17 July 2020: The ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, has recently appointed two new prominent Canberrans as members of the University of Canberra (UC) Council until 2023. Corporate and commercial lawyer, Alice Tay, began her term in early July, while news anchor, TV host and radio presenter Dan Bourchier will join the board from 23 October 2020. The UC Council is also proud to reappoint eminent businesswoman Dr Chris Faulks.
Experienced corporate and commercial lawyer and former partner at Meyer Vandenberg (retired), Ms Alice Tay, is now focused on utilising her knowledge and experience to help build healthy, vibrant, innovative and strong businesses and communities through her non-executive board, committee and advisory appointments. Ms Tay has a strong background in audit and risk at a board level and has chaired a number of committees. She is a graduate of the AICD and a Fellow of the Governance Institute.
“For a university that is 30 years young, UC displays an innovative and compassionate approach to building its community beyond campus walls,” said Ms Tay. “I look forward to bringing my executive experience across multiple boards and committees to the table to further UC’s ambitions in the ACT.”
Mr Dan Bourchier has worked across print and digital, television, radio and social media for more than 20 years. He has been part of a small team that won a Logie and a Walkley for political coverage, has won an NT Media Award, and been highly commended by the World Indigenous Television Broadcasters Network awards.
"I'm honoured to be joining the council of an institution that has a very special place at the heart of the Canberra and Australian community," Dan Bourchier said.
"We are in unusual times and, as we adapt to a new normal, I'm looking forward to helping to formulate ongoing strategy which sees the University of Canberra strengthen. I'm thrilled to be part of the next chapter in the story of this institution."
Mr Bourchier is an experienced non-executive director, who is driven by a values and strategic approach to governance and leadership. He has experience in the government, corporate, not-for-profit and community sectors and brings experience in strategic and crisis communication, public relations, strategic planning, risk and audit, change management and governance capacity. He is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course, a Justice of the Peace, and is the only journalist in Australia to have completed AUSMAT emergency responder’s certification.
Mr Bourchier uses his upbringing in remote Australia, his Indigenous heritage and extensive experience to underpin a values, social and inclusive based approach to leadership and cultural governance.
Dan Bourchier will replace Mr Barry Mewett who has served on Council for the maximum number of terms allowable. Ms Tay replaces Mr Glenn Keys who chose not to apply for reappointment due to his extensive business commitments. The University thanks Mr Mewett and Mr Keys for their dedication and service.
Dr Faulks has also been reappointed to Council until 2023. She has been on the UC Council since 2014 and Deputy Chancellor since October 2017. Dr Faulks has qualifications and extensive experience in corporate and university governance, management and commercial enterprise as well as experience in the education sector at a teaching and policy development level.
“I’m excited to continue my term on the UC Council, focusing on the role of the university in the community as a Civic University,” said Dr Faulks. “I am deeply committed to my role at UC, and buoyed by the consistent engagement and commitment of all its staff—especially during this difficult year.”
Dr Chris Faulks has had a varied career with wide-ranging experience in government, business and the NGO sector. Her roles have included CEO of Canberra Business Council, General Manager of Diabetes Australia and Senior Adviser and Chief of Staff to several Federal Government Ministers. More recently, she has applied her experience and skills as a director on a number of public, private and not for profit boards.
Mr Dan Bourchier and Ms Alice Tay join Dr Chris Faulks, Mr Barry Mewett, Ms Annabelle Pegrum AM, Mr David Sturgiss, Mr Glenn Keys AO, Dr Michael Schaper, Dr Tom Karmel AM, and Ms Patricia Kelly as Council members appointed by the Chief Minister. The University of Canberra Council is helmed by Chancellor Professor Tom Calma AO, with Professor Paddy Nixon, Vice-Chancellor and President, Chair of the Academic Board Professor Elisa Martinez-Marroquin, elected academic staff representative Professor Kate Pumpa, elected general staff representative Ms Melissa Hankinson, elected postgraduate student representative Mr Anthony Davidson, and elected undergraduate student Ms Emma Montgomery.
More information about the University Council is available here: https://www.canberra.edu.au/about-uc/governance/council
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Megan Reeder Hope, Associate Director
megan.reederhope@canberra.edu.au or 0435 103 735