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 Computer and Information 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.
A staff member is to be elected as a Director of Newcastle University Sport (NUsport).
Nominations for the position are now open and will close 5:00pm, Wednesday 19 August 2026.
If required, an online ballot will be conducted.
The term of office of the person elected will be three years.
Eligibility
All staff of the University who are staff at the date and time of close of nominations are eligible to nominate for this election.
How to nominate
Nominate for this position by completing and returning the NUsport Nomination Form. A separate nomination form is required for each candidate.
You may wish to provide a short candidate statement and photograph to support your nomination, which will be published in the event that a ballot is required. Note: the Returning Officer reserves the right to request that any statement be edited for length and/or to ensure content is appropriate for publishing.
Completed nominations are to be submitted by email to elections@newcastle.edu.au by 5:00pm AEST, Wednesday 19 August 2026.
Contact
If you have any queries regarding this election, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au.
Notice of Ballot
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
Outcome of Election
Academic Staff to the University Council
Notice of Result
The academic staff of the University were required to elect two representatives to the University Council.
Following an electronic ballot, the following staff members are declared elected:
- Dr Tim Connor
- Professor Paul Dastoor
Outcome of Election
Non-Academic Staff to University Council
Notice of Result
The non-academic staff of the university were to elect one representative to the University council.
Following an electronic ballot, the following staff member is declared elected:
- Mrs Wendy Taggart
Contact
If you have any queries regarding this election, please email elections@newcastle.edu.au
Outcome of Elections
Academic Staff to Academic Senate
Overview
Nominations were called to elect 13 academic staff members for 11 available positions on Academic Senate for a term of office of two years commencing 1 January 2027.
- 2 members were elected unopposed and
- 11 members were elected by ballot
Outcome of Elections
Academic Staff to Academic Senate
Elected Unopposed
College of Engineering, Science and Environment (Level A, B or C)
At the close of the nomination period, 1 valid nomination was received for the 1 available position in the category of College of Engineering, Science and Environment (Level A, B or C). Consequently, it was determined that the following nominee was elected unopposed:
- Dr Ziao Zhang
Non-Newcastle Campus Location (Level D or E)
At the close of the nomination period, 1 valid nomination was received for the 1 available position in the category of Academic Staff (Level D or E) from a Non-Newcastle Campus Location. Consequently, it was determined that the following nominee was elected unopposed:
- Professor Bill Leggat
Outcome of Elections
Academic Staff to Academic Senate
Elected By Ballot
College of Human and Social Futures (Level A, B or C) x 2
At the close of the nomination period, 5 valid nominations were received for the 2 available positions in the category of College of Human and Social Futures (Level A, B or C). Consequently, an electronic, optional, preferential ballot was conducted.
The successful candidates were:
- Dr Elena Aydos; and
- Dr Kate Ferguson-Patrick.
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing (Level A, B or C) x 2
At the close of the nomination period, 7 valid nominations were received for the 2 available positions in the category of College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing (Level A, B or C). Consequently, an electronic, optional, preferential ballot was conducted.
The successful candidates were:
- Dr Hayley Lewthwaite; and
- Dr Evan Williams.
College of Human and Social Futures (Level D or E) x 2
At the close of the nomination period, 6 valid nominations were received for the 2 available positions in the category of College of Human and Social Futures (Level D or E). Consequently, an electronic, optional, preferential ballot was conducted.
The successful candidates were:
- Associate Professor Bin Li; and
- Associate Professor Janet Dzator.
College of Engineering, Science and Environment (Level D or E) x 2
At the close of the nomination period, 3 valid nominations were received for the 2 available positions in the category of College of Engineering, Science and Environment (Level D or E). Consequently, an electronic, optional, preferential ballot was conducted.
The successful candidates were:
- Associate Professor Marc Adam; and
- Associate Professor Hannah Power.
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing (Level D or E) x 1
At the close of the nomination period, 4 valid nominations were received for the 1 available position in the category of College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing (Level D or E). Consequently, an electronic, optional, preferential ballot was conducted.
The successful candidate was:
- Professor Lesley MacDonald-Wicks
Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre (Level A, B, C, D or E) x 1
At the close of the nomination period, 2 valid nominations were received for the 1 available position in the category of Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre (Level A, B, C, D or E). Consequently, an electronic, optional, preferential ballot was conducted.
The successful candidate was:
- Mr Paul Chojenta
Non-Newcastle Campus Location (Level A, B or C) x 1
At the close of the nomination period, 4 valid nominations were received for the 1 available position in the category of Academic Staff (Level A, B, or C) from Non-Newcastle Campus Location. Consequently, an electronic, optional, preferential ballot was conducted.
The successful candidate was:
- Dr Joyleen Christensen
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.