Members of Convocation Council
The members of Convocation Council passionately champion the advancement of the University of Western Australia, embodying an enduring dedication that supports the institution's growth and excellence.
2024 Council of Convocation
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Emeritus Professor Jenny Gregory AM
Warden of Convocation (2022-2024)
Council Member (2018) 2022Jenny Gregory AM, BA Hons, PhD (UWA), FRHS, MPHA, MICOMOS is Emeritus Professor of History at The University of Western Australia, where she taught Australian history, heritage, and urban history. She has published over eighty books, chapters and articles, including the books, City of Light: a history of Perth since the 1950s, Claremont (with Geoff Bolton) and Building a Tradition: a history of Scotch College, and edited collections, Seeking Wisdom: a Centenary History of UWA and the Historical Encyclopaedia of WA.
She has extensive leadership experience. At UWA she was Head, Schools of Humanities and Music; Chair, Discipline Groups of History and Philosophy; Director, UWA Press; and led large research teams. In the community she served as President of the History Council of WA and as President and Chair of the National Trust WA for many years.
At a personal level, her husband (Convocation Councillor 1999-2006) and two adult children are also graduates of UWA. She looks forward to her grandchildren attending UWA in the future.
Deeply committed to UWA, she believes in the role of Convocation Council in promoting interaction between Convocation members and representing their interests on matters affecting the University. Elected to Council in 2018, she has coordinated the last five Convocation Day celebrations, was elected to the Chancellor’s Joint Committee of Convocation Council and Development & Alumni Relations, and was its co-chair in 2022, and played a pivotal role in developing Council’s Strategic Plan 2023-26.
Elected Warden in 2022, she is intent on implementing key aspects of the plan; revitalising council, inspiring members, engaging members and contributing to the advancement of our University, Convocation, higher education and our community. With the assistance of Council and its Committees, in 2023 her priorities are to present the statutory changes required to implement key aspects of the plan to Senate; develop a viable process that complements UWA’s mentoring and internship schemes for students; develop Convocation’s advocacy profile by bringing current higher education news to graduates; develop fund-raising strategies; and consider new means of engaging with graduates.
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Dr David Griffiths
Deputy Warden (2022-2024)
Council Member (2019) 2022I graduated from UWA with a Bachelor of Economics with First Class Honours in 1973. I am a Master of Economics ANU (1976), and a Founder of University Club.
After graduating I worked as an Economist with Commonwealth Bank, a tutor at UWA and ANU and in increasingly senior financial roles in a range of industries including the role of Group Treasurer to Robert Holmes a Court ‘s companies during much of 1980’s. During the 1990’s I was Executive Chairman and shareholder of Porter Western Limited, a very successful stock broking and advisory company, which we sold to Macquarie Bank Limited in 1999. I worked at Macquarie for 5 years resigning in 2005. Since that date I have been a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of a number of ASX listed companies and contemporary dance company CO3.
From 1996-2008 I was a government nominee member of the Senate of UWA. I served on and later Chaired the Strategic Resources Committee and served on the Development Committee. I joined the Board of the Perth Festival in 2001 and was a Director until 2015 finishing as Deputy Chair. In the final years of my Senate term I became Pro-Chancellor and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Economics in 2009.
Since joining Council I have been a strong proponent of the re-imagining and restructure of Convocation to help it engage more with its members and more relevant to the University, its students and staff. I Chair the Strategic Planning Committee. -
Mr Matthew Budge
Council Member (2023) 2026
Matt Budge joined PwC in 2001 and has over 21 years’ experience in providing tax advice to Australian and multinational companies. Matt was appointed partner in 2012 when he returned to Perth ten years ago after eight years on secondment in Melbourne and Sydney. Matt has a very broad range of experience in diverse industries having worked on transactions in the Perth, Melbourne and Sydney markets serviced by PwC. Matt holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia, a Masters of Taxation from the University of Melbourne, is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and NZ, and the Finance Director of Alzheimer’s WA.
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Ms Harriet Calverley
Council Member (2022) 2026
I am a graduate of UWA with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Management (2021). With over seven years’ experience across the higher education, corporate and medical sectors, I am currently the manager of the Central Events team in Brand, Marketing and Recruitment at UWA. My key areas of focus are managing relationships with senior stakeholders as a strategic business partner, overseeing delivery of a large portfolio of premium events including Graduations and Open Day, and the development and implementation of strategic projects to meet business needs and drive continuous improvement.
I have extensive experience in event logistics, project management, communication and stakeholder relationship management, paired with a strong track record of accomplishment in solving problems in high pressure situations and managing a high performing team. I have received several awards recognising my work, including the ‘Trailblazer’ Award at the UWA Professional Services Awards in 2019, and the MEA Ungerboeck Young Events Professional of the Year 2019 (WA).
