Last week, Saint Mary’s Student Government Association (SGA) announced the results of the first-year student government elections. Sofia Scott and Sophia Johnson won the positions of president and vice president of the class of 2019, and Jordan Myers and Annie Gregory were elected class senators.Scott said she has been part of various student governments for six years and enjoys being a leader among her classmates. She chose to run for the position of president because she wants to have a voice to make a difference in her class, she said.“I wanted our class to not just be another class who graduates from Saint Mary’s, but one who is remembered for what we have done,” Scott said. “I am most excited about being able to lead and represent our class at such a special place.”Scott’s goals for the year include bringing a color run to campus, implementing green initiatives and raising money for the class’ senior week, she said. Scott and Johnson have been brainstorming about numerous ideas and look forward to getting started, she said.“I am excited to implement our ideas and see a tangible difference that Sophia and I can make not only in our class, but also in the community as a whole,” Scott said.Vice president Johnson said she looks forward to working alongside Scott as they lead their class through the first year at Saint Mary’s. Specifically, one of her main goals is to focus on hearing everyone’s voice, she said.“It is extremely important to me that everyone gets a chance to give input about their ideas, a lesson I learned in the time I was involved in student government during my high school career,” Johnson said. “Sometimes it is better to take a step back and offer new insight into a situation.”Newly elected class senator Myers also plans to keep the entire class informed about student government issues as well as increase involvement in campus events, she said. She intends to incorporate lessons of leadership, cooperation and problem-solving from high school student government to achieve these goals, she said.“I intend to use the lessons of governmental integrity to find a voice for students,” Myers said, “As the class of 2019 senators, Anne [Gregory] and I would really like reaching out to the student body to allow the students to also have an active role in student government.”Gregory also participated in student government in high school and is excited to be part of the decision making process at the College, she said. Along with creating unity in the first-year class, Gregory also intends to unify clubs across campus, she said.“Since I am assuming a leadership role within the [first-year] class, I think it is crucial that I get to know all of my fellow classmates,” Gregory said. “This year I hope to create friendships with all of my classmates so they feel comfortable coming to me with concerns and ideas.”Tags: First year elections, saint mary’s, sga, Student Government Association read more

SO you’ve got a bit of money saved and you want to put it to work. You’ve decided property will be the best way to invest that hard-earned money, so now it is time to buy a place.But how on earth do you navigate the thousands of homes on the market?One thing for sure is any property investor is going to have to spend the time doing research and analysing suburbs, returns and how much effort you want to put in to the investment now, in five years’ time and in 10 years’ time.Bruce Holmes is a property consultant at Ormsby Realty and said there were four simple things to consider to help buy the right investment property.“When considering which property to buy, you are aiming for a property that will provide you with good rent returns as well as capital growth in the future,” he said. “It’s best to treat real estate as long term investment.” KEY POINTS Here are four key points to consider when buying your investment property.1. Choose the right area to buy in. This could mean buying in an area that you know well, said Mr Holmes. “Otherwise, do your research and thoroughly check the location that you are considering,” he said. More from newsCairns home ticks popular internet search terms2 days agoTen auction results from ‘active’ weekend in Cairns2 days ago“Try to get to know it as well as you know your own neighbourhood. Become an expert researcher, from vacancy rates and demographics to council spending and capital growth rates. “There are plenty of places on line where you can get this information or alternatively ask your agent to source this information for you.”2. Try to find a property that will appeal to a wide range of tenants. “Pick a property type that will suit the people who are actively renting in that area. For example, a small unit may be more affordable than a house, but if the local market is largely comprised of families, your investment property won’t appeal,” Mr Holmes said. “Niche properties have their place, but as an investor you want to appeal to the tenants that most want to live in your target area.”3. Choose a property that will require low maintenance. “For instance, houses with pools and large gardens need a lot of care and time. A similar home on a smaller block with a flat, grassed backyard is easier for your tenants to maintain. Find a property that is ready to rent out immediately (unless you have big plans to add value through renovating),” he said.4. Buy in a growth area. “You will have already found out what plans there are in the works for your preferred area. From this you can determine what its future looks like,” Mr Holmes said. “Government and council websites often have information on infrastructure project proposals online. It’s also prudent to keep an eye on any residential developments that could be going up near amenities, such as schools and shopping hubs.“If you do your research well, you will purchase a property that will have a steady income stream as well as prospects for capital growth.” . read more