Our Founding President
Ms Amelia Young
Amelia Young is a dedicated academic and researcher currently undertaking her PhD studies at the University of Newcastle. Her academic journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and expertise in the field of law and criminology.
With a robust educational background, Amelia holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours (LLB(Hons)), a Diploma in Legal Practice (DipLegPrac), and a Bachelor of Social Science with a major in criminology (BSocSc). She has also specialised in Dispute Resolution, earning a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in this area.
Amelia's current research focus lies at the intersection of law, genetics, and forensic investigation. Specifically, she is deeply engaged in exploring the implications of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy within the Australian context. Her doctoral research endeavors to unravel the potential applications of this cutting-edge field while critically examining the ethical considerations it raises.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Amelia is actively involved in contributing to the scholarly community at the University of Newcastle. She serves as an academic within the College of Human and Social Futures, where she brings her expertise to bear on important issues shaping contemporary society.
With her commitment to excellence in research and her dedication to social impact, Amelia Young stands as a testament to the transformative power of academic inquiry and scholarly engagement. She is driven by a passion for understanding and addressing complex challenges, making invaluable contributions to her field and beyond.
Our 2024 Executive Team
Katie Sarraf
President
Katie is studying a Bachelor of Criminology/ Bachelor of Laws (Honours) double degree as a student at UON as well as an Executive Board Member at Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Suicide Prevention. Katie provides after-hours support at police stations to suspects with cognitive impairment in police custody, as well as Court Support for victims, witnesses and suspects/defendants in the local and district courts with the Justice Advocacy Service.
Katie's dedication extends to working with children in foster care, where she devotes her time to supporting and nurturing the well-being of those in vulnerable situations. Her involvement underscores her deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact and fostering resilience among children facing challenging circumstances.
My commitment to both suicide prevention and advocacy within the criminal justice system stems from a deep-seated belief in fairness, compassion, and the inherent dignity of every individual. I'm driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those who are vulnerable or in need of support, particularly within the realms of mental health and the law.
Katie Sarraf brings a passionate commitment to student well-being, academic enrichment, and community building as the 2024 President of the UON Criminology & Criminal Justice Society. Her leadership fosters a supportive environment where members feel valued, inspired, and empowered to excel both academically and personally. With her dedication to inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence, Katie cultivates a vibrant and inclusive community where every member's voice is heard, celebrated, and contributes to the collective success of the society.
Paris Grace
Vice President
Paris Grace, our esteemed Vice President, embodies a dynamic blend of experiences and enthusiasm within our society. Graduating recently with a Bachelor of Music and a performance major, Paris now sets her sights on a new academic pursuit with a Bachelor of Criminology, infusing our community with a rich multidisciplinary perspective. With a passion for community engagement evident in her second year with the UONCCJS, Paris eagerly fosters connections and strengthens ties within the UON community.
Building bridges of connection and fostering pathways of support within our community is the heartbeat of our journey. As Vice President, I am honored to champion inclusivity, empowerment, and meaningful engagement within the UONCCJS. Together, let us embrace diversity, ignite change, and create a brighter future for all.
Beyond her academic endeavors, Paris dedicates her time to working with children in foster care and mentoring youth, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact in their lives. With an authentic love for engaging with the UON community, Paris looks ahead with anticipation to contributing her experiences to the society's growth and nurturing meaningful relationships in the vibrant year ahead.
Abigail Smith
Treasurer
As the Treasurer of UONCCJS, Abigail exemplifies strong leadership qualities that resonate with the society's values and mission. Her boundless enthusiasm for her studies and dedication to enhancing the student experience at university are evident in her commitment to the role. Currently in her second year of pursuing a Bachelor of Laws/Criminology, Abigail is enthusiastic about leveraging her extracurricular involvement to complement her academic pursuits. She is eager to collaborate with the team in fostering a connected and engaged community throughout the year.
I’m currently in my second year of studying a bachelor of laws/criminology and am excited to be treasurer for the UONCCJS this year. I’m passionate about how my extracurricular activities can support my studies and how I can support our team in creating a connected and engaged community this year!
Jye Bugeja
Secretary
As the Secretary of our society, Jye Bugeja embodies a remarkable blend of academic dedication and professional commitment. Pursuing a Bachelor of Psychological Science alongside a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Jye's academic journey is fortified by his active engagement in both fields. Currently, he channels his legal expertise into real-world contexts, contributing part-time at a prominent law firm in Newcastle.
