Council
What does the Council do?
The University Council is the governing body of the University. The Council acts in the best interest of the University, is responsible for the strategy and for overseeing senior management in carrying out that strategic direction.
The Council operates in accordance with the University of Newcastle Act 1989 No 68 and the University of Newcastle By-law 2017, which set out the powers and functions of the Council and how these must be performed.
The Council is comprised of 17 members.
Council Members and Terms
Name | First Appointed | End date |
|---|---|---|
Ex-Officio Members | ||
The Hon Patricia Forsythe AM | 1 January 2024 | 31 December 2027 |
Professor Alex Zelinsky AO | 19 November 2018 | 31 December 2028 |
Associate Professor Marcus Rodrigs | 1 January 2026 | 31 December 2027 |
External Members Appointed by the Minister | ||
The Hon John Della Bosca AM | 21 October 2024 | 21 October 2027 |
Ms Liz Nicol | 27 January 2024 | 27 February 2028 |
External Members Appointed by Council | ||
Mr Noel Cornish AM | 1 March 2024 | 28 February 2030 |
Professor Peter Coaldrake AO | 1 March 2026 | 28 February 2030 |
Ms Elizabeth Crouch AM | 1 January 2025 | 31 December 2026 |
Mr Jason Darney | 1 February 2024 | 31 January 2030 |
Mr Michael Di Rienzo | 14 August 2022 | 13 August 2028 |
Ms Julie Phillips | 13 August 2016 | 12 August 2026 |
Mr Kevin Young | 1 September 2024 | 31 August 2028 |
Elected Academic Staff Members | ||
Professor Brendan Boyle | 1 September 2018 | 31 August 2026 |
Dr Annika Westrenius | 1 September 2024 | 31 August 2026 |
Elected Professional Staff Member | ||
Ms Wendy Taggart | 4 June 2025 | 31 August 2026 |
Elected Student Members | ||
Ms Laura Dowling (Post Graduate) | 1 January 2025 | 31 December 2026 |
Ms Ivana Pedruco-Aniceto (Undergraduate) | 1 January 2026 | 31 December 2026 |
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.