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[ Background Conversations ]
>> Colin Stirling, Provost
and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor:
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Please be upstanding for the arrival of His Excellency,
Mr. Malcolm McCusker and the stage party.
Thank you.
[ Australian National Anthem Sung ]
[ Applause ]
>> Colin Stirling, Provost
and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor:
Please be seated.
That was Miss Billie Court.
Daughter of our former Premier, Richard Court.
Who singing the National Anthem for you there today.
A fantastic rendition, I'm sure you'll all agree.
So welcome to you all.
We're delighted to see so many people here today
to witness the investiture of our new Vice-Chancellor,
Professor Deborah Terry.
I would particularly like to welcome our many special
and distinguished guests, including His Excellency,
Mr. Malcolm McCusker, AC, CVO, QC,
and Governor of Western Australia.
The Right Honourable Lisa Scaffidi,
Lord Mayor, City of Perth.
Miss Sue Doherty, Mayor the City South of Perth.
Mr. Trevor Vaughan, Mayor of the Town of Victoria Park.
The Honourable Peter Collier, MLC, Minister for Education.
The Honourable Mark McGowan, MLA, Leader of the Opposition.
The Honourable Barry House, MLC,
President of the Legislative Council.
The Honourable Kate Doust, MLC, Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Mr. Ben Wyatt, MLA, Shadow Treasurer.
Lady Jean Brodie-Hall, AM.
Former Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors from Curtin
and other universities here in WA.
Family and friends of Professor Terry.
And I'd also like to welcome the many representatives here today
from industry, consulates, and other universities,
together with Curtin's staff.
Members of the Student Guild.
And members of our council.
Welcome to you all and welcome ladies and gentlemen.
And today, representing the Nyungar community is Associate
Professor, Ted Wilkes who will, in a moment,
provide the Welcome to Country.
Associate Professor Wilkes is a Nyungar man.
And an Associate Professor of Aboriginal Research Programs
at the National Drug Research Institute in the Faculty
of Health Sciences, here at Curtin University.
Associate Professor Wilkes has dedicated his life fighting
for a better quality of life for indigenous Australians.
And for this, he has recently been announced as an Officer
of the Order of Australia
in this years Australia Day Honours List.
So congratulations Ted.
[ Applause ]
And so please may I welcome Associate Professor Ted Wilkes,
AO to the podium.
Thank you.
>> Associate Professor Ted Wilkes, AO: [Inaudible] right.
But I do want to acknowledge a couple
of people before I do this welcome in Nyungar.
A younger cousin of mine, Kim Kolard, and my uncle Richard.
And obviously my parents for holding
on to the Nyungar language sufficiently to allow us
to be proud of who we are, and to one day down the track
to be able to say, we need to get it back us Nyungar people.
We need to be able to convince others who live
in this wonderful part of the world that some of our children
and others might like to talk the Nyungar language fluently
once again.
Let me say to you [Nyungar spoken].
Hello everyone.
[Nyungar spoken], welcome.
[Nyungar spoken] Ted Wilkes -- that's my English name.
[Nyungar spoken] I have the emu as my totem,
and I carry the name of the emu [Nyungar spoken].
Those of you that are familiar with the town Wagin,
it's certainly named after the emu, wagin.
[Nyungar spoken] I'm an Aboriginal man.
[Nyungar spoken] watch out [Nyungar spoken] here
in Perth and the Swan River.
[Nyungar spoken] I follow in the footsteps
of those people before me.
[Nyungar spoken] His Excellency, Malcolm McCusker.
[Nyungar spoken] the Honourable Peter Collins-Collier.
[Nyungar spoken] Chancellor Colin Beckett.
[Nyungar spoken] Professor Deborah Terry,
our new Vice-Chancellor.
[Nyungar spoken] hello and welcome to our dignitaries
and friends, colleagues, brothers and sisters,
and especially to the elderly.
To our elders.
And I might tell you a little story.
I bumped into one of them on the way here.
I had parked my car in the visitors parking area.
And I couldn't get the money into the slot machine
to allow me to secure my little ticket.
And I was told later that I probably didn't need to do
that [background chuckles].
But I was advised by one of my colleagues
who worked here when we were WAIT.
And I was here as a student in 1979.
And I studied through to 1986 to complete my bachelors.
And I ran into this bloke.
