Meet Shane James

Shane JamesBBus (Mngt)(Newcastle)

Why did you join the University Council?

Joining the Council gives me the opportunity to offer more insight around the benefits our university provides for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff students and Alumni.

What do you look back on most fondly when it comes to your own education?

Being a mature age student with three children under the age of five years and working fulltime, university study goes by as a blur. I think the fondest memories were the willingness of not only the staff at Wollotuka but the University as a community want you to succeed and to enjoy your time at the University of Newcastle.

Biography

Shane began his employment journey within the public service and spans numerous roles in Senior Auditor and Management positions.  Shane worked on national education programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and was part of the original team to implement one of the first Indigenous Employment strategies within the Public Service.  Shane left the public service in 2016, joining the Australian Defence Force serving within Australia and Overseas in a part time and full time role prior to being promoted to Captain in 2017.

Shane is well respected within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities and provides a leadership role for the Australian Defence Engineering Corp and mentors many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Defence members.

Shane is a strong advocate for the University of Newcastle and is passionate about Reconciliation and supporting Indigenous student outcomes.  He has demonstrated outstanding leadership at Wollotuka Institute and in the Australian Defence Reserves.