I have strong links with the UWA community, having held roles in student organisations since commencing my studies in 2013, including President of the Arts Union (2015), Co-Chair of Relay for Life (2017) and Life Member of EMAS UWA (2018). In addition, I am the Treasurer of the Storm Netball Club where I play and manage teams.
As a Council member, I look forward to improving engagement and opportunities for our members, particularly young alumni, and contributing to achieving the strategic vision and priorities of Convocation within the University.
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Ms Simone Collins....
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Ms Devon Cuneo
Council Member (2011) 2026
Devon commenced Psychology at UWA in 1966 but left to work in North America for 2 years then moved to Europe where she studied French Language and Literature at the Sorbonne. Later, she completed a Teaching Diploma at Nedlands Secondary Teachers College and then successfully undertook a double degree in Italian and German at UWA, during which time she was awarded an Italian Government Scholarship to study in Siena.
For 17 years Devon taught Japanese and French at PLC having later studied Japanese at UWA and Ryukoko University in Kyoto. During this time, she served on various committees and was involved in several exchange programmes. In 2001-2, Devon studied post-graduate linguistics externally which led to her teaching at Junshin and Kagoshima Universities and on her return to Australia to teaching EALD. She taught at Christ Church and Newman colleges and examined for IELTS here and in India. She continues to do relief teaching at Churchlands High.
Devon's two sons and husband (deceased) are also UWA graduates. Her focus is now volunteering, including mentoring overseas students, and assisting at Lions Club, Little Things for Tiny and Cat Haven events. She is also an active committee member of Friends of Grounds and the PLCOCA, both involved in fundraising activities.
A dedicated and involved member of Convocation Council for the past 7 years, Devon has contributed in every possible way and worked actively on the Awards, Events and Resources Committee. She has sat on the selection panels for the various Convocation awards since her time on Council.
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Mr David Davidson
Council Member (2023) 2024
I am a graduate of the University of WA (UWA) with a Bachelor of Science in 1992 majoring in anatomy and human biology and geography. I then completed a Graduate Diploma in Education at UWA in 1993.
I returned to UWA in 2001 to 2003 to complete my Master of Laws. I am a qualified lawyer and a Senior lawyer in the State Government. I have also worked for the Commonwealth Government as a lawyer as well as a large and small law firms in the legal profession. I have been active at the Law Society of WA and I am a Chair person for committees at the Society. I am also the WA representative for the National Law Committee in Criminal Law for the Law Council of Australia. I have held many secondary jobs in the legal profession from lecturing, tutoring and course evaulations.
I believe that the following qualities I can bring to this position:
- A real commitment to see UWA continue to be the best university in WA;
- A legal perspective to the corporate governance of UWA;
- A public service perspective of what the university could do to work more collaboratively with the public sector;
- Helping make UWA more vocational and have its graduates more job savvy than competing graduates from other universities; and
- Support the vitality and practical view to the Council with fresh eyes in this very changing and dynamic workforce and modern industry.
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Dr Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis
Council Member (2017) 2026
Dr Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis is in her third three-year term as a member of the Council of Convocation. A graduate of UWA – BA, GradDipEd, MEd (Hons), EdD, Angela also holds a Teacher’s Higher Certificate, and three certificates for competency in Modern Greek. A secondary-trained teacher and school leader, Angela has been in the profession for over 40 years, teaching and leading in all tiers; primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Currently, Angela is the WA Regional Lead for Australian Catholic University and Teach for Australia; and a Unit Coordinator and Lecturer of Master of Teaching and Master of Education units at the Graduate School of Education, UWA, where she is also an Honorary Research Fellow.
During her time on Council, Angela has been active in several significant roles, including being the Vice Chancellor’s nominated Council member for the Freedom of Expression Working Group (2018-2019); Chair of the Events Committee; member of the Awards Committee, and judge of the Bryant Stokes
2023 Council of ConvocationMatilda Award and Post-graduate Research Travel Award. She has also been a member of the Engagement Committee, Writers Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee, wherein she contributed to the University’s 2030 Strategic Vision papers. More recently, Angela was invited to be a member of the newly formed ‘Celebrating our Graduates’ Working Group, which is developing initiatives for the near future. A member of the Executive Committee, she has also represented the Warden at the July and December Graduation Ceremonies.
Angela continues to serve Convocation, promoting UWA, in all its endeavours, to the wider community.