And I looked at him and I -- he looked at me.
And he said, "Don Watts".
And I said, "Ted Wilkes, Don Watts" [background chuckles].
"Very -- very nice to see you again Don."
And it's true.
That those before have developed what is now wonderful education
institution for us all.
And I'm very proud to have studied here, and continue
to work in this organisation.
[Nyungar spoken] you're sitting on the land
of the [Nyungar spoken] people.
The people who are the ancestors of those
who were here before 1929.
There are many of us.
And there are other Nyungars who come from outside
of this particular region.
And there are other Aboriginal people who now live
in this magnificent city we call Perth.
And as was told to you earlier, I have fought and will continue
to fight for the right of indigenous peoples to enjoy.
And appropriate quality of life in this,
what we call the "Lucky Country".
[Nyungar spoken] I've asked the great spirit
of the Nyungar people, the [Nyungar spoken] to bless us.
And to bless us while we occupy the [Nyungar spoken],
the Nyungar land.
I particularly want
to say [Nyungar spoken] Professor Deborah Terry.
To especially look after Deborah while she heads
this institution.
[Nyungar spoken] I'm happy to be here.
[Nyungar spoken] until the next time.
Thank you.
[ Applause ]
>> Colin Stirling, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor:
Thank you Ted for that very warm welcome.
So our first speaker today is the Chancellor
of Curtin University, Mr. Colin Beckett.
Mr. Beckett commenced this chancellor in January, 2013,
and it was only last March that we gathered here
on the campus for his investiture.
He's been a council member at Curtin's since 2010.
And his industry perspective and international experience,
most notably as General Manager of the greater Gorgon area
for Chevron Australia,
are of enormous benefit to the university.
The Chancellor will now open proceedings
with a formal welcome and address.
Please welcome Mr. Colin Beckett [applause].
>> Colin Beckett, Chancellor: Well good afternoon everybody
and welcome to Curtin on this really very special occasion.
I would like first to acknowledge His Excellency,
Mr. Malcolm McCusker, Governor of Western Australia,
and I thank him for his attendance today.
I also acknowledge other many special guests
from local and state government.
From industry and academia,
as well as members of our own staff.
I am delighted that you're all able to join me
for the official welcome for Professor Deborah Terry
as a new Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University.
Thank you Ted for your Welcome to Country on behalf
of the indigenous members of our community.
And I offer my congratulations also to his award
in the Australia Day Honours Awards.
I also pay my respects to the Nyungar people
and their elders past and present.
Curtin University has enjoyed a period of sustained growth
since its establishment in 1986.
Since then, not quite 30 years ago,
Curtin's developed a reputation as a university that's bold.
Future-focused.
And innovative.
And looking forward, our 2030 vision is to be recognised
as an international leader in research and education.
It sounds quite easy to say,
but actually it's a little more difficult to deliver.
It's a very bold vision.
And it really fits with the style that Curtin has.
What we're saying is in just 16 years from now,
the name Curtin University will be known and recognised
as a leader in research and in education.
In Asia. In Africa.
In the Americas.
And in Europe as well as here at home.
A bold vision, indeed.
But one which we are focused on achieving.
Achieving this vision was central to our selection
and appointment of Professor Terry
as our new Vice-Chancellor.
She is an internationally recognised academic.
And an experienced and highly effective administrator.
She has a track record for strategic thinking.
And outstanding leadership and delivery outcomes.
Exactly the sort of person we need to deliver our vision.
Professor Terry will lead the university towards our 2030
vision starting with the ongoing implementation and shaping
of our 5 year plan, which commenced last year.
Under this 5 year plan we are directing our research
to provide leadership and outcomes in areas of strategic
and global importance.
And transforming our teaching and learning in response
to more collaborative environment.
Successful initiatives in the first year
of the plan include the launch of the Curtin law school
in February of last year, which have seen very strong enrolments
in both its first and second year.
A very experienced team has been appointed to lead the school,
which is supported by a highly regarded advisory board,
chaired by the Chief Justice, Wayne Martin.
Curtin also joined with Bank West
to form the Bank West Curtin Economic Centre.
The centre is working towards establishing itself
as a leading voice on economic and social issues.
And I think it's a very important role for a university
to commentate on such issues.
