Alumni Community Action Group
The Alumni Community Action Group (ACAG) is a vibrant group of VU alumni who volunteer their time and expertise supporting the work of the Alumni Relations team.
The ACAG helps to develop and deliver the alumni relations strategy which aims to both offer benefit to alumni and grow active support for VU; helping to ensure the student and alumni experience and perspective is central to these endeavours.
Through their own alumni networks, they also help to make important connections across the broad and growing VU alumni community.
Action Group Members
Youth Counsellor and Worker, Hobsons Bay City Council
Ghazia Ali has been engaged with Victoria University (VU) since she was 16, participating in the VU Transition to University Program while still in high school. Her dedication to education and personal growth was recognised in 2016 with the Victoria University Achievement Higher Education Scholarship.
Ghazia earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Psychological Studies in 2020 and a Master of Counselling in 2023. During her time at VU, she actively contributed to university life, attending student leadership conferences, networking events, and participating in the Talent Connect Mentoring Program in 2020. She was also involved in the VU Volunteering Program (Vollies), joined the Victoria University Postgraduate Association (VUPA), and completed the LEAD program in 2023.
Since August 2023, Ghazia has been working as a Youth Worker at Hobsons Bay City Council, where she delivers programs, supports youth leadership groups, and facilitates the "Tuning into Teens" program for parents and guardians. From June to August 2023, she also served as a Youth Counsellor, providing therapeutic support to youth facing mental health challenges and complex needs.
As part of her Master’s program, Ghazia completed a placement in 2023 as a Provisional Youth Counsellor at Wyndham City Council's Youth Resource Centre. During this placement, she conducted assessments, provided counselling for issues such as anxiety and depression, and delivered a three-day "Managing Stress" workshop for young mothers.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Psychological Studies, Victoria University
- Master of Counselling, Victoria University
Awards & Industry Achievements:
- Victoria University Achievement Higher Education Scholarship - 2016
Community Involvement:
Ghazia currently volunteers as a Grief Telephone Support Volunteer at Griefline. Previously, she volunteered at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and the Salvation Army assisting with reception and administrative duties.
Secondary School Teacher (Mathematics & Physics) | Law Student | Justice of the Peace
Devika is a dedicated educator, community leader, and advocate for youth development. As a Secondary School Teacher specialising in Mathematics and Physics, she is passionate about empowering students through education.
Alongside her teaching career, she is pursuing a law degree and serving as a Justice of the Peace, further demonstrating her commitment to justice and community service.
Devika actively supports disadvantaged students, running weekly tutoring programs in the Brimbank area to improve access to education. Previously, she was a Youth Ambassador for IPC Health, where she co-created workshops on gambling harm awareness, and served as an advisor for the Brimbank Community Fund.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Education (Mathematics & Physics) – Victoria University, 2022
- Diploma of Justice (Law) – Swinburne University of Technology, 2021
- Diploma of Education – Victoria University, 2019
Awards & Industry Achievements:
- Young Citizen of the Year (2022) – Brimbank City Council
- Rising Star Award Finalist (2024) – Victoria University
- Volunteer of the Year Finalist (2022) – Victoria University
Community Involvement:
Devika has been actively involved in community initiatives since 2018. She is a volunteer with Women of Brimbank, organising workshops and events to empower women. As a STEM advisor and Civilian Staff Instructor with the Australian Air Force Cadets, she has played a key role in developing science and mathematics programs for young cadets.
She has also provided crucial support through Brimbank City Council’s Homework Club and Mentor Program. Her dedication to youth development continues through her current volunteer work with the Brimbank City Council, where she leads a weekly tutoring program for disadvantaged students, helping them excel in Mathematics and English.
Devika’s commitment to education, mentorship, and community advocacy highlights her passion for creating meaningful opportunities for young people, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to succeed.
Chief Executive Officer, Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA)
Chair, Alumni Community Action Group (ACAG), Victoria UniversityMaxwell Gratton has been actively engaged with Victoria University for over two decades—first as a student and now as Chair of the Alumni Community Action Group (ACAG). He is an accomplished leader with extensive experience across the business and sports industries. Currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA), Maxwell has held several senior leadership roles, including CEO of the MQFF, CEO of Football Federation Victoria, and CEO at Basketball ACT. He has also contributed his expertise to ComfortDelGro Cabcharge (CDC) Victoria Pty Ltd and NetSports Management Pty Ltd.
