Old guards meets the new: CDU Student Council’s new structure in 2026

Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Student Council has elected six new members to its ranks, marking the first time the team will operate with its new structure.

To maximise continuity between the Student Council’s projects and goals each year, 2026 will be the first year the team includes existing and new members.  

CDU Student Council President Shishtata Bhandari, who has been re-elected to the position for 2026, said the rolling member structure would prevent the council from “stopping and starting” in their progress each year, allowing for smoother leadership.

“Having spoken to members of the University’s previous student councils, a consistent theme is that it takes a completely new team about six months to find their feet, and then the remaining six months are used building connections and implementing projects,” Ms Bhandari said.

“By rotating half the council through each year, there will always be a more experienced team member for new council members to shadow and learn the ropes, without slowing down the momentum of existing plans and student initiatives.

“It’s for the sustainability of the council – otherwise, teams are just learning, learning, learning, but no real progress is achieved.”

Eva Susanto, the Student Council’s Media and Communications Officer and one of the incoming members for 2026, said she was looking forward to contributing to the CDU student community.

“One of my priorities will be supporting our first-year students. The transition from school to university can be a difficult time for anyone,” she said.

“During my first days at university, I wasn’t confident and I was a bit unsure about how to navigate the shift from structured school weeks to a more independent routine.  

“I’ll know I’ve done my job right if more students find their stride earlier in their degrees, and make sure they know exactly where and how they can access the support they may need.”