60 seconds with Geoff Lilliss
Meet UON’s Council members as we share their thoughts on education and being part of the Council.
Why did you join the University Council?
I was glad to be invited as it gave me the chance to give something real and tangible back to the University.
What do you look back on most fondly when it comes to your own education?
Looking back, well it was a long time ago and the memory gets fuzzy! The answer is - lots of things but the main memory was the part time and work slog which went on for many years. Yes if you were sponsored as I was by a company, they didn't really believe in full time. Anyway, that led to lots of adventures and good colleagues many of whom were real characters!
A little more about Geoff
BE(Hons), MBA(Merit)(Newcastle), FIEAust, MAICD
Geoff Lilliss’ career spans senior executive positions in Australia’s electrical power and manufacturing industries. He is recognised for managing large utility networks, delivering billion dollar investment programmes, his leadership in policy development, renewables and industry regulation, leadership of organisational change and developing key markets.
Most recently, Geoff was Managing Director and CEO of a leading international manufacturing and mining services group. Previously, he managed Australia’s largest electricity network during a period of significant network reform including its successful bid for the Australian Government’s $100M intelligent electricity network program, Smart Grid Smart City.
As a recognised industry leader on Smart Networks, Geoff was a key member of the International Utility Working Group, facilitating industry development for major utilities on a global basis.
Geoff holds an MBA (Merit), Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and Conjoint Professorship in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Newcastle. He is a member of the University Council, Chairs the Strategic Development Committee of the Council and is a member of the Board of Governors of the Electrical Engineering Foundation at Sydney University. Geoff is a Board member of Regional Development Australia (Hunter), a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia, former Chair of the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW, and is recognised as one of Australia’s top 100 most influential Engineers (2013 and 2014).
More about Council
Council is UON's governing board. Its role is to oversee the affairs of the University, set and review our strategic direction and ensure that the right structures, policies, processes, and plans are in place to help us achieve our organisational goals.
The Council is committed to providing information about itself, its activities and its decisions to staff and students. After each Council Meeting, you read more about Council’s decisions in the Council Communique.
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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.