And our strong record in promoting equity
and social inclusion was recognised this year
with Curtin being awarded the National Centre
for Student Equity in Higher Education
by the federal government, with a $3 million grant.
The centre is designed to serve the development
and implementation of national policies
and best practice initiatives related
to equity in higher education.
I'd like to turn my attention now
to 2 other important projects which are underway.
These are the Curtin Medical School.
And the Curtin Master Plan.
Curtin's proposed medical school will offer a 5 year
medical degree.
Which will focus on general practice and primary care
for under-serviced areas.
It has been well documented that WA has the lowest supply
of doctors in Australia.
And that according to a recently released,
independent report Curtin commissioned,
there is today a significant shortage of doctors.
WA's need for doctors will only continue to grow
with Australian Bureau
of Statistic projections indicating the state's
population could double by 2014 -- 26 years from now.
A detailed proposal's been put to the federal government,
and includes a commitment from Curtin
of $60 million towards establishing the medical school.
We are seeking to obtain approval
from the federal government this year,
and have our first students commencing in 2016.
The Curtin Master Plan was launched in July last year.
It establishes a vision and framework
for transforming the Bentley Campus over the next 20 years
to create an important economic and innovative hub,
with diversity in the culture and arts.
And a district will celebrate the university's
creative knowledge.
The plan is more than a collection of buildings.
It's the creation of a better quality of life
through urban renewal.
Clever and sustainable design.
High quality public spaces.
And social outcomes that would benefit all Western Australians.
Research is critical to our vision.
And we have set another bold target
to double our research income in the 5 years from 2012 to 2017.
I will highlight just a few major developments
in the past year.
In our faculty of science and engineering,
the Curtin led $51 million Murchison wide-angle ray radio
telescope was officially turned on last year, and it's helping
to provide key insights into the early universe.
The MWA is a precursor to the $2 billion square kilometre
array project.
In which Curtin Institute
of Radio Astronomy will also be a key player.
In our faculty of health sciences,
early work has been undertaking a new
and improved whooping cough vaccine
that we administer via nasal spray.
And research is continuing there on a naturally occurring protein
that has been found to kill cancer stem cells,
including in brain cancers.
In the Curtin Business School,
the Bank Risk Curtin Economic Centre first researched project
on how WA's resources boom has been shared was undertaken
and will be officially launched on Wednesday.
In November, the Faculty of Humanities launched the Hub
for Immersive Visualisation and E-research --
or HIVE as it is known.
The new facility has been designed
to meet the growing demand visualisation
and simulation infrastructure.
And will allow for improved interpretation and research data
across the university, industry, and government.
Now in leading Curtin towards our vision,
Professor Terry will build on the excellent work of others.
And I would just like to take a moment
to acknowledge the contribution
of the former Vice-Chancellor, Jeanette Hackett.
Who is sitting in the audience just across from me,
who recently received an honorary doctorate
from the university in recognition
of her outstanding contribution to Curtin over 33 years.
7 of those as our Vice-Chancellor.
Thank you.
On behalf of the university, I'd also like to acknowledge
and thank Professor Colin Stirling for his contribution
to the university since coming here in 2011.
Particularly while acting in the role of Vice-Chancellor
since August last year.
Professor Stirling has been responsible for driving a number
of key projects and I'm grateful that he was able
to lead the university so capably during this period.
Professor Sterling was recently appointed as the Provost
and Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor.
As you can tell from my previous comments,
the university is very fortunate to have Professor Terry
as our new Vice-Chancellor.
I look forward to working with her and along with other members
of council, to provide support to her
in a very challenging role of Vice-Chancellor.
I know she will be an outstanding Vice-Chancellor.
And I think she knows that she already has the full confidence
and support of council and staff.
It is now my pleasure to introduce His Excellency,
Mr. Malcolm McCusker, AC, CVO, QC, and Governor
of Western Australia, who formerly invest Professor Terry
to the position of Vice-Chancellor.
Mr. McCusker became the 31st Governor of Western Australia
on the first of July in 2011 and is a Queen's Council.
He was made an Officer at the Order of Australia in 2005,
and a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2012.
Mr. McCusker was also named WA Citizen Award
for Community Service in 2010.
And WA Australian of the Year in 2011
for his significant contribution to the community.
Her Majesty, the Queen, appointed the Governor
as Command of the Royal Victoria Order in October, 2011.
