Consent Conversations
Despite 97% of reported sexual assault perpetrators in Australia being men (ABS, 2022), discussions on consent often attract an overwhelmingly female audience. The SRC's 'Consent Conversations' initiative aimed to shift this narrative, featuring the perspectives of prominent male alumni, students and staff within the UNSW community. Encouraging men to take the lead in sparking these conversations amongst their peers, Consent Conversations seeks to explore what affirmative consent looks like, encourage more respectful relationships and dismantle the stereotypes that can perpetuate entitlement and sexual violence.
Elite Athletes
Four elite athletes, all UNSW students or alumni, speak about the important role that male athletes play as public figures in shaping cultures and beliefs about sexual consent and sexual harassment.
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Luke commenced his MBA at the AGSM@UNSW in 2020 and is studying part time.
Luke is an integral member of the Sydney Roosters NRL team after previously having had a distinguished career with the Rabbitohs. Luke attended the famed Rugby League School, Oakhill College in Castle Hill and was picked in numerous representative teams. He is a fearless leader at the Roosters is an experienced big match player as he is a three-time Premiership winner and State of Origin player, having also represented both Australia and Ireland at International level.
Luke has announced his retirement from the NRL and 2024 will be his last season. However, Luke will play his final year in France in 2025.
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James has commenced the 2nd year of his Commerce degree, having commenced his studies back in 2020. Most athletes study part time due to their extensive sporting commitments. The Sydney Swans recruited James Rowbottom with their second selection at the 2018 AFL Draft and the midfielder made an impact from the get-go. James hails from Victoria and was playing for the Oakleigh Charges. James made his AFL debut against Richmond in 2019 and has played continually since then, he is well known for his high pressure tackling and as a relentless ball winner and team player. In 202,3 James had an outstanding season with the Swans and he has continued in the same vein this season as the Swannies prepare for the Finals.
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Max Balard officially graduated with a double degree in Economics and Commerce after four years at UNSW in 2022. Max was a great example of striking a balance between learning in the classroom and learning on the pitch.
Max attended Freshwater Senior Campus where he gained an impressive ATAR of 94.2 and while attending UNSW he kept up a high credit average. Max represented the Australian Schoolboys in Football and then came through the Central Coast Mariners Academy and was offered a contract in Central Coast Mariners A League Squad.
He went on to win two Championships and a Premiership with them the AFC Cup as well. And to top it off he won the Mariners Medal in 2024 season. He is now playing for Dutch Club NAC Breda and hoping to progress his Football career and live out his childhood dream of playing professionally in Europe.
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Ned is currently amid his last few subjects to complete his Bachelor of Science degree at UNSW. Ned hails from Coonamble in rural NSW and boarded at the renowned Rugby school, St Joesph's Hunters Hill. Ned has had a stellar Rugby career since leaving school and commenced his studies at UNSW in 2014.
He played for NSW U20s and Australia U20s in the World Cup. Ned also played for Randwick Rugby in 2014 and helped the First Grade Colts to a Premiership. He was selected inyo the Waratahs squad in the Super Rugby Competition where he remained for 6 seasons. In 2017, he was selected for the Australian Wallabies where he made his Test debut against Fiji, where he then continued playing for several seasons. Ned has also played professionally in Japan and is currently on a two-year contract in France.
Student Community Leaders
How has their understanding of sexual assault and sexual harassment developed over time? What can men do to step up and challenge problematic behaviour? Four students share their thoughts, and what their hopes are for a safer future for all.
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Patrick is currently President of the Arts, Design, and Architecture (ADA) Society. In previous years, he has held volunteer roles such as Yellow Shirts Squad Leader, ASEAN Society Panel Director, Law Society Peer Mentor and VP Finance in United Nations Society. He also worked as a Clubs and Grants Officer at Arc in 2023. Outside of UNSW he ran the Evatt Model United Nations competition for UN Youth.
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Bhavik, a Fourth Year Commerce and Law student, currently serves as the Co-President (Male Identifying) for the UNSW Law Society. Throughout his university journey, he has actively participated in various societies and volunteering programs celebrating the diverse perspectives of UNSW students.
One of his most cherished memories is leading a team of Yellow Shirts at O-Week 2024, creating unforgettable experiences for incoming First Years and International Students, immersing them within the UNSW community. Bhavik's passion for guiding students extends beyond UNSW. As a Student Ambassador, he helps high school students navigate their path towards higher education
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Alex is a passionate and self-driven Psychology student (Graduate Diploma) with the goal of entering Psychology Honours in 2025. He has excellent interpersonal skills and ample experience in pastoral and mental health care from my role as Resident Fellow at Basser College UNSW, where he has had opportunity to conduct workshops on consent and respectful relationships.
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Michael is currently studying a Master of Laws at UNSW, having previously completed a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) with a focus on Politics and International Relations. With a strong interest in international development as well as social justice and particularly disability rights, he is currently the President of the UNSW Student Representative Council. His commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is demonstrated through active involvement in the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Society, and the UNSW ASEAN Society, where they have held positions as an Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Officer, and Research Director. He is also a volunteer research officer and impact analyst for BETTER Timor and contributes to the disability rights field through roles as a support worker and student officer.
Michael is passionate about researching disability rights and expanding their knowledge of contemporary affairs. With a dedication to volunteering with NGOs and civil society organizations, he is driven by a growing ambition to contribute to the development of a prosperous and progressive society.
More information
Relationships can be raw, messy and yet beautiful. This poetry reflects the lived experience of UNSW students and their relationships with themselves and others. The stories are deeply personal. Such experiences evoke our emotions and memories, sometimes positive, sometimes negative. Please know you do not need to struggle alone or in silence. Support is available at through UNSW services.
Consent Conversations was created by SRC Women’s Collective in partnership with UNSW Student Wellbeing. We thank the UNSW current students and alumni featured for their involvement in Consent Conversations.
With thanks to
Imandi Mudugamuwa, SRC Women’s Officer
Jessica Fergusson & Isabelle Sill, SRC Women’s Collective
Neil Morris, UNSW Director of Wellbeing
Helen Bryson, UNSW Elite Athlete Program Manager
Arc Media
Richie Young & Nino Kalogeropoulos, Emplify Media