Support and contact

Helping to build a diverse workforce - developing and implementing our First Nations Employment Strategy and Diversity and Inclusion Plan.

Fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture - working with University leaders and adopting best practice to embed diversity and inclusion across our operations and policies.

Empowering our people to thrive at work - creating tools and resources to increase awareness of barriers and non-inclusive practices and encourage intersectional approaches.

Developing individual and organisational capability - providing resources, training and tools to support staff with navigating complex equity and diversity matters.

Fostering a sense of belonging - supporting employee networks and initiatives that help to build strong connections between individuals and teams.

Embracing individuality and authenticity - providing opportunities for staff to share their successes and challenges in authentic and individual ways.

Reviewing and updating our programs and practices - addressing barriers and encouraging staff to seek, respect and value diversity.

Kirsty Smith (she/her)
Manager, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Wiradjuri Country, Bathurst

With a background in communication, project management and education, Kirsty is passionate about supporting others to thrive by raising awareness of diversity and advocating for inclusive practices that normalise and value difference in the workplace. Kirsty has personal and family experience with disability, neurodiversity, domestic abuse and caring for people with mental health and neurodivergent conditions, and learning disorders.

Raised in in Dubbo, Kirsty lived in a range of cities across three continents before settling in Bathurst to raise her family. Outside work, Kirsty enjoys having adventures with her children, creating, reading, yoga and meditation. She wishes other EDI team members lived nearby to advise her on how to create a beautiful garden (something she has learned to accept will not occur).

Alison Salt (she/her)
First Nations Employment Adviser
Wiradjuri Country, Dubbo

Alison is a proud First Nations woman with bloodline connections to Murawari, Kunja and Wiradjuri Nations. Alison has a degree in teaching and over 25 years of experience in the education, employment and disability sectors.

Alison grew up in the small community of Brewarrina and has worked in various communities across NSW. Alison is passionate about seeing the Closing The Gap Initiatives and actions realised which led to her current position. Outside of work, you will find Alison swimming, gardening and walking her staffy named Sassy.

Carli Baker (she/her)
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Adviser
Birpai Country, Port Macquarie

Carli has a background in education, particularly in rural and low-socio economic areas and most recently worked with international students here at Charles Sturt. Her passion for inclusivity, and for supporting those who experience marginalisation is driven by her experience as a teenage mum who had many doors closed to her. Carli is excited to be part of the EDI Team and to be supporting staff from diverse faiths and cultures as well as working on gender equity initiatives.

On the weekends you will find Carli grooving to 90s rock music while tending to her steadily growing indoor plant collection, or spending time outdoors with her children and grandchildren.

Erika Cross (she/her/they)
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Adviser
Wiradjuri Country, Albury

Erika has a background in environmental science, but her passion and drive for equity and social justice lead her to this role. Erika leads our LGBTIQA+, accessibility and neurodiversity initiatives and is an experienced facilitator who delivers engaging training on equity and diversity-focused topics.

Erika grew up in regional Australia and is a member of the LGBTIQA+ community. Outside of work, you’ll find Erika creating timber furniture at her local Women’s Shed, restoring vintage tools, or spending time in nature.

Meg Passlow (she/her)
First Nations Cadetship Coordinator
Wiradjuri Country, Wagga Wagga

Meg is a proud First Nations woman with connections to Wemba Wemba and Madi Madi country. Meg has a background working as a health care worker and a Paramedic. Her interest to support young First Nations people through higher education led her to a career change. In her role as the First Nations cadetship Coordinator, Meg can support and connect with mob and watch First Nations students succeed in their course and gain valuable employment skills.

Meg grew up loving country life and now has her own farm that she hopes to use as both a sanctuary for animals and to improve palliative patients' mental wellbeing through contact with animals.