The Executive Assistant shares how she built a career supporting UNSW Engineering leadership while pursuing elite open water swimming.
As Executive Assistant to the Dean of UNSW Engineering, Professor Julien Epps, Belinda Bullivant manages the Dean's schedule and provides executive support to the Dean's Executive Management Committee. She has held the role for more than eight years, working alongside three successive Deans during her time in the faculty.
“My role is fast-paced and highly collaborative. I support the Dean’s daily activities and help support key faculty priorities,” she says.
Her remit spans committee coordination, recruitment and major faculty events. She works closely with teams across the eight Engineering schools and multiple portfolios, including education, research and operations, to ensure communication and planning run smoothly.
“I work closely with teams across the faculty to coordinate committees, support recruitment and make sure everything goes according to plan,” she says.
Career journey
Belinda began her career as a hairdresser before moving overseas, where she lived and worked in London, Dublin, Japan and Canada. She transitioned into administration through temp work in Dublin and quickly progressed into a senior executive assistant role at a major children’s hospital.
“I started with no experience and had to learn quickly. That role gave me a strong foundation and shaped my career direction,” she says.
Returning to Australia, she worked in shipping and mining before joining UNSW Engineering.
“I’ve taken on more responsibility with each role, from core support through to managing committees and working more closely with senior leadership,” she says.
Work, approach and impact
Belinda says adaptability and a proactive mindset have shaped how she works. She continues to build skills in areas such as data and technology as the role evolves.
“You need to stay open to learning and be willing to take on new challenges. That’s how you grow and stay relevant,” she says.
She plays a role in fostering a positive culture through regular catchups and team activities across the Dean’s unit and faculty.
“I focus on building strong relationships across teams and creating opportunities for people to connect, because that’s what helps everything run well,” she says.
Open water swimming
Outside the office, Belinda competes in open water swimming at national and international levels. She has represented Australia at world championships in Doha and Singapore and competes regularly in events such as the Cole Classic, Bondi to Bronte and international swims in Hawaii.
“Swimming gives me balance and keeps me motivated. It supports my wellbeing and pushes me to improve,” she says.
Reflecting her focus on community and connection, she also helps others improve their swimming.
“I really enjoy helping people learn to swim and build confidence in the water, especially when they achieve something they never thought they could do,” she says.
What’s something about you that might surprise your colleagues?
I have won medals at world championships for open water swimming.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Low expectations equal happiness because positive outcomes can exceed what you anticipate.
What makes you happy?
Swimming in the ocean and spending time with my community.
What day in your life would you like to relive?
Winning my first world championship medal in Doha.
What’s the best quote you’ve come across in the last year?
"You never regret a swim." It’s simple, but I think it’s so true. No matter how much I might not feel like going beforehand, I always feel better afterwards.
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