We were also delighted the Governor
and Mrs. McCusker has a strong association with Curtin
through the McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth,
headed by Professor Mike Daube.
The Centre is supported by the McCusker Charitable Foundation.
Ladies and gentlemen, would you please join me
in welcoming His Excellency, Mr. Malcolm McCusker,
and Governor of Western Australia.
Thank you [applause].
>> His Excellency, Mr. Malcolm McCusker:
I won't go through all acknowledgments.
Simply say, distinguished guests all, as you all are.
And ladies of gentlemen, if those --
if any of you don't fall
within that category [background chuckles].
I too respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians
of this part of our state, the Whadjuk Clan
of the Nyungar people.
And I thank the Social Professor, Ted Wilkes,
IO for his Welcome to Country.
It's a particular pleasure for me to officiate
at this investiture, as I had a strong association for,
over recent years with this university.
And I've seen it grow from strength-to-strength.
And if you heard from the Chancellor,
it's continuing to grow.
As you might know, I'm not only Governor, but also by statute,
I am the statutory visitor to this university,
as well as to some others.
I'm pleased to say however,
that statutory role has never been called upon
to resolve disputes.
So obviously, relations both within this university
between academic staff and students.
And between this university and others,
are commendably good [background chuckles].
As the Chancellor has said,
I have had quite an association with this university.
Last year I had the pleasure, in fact,
of attending the investiture
of the Chancellor himself, Colin Beckett.
And some time later, I farewell the previous Vice-Chancellor,
Professor Jeanette Hackett who's here today.
And who did so much during her term of 7 years --
I think it was, Jeanette --
to enhance the standing of this university.
And in the same year I spoke at the official launch
of the Curtin Law School right here.
And more recently I spoke at the launch of an excellent book
about WA's first Prime Minister of the Federation, John Curtin.
And the war years in which he was Prime Minister.
And after him, of course, this university is named.
As the Chancellor has said, we also have a strong association
through financing Professor Mike Daube and his commendable,
and I think successful to an extent; and will be successful,
attempts to reduce the levels
of alcohol-related harm amongst our young people.
And in November, 2013,
I came here for Curtin's Inaugural Award Ceremony
for Action on Alcohol.
Well that's enough about me.
As -- but having said that,
there's not a great deal more I can say.
I recall an occasion some years ago when there were 3 judges
in a court of appeal -- not here, but in England.
And 2 of them heartily detested each other,
as unfortunately sometimes occurs.
And the Chief Justice delivered his lengthy reasons.
And the second judge said, I agree,
and there's nothing I can usefully add.
And the third judge said, I agree with that.
[ Audience Chuckles ]
And that is really the case here [background chuckles].
I think that the Chancellor in his admirable tour de force --
or tour de resistant I think, has covered most
of the things that I wanted to say.
But I do say this, the role of course
of Vice-Chancellor is an extremely pivotal role.
It has had, and will have, an enormous impact
on the Universities operations and morale.
And it requires leadership.
Resourcefulness.
Innovation.
And Imagination to make the challenges
that all universities face, to keep pace with the changes
that are occurring almost daily in technology as well
as meeting public expectations --
all universities must try to do that.
And securing the -- last but not least --
sufficient funding for the research projects
that the university undertakes.
And if that were not enough, the Vice-Chancellor is entrusted
with the task of inspiring and listening to academic staff
and students of the university.
So it requires a fully committed person, able to foster a sense
of cohesiveness and to inspire excellence at all levels
of a university's operations.
An excellence is what is being achieved, and will be achieved.
It's the university's objective.
Professor Terry's background and experience show that she has all
of the attributes needed for a successful Vice-Chancellor
of this great university.
Originally from Western Australia --
which I say is a definite plus [background chuckles].
Professor Terry completed her PhD in social psychology
at the Australian National University.
She began her academic career
as a lecturer before moving to Queensland.
Where ultimately she became the head of the School
of Psychology in 2000.
And during her tenure in that position, the schools research,
reputation, and profile was strengthened,
and it became recognised both internationally and in Europe,
as one of the leading schools of psychology.
She undertook a number of other senior leadership roles.
And ultimately became the acting Vice-Chancellor from January
to October, 2012, of the University of Queensland.
And in that position, later as Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor,
Professor Terry was responsible for providing leadership
to the university's broad academic agenda,
and overseeing the performance of its faculties
and major research faculties and institutes.
