BEN CAMPEY

Meet Ben; a postgraduate student whose journey at Dunmore Lang College has shaped not only his studies, but his leadership, confidence and sense of purpose.

Second-Year Postgraduate Student & Residential Advisor

Hometown: Melbourne, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country

Studying: Master of Counter Terrorism & Master of Intelligence

Ben is currently completing a Master of Counter Terrorism and a Master of Intelligence at Macquarie University and has lived at Dunmore Lang College for the past two years. Known for his leadership, maturity and steady presence within the community, he served as a Resident Advisor (RA) in 2025 and was recently awarded the John Dunmore Senior Scholar Award, recognising both his contribution to College life and his potential for meaningful service in his future endeavours. We spoke with Ben about why he chose Macquarie, what keeps him at Dunmore Lang College, and how the experience has shaped his growth.

Why did you choose Macquarie University?

I’ve always been drawn to national security pathways, so Macquarie’s postgraduate programs naturally caught my attention. After completing my undergraduate degree, I was looking for more practical, real world learning that would build the skills needed for work in the intelligence and security fields. Macquarie offers that balance really well. 

Why did you choose Dunmore Lang College?

At first, I was comparing College accommodation with renting an apartment, but Dunmore Lang stood out immediately. The facilities were fantastic, everything was close to campus, and the environment felt warm and welcoming. 

What has made you stay at DLC more than one year?

Honestly, it was the community that made me stay. DLC quickly became a place where I felt supported and part of something truly special and meaningful, a community I could contribute to in real and lasting ways. People really look out for one another here, and that sense of belonging is matched by the academic and personal development opportunities the College provides.

Earlier in the year, I attended College sponsored conferences on masculinity, violence prevention and the social pressures young people face. These events deepened my understanding of how broader societal issues play out in day-to-day residential life and gave me the confidence to foster student-led discussion groups in a genuinely supportive setting.

The College’s academic support has also been invaluable. Study Hall and the available tutoring support helped me stay focused and maintain structure during busy periods. Being so close to campus has made a huge difference. I use the postgraduate section of the Macquarie library regularly, and living at College means I can access it whenever I need to, whether for quiet study, group work or late-night reading. The same convenience applies to University guest lectures and academic events, which opened the door to important conversations about law, justice, leadership and community life.

You were an RA, what made you take on a leadership role?

I stepped into leadership because the College had supported me so much, and I wanted to give back in an impactful way. DLC has been incredibly supportive of student leaders and staff, are genuinely receptive to new ideas, open to re-evaluating processes, and committed to helping us set a positive standard within the community.

A big part of that support comes from the training we receive. The College prepared me really well for the role, giving me the tools to communicate clearly, respond to difficult situations and support residents with confidence. From conflict management to wellbeing support, the training helped me understand how to guide others while also knowing when to step back and set appropriate boundaries.

Any final thoughts about your time at DLC?

DLC has given me a community, a sense of purpose and a chance to become someone I’m proud of. Support is always available whether that’s academically, socially or personally.

I’ve grown so much here, not only as a student, but as a leader and as an individual. The opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve met and the conversations I’ve been part of have shaped how I understand myself and the world. Lessons I will take with me long after I leave.

By Keely Behan