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Dr Agi Gedeon
Council Member (2015) 2025
Agi Gedeon is an alumnus of UWA (BScHons 1984) and later University of Adelaide (PhD 1996). As a Human Molecular Geneticist her research and diagnostics career of 16 years generated over 60+ papers and still holds an H-factor of 32. She was nominated for the Australian Academy of Science Gottschalk medal and Tall Poppy (SA) award in 2000 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to research in medical sciences.
She has worked for a molecular biology supplier and startup biotech companies before moving to the Pilbara where she put her energy into a range of administrative opportunities with the Pilbara Division of General Practice, TAFE, RioTinto, Shire of Roebourne, Woodside and Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Agi returned to UWA in 2010 in the role of Research Development Adviser in International Networks and Collaborations where she worked with researchers across the university to build new multinational projects. She was appointed as the Centre Manager for the State Centre of Excellence in Ecohydrology, then Manager of the WA node of the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) and now works with the Australian National Data Service to make better use of Australia's research data.
She was on the UWA committee for the University Managers Group and freely volunteers during her leisure time for many NFP and community organisations. She is particularly keen to build alumni engagement and community development through the broad-ranging expertise of the members of Convocation.
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Mr Graham Goerke
Council Member (2022)2025
Bachelor of Jurisprudence 1980 UWA
Bachelor of Laws 1981 UWA.Partner of Perth law firm Jackson McDonald from July 1987 to December 2015.
Board member from 2007 - 2022 of the Western Australian Sports Centre Trust (VenuesWest) established under the Western Australian Sports Centre Trust Act 1986, serving as Chair from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2022.
Following 10 years on the Board of Aquinas College in Perth, with 6 years as Chair until 2004, appointed in 2006 as a member of the inaugural Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), served as the EREA Board Chair from 2013 – 2019 and from January 2020 to April 2022 served a further term as an EREA Trustee. EREA currently owns and governs over 50 Catholic mainstream and flexible learning schools around Australia.
2023 Council of ConvocationIn February 2016 appointed as a member of the Council and Executive Committee of the National Trust in Western Australia, established under the National Trust of Australia (W.A.) Act 1964. Currently serving as Deputy Chair.
In August 2016 appointed a Director of the Australian Council of National Trusts (ACNT) whose members comprise each of the State and Territory National Trusts. Served as Chair of the ACNT from November 2019 to October 2022.
Since February 2022 appointed by Edith Cowan University as the independent chair of the City Campus Project Board helping to oversee the construction of the new ECU city campus.
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Adjunct Professor Warren Kerr AM
Elected Member of Senate (2015) 2019-2025
Immediate Past Warden of Convocation (2017-2020)
Warden of Convocation (2014-2017)
Council Member (2010) 2026In addition to being a member of Convocation Council, Warren is one of the two members of the UWA Senate elected by the members of Convocation.
He first became actively involved in Convocation in 2010, served as the Warden of Convocation during the period 2013 –2017 and was first elected as a member of the Senate in 2015.
Warren strongly believes in the potential of Convocation to support and assist every UWA graduate to achieve their full potential, encouraging them to live with integrity and honour in the bonds of lifelong friendship, building confidence to excel in their career and inspiring members to be active leaders, responsible citizens and engaged members of their community.
He graduated from UWA with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1974 and for the past 21 years has served as a Director of HAMES SHARLEY Architects. In addition to his formal qualifications in architecture, Warren has a Masters Degree from the University of NSW in health administration and planning, and has spent most of his career specialising in the planning and design of major hospital projects.
In addition to his project workload, Warren maintains an active interest in teaching and research as an Adjunct Professor at UWA, as a Board member of the Australian Health Design Council, as Australia’s representative on an international forum aimed at improving the planning and design of health facilities and through various voluntary roles for the Institute of Architects and the Australasian College of Health Service Management. In addition, he is Chair of the Regal Theatre Foundation.
Warren is a former State and National President of the Australian Institute of Architects and a former State and National Chair of the Australian Council of Built Environment Design Professions.
In January 2009, Warren was appointed as a member of the Order of Australia for his services to architecture and his contribution to the planning and design of major health facilities.
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Associate Professor Estie Kruger
Council Member (2021) 2024
I have had a longstanding relationship with UWA, and have been serving as an academic staff member for almost 20 years, since 2001. In 2016 I also completed a PhD at UWA. I graduated as a dentist and specialised in dental public health (University of Stellenbosch, South Africa), hold specialist membership of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, as well as a Fellowship of the International College of Dentists. I have contributed extensively to research in the field of dental public health, with more than 200 publications in peer reviewed international and national journals. I also developed a Master’s program in dental public health at UWA.
