Prioritising her mental and physical wellbeing makes Bliss an all-round better mum, colleague and person.
Bliss Forrester, Manager Student Communications, credits her mum as her role model. Her mother completed the University Preparation Program at UNSW and recently graduated with her second degree (Bachelor of Laws) at age 55.
Growing up in the Northern Rivers, Bliss valued the unique experience of attending a regional university, graduating with a Bachelor of Business from Southern Cross University in Lismore.
Post university, Bliss worked in communications, marketing and events, including at Tourism Australia and BBC Worldwide.
“I had lots of fun and learned so much in these fast-paced and dynamic roles. Highlights were working on events with some big stars such as David Attenborough, Brian Cox and Oprah. It was foundational for the student communications work I do at UNSW.”
It’s all about the students
Bliss has worked at UNSW for more than 10 years. Her longevity at the University isn’t an accident. She has held a variety of roles with a student focus and loves being able to work with so many passionate people and be exposed to many different areas.
“I have gained a deep appreciation of the collective mission and goal of supporting students. We are all driven by a desire to provide and improve on an exceptional student experience.”
An opportunity to join and build the newly formed Student Communications team came in 2019, when The Nucleus: Student Hub was established along with the centralisation of some key student-facing services.
“I feel fortunate to have been supported to move into this team. It was a return to the skills, experience and expertise I had built up before I joined the University. It felt really validating and a good fit for me.”
Student Communications started with five staff and has now grown to a team of 15, including three student interns. Bliss is proud of the dynamic and high performing team, whose members regularly learn from one another thanks to their mix of skillsets and strengths.
“We come together to solve problems, find solutions, test and learn each term, and focus on continuous improvement with each campaign we work on,” Bliss said.
Bliss loves her role and the influence to shape messages, programs and initiatives for students with the goal to achieve the best possible outcome for them.
“It’s about striking a balance of communicating the right amount and through the right channels so we’re not spamming and we’re meeting students where they are.
“I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done in the last 12 months around comms best-practice for students based on our channels, getting the tone of voice right, utilising our analytics to look at gaps and transforming the digital student experience.”
Embracing nature, coastal life and culture
Outside of work, Bliss keeps busy with her family. They embrace their local community and Sydney’s coastal life and cultural experiences. They also love being in nature and going on camping trips with their young kids.
“We are well-equipped for camping. We prefer an off-grid version, but with kids, running water comes in handy,” Bliss said.
“Our special go-to spot for camping is on Dunghutti land at South West Rocks. It’s a beautiful part of the world that’s become an annual fixture on our camping calendar.”
Bliss exploring the outdoors with her young children.
Taking care of her mental and physical health is a priority for Bliss. She visits the gym regularly and is a big fan of UNSW’s Fitness Passport program. She also loves to read and is a member of a book club within Registrar and Student Services (RaSS).
“Making these things a priority makes me a better mum, colleague and all-round better person,” she said.
Stepping into a new challenge
Bliss recently commenced a temporary internal opportunity as an Executive Officer within RaSS. This role has offered her a broader strategic lens across divisional priorities and operations, while she continues to champion improvements to the student digital experience.
“I’m so excited for the opportunity to stretch professionally, contribute at a different level and gain insight into the broader context that shapes our work with students,” she said.
Can you tell us something about you that might surprise your colleagues?
I was featured in Dolly Magazine with my mum when I was three years old. (RIP Dolly mag).
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Do the hardest part first.
What’s one thing that makes you happy?
Camping and being in nature with my family. Very closely followed by a sleep-in. I love an all-too-rare slow and peaceful morning.
What day in your life would you like to relive?
The birth days of my two babies. If I ever feel self-doubt creeping in, I remember my strength and power on those days.
What’s the best thing you’ve read, heard or watched in the last year?
Read
The Other Americans by Laila Lalami. Shout out to my RaSS and Friends Book Club pals.
Heard
Keanu Nelson – his album Wilurarrakutu was released in 2023 and single Place Where I Go earlier this year. Keanu is a Luritja artist from the remote community of Papunya northwest of Mparntwe. I was lucky to be able to see him perform recently at the Oxford Arts Factory, and I was completely transfixed the entire performance.
Watched
Andor – if you're a Star Wars fan, you'll know how special and incredible this series was.
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