Council
Official Member, 6 December 2022 to 5 December 2027
LLB Syd, HonDUni Canberra, HonDSocSc RMIT, HonLLD UNSW, HonDUni ECU, FAICD
Graeme is a lawyer, author and company director. He was Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner from 2005 to 2014, and also Race and Human Rights Commissioner for periods during that time. He is a lifelong advocate, leading public inquiries on same sex: same entitlements, work on making buildings and public transport accessible for people with disabilities, and inspections of Australia's Immigration Detention Centres.
Official Member, 11 April 2018 to 10 April 2024
BAppSc(Biol) Curtin, BSc(Hons) Murdoch, PhD Glasgow, AdvMgtProg Harvard
In his role as Vice-Chancellor and President, Nick drives the strategic planning, financial and external affairs of the University across its network of campus and teaching locations in Australia. Nick also represents the University to government, industry, the wider community and internationally. Nick is passionate about student engagement in learning, excellence in teaching, and research with impact. He has been presented with a teaching excellence award, has been nominated for awards in the promotion of science, and is recognised internationally for his research in applied ecology and environmental science.
Official Member, 1 March 2024 to 28 February 2027
PhD Phil Univ Adel, BBMed(Hon) CQU, BSc CQU
Having been born and raised in Rockhampton and holding two qualifications from CQUniversity, it was wonderful to return to our wonderful University in 2016 after a significant time interstate and abroad. I currently hold positions of acting President of Academic Board, Deputy Chair of Curriculum Committee and Head of College (Clinical Sciences). I am committed to supporting positive student experiences, in particular for those students coming from disadvantaged or minority backgrounds. I am an advocate for regional communities and have lived the journey of many of our students - raised in the regions from a low socio-economic background and was first-in-family to attend University. My research background is in cancer cell biology and genetics with a particular interest in the molecular basis for the pathogenesis of childhood bone cancers (sarcomas).
Appointed Member (appointed by the Governor in Council), 20 July 2023 to 26 May 2026
BBus(HRM) CQU
Steven is a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience in various leadership and management roles. He currently serves as the CEO of the Resources Centre of Excellence, a collaborative platform dedicated to supporting the resources sector in Australia. In addition, he is the General Manager of Boxall Consulting, where he provides strategic advice across multiple industries. A graduate of CQUniversity with a Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management, Steven’s career includes significant roles such as the CEO of Barcaldine Regional Council, where he focused on enhancing the region’s economic, social, and environmental outcomes. His core competencies encompass business strategy, stakeholder engagement, project management, and innovation. Steven views his role on Council as a humbling opportunity to give back to the institution that played a pivotal role in his success. He is passionate about driving change and fostering a culture of collaboration, diversity, and excellence and is committed to sustainable futures.
Appointed Member (appointed by the Governor in Council), 20 July 2023 to 26 May 2026
BA CQU, MBA QUT
18 years ago, proud Birri and Guugu Yimithirr man Wayne Denning saw an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of his fellow First Nations Australians. After more than a decade of working on landmark Australian government policies in Native Title and Land Rights, Wayne’s vision put storytelling and creativity front and centre with the goal of changing hearts and minds on a grand scale. Carbon Creative was born.
From the mainstream to the marginalised, Wayne’s vision has evolved to empower and motivate behaviour change en-masse. Today, Carbon Creative is a team of creative social change specialists making good on this vision. In addition to client advertising and communication briefs, Wayne leads his team on self-funded innovative bespoke projects, close to the agencies heart.
Appointed Member (appointed by Governor in Council), 27 May 2022 to 26 May 2026
GradCertOpenDistL USQ, GradCertEd, MLInnov QUT
From an early career in secondary school, university and TAFE teaching, Sandra’s professional focus has always remained on accessible, engaging, and quality education and training. This focus has anchored her work in strategy and planning, learning technologies, partnerships, course development, learning design, business and systems improvement, innovation, evaluation and mentoring. Her special interest is in vocational education and training because she has seen it transform the lives of so many graduates, as well as those of their families and communities.
Appointed Member (appointed by Governor in Council), 27 May 2014 to 26 May 2026
BBus(Acct) CIAE, BA(CompSt) Canberra, HonDUni CQU, FCPA, FCAANZ, FIPAA, GAICD
Ian is a company director, a member of a number of audit committees, and has undertaken a range of strategic governance reviews. Ian has held a range of senior executive positions in the Australian Public Service, including Deputy Secretary, Financial Management Group, Department of Finance, and Auditor-General for Australia from 2005 to 2015. Following his accounting studies at CQU, Ian has had a close involvement with the accounting profession during his career, having served as a member, Deputy Chair or Chair of several Standards Boards. He is currently a member of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants. Ian is a Fellow (and Life Member) of CPAA, CA ANZ and IPAA, and a graduate of the AICD. Ian was awarded an honorary First Class Medal of Honour by the Government of Indonesia in 2009, the honorary degree of Doctor of the University by CQUniversity in 2012, and is currently a Distinguished Honorary Professor at the Australian National University.