I have received several awards and nominations for teaching excellence, and also serve as one of two Scientists in Residence at St Catherine’s College. I am a regular contributor to the online Croakey website, and blogs are about public health, social justice, health equality, and dental services. These are written aimed at the general public, rather than just the science or discipline community. Through social media, it also promotes and communicate research output. I also have several hundred followers on Twitter.
Committed to student education, I am working with dozens of graduate students every year, and see student experience at UWA important for future alumni engagement. Both my sons are also students at UWA. I see this as an opportunity to serve UWA, and contribute to its impact in the wider community.
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Dr Raj Kurup
Council Member (2017) 2024
M.Eng.Sc (UWA), M.Eng (Delft), PhD (Murdoch), MBA (Melbourne), GAICD, FIEAust, NER, CPEng
Raj has been a member of the UWA Convocation Council since 2017. He has been actively involved in facilitating internship and job opportunities for UWA students and fresh graduates, and selecting the recipients of various Convocation scholarships.
Raj has been closely associated with UWA, having served as an Adjunct Associate Professor from 2009 to 2015 and currently as an Adjunct Professor. Raj has supervised and mentored many students, and secured external funding for research projects at UWA.
Raj is a multi-award winning Environmental Engineer; the 2021 Australian Professional Environmental Engineer, WA Professional Engineer of the Year 2020, Most Innovative Engineer in 2017 and 2019, and WA Water Professional of the Year 2017. Raj is CEO of Environmental Engineers International Pty Ltd (EEI). He has consulted for all levels of government in different countries, the UN, and various industry sectors. These include clients such as South32, Alcoa, Woodside and BHP, utilities and the primary industries. Raj has authored over 60 publications, holds multiple patents, and has previously been an editor of various journals.
Raj is passionate about education and research. He believes in strong collaboration between stakeholders in education and research, including schools, universities, industry, the professions and the community. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at universities including the University of Missouri-Columbia, USA and Murdoch University.
Raj has over 20 years of non-executive director/ advisory board level experience with a range of professional and community organisations. These include the Chair of the Community Advisory Group for the SMRC, Chair of the WA chapter of the Sustainable Engineering Society, member of Penrhos College Foundation Board and a Division Board member of Engineers Australia.
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Dr Moira MaleyCouncil Member (2020) 2024
Moira Maley (BSc, MSc, PhD, PGCertMedEd, DipNautSci,GradDipEcot) is a UWA graduate with an academic career in biomedical research and health professions education in city and rural / regional settings. She has served on international medical education working groups. Her publications span several domains (pathology, rural medical education, education technology, global health, eco-restoration and regional Australian history).
As such she brings both a broad and a deep understanding of the international academic world, a recent walked experience of life as a university student in the regions and the perspective of a values-based educator. She will contribute wisdom and time toward forming Convocation as a steadying long-term supporter of graduates. -
Ms Nee Nee Ong
Council Member (2016) 2024
Nee Nee is a graduate of UWA with Masters in Business Administration and Bachelor of Engineering. Nee Nee is the recipient of the 2022 Engineers Australia medal, an acknowledgement of the enormity of her contribution to Engineers Australia across a wide variety of roles and her unwavering personal commitment to supporting and advancing the engineering profession. With over 25 year’s experience, she currently works as a project manager and an engineer managing interdisciplinary teams for the delivery of projects and providing electrical design work. Nee Nee has continued her association with UWA, as the Convocation Awards Convener, University Club and University Hall Advisory Board member, and university accreditation accessor.
Nee Nee has extensive leadership, governance, marketing, event organisation and finance experience with not-for-profit and professional organisations. This is evident with the current positions held with Engineers Australia; Co-Chair of the Electrical College Board and Chair of College of Leadership and Management.
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Dr Fran Pesich
Council Member (2010-2014) 2024
After completing her degree in Architecture at UWA, Fran expanded her design interests to include how organisations function while working in the shipbuilding industry during the 1980s (design, documentation, contract management and project management).
After completing an MBA at UWA in 1989 (Austrade Prize in International Marketing), Fran joined Bunnings Forest Products as their Logistics Manager which included the development of customer service, process flow capability and the business’s quality management program. The interest in organisations continued and after leaving the Wesfarmers group, Fran worked as a third-party auditor with NATA in Queensland, and then became a certified, verifying senior auditor with Quality Assurance Services (now SAI-Global).
After completing a professional doctorate in strategic management at UWA (2004) Fran returned to consulting work, predominantly with the Water Corporation (project management, program management, capital investment, asset management) and auditing activities including as an auditor with the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA). Fran has also been an AIPM judge, written award winning AIPM submissions and continues to provide consulting services to large government and private organisations.