So you'll understand from that brief resume,
that she's had a great deal of experience
and is highly regarded throughout the academic world.
She believes that research is a fundamental aspect
of international education.
And that belief of course is reflected
by her own illustrious research career.
She's a fellow of both the Australian
Psychological Society.
The Academy of Social Sciences in Australia.
And is currently President of the ISSA and Chair
of the Australian Council of Learned Academics.
Now I won't go on and tell you more, because there's pages
of it [background chuckles].
But sufficed to say, that she has had a remarkable
and highly acclaimed professional career.
She succeeds Professor Jeanette Hackett, as has been mentioned.
Who undertook the role of Vice-Chancellor
with great distinction and commitment,
and advanced this universities position locally
and internationally.
And to follow such a distinguished
and energetic Vice-Chancellor would be quite daunting,
I would think, to many.
But I'm confident that given her formidable achievement so far,
our new Vice-Chancellor will be inspired, not daunted,
by what has been achieved for the university
by her predecessor and what she can see
in the future for this university.
Professor Terry,
as Vice-Chancellor, you are -- not yet --
[ Chuckles ]
You're not officially there yet.
[ Chuckles ]
As Vice-Chancellor you're the Chief Executive Officer
of the university.
You're responsible for the management of the university.
Its property.
Affairs. Staff and students.
And responsible for promoting the interests
and furthering the development of this university.
As CEO you're also to report to the council on the affairs
of the university, ensuring that any advice and information given
to it will enable it to make informed decisions.
And you're charged
with implementing the decisions of council.
And in full confidence that you will do so, I hereby charge you
to carry out and diligently and honourably perform your duties,
powers, and functions under the Curtin University Act
as the Chief Executive Officer.
To promote the interests
and further development of the university.
To manage its operations.
Affairs. Property.
Staff and students.
And to appropriately and diligently report to council.
Deborah Terry, I now formally invest you as Vice-Chancellor
and Chief Executive Officer of Curtin University.
I wish you every success and fulfilment in this role.
I invite you to come forward.
You can do it now.
[ Chuckles and Applause ]
>> Deborah Terry, Vice-Chancellor:
Well thank you very much.
I too acknowledge the Nyungar people on whose land we meet,
and I thank Associate Professor Ted Wilkes
for his wonderful Welcome to Country.
I acknowledge His Excellency, Mr. Malcolm McCusker,
and Governor of Western Australia.
And Mr. Colin Beckett, Chancellor, and thank them
for their very kind words.
And I also acknowledge Minister Collier
and other distinguished guests.
I'm deeply honoured and humbled today to be before you all,
being formally recognised
as the fifth Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University.
I'm honoured that I've been trusted to lead this fine,
Western Australian institution
through the next phase of its development.
And understand the immense responsibility
that such an honour and privilege entails.
At the same time I'm humbled, because I know
that I wouldn't be here today without having access
to a wealth of opportunities.
The support of many.
And the foresight.
The vision.
And the hard work of those that came before me.
I particularly recognise the contribution made to Curtin
by my immediate predecessor, Professor Jeanette Hackett.
Who achieved so much in her term as Vice-Chancellor,
to be following in her footsteps, as a woman,
is indeed very special.
I also acknowledge the other past Vice-Chancellors,
and chancellors that laid the significant groundwork
for what is now such a successful
and highly regarded institution.
To Professor Lance Twomey,
I'm aware of the very significant role you played
as Vice-Chancellor for so many years.
Especially in expanding Curtin's international profile
and reputation.
And I hope that I meet your expectations during my term
as Vice-Chancellor.
Welcome too to Professor John Maloney, who is Vice-Chancellor,
had the vision and drive to create the John Curtin Centre,
which gave the campus and the community the renowned John
Curtin Gallery.
And Australia's first Prime Ministerial Library.
Professor Don Watts is also here today.
And he's one of the great characters of Curtin's history.
And led the drive to achieve university status
for the then Western Australian Institute of Technology.
And who played such an important role in the transformation
of the Australian higher education sector in the 1990s.
Sadly, Professor John de Laeter,
who served as acting Vice-Chancellor for just
over a year is no longer with us,
but is represented today by his wife, Robin.
John was an internationally renowned researcher,
and I know his memory continues to be treasured
and honoured by the university.