As the Secretary of our society, I bring a unique blend of academic pursuit and professional dedication to the table. Pursuing a Bachelor of Psychological Science alongside a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), I am deeply immersed in the intricacies of both fields. My part-time engagement at a prominent law firm in Newcastle allows me to translate legal theory into real-world applications, fulfilling my passion for helping others navigate complex legal matters. Beyond academia and work, I find joy and fulfillment in sports, particularly rugby league, cricket, and motorsports. These interests provide a well-rounded perspective and balance to my life, complementing my academic and professional endeavors. As I continue my journey with CCJS, I look forward to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where members can thrive academically and socially.
Jye's unwavering dedication to student engagement is reflected not only in his role within the society but also in his involvement in a study group alongside Abigail and Katie. Together, they exemplify the importance of fostering meaningful connections and shared values within academic pursuits. Jye's fondness for the synergy between study and social interaction underscores his appreciation for the enriching experiences that come from a supportive and intellectually stimulating community. As our Secretary, Jye brings a wealth of insights and a genuine commitment to nurturing a vibrant and inclusive environment within CCJS.
Lauren Potter
Director of Student Engagement
Lauren Potter, our dedicated Director of Student Engagement, brings a unique blend of academic prowess and genuine passion to her role. Currently in her second year pursuing a dual degree in Law and Psychological Science, Lauren is deeply committed to helping students unlock the full potential of their university experience.
Empowering students to actively engage and contribute to their university experience is not just a mission—it's a commitment to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for us all.
Her decision to join CCJS stems from a profound belief in the importance of student engagement and its pivotal role in shaping the society's success. With a lifelong passion for justice, Lauren is driven to create an inclusive and vibrant community where every member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our shared goals. As Director of Student Engagement, Lauren is poised to make a positive impact and ensure that every student's voice is heard and valued within our society.
Jessica Halloran
Director of Events
Jessica Halloran, our vibrant Director of Events, is a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Criminology and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree. Her enthusiasm for learning is palpable, especially as she embarks on studying media criminology this semester, a subject close to her heart. Alongside her academic pursuits, Jessica finds solace in the pages of books and the serenity of the beach. Currently working as a paralegal at a local law firm, she seamlessly merges her passion for law with her love for literature and nature. Joining the society with a desire to foster engagement and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, Jessica's primary goal is to curate events that cater to everyone's interests. With a passion for creating enjoyable and enriching experiences, she is dedicated to ensuring that students find joy and fulfilment in their studies through exciting events and engaging excursions.
Bringing people together through shared interests and unforgettable experiences is the heart of community. As the Director of Events, my mission is to turn moments into memories, ensuring every student enjoys their academic journey with a touch of excitement and camaraderie.
Emma Chaffey
Director of Social Media
Emma, serving her second year as the Director of Social Media, brings a remarkable track record of success to her role. Amidst her pursuit of a Bachelor of Laws/Diploma of Legal Practice, Emma completed her Bachelor of Criminology in 2023, laying a solid foundation for her work within CCJS.
Her tenure as Director of Social Media in 2023 was marked by outstanding achievements, demonstrating her proficiency in leveraging digital platforms to enhance community engagement and communication within the society. Emma's dedication and strategic approach have significantly amplified CCJS's online presence, fostering deeper connections among its members and beyond.
I am excited to continue my role as Director of Social Media. This year I am looking forward to using my Bachelor of Criminology to help develop my soft skills in the legal field.
With her passion for effective communication and her adeptness in navigating the complexities of law and criminology, Emma is well-positioned to further elevate CCJS's social media initiatives in 2024. Her commitment to continuous improvement and her proven leadership qualities make her an invaluable asset to the society and an inspiration to her peers. As Emma embarks on another year of service, her unwavering dedication promises to propel CCJS to even greater heights of success and impact within the university community.
Shobanah Brind
Director of Social Justice
Shobanah, our esteemed Director of Social Justice, stands as a beacon of inspiration and accomplishment within our community. Graduating with a Bachelor in Criminology and Bachelor in Psychology in 2024, she embarks on her academic journey with unwavering determination, now pursuing an Honours in Criminology. Shobanah's passion for social justice is not only evident in her academic pursuits but also in her role as the former Social Justice Coordinator for UONCCJS—a position she proudly continues into 2024. Her dedication to effecting positive change has led her to contribute to university research, a remarkable achievement that now shines brightly as her work has been published. This significant milestone not only signifies her academic prowess but also marks her official entry into the realm of academia.
In the pursuit of justice, every step forward is a triumph for humanity. As Director of Social Justice for the University of Newcastle Criminology and Criminal Justice Society, I am honored to continue our journey toward a more equitable world. Together, let us amplify our voices, ignite change, and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
We celebrate Shobanah's outstanding accomplishment, recognising it as a testament to her intellect, dedication, and unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable society. To learn more about her groundbreaking research, we invite you to explore the published article: Link
THE SOCIAL SIDE
THE SOCIAL SIDE
