Notre Dame appoints Deputy Vice Chancellor for Broome Campus

The University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) Broome Campus has announced that Sr Sonia Wagner sgs, a Trustee and Governor of the University, has been appointed to the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor, Broome Campus. A Queenslander by birth, Sr Sonia has a strong background in education and pastoral ministry and has served throughout Australia and overseas. From 1993-2005 she was the congregational leader of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, an Australian founded Order. In this leadership role she guided many communities throughout Australia, Japan, the Philippines and Kiribati in the central Pacific. In Western Australia the Good Samaritans serve in Broome, Derby, Mt Magnet, Geraldton and Kardinya. UNDA Vice Chancellor, Dr Peter Tannock said, “the appointment reflects the changing needs of the University.” He congratulated her on the appointment and acknowledged that the University was very fortunate in gaining such an outstanding person. Following the appointment Sr Sonia said she was aware of what the Broome Campus had achieved so far and what the staff, students and community continue to achieve. “In Australia today there is an increasing awareness of our moral obligation to build bridges of reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. What draws me to Notre Dame’s Broome Campus is its special mission to the indigenous people of the Kimberley and beyond. As a university we offer opportunities in higher education and pathways to that education. As a Catholic university we operate within a context of Catholic faith and values and collaborate closely with the Church of the Kimberley while seeking to be open to all people. I look forward to meeting the people of the Kimberley – those who live here and those who visit – and finding fresh ways to express the spirit of reconciliation throughout the region,” said Sr Sonia. Broome Campus Executive Director Gavin Greaves said he is looking forward to working with Sr Sonia: “Together Sr Sonia and I will continue to strive towards ensuring that the Broome Campus enriches the Kimberley region.