CDU’s new Chancellor welcomed by centuries of tradition

The weight of hundreds of years of tradition has settled upon the shoulders of the Honourable Trevor Riley AO KC, after he donned the robes and mortarboard in his investiture as the fifth Chancellor of Charles Darwin University (CDU) last Thursday evening. 

The ceremony, held at CDU’s Danala | Education and Community Precinct in Darwin City, gave a heartfelt farewell to outgoing Chancellor Paul Henderson, and celebrated the University’s embarkment on this next chapter with Mr Riley. 

“It was a very impressive and appropriate ceremony, and a wonderful celebration of Charles Darwin University,” Mr Riley said. 

“I look forward to what I see as a significant undertaking with all universities in Australia experiencing very challenging times. This university is vital to the Northern Territory and its people and has been serving them well for many years, and I hope to play a part in having that work continue.”

The Chancellor’s role is to lead the University Council, help guide the strategic vision of the University, and be the ceremonial face of CDU by presiding over graduations and formal occasions. 

Mr Riley, who commenced as Chancellor in July, said the early part of his tenure had made him realise the scale of CDU’s operations. 

“What has stuck out to me is the size of the enterprise, how large the undertaking of this university is and how widespread it is,” Mr Riley said.

“There are so many fields, it’s extraordinary. I never appreciated how much goes on and what a wide, expansive field the university covers. 

“What has also surprised me, which I spoke about [at the investiture] is how well the university ranks on international scales. CDU is an impressive institution which does the NT proud.”

Mr Riley formerly served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and has an esteemed history with CDU. 

In 1991 he was a part time lecturer in Civil Procedure, and in 2016 was appointed as a University Professorial Fellow with the School of Law in 2016. Mr Riley was also Chair of the Menzies School of Health Research. 

Mr Riley said his interim focus was further exploring the University. 

“I want to learn as much as I can about the university and how it operates and do my best to ensure the governance of the University is strong and suitable for purpose,” he said. 

CDU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman thanked Mr Henderson for his service, and said he was eager to grow the University’s capability and impact with Mr Riley. 

“Paul served our University with distinction, and we’re grateful for his wisdom, respect and steady leadership,” Professor Bowman said. 

“I am thrilled to enter this new chapter with Trevor, who will carry this University forward with the same strength and integrity.”