Making a difference every day
Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Project team provides support and guidance to the University through the development and implementation of a range of EDI initiatives. We work closely with individual schools, departments, and teams across the University to make EDI a seamless part of everyday work.
Advisory groups
Advisory groups provide advice and recommendations to the University on how to better support key diverse communities at Murdoch.
The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, LGBTIQA+, and Disability and Neurodiversity Advisory Groups each contribute to equity strategy discussions, raise concerns and find innovative solutions, and lead initiatives across the University.
These groups are comprised of self-nominated staff and students with relevant backgrounds, experiences, and commitments to allyship.
Meet the team
Dr Rebecca Bennett (she/her)
Pro Vice Chancellor (PVC) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Dr Rebecca Bennett (she/her)
Pro Vice Chancellor (PVC) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Dr Rebecca Bennett (she/her) serves as Murdoch University's Pro Vice Chancellor Equity Diversity and Inclusion, and Associate Dean Research within the School of Indigenous Knowledges. As PVC EDI, she guides Murdoch’s EDI strategic pillar outlined in the University's 2023-2030 strategic plan. Dr Bennett advises the Vice Chancellor and other Senior Leaders on EDI matters and oversees the development and implementation of the University's EDI sub-strategy and action plans. Rebecca.Bennett@murdoch.edu.au.
Ammara Sheppard Moeen (she/her)
Manager and Operations Lead, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Ammara Sheppard Moeen (she/her)
Manager and Operations Lead, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Ammara is a multilingual woman with a background in international education. Ammara has worked in the Australian higher education sector managing international student support services, equity, and inclusion in human resources, and is currently leading Equity Diversity and Inclusion operations at Murdoch University. Ammara brings a deep understanding of underrepresented communities' experiences in Australia, drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experiences. A.Moeen@murdoch.edu.au
Yohann Devezy (he/him)
Project Coordinator for Reconciliation and University Counsellor for First Nations
Yohann Devezy (he/him)
Project Coordinator for Reconciliation and University Counsellor for First Nations
Yohann is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Project Coordinator for Reconciliation, in addition to being a University Counsellor for First Nations students. These roles intersect at the heart of his passion – advocating for mental health, diversity, inclusion, and broader social justice issues. His advocacy for reconciliation is driven by the lived experiences of loved ones and he is committed to cultivating a more inclusive environment where Indigenous voices and knowledge are not just respected, but embraced. Yohann.Devezy@murdoch.edu.au
Em Readman (they/them)
Projects Coordinator and Chair of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group
Em Readman (they/them)
Projects Coordinator and Chair of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group
Em is a Projects Coordinator for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team. They're the Chair of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group and have a primary project focus on supporting diverse sexes, sexualities and genders at Murdoch University. B.A. (Business - Public Relations) B.A. (Fine Arts - Writing). Em.Readman@murdoch.edu.au
Dr. Anna Pryor (she/her)
Projects Coordinator for Gender Equity
Dr. Anna Pryor (she/her)
Projects Coordinator for Gender Equity
Anna (she/her) has held various roles in the tertiary and industry sectors across the last two decades, primarily in STEM engagement and education. She has a longstanding passion and interest in improving equity in STEM with a previous focus on the promotion of STEM careers and education to young women and students from under-represented groups. With a rich perspective on the challenges that come with being a student, employee and parent, she is excited to lead and support initiatives at Murdoch University to advance gender equity. A.pryor@murdoch.edu.au
Beck Pinker (she/her)
Projects Coordinator for Gender Equity
Beck Pinker (she/her)
Projects Coordinator for Gender Equity
Beck (she/her) is the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Project Coordinator for Gender Equity. With a background in wellbeing and a degree in Health Promotion, her true passion lies in advancing gender equity. Drawing on her own experiences, Beck is committed to reducing gender inequality. Through research and advocacy, she strives to provide support and guidance to others who share this interest. R.Pinker@murdoch.edu.au
Maritza Orellana Garviso (she/her)
Projects Coordinator for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
Maritza Orellana Garviso (she/her)
Projects Coordinator for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
Maritza (she/her) is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Projects Coordinator for CaLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse). She is from Chile - South America, with a background of Teaching English as a Second Language. As a culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) woman herself, she understands the struggles and experiences people may encounter, so this felt like an impactful role where she can directly help, support and make these communities visible. Maritza.OrellanaGarviso@murdoch.edu.au
Oakley Hands (they/them)
Projects Officer, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Oakley Hands (they/them)
Projects Officer, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Oakley is a Project Officer within the EDI team, providing flexible support for various events, programs, and initiatives. They co-facilitate the Ally training program, provide administrative support to advisory groups, and develop digital resources and training materials that elevate the University's EDI efforts. Passionate about fostering community belonging and accessibility through a design and communications lens, Oakley brings a creative ad resourceful approach to their work. Oakley.Hands@murdoch.edu.au