UWS congratulates its Autumn Graduates

Fiona was born and raised in the Nepean Valley and is proud to call the area home. Her family was one of the original farming families of the Nepean Valley region that has maintained its close bond with the community. Giving back to the community that has given so much to her family for generations is important to Fiona and she is determined to help improve the quality of life of vulnerable citizens. She has worked with many local disability groups, providing pro-bono advice and support as well as helping deliver frontline disability services. Fiona holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Western Sydney and a Master of Business Administration.

Professor Mulley has been an outstanding academic leader and researcher who joined UWS in 1991. He has made a major contribution to the development of animal science, agriculture and environmental science and his research achievements include more than 200 publications and research grants of over $2 million. He served as School Dean on a number of occasions, providing leadership and direction that earned the admiration of staff both within and outside the School. He increased the number of research active staff and graduate students and played a leading role in the development of curriculum, particularly the undergraduate degree in animal science. The University is pleased to confer on Robert Mulley the title of Emeritus Professor as part of this ceremony.

Read the Occasional Address delivered by Professor Mulley. 

Professor Kolt has an academic background spanning several disciplines including psychology, physiotherapy, education, and exercise science. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Graduate Diploma in Behavioural Studies in Health Care, Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), Bachelor of Science, and Graduate Diploma in Education. Much of his work has focused on integrating the psychological and physical aspects of health promotion, healthy ageing, and rehabilitation. He has unique expertise developing national research agendas for physical activity, nutrition and obesity, and has consulted to several government agencies on policy and strategy development in this area.

Gabrielle was a founding partner and co-owner of specialist consultancy John Connolly & Partners. For over 25 years, Gabrielle advised large listed companies on the management of major transactions and significant issues across stakeholder groups, including capital markets, government, non-government organisations and other influencers. Gabrielle’s chair and director roles have spanned organisations in urban development, transport, education, public interest law, tourism, culture and sport. Gabrielle co-chaired the 2012 Federal Government review of the Australia Council for the Arts. She is a member of the University of Western Sydney’s Board of Trustees, and a member of the Whitlam Institute Board.

Read the Occasional Address delivered by Gabrielle Trainor.

Greg joined the NSW Fire Brigades (now Fire and Rescue NSW) in 1978 after starting as a volunteer bushfire fighter seven years earlier. After serving in a variety of operational and specialist positions at all ranks, he was appointed as Assistant Commissioner in 1996. In 2000 he was appointed Director of State Operations and in 2003 was appointed to the role of Commissioner – the first fire officer ever to be appointed as both Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

Kathy Keele has had a 35 year career in executive, business development, marketing and corporate affairs roles with Australian and international companies, such as BHP, Telstra, and Siemens. Combining a wealth of business experience with a passion for the arts, Kathy very recently retired as Chief Executive Officer of the iconic Australia Council for the Arts, supporting a vibrant arts sector that is nationally revered and internationally recognised. During her time as CEO, Kathy was very focused on growing support in government funding, community engagement and giving to the arts.

Read the Occasional Address delivered by Kathy Keele. 

The Jumbana Group is a leading Australian Indigenous art, strategy and communications company. At the centre of the Jumbana Group is the Balarinji Studio which creates contemporary Australian design defining a modern nation born of an ancient continent. Ros is creative director of Balarinji Studio and during three decades at the forefront of Australian design, Balarinji has built a broad multi-disciplinary practice, which delivers a total, integrated response to graphic design, public art and communications. Ros is the author of the award-winning memoir Listening to Country. She was a finalist in the 2012 Telstra Businesswomen’s Awards and has also received the Advance Australia Award for Service to Industry and Commerce.

Read the Occasional Address delivered by Ros Moriarty. 

Paul is a registered nurse and in 2008 he joined Medibeat, a joint program run by Mission Australia and St Vincent’s Hospital Homeless Health Service. Paul provided front-line medical care for the many women and men sleeping rough on the city’s streets. Paul was named Nurse of the Year in the 2011 HESTA Australian Nursing Awards for his work with the homeless. Paul is now Complex Case Manager for the HIV Outreach team with NSW Health. He assists clients with complex health care needs such as drug and alcohol issues, homelessness and social isolation.

Michelle was elected to the Federal seat of Greenway in August 2010. Prior to her election she was a senior lawyer at the firm Gilbert and Tobin, specialising in competition and regulation in the telecommunications, media and technology sectors. Michelle has worked towards improving local services and infrastructure in previous roles such as Director of the Western Sydney Area Health Service, as a local Councillor, and as Deputy Mayor of Blacktown City Council. She has also held numerous other positions, including Chair of Screen NSW and member of the Western Sydney Parklands Trust.

