The Australian Institute of Architects and the Emerging Architects and Graduates Network (EmAGN) are pleased to announce the 2026 national leadership team for EmAGN. As we prepare to welcome our incoming President, Candice Halliday, and newly appointed President-elect, Sean Wong, we also take this opportunity to express thanks to outgoing President Callum Senjov for his outstanding service and leadership over his term.
Farewell and thank you to the 2025 National EmAGN President, Callum Senjov
During his tenure as President, Callum’s leadership has been nothing short of exceptional and unwavering. He has consistently served as a dedicated and influential advocate for emerging architects and recent graduates, distinguishing himself through impactful work to uplift the careers of those around him.
Under his visionary guidance, the Emerging Architects and Graduates Network (EmAGN) experienced a significant expansion of its strategic priorities. His contributions have been truly invaluable and transformative and we have been consistently impressed by his vision, leadership, and unswerving commitment to everything he undertakes.
Callum is a compassionate leader who prioritises the wellbeing of co-chairs and the committee, effectively translating strategic thinking into a tangible, positive impact on the careers of emerging professionals. His availability and approachability as a leader and mentor, not only to his EmAGN cohort but also to students and younger generations, is highly impressive and a testament to his holistic approach to leadership and the future of the profession.
His journey to this leadership role, starting with joining the QLD EmAGN committee in 2020, progressing to Co-Chair in 2022, and then serving as President-Elect in 2024 before taking on the Presidency in 2025, demonstrates a deep and sustained dedication to the network. His strategic efforts in enhancing key programs and initiatives have had a profound and significant impact by elevating the profile of Emerging Architects.
We specifically recognise his dedication to volunteer wellbeing and his success in fostering a strong sense of purpose and collaborative spirit within the entire EmAGN community. His distinctly supportive and collaborative leadership style has been instrumental in creating a highly engaged, proactive, and thriving national committee.
We wish him all the very best in his future professional endeavours and look forward to the possibility of collaborating with him once more in the future.
Thank you to the Outgoing EmAGN Co-Chairs
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the outgoing EmAGN Co-Chairs for their dedication and contributions during two years of leading their local EmAGN committees.
- Liehan Janse van Rensburg | Immediate Past President
- Paul Bartsch | NT
- Zorawar Basur | SA
- Megan Eiman | Newcastle
- Jarred Gunn | QLD
- Sally Hsu | NSW
- Matthew McGivern | WA
- Gunjan Shah | ACT
- Kate Shepherd | TAS
- Claire Ward | VIC
- Nicole Wilksch | SA
- Sean Wong | NSW
Welcoming Candice Halliday as the Incoming 2026 National EmAGN President
Stepping into the role of National EmAGN President in 2026 is Candice Halliday, who brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives. Her skills in advocacy and connecting people, alongside her interests in sustainability and architectural registration, will be key in guiding EmAGN. Her leadership will complement Callum’s efforts, particularly by harnessing the enthusiasm and knowledge of the Co-Chairs to drive positive change and create better futures for emerging architects.
"I am confident that I will serve as a successful President by leading our EmAGN Committee in advancing the important work of our current initiatives, including Parental Leave, Mental Health and Well-being, and Sustainability. My primary goal during my tenure is to empower graduates and emerging architects by fostering inclusivity and accessibility. I plan to extend the EmAGN's reach to regional Australia through national online events and "watching parties," ensuring that members outside major cities can engage with the Institute's initiatives getting the most from our membership.”
Introducing Sean Wong as the incoming 2026 EmAGN President-elect
We are excited to announce Sean Wong as the newly appointed National EmAGN President-Elect. Since becoming a registered architect in 2018, Sean brings a fresh take on industry knowledge. He is passionate about sharing knowledge and mentoring within the architectural community, and looks forward to contributing further to this cause and supporting emerging architects.
I’m excited to step into the role of President-Elect next year and to work alongside an incredible team within the Institute. Having served on the NSW committee for six years, I’ve seen first-hand how EmAGN teams across the country have grown into a strong and inspiring cohort. As President-Elect, I’m committed to supporting Candice and the Institute in amplifying the voice of our emerging demographic and championing their journey through the early stages of practice. I am also deeply passionate about mental well-being and want to help each state committee build healthy and sustainable teams. With the experience I’ve gained over the years, I hope to support our committees so they can continue doing what they do best: strengthening the future of our profession.
Introducing the 2026 emagn co-chairs
We would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely welcome all continuing and newly appointed EmAGN Co-Chairs across the country. We look forward to working closely with them and their committees to make 2026 a highly impactful and successful year for our Emerging Architects Network. Click here to read more about the 2026 EmAGN Co-chairs.
- Vyasa McPherson | ACT Co-chair
- Erin Rogers | ACT Co-chair
- Candy Garraway | Newcastle Co-chair
- Eddie Page | Newcastle Co-chair
- Allen Huang | NSW Co-chair
- Milly Meares – NSW Co-chair
- Gyöngyvér (Gingi) Engloner | NT Co-chair
- Tonielle Dempers | NT Co-chair
- Naomi Denes | QLD Co-chair
- Yolande Vorster | QLD Co-chair
- Tayla Scholefield | SA Co-chair
- Jasmine Placentino | SA Co-chair
- Georgina Kemp | TAS Co-chair
- Agatha Partyka | TAS Co-chair
- Julie Pham | VIC Co-chair
- Nicole Eadie | VIC Co-chair
- Stephanie Alama Chavez | WA Co-chair
- Marco Pais Da Trindale | WA Co-chair
LOOKING AHEAD
Please join EmAGN and the Institute in celebrating this exciting leadership transition and in welcoming Candice and Sean to their new roles. We also encourage everyone to extend thanks to Callum for his contributions and leadership.
If you have any ideas, concerns, or possible collaboration opportunities for EmAGN, reach out at emagn@architecture.com.au. For local inquiries, please
contact your local EmAGN co-chairs through the links here. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at an EmAGN event soon.