Australia Capital Territory
AIYA was born out of the Australian Capital Territory’s largest university – the Australian National University. The ACT is home to many Australians looking to build deeper links with Indonesia through language and cultural studies, and so it was natural that AIYA ACT, established in 2012, was formed to provide a space for these young people to learn in a setting outside of a university lecture theater. The ACT team arranges a number of engaging events across a range of topics, to stay up to date with what’s going on, follow the Chapter on social media:
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Committee Members

Sarah is a young professional and recent university graduate passionate about promoting Australia-Indonesia relations and advocating for Indonesian language study and greater Asia literacy. Sarah has been on the AIYA ACT Committee since 2017, and has advanced proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia with over 12 years of language study. Outside of AIYA, Sarah is employed as a Graduate Policy Officer at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where she works to support Australia's international interests. Sarah holds a double degree qualification Bachelor of Asian Studies/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the Australian National University.
Sarah Binney
Chapter President

Charlotte is studying a double degree of Asian Studies and Languages, and is majoring in Southeast Asian Studies and Indonesian language. She has studied Indonesian since primary school. In 2018, she completed an Indonesian Studies H-Course at the ANU, which sparked her interest in Indonesian politics and culture. In 2020, Charlotte worked as an Indonesian language tutor to college students and is passionate about the continuation of Indonesian language in Australian schools. From 2021, She has volunteered for AIYA as Communications Officer and Secretary for the ACT Chapter.
Charlotte Hains
Vice President

My name is Marcelle and I am thrilled to be the AIYA Secretary for the Canberra branch. I started studying Indonesian in 2015 and decided to never stop! The opportunity to learn the language has brought a love for the rich culture, history and politics in Indonesia which has become a nurtured fascination. I am excited to help make help contribute to making the Indonesian-Australian relationship a strong one.
Marcelle Brosnan
Secretary

Lourdes is in her third year of International Security Studies and Arts at the ANU, majoring in International Communications and minoring in Indonesian Studies and Politics. Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, until she was 14, Lourdes sought to bring her love for Indonesian culture, food, and language with her when she moved to Australia to further her studies. Her enduring interests include developing and strengthening Australian-Indonesian bilateral relations and youth engagement in both countries.
Lourdes Bernadette
Events Officer

Molly is currently studying an Indonesian minor at ANU, as part of my degree in Laws/International Security Studies. Molly is passionate about celebrating Indonesian culture, and the Indonesia-Australian relationship with the AIYA and Canberra community. As Communications Officer, Molly helps to coordinate the AIYA ACT social media strategy and content creation.
Molly Cain
Communications Officer

Lucas is an undergraduate student studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics/International Security Studies with a minor in Indonesian language at the ANU. He has a passion to understand and develop Australia’s bilateral relationship with Indonesia. Through ACICIS, Lucas completed a short Indonesian language course, and is participating in a virtual Development Studies Professional Practicum based in Indonesia throughout January and February 2021. As an AIYA committee member, he seeks to engage with Australia’s relationship with Indonesia in a meaningful and productive way and hopes to return to Indonesia soon to improve his language abilities and learn more about Indonesian culture.
Fida Ihsan
General Representative

Jack recently completed his undergraduate studies at the Australian National University, graduating with a degree in Arts and International Relations (Honours) with a minor in Indonesian language. He travelled to Salatiga in 2018 on the Indonesian Language Short Course program at Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, and to Jakarta and Bandung in 2019 for a course on international security in Southeast Asia. Jack is currently working as a Policy Officer in the not-for-profit sector. Through his role at AIYA, Jack hopes to help Australian students connect with Indonesian language and culture, and to promote youth engagement in Australia-Indonesia relations.
Jack McDermott
General Representative

Max is in his final semester of International Security & Asian Studies at the ANU. Max first uncovered his passion for Indonesia when he enrolled into Bahasa Indonesia on a whim in year 11, this decision would go on to shape his university studies, undertaking minors in Indonesian studies and Indonesian language. Max is thankful for the in-country exchange opportunities that are available to Australians. He undertook a language short-course in Salatiga during his second year at university and is currently living in Yogyakarta, completing a semester-long program at Gadjah Mada University. Max has also been able to leverage his experience with Indonesia throughout his career, recently completing a year-long internship on the Southeast Asia and Indonesia desks at the Department of Education.
Max Stuart
Communications Officer

Natasha is passionate about building people to people links between Australia and Indonesia. After participating in AIYEP 2020 (the Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program), Natasha was inspired to learn Bahasa Indonesia to further connect with one of our closest neighbours. Through AIYA, Natasha hopes to bring people together and strengthen understanding of the Australia-Indonesia relationship.
Natasah Tioukavkin
General Representative

Nicklaus is currently undergoing his Master in Project Management at the Australian National University (ANU). He’s passionate about arts & cultures, especially connecting with a wide range of people across cultures. Nicklaus firmly believes that AIYA bridges the social/cultural differences and closes the gap between Indonesians and Australians. The idea of leading a group of people piques Nicklaus’ interest, while engaging and contributing to numerous AIYA events that promote freedom & equality. Through AIYA, Nicklaus has faith that he'll able to freely and safely explore, maintain, & embrace the bond between Australia-Indonesia relationship.
Nicklaus Ardahsasta
Events Officer

Alice is a third-year bachelors student, majoring in Indonesian studies. She has studied Bahasa Indonesia since high school. Alice became the secretary of the ANU campus Indonesian Association after she finished the language classes to connect with the community. Alice is very keen to see the opportunities AIYA will bring, and has grand plans as events coordinator this year.
Alice Morgan
Events Officer

Ayu is currently studying Indonesian Language and Asia Pacific studies in her third year at ANU. She grew up in Canberra to Indonesian and Australian parents and has always felt a strong connection to Indonesia. She has recently completed a semester at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta where she was able to develop her Indonesian, Javanese language and gamelan skills. This experience further developed her passion for Indonesian culture and Indonesian-Australian relations, a passion she wishes to share with the Canberra community.
Ayuningsih Hancock
Events Officer