 base rate plus $1.10 per bed. The per bed charge will be added on at time of application.

Individual Membership Any individual working in the field of Student Accommodation who does not already receive benefits via an Institution or Corporate membership may apply to become an Individual Member. Where an individual is working at an Institution or Corporate in student accommodation, they may apply for individual membership for a maximum of 1 year during a 5-year period. The membership fee is $600 flat rate.

* Conference attendee to be nominated prior to early-bird registration; Institution/Corporate member must have paid full year membership fee 

* All prices above include GST

Membership types

M E M B E R B E N E F I T S

The following members have been recognised with this honour:

2000 Joe Massingham, Wright College

2011 Gary McLaughlin, Flinders University

2015 Colin Marshall, Federation University

2015 Simon Scott, University of Queensland

2015 Sean Brito-Babapulle, Mannix College

2016 David Holmes

2016 Edwina Ellicott, University of Wollongong

2016 Cate Macnamara

APSAA/AACUHO Life MembersLife membership may be awarded to members who have given outstanding service to the Association.

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APSAA Conference

The Hotel Grand Chancellor proved an ideal venue for the conference. The spectacular location on the waterfront was minutes from all that Hobart had to offer and could not have been improved upon. The conference facilities were a precise match for our requirements, giving a generous amount of space for the exhibition, the plenary and the concurrent sessions. The conference committee was outstanding, and ensured that all aspects of the conference, from the organisation and planning prior, through to the delivery and support during the event, were flawlessly executed.

For the first time in APSAA history, a Master of Ceremonies was contracted for the conference. Tim Cox, a veteran ABC broadcaster and local luminary, was an exceptional addition, keeping the flow of the program on track and tying in the plenary sessions to the theme, whilst making an excellent fist of the ‘herding cats’ role required to ensure all 248 attendees got to where they needed to be on time. The conference experience was enhanced greatly by Tim’s professionalism, charm and expertise. In fact, Tim had such an enjoyable time this year, he has agreed to return in 2018 to our Gold Coast Conference. It just proves that once hooked, there’s no escaping the APSAA attraction!

Pre-conference study tourPrior to the conference starting, the 2017 pre-conference study tour visited some of Melbourne and Tasmania’s top student accommodation facilities. The APSAA Secretary; Andrew Renfree (Federation University), led the pre-conference study tour, accompanied by his less photogenic

A P S A A C O N F E R E N C E

side-kick(!) from Deakin Residential Services (DRS), Vincent Wilson, the APSAA President.

MelbourneMeeting at DRS for dinner on the Wednesday evening with delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and USA, the group stayed overnight before enjoying a full tour the next morning assisted by Red Frogs, who simply do breakfasts better than the DRS team. After a quick bus journey, the group was taken on a tour of Monash Residential Services, where facilities include six halls and six apartment buildings. Lunch was enjoyed at Monash before the tour proceeded to Southbank taking in some of Melbourne’s finest Yarra River views. Overnighting again at DRS, the group visited the beautiful sandstone, Queens

Vincent Wilson, President, APSAA

Each year, APSAA presents a national conference attended by its members and featuring workshops, presenters and keynote speakers on current industry issues. In 2017, APSAA headed to Hobart for the annual event.

APSAA Annual Report 2017 13

A P S A A C O N F E R E N C E

College; the next morning, before heading to the bright and cheery Urbanest City for a tour and lunch. This was followed by a tour of CLV’s 14 storey, 648-bed Student Village Melbourne. It was then off to board the Spirit of Tasmania for the overnight crossing to Devonport.

TasmaniaAfter breakfast at Anvers House of Chocolate, the group then travelled to Launceston to meet up with some of the more intrepid APSAA adventurers, for the Tasmanian section of the tour. There was time for a visit to University of Tasmania’s Launceston accommodation with morning tea and tour and lunch provided. Located near the Tamar River, the accommodation comprises of four on-campus residences. A theme of eating well definitely seemed to be the order of the day for this tour! The group then spent the afternoon enjoying the best of Launceston, before dining at the stunning Cataract Gorge restaurant. Sunday was spent on the road to Hobart, with a well-earned stop at the historic town of Richmond, followed by a slightly less well- earned visit to Frogmore Creek Winery enroute to the Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Sponsorship and exhibitionWe greatly appreciate the continued support from our sponsors for our conference, many of whom have been supporting the Association from its infancy. The developments in the products and services offered demonstrate their understanding of, and commitment to,

the success of the student accommodation industry in the region. We were also delighted to welcome some new exhibitors and sponsors in 2017 and enjoyed the opportunity to get to know them both professionally and socially.

Once again in 2017, StarRez committed to being our Platinum sponsor for the conference. The Association is extremely grateful for the immense support offered by StarRez, not just as the Platinum sponsor, but also for the level of participation at the conference from the StarRez family.