Affiliations are held with a variety of professional associations including the Graduate Management Association and Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD). Fran was previously a member of Convocation Council from 2010-2014 and was re-elected in 2018. Fran was also President of the UWA Historical Society from 2012-2014 and from 2017-2020.
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Mr Ric Stern
Council Member (2022) 2025
I am originally from New York, and immigrated to Perth in 1982. I’ve had a dual career path for most of my adult life with 46 years in senior management and 57 years in Show Business. My first senior management position was as Operations Coordinator for the S.E. Sector of Pan American World Airways in Miami, Florida.
I completed my undergrad studies in various universities in America in Music & Electronics Technology, and became involved in the Education Sector upon arrival in WA, leading to secondment to Head Office within the TAFE Division. Subsequent to leaving TAFE, I established & operated successful businesses for 15 years, including: A Music Business, Hotel, Restaurant, and Nightclub.
I completed two post-grad degrees at UWA (Management & Business Administration), whilst running courts of Petty Sessions and Magistrate’s Courts for the Department of Justice.
I am the former Treasurer for the 2nd largest branch of the Liberal Party, and sit on the Legislative Council for the Division, former Treasurer & Vice President of the Perth Jazz Society Board of Management, UWA Convocation Council Member & former Chair of the 50th Reunion Celebration Committee of 1969.
I have done considerable work for the community, acting as a Pro Bono Attorney for select clients, entertained at Autumn Centres for the over 50’s, won two international awards for Asian Cooking in a contest sponsored by Ayam, and I am the longest serving Santa Claus in Australasia…46 years.
I am an international recording artist/composer/lyricist, and have 3 bands (a Duo, Trio, & Quartet). I work as a Singer/Pianist at an exclusive Restaurant/Cabaret called Roberto’s on Bennett in East Perth every Friday & Saturday night from 6:30pm.
I’m in my 2nd term as a Convocation Councillor and very much look forward to working with Council, UWA, and the community to contribute to the betterment of people’s lives, education of our youth, and raise the consciousness of our residents in regard to preserving our climate & environment.
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Winthrop Professor Marc Tennant AM
Council Member (2019) 2025
With a lifetime commitment to UWA, having been a student here in the 1980's and then an academic for nearly three decades, Marc has experienced substantial changes within the University over that time.
Marc has been an employee at all levels of academia; having experienced life as a casual staff member right through to now, as a Senior Professor. He is committed to the long haul with UWA, and over his lifetime has always been focused on its goals and values.
He has received many awards for his commitment to the WA, and the wider Australian community. The Student Guild has named a cafe on campus in honour of his commitment.
Marc is also the Deputy Chair of the Academic Board, the peak academic body of the University. He has held this role for a number of years after being the Associate Chair.
Marc's principal Research and Development focus is on community development and the welfare of society both locally and internationally. He is globally respected for his efforts in addressing marginalisation with a strong focus on health; having contributed to advancing society in many developing nations.
Marc has strong ties to our local community (living as a neighbour of the University) ensures his dedication to good community citizenship at a local level. You will regularly see Marc at local community events and walking and shopping in the local district.
Marc truly represents the University, its Community and the broader society it serves. In 2022 Marc was appointed by the Governor General as a Member of the Order of Australia for services.
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Ms Fiona TremlettFiona's academic journey began at Swanbourne Primary, continuing at MLC where she discovered talents in sport, including winning State level athletics competitions. Her studies progressed at UWA, where she earned degrees in Science (Zoology) and Law. She also went to Murdoch University as a mature student, where she completed another Science degree, focusing on Biotechnology and Ecological Management. Her home life has been based in Perth, however she’s also lived in Geraldton and Bunbury, plus travelling within WA, Australia and abroad.
Initially embarking on a career in law, Fiona soon faced moral dilemmas that challenged her personal ethics and belief in justice. After leaving the profession, this internal conflict sparked a deep introspection, leading her to various fields of study and self-reflection. Her quest for understanding touched upon the intricacies of human nature and the broader mysteries of the universe.
Her diverse professional experiences and learnings span multiple industries, public and private sectors, and varied roles, enriching her perspectives on life and work. Ultimately, Fiona circled back to the legal profession, now specializing in estate planning and deceased estates. She started her own business in 2021, focusing on helping clients to leave lasting positive legacies, or administer the legacies of loved ones.
Fiona is committed to ensuring that UWA and its graduates not only flourish independently but also create synergistic impacts for the greater good. This can be achieved by harnessing the plethora of opportunities available, and encouraging mutually beneficial relationships for all involved, including businesses and the wider community. -
Mr Viknash VM