27 November 2003

Charles Darwin University Deputy Chancellor Justice Sally Thomas AM (left), Chancellor Richard Ryan AO and Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Garnett

The establishment of a new Council and election of a new Chancellor emphasises the new approach underway at Charles Darwin University.

Last night’s first meeting of the Charles Darwin University Council elected Richard Ryan AO as Chancellor and Justice Sally Thomas AM as Deputy Chancellor.

“There is a tangible excitement here about building Australia’s newest University and I am honoured to have been elected to the position,” said Chancellor Ryan.

“The Council looks forward to working with its key stakeholders to ensure an accessible, confident and high quality institution is established as the Northern Territory embarks upon an unprecedented era of growth,” said Chancellor Richard Ryan.

NT Minister for Employment, Education and Training Syd Stirling welcomed the appointments, saying both Chancellor Ryan and Justice Thomas would bring a great deal of commitment and expertise to their new roles.

“Both Chancellor Ryan and Justice Thomas will provide crucial leadership as they and the new Council members work to build Charles Darwin University into a world class research, training and tertiary facility,” he said.

“We now have in place a dedicated team who will make a big difference to our efforts to improve opportunities for young Territorians, no matter where they live.”

New Charles Darwin University Chancellor, Richard Ryan AO

Chancellor Ryan is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a Companion of the Institution of Engineers. He is a director of several public companies and is currently Chairman of the Menzies School of Health Research.

Deputy Chancellor Justice Sally Thomas was appointed as a Stipendiary Magistrate of the Northern Territory in 1978 and a Judge of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory in 1992.

Constituted this month, the new Council comprises thirteen members:
Mark Dunn, Barry Ford , Professor Helen Garnett, Trever LeLievre, Janie Mason, John McBride, Jennifer Prince, David Ross, Ippe Okazaki, Richard Ryan, Dr Steve Shanahan, Justice Sally Thomas and Professor Judith A Whitworth.