Notre Dame launches new chapter in its unique history

The University of Notre Dame Australia announced today the retirement of Dr Michael Quinlan as Chancellor. Dr Quinlan is one of the University’s founding fathers and has been a Trustee of the University since its inception. Prior to his appointment as Chancellor in 2008, he was Deputy Chancellor. Dr Quinlan has had a most distinguished career as one of Western Australia’s leading physicians and as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Western Australia as well as Professor of Medicine at Notre Dame. He had a pivotal role in establishing the University, the University’s College of Health and the Fremantle School of Medicine. The Board of Trustees has elected Mr Terry Tobin QC to succeed Dr Quinlan as Chancellor. Mr Tobin is the current Deputy Chancellor and is on the University’s Board of Trustees and Board of Directors. Mr Tobin is a distinguished New South Wales barrister who was appointed Queen’s Counsel for New South Wales in 1985 and has also been admitted to the bar in New York and Ireland. The Board of Trustees welcomed the opportunity that his appointment presents to further enhance the University’s operations and profile across Australia. Mr Tobin thanked the Board for his appointment stating that Dr Quinlan’s departure is a closing chapter for the University. “He has been wonderful Chancellor who has done great work during what has been a significant growth phase of the University.” The Board thanked Dr Quinlan for his leadership and loyalty to the University, and to the Church. Dr Quinlan said that it was his privilege to serve the University. “It has been a pleasure and indeed a joy to work for the University and see it grow from its inception. I have great faith in the future of the University and the marvellous people who guide, advise, and are responsible for its administration. The University has been wonderfully supported by the Church since it began, and I am particularly thankful to Archbishop Hickey and Bishop Saunders for being so committed to the Fremantle and Broome campuses during the formative years of the University and since. The invitation to start the Sydney campus was initiated by Cardinal Pell in 2003 and I am grateful for his unwavering support and encouragement since then.” High profile Western Australian businessman, Mr Peter Prendiville, has been appointed Deputy Chancellor and NSW Government Relations Consultant, Ms Margaret Fisher, will join the Board of Trustees as a general Trustee. Long time supporter of Notre Dame and foundation Trustee, Sister Sonia Wagner sgs, will be retiring as a general Trustee. Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond said she was very grateful for all that Dr Quinlan and Sister Sonia had done for the University. “The commitment of these two wonderful people has been outstanding. Whilst I am sad to witness a chapter of the University’s history come to an end, I am also excited to see a new one beginning. I am delighted with the new appointments and sincerely welcome them.” Media contact: Rachael Miller 08 9433 084