Our Crew
The Big Lift’s Crew is the fabric that binds our team together! They aid OPs in running the society, and each plans their own service project, where they take the reins in giving back to the community by organising a one-day volunteering activity related to their personal passions.
However, the Winter Trip is where Crew shine the brightest, as they get to lead their own crew groups and show them firsthand just how magical The Big Lift really is.
Our Crew team consists of nine inspiring young leaders, who embody everything The Big Lift aims to achieve.
Liyara Flavel
Crew
Hi everyone! My name is Liyara and I'm in my second year of Law and Medical Science. When I'm not at a TBL event I'm likely found playing Catan with my friends, cuddling my dog or falling down a Wikipedia rabbit hole.
My first encounter with TBL was at Open Day. I headed in knowing I wanted to find an opportunity to volunteer more consistently and on a longer term basis and I happened along TBL! I went to my first event - Clean Up Australia Day - knowing literally no one and had to, maybe embarrassingly, have my dad drop me off because I missed my bus. Despite the bad start, all the TBL members made me feel welcome and at ease instantly with all their kindness mixed with silly antics. Since then I never looked back and joined in on every event I could :)
Emmanuel Sevilla
Crew
Heyy!! My name’s Emmanuel and I’m a third-year Sport and Exercise Science student, and I’m so excited to be part of the 2026 crew!
I went on the Winter Trip last year not knowing what to expect, as I had honestly never heard of TBL until just weeks before the trip. But to my pleasant surprise the people I met (both from rural communities and fellow students) and the experiences I had as a participant on the trip honestly changed my worldview. The opportunity to have a real, tangible impact on those in need really showed me the importance of giving back and TBL’s values, and I’m keen to see what this year has to offer! I’m so so excited to be able to help give you guys a uniquely rewarding TBL experience, and I look forward to meeting you all!
Zara Ogane
Crew
HEYYYY!! I’m Zara, and I’m currently in my second year studying Medical Science!
When I’m not at uni, I’m usually hanging out with friends, playing soccer, going on long drives, listening to music, or deep-diving into random interests.
In 2025, I made it my goal to experience everything I possibly could. So when I stumbled upon TBL’s Winter Trip on Instagram, despite being very nervous, I followed my gut and applied - and it turned out to be THE BEST decision I made all year! Through TBL, I’ve discovered my deep passion for volunteering and making a difference, and how rewarding it is to have friends with the same passion!
I am so so excited and grateful to be part of the 2026 Crew, as it’s an incredible opportunity to give back to communities and help others experience the same passion, joy, and unforgettable moments I’ve been lucky to enjoy!
Keiron Lee
Crew
Heyo, I’m Keiron, a second-year Electrical Engineering student, and I’m happy to be part of the 2026 Crew!
I first discovered TBL through a close friend and former CROP, whose bright-eyed stories and genuine love the Winter Trip instantly drew me in. The idea of hopping on a bus, travelling through rural Australia, and volunteering alongside 80 strangers felt both novel and deeply fulfilling.
Before I left, my friend shared one piece of advice: “Be present and be yourself.” Those words became my north star over the nine days, helping me relax and allow meaningful connections to naturally unfold. Through TBL, I found a new sense of confidence, gratitude, and belonging, and gained a deeper appreciation for how beautifully connected our lives are.
As Crew, I hope to be a supportive and compassionate presence others feel comfortable talking to and being themselves around. I hope our paths cross soon!❤️
Molly Clarke
Crew
Hi beautiful people! I’m Molly, and I joined The Big Lift a little late to the party (aka in my final year of my Communications, Media Arts and Production and Writing and Publishing undergrad degree). Riding the post-exchange high, I was looking for a new adventure a little closer to home.
Joining TBL as one of their communications interns opened so many doors and completely transformed my life, inside and outside of uni. I got to capture, record, and describe the trip in my short film Lifted, and volunteer alongside lifelong friends and incredible locals.
I can’t wait to see what this year brings as part of the amazing 2026 crew, and to meet all the people like you who are going to dig in (literally), get involved, and experience all the magic TBL has to offer. 🙂
Aaron Choy
Crew
Hey hey hey! My name is Aaron and I’m in my second year doing Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Economics. I’m super excited to be a Crew Leader and to be a part of the 2026 CROPS Team!
I joined TBL last year after it was brought up in a conversation. I haven’t looked back since! One of the first events I went to was the 2025 Winter Trip. 80 people split between two buses—stopping at rural towns on the way to Melbourne. Starting the trip with barely any connections to everyone else going and ending the trip with long-lasting friendships that are still on-going! On this trip, I have met the most genuine and amazing humans on this planet and there’s one reason for this: community.
If you’ve taken the time to read all of this, please come along to one of our events! I’d love to meet you!
Methma Gunaratne
Crew
Hiiii everyone!! My name is Methma, and I’m currently in my final year of studying a Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Mechanical Engineering!! I’m really looking forward to making memories with the lovely CREW of 2026 and can’t wait for the adventures we’re going to go on together🙂
I joined TBL to volunteer… and GIRL, did I volunteer. Not only did I get the chance to volunteer in rural communities, but I got to do it alongside such amazing, kind, like-minded students—and made lifelong friendships along the way.
From planting trees, painting, shovelling and raking, to singing together, laughing together, and crying together—going on the Winter Trip as a participant in 2025 was such a magical experience that will forever be treasured in my heart. I’m so incredibly grateful to be a part of the CREW for 2026, I hope to make it just as magical❤️
Felix Trenbath
Crew
Ayo! My name is Felix and I’m a 2nd year Political Science and Creative Writing student. I am a proud nerd, cinephile and adventurer, or at least when time allows, and I’m so psyched to be a part of the TBL crew of 2026!!
My first experience as part of TBL was the Winter Trip. A massive 9 day road trip through regional New South Wales. Despite not knowing a single person at first, we travelled, toiled, played and yapped together. By the time it was over I had a newfound love for volunteering, understanding of regional Australia, and a whole new group of friends that I’ve only grown closer to since. This society has truly changed my life for the better through its warm and welcoming community and its ‘food for the soul’ volunteering.
I am so honored to get to play a small part in running TBL as Crew, helping to create that magic of community, personal growth and #Payitforward.
Naina Ram
Crew
Hiii!! I’m Naina and I’m currently in my second year of studying Social and Political Science/Law at UTS. I love to cook, read, watch movies and I’m so incredibly excited to be a part of TBL 2026 Crew!
Joining TBL was definitely the best decision of my first year of Uni, specifically going on the Winter Trip. Being surrounded by so many people with a genuine passion for volunteering and connecting with people from regional communities was such a unique experience. Life-changing might sound a bit overdramatic, but honestly I’ve never been more grateful for a community.
I’m so excited to carry that energy forward into TBL projects in 2026, and I hope every participant in TBL this year gets to feel the same way :)
Meet Our Executive Team
Our Executive team is in charge of organising the wider logistics of the society; including the Winter Trip, on and off campus events and liaising with stakeholders within UTS and the wider Sydney community.

