James Breheny has been an MGA Advocate since 2018. He has previously worked as both a Victorian Parliamentary and Parliament of Australia Electorate Officer. Through these roles, James gained firsthand experience assisting young adults and disadvantaged groups with navigating unfamiliar processes and procedures. James’ tertiary qualifications comprise a Bachelor of International Relations and Master of International Development. As an MGA Advocate, James has assisted in resolving hundreds of MGA cases, including: general/academic misconduct allegations, placement terminations, declined special consideration applications, complaints and PhD/Research course progression issues. James is a mental health first aider and in his spare time, enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with his family and friends. He is passionate about assisting disadvantaged groups, and recently volunteered as board member for not-for-profit organisation Latitude: Directions for Young People.

Sarah taught English as a second language in South Korea, so she remembers what it’s like to pack up one’s life, move to a new country, settle in a new town, with a new language, and begin working, all from day one. As an MGA Advocate, Sarah has assisted hundreds of students with various difficulties and issues. These include: general/academic misconduct allegations, placement terminations, declined special consideration applications, supervision cases, and PhD and Coursework progression issues. As a member of Monash’s Ally Network and a mental health first aider, Sarah is passionate about helping students from diverse backgrounds. Outside of her work she is an avid cyclist and gamer.

Ying Xu joined the MGA advocacy team in 2018. Her prior background is in the fields of migration and business consulting. Ying’s tertiary qualifications comprise a double Bachelor of International Relations and Bachelor of Laws. Ying understands the difficulties of navigating a complicated system like Monash, as well as what it’s like to find yourself suddenly immersed in a new system of rules and expectations. Ying has assisted hundreds of graduate students across a range of issues which include: misconduct allegations, placement terminations, fee refund applications, declined special consideration, supervision issues, milestone issues, and PhD/Research course progression. Ying is a member of Monash’s Ally Network and a mental health first aider, and is passionate about helping students from diverse cultures and backgrounds. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Hamida joined the MGA advocacy team in 2021. Prior to this she completed a Bachelor of International Relations and a Master of Arts. As a previous graduate student herself, she understands the challenges and unique support required by students throughout their studies. As an MGA advocate, Hamida has assisted and advised students in different matters ranging from welfare assistance, academic misconduct allegations, declined special consideration applications, complaints and course progression issues. Hamida is committed to providing advocacy and assisting graduate students to navigate their studies alongside the often complicated university procedures.