Roelf Van Der Merwe (Fr 2023) has been appointed St Andrew’s College Honorary Treasurer for 2025, bringing his dedication and leadership to this vital role.
Born in Lithgow, NSW, Roelf spent most of his childhood in Pretoria, South Africa, before returning to Australia. He is currently pursuing Honours in Engineering and Commerce at the University of Technology Sydney, majoring in Mechatronics and Accounting. With a clear vision for his future, Roelf aims to work at the intersection of technology and healthcare, designing innovative medical solutions to enhance patient care and streamline clinical procedures. “My goal is to develop solutions that improve the quality of life for patients while making healthcare more efficient and accessible,” he shares.
As Honorary Treasurer, Roelf will oversee the financial management of the Students’ Club, including budgeting, expense monitoring, and forecasting. The role also requires him to ensure that the financial management of the Students’ Club aligns with College policies. Roelf shares that time management and communication will be essential to his role.
Reflecting on his new position, Roelf says: “I’m excited to continue building meaningful connections within the community and working closely with the College leadership team to ensure smooth financial management. I also look forward to contributing to College traditions, participating in sports, and leaving a positive legacy as Treasurer that future cohorts can build on.”
Roelf’s time at St Andrew’s has been defined by his dedication to community service and active participation in extracurricular activities. As Community Service Secretary, he collaborated with The Girls and Boys Brigade on initiatives such as trivia nights, clean-up events, and fundraisers. “These experiences reinforced the value of collaboration and servant leadership,” he reflects. Witnessing the positive impact on others deepened Roelf’s sense of responsibility toward his community and taught him the importance of leading by example, instilling humility as a core aspect of his leadership style.
In addition to his leadership roles, Roelf has represented St Andrew’s in basketball, soccer, and athletics. For Roelf, the best part of College is the unparalleled sense of community. “Everyone works together to create an inclusive environment where people feel they belong,” he says. “The balance between academics, sports, and social life allows for well-rounded development.”
Roelf also attributes his personal and professional growth to his time at St Andrew’s. “The supportive environment has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, whether through sports, community service, or social events. These experiences have strengthened my skills in teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving, qualities essential for my future career.”
To the incoming 2025 Freshers, Roelf offers this advice: “Make the most of every opportunity, whether it’s through sports, academics, or social activities. Get involved early, it’s the best way to meet people and make lifelong friends.”
We look forward to supporting Roelf in his new leadership role as he contributes to another exceptional year at St Andrew’s College.
Read about our 2025 Senior Student, Chloe Gillis and 2025 Honorary Secretary, Ted Stephenson.