Notice of Ballot - Council
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.
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.