Staff Elections
Elections are an important part of the university's governance. They provide opportunities for staff and students to contribute to decision making processes and help shape the future of the University.
Elections for staff and student positions on the University Council, Academic Senate, and College Boards are conducted by Legal and Governance Services, with the University Secretary acting as the Returning Officer.
Notice of Election
The University of Newcastle is to elect academic staff to the College Boards.
Nominations for the positions are now open and will close 5:00pm AEST, Friday 21 August 2026.
If required, an electronic ballot will be conducted.
The term of office for the positions will commence from 1 January 2027.
The following positions are available:
| College | School | Positions Available |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering, Science and Environment | School of Architecture and Built Environment | 1 x two-year position |
| School of Engineering | 1 x two-year position | |
| School of Environmental and Life Sciences | 1 x two-year position | |
| School of Information and Physical Sciences | 1 x two-year position | |
| School of Psychological Sciences | 1 x two-year position |
| College | School | Positions Available |
|---|---|---|
| College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing | School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy | 1 x two-year position |
| School of Health Sciences | 1 x two-year position | |
| School of Medicine and Public Health | 1 x two-year position | |
| School of Nursing and Midwifery | 1 x two-year position |
| College | School | Positions Available |
|---|---|---|
| College of Human and Social Futures | School of Education | 1 x two-year position |
| School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences | 1 x two-year position | |
| Newcastle Business School | 1 x two-year position | |
| Newcastle School of Law and Justice | 1 x two-year position |
Eligibility
All staff (of the relevant School) employed as academic staff by the University as at 21 August 2026 (close of nominations) are eligible to nominate for this election. This includes academic staff on continuing and fixed term employment arrangements, but does not include people with sessional, casual or conjoint arrangements.
How to nominate
Nominations must be submitted on the approved Nomination Form.
You can include a statement (150 words or less) to support your nomination, together with a passport size photograph. This will be distributed to voters in the event there is more than one eligible nomination received for the positions available and an electronic ballot is held.
Completed nominations can be submitted by email to elections@newcastle.edu.au by 5:00pm AEST, Friday 21 August 2026.
Contact
If you have any queries regarding this election, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au.
Notice of Ballot
At the close of the nomination period, 14 valid nominations were received for the two available academic staff positions, and 10 valid nominations were received for the one available non-academic staff position. Consequently, an optional preferential ballot will be conducted for the positions via electronic voting to determine the successful candidates.
Voting will open on Monday, 6 July 2026 and close at 5:00pm AEST on Friday, 24 July 2026. Eligible staff will receive an email during the voting period containing instructions on how to access the electronic ballot.
Academic Staff to University Council
The candidates for election to the Academic Staff positions (order determined by lot) are:
- Dr Tim Connor
- Associate Professor David Shao
- Dr Justin Ellis
- Dr Karen Handley
- Dr S.A. Hamed Hosseini
- Dr Helen Giggins
- Professor Paul Dastoor
- Professor Jon Hirst
- Mrs Catherine Burgess
- Dr Louise Koller-Smith
- Dr Judith Zhu
- Professor Coralie English
- Professor Nikki Verrills
- Associate Professor Jill Duncan
Candidates Statements are available here.
Non-Academic Staff to University Council
The candidates for election to the Non-Academic Staff position (order determined by lot) are:
- Dr Matt Lumb
- Mr Ben O’Brien
- Mr M Ashhar Mehdi
- Mr Pierre Gouhier
- Dr Ben Shelton
- Mr Gionni (John) Di Gravio
- Mr Bret Barton
- Ms Wendy Taggart
- Mr Luke Boulton
- Dr Cathy Day
Candidates Statements are available here.
Outcome of Election
ELECTION OF TWO STAFF TO THE UNISUPER CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
The academic and non-academic staff of the University were required to elect two representatives (one from each of their respective categories) to be a member of the UniSuper Consultative Committee.
Notice of Result
Following a call for nominations, the following staff members are declared elected:
- Professor Jon Hirst (Academic Staff Member - Elected Unopposed)
- Ms Gianna Herring (Non Academic Staff Member - Elected by Ballot).
Contact
If you have any queries regarding this election, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au
Upcoming Elections
Election of Academic Staff to the College Boards
The election of University of Newcastle academic staff to the College Boards for a two-year term commencing from 1 January 2027, is anticipated to open late July 2026.
Available Positions
Category | Level | Available Positions |
| College of Engineering, Science and Environment | ||
School of Architecture and Built Environment | A, B, C, D or E | 2 x two-year positions |
School of Engineering | A, B, C, D or E | 1 x two-year position |
School of Science | A, B, C, D or E | 1 x two-year position |
School of Computer and Information Sciences | A, B, C, D or E | 1 x two-year position |
| College of Human and Social Futures | ||
School of Education | A, B, C, D or E | 1 x two-year position |
School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences | A, B, C, D or E | 1 x two-year position |
Newcastle Business School | A, B, C, D or E | 1 x two-year position |
School of Law and Justice | A, B, C, D or E | 1 x two-year position |
| College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing | ||
School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy | A, B, C, D or E | 1 x two-year position |
School of Health Sciences | A, B, C, D or E | 1 x two-year position |
School of Medicine and Public Health | A, B, C, D or E | 1 x two-year position |
School of Nursing and Midwifery | A, B, C, D or E | 1 x two-year position |
Register Your Interest
Don't want to wait? Have your name listed any time on the Register of Intending Members by sending an email to elections@newcastle.edu.au, providing your contact details and including details of the Governing Body and category you are interested in.
Contact
If you have any queries, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au.
Election of Staff Member to the NUsport Board
The election of a University of Newcastle member of staff to the Newcastle University Sport Board (NUsport) as a Director for a three-year term commencing from 30 October 2026, is anticipated to open early August 2026.
Available Positions
Category | Level | Term |
|---|---|---|
University of Newcastle staff member | All staff | 1 x 3 year term |
Register Your Interest
Don't want to wait? Have your name listed any time on the Register of Intending Members by sending an email to elections@newcastle.edu.au, providing your contact details and including details of the Governing Body and category you are interested in.
Contact
If you have any queries, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au.
Questions?
Do you have questions relating to elections? You can find more resources and information on the elections webpage .
Contact
For further enquiries, contact the Deputy Returning Officer for all election questions on elections@newcastle.edu.au
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.