Connecting with a local community can make a huge difference in how you perceive a place, both personally and professionally. For an engaged group of alumni in Melbourne, that sense of connection comes through the Melbourne Alumni Network: a community built by alumni, for alumni.
Powered by passionate groups of UNSW graduates who volunteer their time, our alumni networks bring people together, spark meaningful conversations and reflect the diverse ways alumni live and work globally.
Find out more about our interstate and international networks and ensure your location details are up to date.
As the Melbourne committee gears up for their first networking event of 2026, we caught up with Liz Anderson (MBA Exec’2011), President of the committee, as well as committee members, Mark Splittgerber (MBA Exec’2018), Dee Shah (MBA Tech’ 2020), Michael Saleh (PhD Materials Science and Engineering’2021) and Troy Richardson (MBA Exec’2023), to talk about volunteering, community and why staying connected matters.
Everyone’s journey into a community starts somewhere, often with a single event or conversation. For our volunteer committee, that first step turned into something more. What originally motivated you to put your hand up to volunteer for the Melbourne Alumni Committee?
Liz – “The people I met through my MBA at UNSW gave me a community in Australia after moving here in 2006. After graduating, I wanted to be able to give back to the university and to offer that connection to others, so I applied to join the committee.”
Mark – “I moved to Melbourne in 2018 and attended my first Melbourne UNSW Alumni event to meet people and build my network. Being a recent AGSM graduate at the time, I enquired about joining the committee and the rest is history.”
Volunteering is about fostering growth, learning from others and staying curious long after graduation. What does being a volunteer in this alumni community mean to you personally?
Dee - “It's my way of giving back to the network that has shaped my career and leadership journey. As someone for whom Melbourne wasn’t originally home, the alumni community played an important role in helping me build connection and belonging here. That experience is a big part of why I’m passionate about bringing people together.
Liz – “I thoroughly enjoy all of the interactions that we have at the events. It allows us to learn from those in different industries that we would otherwise never encounter.”
Michael - I enjoy seeing so many accomplished UNSW Alumni and hearing where their studies have taken them. It cements in my mind the value of high-quality education and the wider social benefits”
Walking into your first event with a new group of people can feel daunting, how would you describe the Melbourne alumni community to someone new?
Michael - “A drink card on arrival! With a smile from Liz. We welcome all UNSW Alumni to our cosy events, especially in the depths of Melbourne Winters. We have a laugh, mingle with others and have thoughtful discussions.”
Liz - “Everyone involved is engaged and interested. We are supportive of those with questions or in need of a helping hand. Whether you are attending your first of fiftieth event, just know that everyone is there to meet new people and share stories.”
Like any community, the Melbourne Alumni Network has evolved over time. What’s a moment that’s made you proud to be part of this network?
Mark S – “Kicking off events post COVID lockdowns in Melbourne was a logistical nightmare but we knew our Alumni were keen to get back out there and network, so we made it happen. Fast forward 5 years, in 2025 we welcomed 195 individuals to 5 events throughout the year. Meeting new people as well as building our connection with repeat attenders is always so rewarding. “
Liz A – “The Melbourne Alumni Network started as an AGSM-only community. Making the transition to welcome alumni from all UNSW faculties was not without its bumps, but we are continually striving and evolving to meet the needs of all groups. We are definitely a richer and more diverse community for the change.”
For alumni wondering whether it’s worth staying engaged, the benefits go well beyond a single event. What should alumni consider getting involved with an Alumni Network?
Troy R – “3 benefits of being part of the alumni community are learning, connecting and growing. The annual Learn to Lead program for example, is a fun (and free!) way to keep up to date with new thinking and research. Our large and small events alongside digital groups help members stay connected to people they can share with, bounce ideas off and help one another. And finally, after graduation we continue to grow through meeting new students, fresh grads and people who graduated 40 years ago. The diversity of people I meet within the network has helped me understand and keep up to date with so many relevant and engaging perspectives!”
Michael S - “For those Alumni who attended classes/courses in-person, they will know there is no substitute for being present and engaged. The friendships you form in those years are enduring. The Alumni events are another avenue for past students to slot back, for a few hours, into that mindset.”
Dee S - “Being part of the alumni community opens doors in ways you don’t always expect. You never know which conversation might lead to a new opportunity or a lasting professional relationship. That was certainly my experience, an alumni connection played a role in helping me land my first management consulting role after business school.”
What would you say to a graduate who’s unsure about attending their first event?
Liz A – “Please do come! You will be given a warm welcome and soft landing into the community. Choose an event that sparks your interest, join our LinkedIn Group and engage in conversations there, or join us for one of our more informal social networking events. Once we’ve met you, you’ll also have access to our exclusive WhatsApp group.”
Mark S – “Why not just take a small step? I’m sure you’ll be surprised by the people you’ll meet and the conversations you’ll have.”
Troy R – "You've invested so much already by learning at one of Australia’s top universities! Build on that at your own pace – join us at a larger group event where you can mingle in an inspirational and thought-provoking setting, or join a local coffee catch up where you can have deeper conversations in a relaxed space too. There is an event for everyone 😊 “
With a new year underway, there are a range of events to get involved in. What are you most excited about for the year ahead?
Mark S – “Building on the momentum from last year! We have some great large events in the pipeline, but we also run smaller events, like our coffee catch ups. I haven’t been to one in a while, so I’m excited to meet some new faces and have a good old chat.”
Liz A – “Meeting more new people, as well as having the continued connection with many of our regular attendees. And of course, continuing to deliver meaningful and interesting events to the community.”
The Melbourne Alumni Committee is excited to welcome all alumni to a start-of-year networking event on 18 February at The Emerald Peacock.
Whether you’re new to Melbourne, returning to the network, or simply curious, there’s a place for you in this community.
👉 Register for the Start of Year Social
👉 Join the Melbourne Alumni Network on LinkedIn
We look forward to welcoming you.
All images by Genevieve Rankin (UNSW BSc’14)