Read the Occasional Address delivered by Michelle Rowland. 

As Lord Mayor, Councillor Chedid initiated the first ever Parramatta Economic Development Forum, the Safer Cities program, the first ever parking review panel in Australia, Council’s Property Development and Investment Policy, and the first illegal dumping policy in conjunction with Community Pride Day. Prior to entering politics he spent a decade at Australia’s largest diagnostic company, Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology, now Sonic Health. He oversaw the successful introduction of a total quality management system, which has been instrumental in the company’s growth. With his skills and experience in the health and IT industries, he set up his own company supplying medical health products.

Dr Kellert’s work focuses on understanding the connection between nature and humanity with a particular interest in the human need for nature, environmental conservation, and sustainable design and development. In addition to his professorial role, Dr Kellert is also a member of the Board of Directors of Bio-Logical Capital, a firm that invests in, and implements, sustainable land uses on large landscapes. He has authored more than 150 publications, most recently Birthright: People and Nature in the Modern World and Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life.

Read the Occasional Address delivered by Professor Kellert. 

As CEO of Panthers Group, Warren has successfully combined his love of rugby league with a distinguished career in business. Raised and educated in western Sydney, Warren decided on a university education after an injury ended his football ambitions. He has worked for some of the biggest names in media and sport in Australia, including Westfield and Sky Channel, where he moved from Accountant to Chief Financial Officer, to Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Executive Officer. Warren’s focus at the helm of Panthers Group is to lead the evolution of the club he is so passionate about into the powerhouse he believes it should be.

NB: Unfortunately, Mr Wilson was unable to deliver the Occasional Address as scheduled. Professor Clive Smallman, Dean of the School of Business, delivered the address in his stead. 

Leah was born in Mackay, Queensland, and she is a Torres Strait Islander. She moved to Newcastle in the late 1980s and began working with the Aboriginal community before helping to establish, and then lead, Yarnteen – a not-for-profit company providing Aboriginal people with training and employment opportunities. In 2009, Australian Financial Review’s ‘Boss’ magazine recognised Leah as a ‘true leader’ and in 2010, Leah was appointed CEO of Reconciliation Australia, a not-for-profit national organisation to build and promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non- Indigenous Australians. In 2012 Leah was recognised in the Australian Financial Review/Westpac 100 Influential Women Awards.

Read the Occasional Address delivered by Leah Armstrong.

Born and raised locally, Martin is proud to call Parramatta home. He was educated at St Oliver’s in Harris Park and Parramatta Marist in Westmead, before completing his degree and becoming a chartered accountant. After a number of years, Martin had the opportunity to go into business for himself. He is a partner in a small business, MJZ Accountants, in the heart of Parramatta, where he specialises in helping locals grow their businesses and manage their taxes.

NB: Unfortunately, Mr Zaiter was unable to deliver the Occasional Address as scheduled. Professor Clive Smallman, Dean of the School of Business, delivered the Address in his stead. 

AFG Venture Group undertakes mergers, acquisitions, divestments, fund raising, licensing and strategic consulting, with offices in Sydney, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and India. Lindley’s work takes a whole-of-business approach and specialises in working with companies that are emergent, are in growth phases, or facing market disruption. Lindley is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australia. She holds undergraduate degrees in accounting as well as banking and finance, and holds postgraduate qualifications in corporate governance. She is currently undertaking her PhD.

Read the Occasional Address delivered by Lindley Edwards. 

Ryan was appointed Chairman of The National Library of Australia in 2012. With his particular interest in digital technology, Ryan understands the role ahead for cultural institutions like the National Library, and the challenge to ensure that the collections of today are available for future generations. He is also Chief Executive Officer of Australian Capital Equity and Chief Operating Officer of Seven Group Holdings. Seven Group Holdings holds a majority interest in Seven West Media, comprising Australia’s largest commercial television broadcaster, the Seven Network, West Australian Newspaper Holdings, Pacific Magazines, as well as Yahoo!7, a joint venture with Yahoo Incorporated. Ryan is a Director of Seven West Media, Yahoo!7, and Iron Ore Holdings. He is also a Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

Read the Occasional Address delivered by Ryan Stokes. 

Professor Scott came to UWS in 2004 as Professor and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Quality). He is internationally renowned and has undertaken national and international research studies on university student learning and retention, education for sustainability, quality assurance, change management and leadership. He has been elected as a Fellow of the Australian College of Education for his national and international contributions to post-secondary and higher education, and in 2007 he was the recipient of the Australian Higher Education Quality Award. The University is pleased to confer on Geoff Scott the title of Emeritus Professor as part of this ceremony.

Read the Occasional Address delivered by Professor Scott.