And to the present, I think sincerely,
and use this opportunity
to publicly acknowledge Professor Colin Stirling,
our MC today, who has been Acting Vice-Chancellor
since August, 2013.
And who I'm looking forward to working with in his new role
as Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor
of Curtin University.
As many of you will know, I was born in Western Australia.
And although my father's career meant that we grew up elsewhere,
our strong family ties over many generations
to Western Australia were one
of the defining features of my childhood.
My grandmother was deeply proud of our Bussell heritage.
And taught me from an early age that education and the pursuit
of knowledge are gifts
that should never be taken for granted.
On a more lighthearted note, I do attribute to her the view
that being engrossed in a good book is indeed a legitimate way
to spend ones time, even if chores
and other tasks beckon [background chuckles].
It is therefore for personal as well as career reasons
that this move has such deep significance for me.
And on a personal note, I'm delighted that my husband,
Ottmar and my children, Nicholas, Harry, and Sophie.
My mother and my sister, and other close family members
as well as a number of my friends
and Western Australian relatives are here today.
I thank you all for your tremendous support
over so many years.
I would also like to thank those members of the Curtin Community
who I've been fortunate enough to meet already for their warm
and their generous welcome.
I'm very much looking forward to meeting all of you.
And to working together to make sure
that Curtain meets its vision of changing lives,
and having impact through leadership,
innovation, and excellence.
As I told incoming students earlier today,
like them I'm new to Curtin.
So I understand that they might be daunted
by unfamiliar places and faces.
But they, like me, should be excited
by the possibilities of the future.
And the opportunities that the Curtain experience will unlock
for them.
Unlike the students, I have the advantage
of being very comfortable in the higher education sector.
My whole career has essentially been spent in academia.
A path that I've pursued since my undergraduate days,
when I first experienced the tremendous rewards
and excitement of being involved in research and discovery.
As Western Australia's largest
and most international university,
Curtin is now well-positioned to meet its ambitious goal
of being a genuinely research-intensive university
that works in partnership with industry and government
to strengthen the states economic pillars.
And to drive the knowledge-based industries
that will underpin future global growth and sustainability.
Creating new knowledge
and driving innovation are core responsibilities
of universities.
And I'm committed to working to ensure
that Curtin reaches a new level of success in these areas.
To do so will require us to play to our strengths.
To recognise and support excellence
at the highest international levels.
And to strengthen very deliberatively, our industry
in government partnerships.
Particularly in those areas that will shape the future prosperity
of the state and the region.
Of course the world's top universities value
and celebrate success in teaching,
as much as they do in research.
Indeed, to understand the impact of universities,
you need look no further than the some 10,000 students
that Curtin graduates each year.
Or to the many examples of lives and communities
that have been transformed through access
to educational opportunities.
My commitment is to ensure that graduates leave this university
with the knowledge and skills they need to make a difference
in their chosen professions.
Not only locally and regionally, but globally.
Given the diversity of our student body, and their capacity
and their motivation to work internationally.
Equally importantly it's essential
that Curtin students graduate with the leadership capacity.
The passion.
The values.
And the confidence to shape a better future
for the global community.
And to thrive in a time in which the challenges and the pace
of technological change will be at a pace that few
of us can really grasp.
In showing that research intensive universities deliver
on their dual mission of producing high-quality research
and teaching outcomes, is something that has been core
to my recent leadership roles.
Curtin's development of a career path for academics
who are focused on teaching innovation,
pedagogical leadership, and student learning,
is one that I'm committed to supporting and championing.
At the same time, to be a genuine global power
of significance, our teaching must be research led.
And we have a responsibility to ensure
that the student experience is enriched
by the universities research strengths
and its global profile.
As the Chancellor as indicated, Curtin has a clear sense
of its mission and an ambitious vision for the future.
I was attracted to this clarity.
And to the fact that Curtin is fundamentally a global
university with a strong international presence.
But at the same time it understands its responsibility
both local and regional impact.
I applaud the fact that as well as being future oriented,
and externally focused,
the university community has recently come together
to clarify Curtin's core values.
And I was pleased to participate in part
of that process late last year.
Embedding clear and shared values into every aspect of life
at Curtin, we'll build the strong
and successful culture needed for us to realise our potential.
As we do so, I agree with the focus
on John Curtin's sentiment.