In addition to his executive roles, Maxwell serves on the Parish Pastoral Council of his local Catholic Parish, and previously served as President of MBA Australasia and was also Vice-President and Treasurer of the Chapel Street Precinct Association. His leadership journey began during his time at Victoria University, where he was Chairperson of the Student Union at the Sunbury Campus. Maxwell’s extensive experience reflects his commitment to driving organisational growth, fostering community engagement, and leading with purpose.
Qualifications:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Victoria University
- Bachelor of Arts (Sports Administration), Victoria University
Awards & industry achievements:
- Australian Institute of Management (AIM) Leadership Excellence Award, 2016 State Winner - ACT, for the Not-For-Profit category.
- Victoria University, Young Achiever Alumni Award – 2015.
- Victoria University, College of Business, Most Outstanding Student, Master of Business Administration, Class of 2012.
- Australian Council for Health Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) Victorian Branch’s Most Outstanding Graduate in the Bachelor of Arts (Sports Administration), Victoria University, Class of 2004.
Community involvement:
Maxwell is a dedicated supporter of Victoria University, having contributed philanthropically to student initiatives and programs. He is also actively involved with various community and sports organisations, demonstrating his commitment to building people, places, and communities up.
Managing Partner, Tigon Group
Adrian Lodders has been actively engaged in the fields of consulting, digital transformation, and change management across various industries. He is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in not-for-profit, education, finance, superannuation, and legal sectors.
Currently, Adrian is the Managing Partner at Tigon Group, where he provides strategic advisory and technology-related services to clients in Australia and the U.S. He leads a diverse team with employees based in Australia and Malaysia.
Adrian's career journey includes his role as the Australian National Manager for i360, a Washington D.C-based data science, analytics, and technology firm, where he was responsible for project and service delivery, working closely with both Australian clients and U.S.-based teams. In 2020, he joined the Department of Premier and Cabinet as a Senior Adviser, where he collaborated with political leaders, provided strategic advice, engaged with external stakeholders and the media, and mentored staff through professional development initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Master of Business, Victoria University
- Graduate Certificate in Organisational Change Management, Victoria University
- Graduate Certificate in Corporate Governance, Swinburne University of Technology
- Currently studying International Relations at Griffith University
Awards & Industry Achievements:
- Australian Scholarships Foundation Recipient - 2015
Community Involvement:
Adrian served as the president of a community radio station in Melbourne’s west, where he led the rebuilding of studios and broadcast infrastructure, developed a new brand, and launched a new website. His leadership and innovation in station operations earned him an invitation to speak at the CBAA National Conference. In addition, Adrian was recognised as an MS Australia Top 100 Fundraiser and was named Hume City Council’s Resident of the Month.
Adrian's career reflects his dedication to driving organisational growth, fostering community engagement, and leading with purpose in both professional and voluntary capacities.
Senior Industry Advisor, AGL Energy
Mark Riley has been involved with Victoria University for over 30 years, as a student and a valued member of the alumni community. With over 40 years of experience in the energy industry, Mark has built a distinguished career spanning both the gas and electricity sectors. He has been deeply involved in significant energy market reforms, including the introduction of the Victorian gas market in 1999, the development of the Australian National Gas Market, and key advancements in Metering Competition.
Currently serving as a Senior Industry Advisor at AGL Energy, Mark previously held roles at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), where he contributed to the operation of gas and electricity systems and the wholesale energy markets across Southeast Australia. Beyond the energy sector, Mark has shared his expertise in marketing as a lecturer at RMIT’s Faculty of Business from 2002 to 2011, blending academic insight with practical industry knowledge.
Qualifications:
- Master of Business, Victoria University
- Graduate Diploma in Management, Victoria University
- Graduate Diploma in Marketing, Victoria University
- Bachelor of Engineering, Deakin University
- Certificate in Advances in Hosting Capacity (Engineering), University of Melbourne
Awards & Industry Achievements:
- Victoria University’s 90 Legends of the Faculty of Business and Law – 2006
- Meritorious Service Alumni Award, Victoria University – 2019
Community Involvement:
Mark has a long-standing commitment to community service. He held leadership roles, including Secretary and President, in various Apex Clubs for many years. His passion for the arts has led him to contribute behind the scenes with several arts organisations, including the Williamstown Little Theatre, community choirs like the Melbourne Singers of Gospel, Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria, the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic, and major events such as the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival and Midsumma.
Business Owner, Quest Epping & Quest Geelong Central Apartment Hotel
Daniel Wilson is an accomplished business owner with a strong background in the hospitality industry, specializing in hotel management and operations. Currently, Daniel owns and operates Quest Epping and Quest Geelong Central Apartment Hotels, where he oversees day-to-day management, guest services, and business growth. His expertise spans corporate operations, business ownership, and industry leadership.