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A P S A A A W A R D S

Categories are as follows:

• Fran O’Brien Award for New Professionals

• Joe Massingham Award for Meritorious Services

• Michael O’Leary Award for Innovation

• Business Partner of the Year

• The ‘My Favourite Student’ Best of Program Award

• APSAA Scholarship

• ACUHO-I Scholarship

APSAA AwardsEach year, APSAA offers a range of scholarships and awards that recognise outstanding performance and innovative ideas from our members. These awards are presented on an annual basis at the APSAA Conference.

The APSAA Excellence Awards are:

• Excellence in Marketing and Communications – (Over 500 beds) University of Newcastle

• Excellence in Facility Development or Management – Not awarded in 2017

• Excellence in Student Experience – (Under 500 beds) University of Adelaide

• Joe Massingham Award for Meritorious Services – Dominic Kilduff, Mannix College and Andrew Renfree, Federation University

• Business Partner of the Year – Alcohol & Drug Education Specialists (ADES)

• The ‘My Favourite Student’ Best of Program Award – Kyle Boyd, University of Newcastle

• APSAA Scholarship – Tara Holst, John XXIII College, ANU

• ACUHO-I New Professional Scholarship – Jodie Lawer, University of Wollongong

Note: Michael O’Leary Award for Innovation was not awarded in 2017.

Benefits for WinnersRecipients of an APSAA Award receive national and international peer recognition, official acknowledgement (in the form of trophy or certificate), publication of their details in APSAA’s Student Accommodation Journal, E-News bulletin and APSAA webpage and public acknowledgement at the official Awards Gala Dinner at the APSAA Conference.

The 2017 Award recipients in the following categories were:

• Fran O’Brien Award for New Professionals – Marion Bayley, Deakin Residential Services

APSAA Excellence AwardsIntroduced as part of APSAA’s 25th anniversary celebrations in 2016, the APSAA Excellence Awards recognise members that have excelled in the award category.

• Excellence in Student Experience – (over 500 beds) CLV/University of Canterbury,NZ

• Excellence in Customer Service – Not awarded in 2017

The major award presented each year is the Housing Operation of the Year Award – in 2017 it was awarded to University of Newcastle.

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A D A Y I N M Y T E A M

A D A Y I N M Y T E A M

Carolyn has established skills in student services, student welfare, advocacy, housing and event management. The connection point for Carolyn within each portfolio, has been the ability to drive programs and services focused on the engagement and enrichment of the student experience. Along the way she completed a Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma of Counselling. and benefited from focused training in mediation, conflict management and leadership. What is your nickname, and why?‘Cas’. I’m often referred to as ‘Bizzie’ outside of work – name that has stuck over the years due to always being ‘busy’.

Why did you choose to work in student accommodation and what do you love about the role? It’s dynamic, challenging and exciting – no two days are ever the same in a large 24/7 residential operation. The location is beautiful (from the turtles that swim in the moat, through to the bushy pathways filled with wildlife). Leading the Residential Education team who

Engaged as the Manager, Residential Education, at La Trobe University, Carolyn is responsible for overseeing a dynamic team across the portfolios of academic excellence, social events, health and wellbeing, community standards, marketing and communication, student leadership and after hours support. She also has oversight for the review, development and implementation of a range of programs and projects related to the residential experience and risk management.

Team: La Trobe University Accommodation ServicesLocation: Victoria, AustraliaInterview with: Carolyn Ballagh

A Day in my Team

What do you feel is the most challenging part of your job? I never quite switch off – the nature of the role ensures that the mobile phone remains ‘on’ 24/7. Understanding the needs of multiple stakeholders in a complex environment is also essential.

Glenn College, La Trobe University

are committed to providing an outstanding experience for our 2400+ residents who live on campus is also particularly rewarding.Have you worked at other institutions/facilities, and where? I haven’t ventured internationally yet, but have worked locally at Monash University, Swinburne University and Victoria University.

Carolyn and the La Trobe Residential Education team

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A P S A A J O U R N A L

Student Accommodation – is the official journal of APSAA and was launched in September 2017. It is the professional journal for the student accommodation industry in Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Asia Pacific region.

The journal is produced quarterly – March, June, September and December, and features news and views relevant to all in the sector and it is managed by an editorial committee.

We encourage contributions from members – opinion pieces, research articles, political insights, team and member profiles, articles, tips, photos and news of planned and upcoming building developments. We offer a range of advertising opportunities for our Journal, and welcome enquiries

APSAA Journal

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

December 2017 Volume 1 Issue 2

THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF AACUHO

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

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September 2017 Volume 1 Issue 1

THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF AACUHO

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

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from organisations and suppliers relevant to the student accommodation industry.

For more information please contact APSAA IDM idm@apsaa.org.au

Phone: +61 3 9586 6055Email: idm@apsaa.org.au

apsaa.org.au

Affiliations

Chinese Association of Real Estate Management

in Higher Education

TNEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION ACCOMMODATION PROFESSIONALS INC