About us
At Kew Student Residence (KSR) we provide supportive, friendly and affordable accommodation for students who are studying in Melbourne. KSR welcomes students from all backgrounds into our community.
Kew Student Residence has been a ministry of Kew Baptist Church since 1962- providing affordable accommodation for students in a safe and caring environment. Our mission is that as a ministry of Kew Baptist Church, Kew Student Residence would provide a home based on Christian values that is inclusive, authentic and meaningful, based on a disposition of care and service. KSR is a place that allows everyone to positively contribute to KSR life and to belong, explore and grow.
There are lots of good reasons for you to choose KSR as the place to live while at University. Not only do you share life with others in a supportive community, have all your meals and utilities covered, and make friends for life, it is also a place where you are encouraged to grow as a person.
Our vision is that KSR will be the kind of environment in which all members of the community will have a strong sense of belonging and connectedness which will enable them to explore who they are – their sense of self, values, beliefs and purpose – and to grow as people and as contributors to society.
Our values at KSR are Respect, Care, Openness, Serve and Learn. We encourage all students in our community to uphold these values as they share life with each other.
Our staff.
The Managers
Graeme and Michelle Younger, live on-site with their children Annabelle and Billy, and their mischief making dogs, Roger and Rosie. Graeme is a qualified teacher who previously worked for Christian College Geelong working with year 9 students on their rural campus outside of Ballarat. Michelle is a Physiotherapist who has spent the last few years in a management position before commencing maternity leave in 2021.
Graeme and Michelle can be found at meal times out in the communal dining room and are always eager to connect with students and hear about what is going on in their lives.
Administration
Hannah Constantine is our office administrator. She joined the KSR team in October 2023 and has a varied role ranging from bookkeeping to office management, plant-watering and everything in-between! Hannah worked in office and project management within creative industries, prior to taking a career break after her second child. When not at Res, she can be found walking the corridors of the NGV, the parklands at Heidi, or undertaking her own freelance design projects.
Hannah attends the 10am service at KBC with her family. Hannah is in the office Monday, Wednesday & Thursday.
Cook
Ben Perkins will be our new Cook for 2024.
Ben is a former Ressie, having attended Kew Student Residence in 2014-15, and has since been an active member of the KSR community. He has been in the hospitality industry for the last 12 years previously working in kitchens at various cafes and restaurants in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs.
In his spare time, Ben enjoys camping, going to the beach or going on a hike.
Ben can be found anywhere near the KSR kitchen from Monday to Friday.
Our volunteer leadership.
Residential Life Coordinators (RLCs)
Taking care of community life and assisting with pastoral care are our 2024 Residential Life Coordinators: Will Fountain and Kirsten Clamp. Kirsten is embarking on her 2nd year of living in ‘The Flat’ and Will is joining us for his 1st year with his wife Caroline. The RLC’s are also responsible for organising activities and having a positive presence around the place. Our RLC’s our outstanding young leaders and work closely with the Res student leaders. Our RLCs are here to help the students settle into life in Melbourne and are available should you have any questions or concerns.
Photo L to R: Caroline, Will and Kirsten
The House
Further support in terms of pastoral care and community life is provided by a team of young adults who live in a neighbouring house. ‘The House’ is designed for people who have either lived in the Res in the past or are actively involved in the Church community at Kew Baptist. Returning for a second year in 2024 are Joey Mock and Alex Donaldson, who will be living in the House with Hannah Hobbs, Emily Brown and Rielly Black, with the intention of serving the Residence and Church communities.
Photo L to R: Rielly, Hannah, Emily, Alex and Joey
Student Leaders and Duty Managers
Our Student Leaders are integral to life at Res. Having lived here for at least one year already, they are often around and facilitating events and social activities and they are ready to help new students adjust to their new life in Melbourne. In 2024, our student leaders are: James, Caleb, Cianna and Indaly. (pictured above)
We have five Duty Managers in 2024: Yasinta, Ethan, Olivia B, Olivia S and Sabian. Their role is to oversee the practical functioning of the Residence. They have allocated times and days when they are in charge of duties and are first port of call for issues that may arise around KSR.
Committee of Management
A Committee is elected annually from members of the Hostel Association at the Annual General Meeting. It comprises a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and ordinary committee members. A number of ex-hostel students have played a significant role as members of the Association and have served on this Committee over the years.
The Managers are appointed by this Committee and the Church. The Managers report to this committee.
2023/24 committee pictured above.