Appointed Member (appointed by Governor in Council), 8 December 2011 to 26 May 2026
CertGovPrac GIA, BAppSc(MLS) RMIT, GradDipScsComm CQU, PhD London, AGIA
Robyn’s career foundations were in haematology & blood transfusion diagnostic & research laboratories in Australia & Europe. Following an ‘academic immersion’ (Senior Lecturer in Haematology at RMIT), she was appointed as Chief Scientist for the QLD Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service. In the newly nationalised Blood Service, she was R&D Executive Manager for Australia-wide research teams & was appointed Passive Immunity Program Leader in the CRC for Vaccine Technology with CSL Ltd. She is an expert strategic & risk management advisor for complex, regulated environments (TEQSA, TGA, NATA). A dedicated health consumer representative, Robyn is also a regional and rural advocate. To her CQUniversity roles, she brings a sound background in executive leadership & governance, with an interest in organisational ethics. Her passion is for mentoring students, early career research scientists & women transitioning to leadership roles.
Additional member (appointed by Council), 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2026
LLB CQU, GradDipLegPrac TCL, MQLS
Nareeta is a practicing Solicitor and proud graduate of CQUniversity’s STEPS and Bachelor of Laws programs. She is a descendant of the Purga Mission from Ipswich with cultural ties to the Kullili Thargomindah people, the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people, and maternal non-Indigenous Australian heritage. Nareeta’s career includes over 25 years of experience in business advisory services, working as a pro bono lawyer supporting vulnerable people, and serving on a range of Boards, Groups and Networks. She has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Queensland Law Society’s First Nations Legal Student of the Year in 2018, the First Nations Solicitor of the Year in 2021, and the CQUniversity 2022 Alumnus of the Year – Early Career Achievement Award. She was named Australasian Lawyer’s Elite Woman of 2022. Nareeta continues her involvement with CQUniversity as a mentor and academic tutor for Bachelor of Laws students, in addition to her service on the University Council.
Additional member (appointed by Council), 27 June 2018 to 30 June 2025
BGenBus Wichita, GAICD
Deputy Chancellor (6 July 2023 to 30 June 2025)
Shelia has been actively involved in the field of International Education for over 25 years. She has extensive experience successfully leading large, complex and diverse global organisations, including one of the world's largest study abroad companies. Shelia is also passionate about philanthropy and is helping students in need through her Foundation for Global Scholars.
Additional member (appointed by Council), 13 May 2014 to 12 May 2024
BA Macq, LLB Sydney, MSc Oxf, FAICD, CMgr FIML, CAHRI
Mark has practised as a Lawyer for over thirty years in the UK, NSW and Queensland. He has a strong background in commercial litigation and now practises solely in employment law and workplace relations. He has a passion for good corporate governance, particularly in education, having held board positions in one of Queensland's largest group training apprenticeship schemes, and a leading independent school in North Queensland where he was Chairman for over 12 years.
Elected member (academic employees and VET educators), 18 May 2024 to 31 January 2026
GradCertEdStud(DigitLrn) UniSA, MIS CQU, PhD Victoria, SFHEA, MACS Snr CP, SMIEEE
Ritesh Chugh is an Associate Professor of Information and Communications Technology at CQUniversity. As a socio-technological expert, his research focuses on information systems and the social dynamics of educational technologies, delving into their impact on individuals and organisations.
His dedication to excellence in teaching and research activities has earned him numerous accolades, including the Best Practice in International Education Award from the International Education Association of Australia and the Dean’s Award for Mid-Career Research Excellence. Ritesh has also been recognised with the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Good Practice in Learning and Teaching and a Staff Award for his invaluable contributions to international education.
Ritesh is also one of CQUniversity’s most prolific contributors to mainstream media, engaging in public scholarship on diverse socio-technology-related issues. He actively shares his insights with the broader community through various media platforms including multiple interviews and radio talkback shows. His work has garnered attention from prominent outlets, such as The Age, The Australian, The Conversation, SBS, Sydney Morning Herald, and The Guardian. Ritesh is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, further affirming his dedication to advancing educational excellence
Elected Member (Professional Employees), 5 January 2017 to 5 January 2025
BAppSc(Math&Comp) UCQ, APESMA, ITPA
Bruce is the elected Professional Staff member on Council. Bruce is a Senior Systems Engineer in the Digital Services Directorate. Bruce is an Alumnus and long-standing staff member of the University and has been part of the journey from the days of the Capricornia Institute to the diverse locations and offerings we have today. Bruce has a strong family bond to the University with his wife, both of his parents and his brothers also being alumni. Bruce has strong community ties in Rockhampton, particularly with sporting affiliations in basketball and Australian Rules Football.
