Former local student earns leadership role

SHAUN RICHARDS has been selected to join the team of 12 residential advisors at St Ann’s College on Brougham Place in North Adelaide.

The Mount Gambier native will take on a shared caretaking role for the 199 students who live at the residential college during the 2025 academic year.

Richards, 20, is entering his second year as a resident at St Ann’s College and degree at the University of South Australia. He is currently studying for a Bachelor of Film and Television.

“I have always loved film, it’s a passion of mine,” Shaun said. “Throughout my life I’ve always wanted to make films. I would love to become a director one day in the distant future.”

Residential advisors are a highly regarded position at the college and their main goal is to facilitate a harmonious community.

The role is primarily to assist the Principal/CEO and Dean of the College with academic and social leadership, pastoral care of resident students, and other related administrative tasks.

“I think I wasn’t the most outgoing person when I got to college,” Shaun said. “Having the RAs around when I got here made me feel more comfortable and confident in my new environment. They introduced the college to me and helped me fall in love with the place. I want to be the person students can trust and can show them what college is about.”

Richards has taken on several activities in his first year at St Ann’s College, playing soccer, cricket and football.

He grew up in Mount Gambier, attending Grant High School, and playing soccer at the Apollo Soccer Club and football at the North Gambier Football Club.

“I am looking forward to working together with the rest of the team and forming a bond during the year,” Shaun said. “I am keen to give the new students a great impression of our college, like the one I received.”

St Ann’s principal and CEO Wendy Fleming believes Richards is a great fit for the role.

“Shaun brings his life experience to the role, having completed a gap year before commencing his university studies,” Ms Fleming said. “He is able to connect with a wide range of people and I am delighted to have him on the RA Team this year.”