Daniel’s career in hospitality began with Quest Apartment Hotels, where he participated in the Work Integrated Learning program as part of his degree. Over the years, he gained comprehensive experience across various business sectors, from operations to ownership. He also contributed to Crown Hotels as part of the pre-opening team at Crown Metropol, which, at the time, was Australia’s largest hotel.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Business, Hospitality Management – Victoria University
- Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management – William Angliss
Awards & Industry Achievements:
- Valedictorian – Victoria University Graduating Class
- Most Outstanding Work Integrated Student – Victoria University
- Rising Star – HM Awards
- Chairman’s Award – Quest Apartment Hotels
Community Involvement:
Daniel is an active member and contributor to several advocacy groups for the City of Whittlesea, helping to strengthen industry, community, liveability, and sustainability outcomes in the region. Additionally, Daniel plays an active role in community sport through his daughter’s participation, contributing to the growth of local sports initiatives.Daniel’s career is a testament to his dedication to excellence in hospitality, community engagement, and leadership in both professional and voluntary capacities.
Become a member
With almost 300,000 graduates from more than 140 countries, our VU Alumni represent a diverse, vibrant, and talented group of individuals. We’re looking for Alumni Community Action Group (ACAG) members to serve as strategic thought leaders and collaborators, supporting our VU Alumni Relations team to drive engagement and help our alumni stay connected with VU.
Express your interest or nominate a member by sending your nomination form to [email protected] .
Member benefits
- Expand your network and connect with peers.
- Develop leadership skills in a supportive, non-work environment.
- Build and exercise your professional skills and expertise.
- Help develop and drive strategic and operational plans for Alumni Relations and VU.
- Gain personal satisfaction from making a positive impact on the VU community!
Expectations
By accepting a position on the VU ACAG, members agree to commit to the values of VU, participate in a range of events and programs, and accept the responsibilities associated with the membership.
An ACAG member is expected to commit to several key responsibilities, including:
- Attending ACAG meetings and actively participating in discussions and decision-making.
- Contributing their skills, expertise, and resources to help achieve the goals of the VU Alumni Relations team.
- Represent VU Alumni at various events (both university and external).
- Working collaboratively with other members and stakeholders.
- Promoting VU alumni events and fundraising activities with your networks
- Leading by example to encouraging more alumni to get involved with the VU community. and contributing to a culture of support and belonging.
- Advising and supporting the university in developing and enhancing programs, services, and opportunities for students, alumni, and staff.
- Helping identity and approach potential sponsors, donors, and partners when required.
- Identifying and assisting in sourcing experts and knowledge leaders who can support the goals of the VU Alumni Relations team.
- Advocating for alumni within the university and its leadership.
Additional roles & responsibilities
Alumni Community Action Group Chair
- Advocate and promote the ACAG in the VU community.
- Provide strategic direction and leadership to the group.
- Lead development of annual work plan of activities.
- Chair ACAG meetings.Alumni Community Action Group–Nomination Form & Terms of Reference Page 4 of 4 Alumni Community Action Group Events Lead
- Work with the VU Alumni Relations team in coordinating and overseeing the planning and execution of educational and professional development events for alumni.
- Identify and liaise with speakers, trainers, and facilitators for workshops, seminars, and webinars.
- Develop and promote continuous learning opportunities for alumni.
Alumni Community Action Group Events Lead
- Work with the VU Alumni Relations team in coordinating and overseeing the planning and execution of educational and professional development events for alumni.
- Identify and liaise with speakers, trainers, and facilitators for workshops, seminars, and webinars.
- Develop and promote continuous learning opportunities for alumni.
Alumni Action Group Social Media Lead
- Work with the Alumni Relations team in developing and implementing a social media strategy to enhance alumni engagement and visibility.
- Monitor VU Alumni social media accounts, ensuring regular and relevant content.
- Create and curate engaging posts, stories, and updates about alumni events, achievements, and opportunities.
Limitations
- Members are not recognised as official representatives of VU and should refrain from publicly speaking or making statements on record on behalf of VU unless expressly authorised to do so.
- Members are not authorised to enter a contract, partnership, or financial commitment on behalf of VU.
Time commitment
- Serve a renewable three-year tenure.
- Members can resign at any time.
- Attend majority of ACAG meetings each year.
- Volunteer at alumni and university events/programs/functions per year.
- Provide feedback and input on alumni engagement activities.
