The Student Accommodation Association (SAA) was delighted to host our Industry Lunch in Victoria earlier this year.

Bringing together leaders from the student accommodation, education, and government sectors, the event offered a platform for rich discussion and sector-wide collaboration centred around one shared vision of elevating the international student experience through high-quality accommodation.

Guests heard keynote presentations from:
Tim Glass, State Manager – Victoria, Scape Australia, who shared how NPAS accreditation has strengthened brand trust and enhanced the student experience. Scape’s journey exemplifies how aligning with a national quality framework can deliver tangible, long-term benefits for students and providers alike.

Amanda Castray, Pro Vice-Chancellor – Campus Life, University of Tasmania reflected on the essential role of student accommodation in fostering wellbeing, community, and success for international students. Her global insights and leadership experience were warmly welcomed, and we look forward to deeper collaboration ahead.

Our panel discussion, facilitated by Robert Chasse (Scape, SAA Committee Member), explored a central question: Does the education ecosystem truly understand the value of the residential experience? With contributions from our speakers and Geoff Denison, SAA President, the session unpacked how quality accommodation is not just a place to live but a key contributor to student belonging and success.

We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, sponsors, and attendees who contributed to this important dialogue.

Together, we are raising the standard and shaping a stronger, more supportive student accommodation sector in Australia.