The great university should find its hope in the future.
It should look ever forward.
For it, the past should be but a preparation
for the greater days to be.
When I tracked down the 1932 article
in the Western Australian,
in which John Curtin expressed this view, the other statement
that resonated strongly with me was the view --
and I quote, "Above all things, the university must have a soul.
In it, the divine spirit of service and sacrifice
for service must pervade all its works."
By doing both, by striving for excellence and impact
in everything we do, at the same time as ensuring
that the university has a soul and a strong sense of purpose,
we will realise our immense potential.
And we will meet the expectations
of all of our stakeholders.
Our students.
Our staff at each of our sites -- regional and international.
Our alumni and our government and industry partners.
I look forward to working with you all.
To take Curtin to the next level in terms
of its global reputation and standing.
And I commit to doing this in a way
that is performance-driven, but values led.
It will be the focus on the latter,
combined with a bold and ambitious vision.
And an agile mindset that will get us where we need to be.
Thank you.
[ Applause ]
>> Colin Stirling, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor:
Our next speaker is the Honourable, Peter Collier,
Minister for Education, Aboriginal Affairs,
and Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.
Education [chuckles] --
education has been a life-long passion for Minister Collier --
he's so keen that he wants to get up
and tell you about it quickly.
Because before entering politics, he spent some 23 years
in Western Australian classrooms as a teacher both
in public and private schools.
He's held his position of Minister for Education
in the Barnett Government now for 2 years.
And part of that was Minister for Training
for a previous 4 year period.
Please welcome the Right Honourable Peter
Collier [applause].
>> The Right Honourable Peter Collier:
Ted Wilkes thank you very much for your very sincere
and poignant Welcome to Country.
I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone
in saying thank you so much.
It is very much appreciated.
To His Excellency, the Governor
of Western Australia, Malcolm McCusker.
To Chancellor, Colin Beckett.
Officially Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry.
To my parliamentary colleagues, it's good to see so many members
of Parliament here today.
Barry House to Mark McGowan, Ben White, and John McGraw.
To the Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi,
distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.
I'm delighted to be here, I really am.
And on behalf of the West Australian government,
Vice-Chancellor and all members
of the West Australian Parliament,
I say congratulations to you.
And we look forward to working with you to ensure
that Curtin University continues
to be a higher education centre of excellence.
Not just in Western Australia, but globally.
If you could just allow
for a little indulgence for one minute.
About an hour ago I learned that the Vice-Chancellor
and I had a very unique connection.
And that is as a boy from Kalgoorlie at the ripe old age
of 10 I made a very definitive decision
to become a school teacher.
My teacher those days at North Kalgoorlie Primary School was a
man by the name of Colin Hayes.
A wonderful teacher.
And I made the decision there that I was going
to be a school teacher -- a primary school teacher.
I changed my mind about 5 years later when I went
to Eastern Goldfield Senior High School
and had an equally impressive teacher by the name
of Tony Terry [background chuckles].
And that man taught me in year 9 social studies
and I then changed my mind.
I was no longer going to be a primary school teacher;
I was going to be a high school teacher.
His wife, Emmie -- I've got to say --
taught me year 8 social studies and I'm delighted to see Emmie
and Tony here with us today.
So, can I say Vice-Chancellor, indirectly it's your fault
that I spent all those years...
[background chuckles].
Anyway, suffice to say, I made that decision to come to Perth
and become a school teacher.
And when I came down from Kalgoorlie in 1976,
I went to University of Western Australia, and the reason I went
to the University of Western Australia was the fact
that there were parlace few opportunities
in higher education in Western Australia in those days.
You have the evolution --
gradual evolution of Murdoch in its infancy.
WAIT, in those days --
West Australian Institute of Technology --
was primarily what I thought
in the perception was for accountants.
For those who wanted to go and do a business degree.
And so I made the conscious decision to go
to the University of Western Australia.
And I've got to say it's been quite therapeutic
and enlightening to see the evolution of Curtin.
To see it move into such a magnificent,
higher education facility.
And that has been attributed to -- in no uncertain terms,
and we've learnt this afternoon exactly why that has occurred --
to the commitment and passion of a raft
of previous Vice-Chancellors.
And I commend each and every one of you.
I've been privileged to work with Jeanette Hackett
over the last few years, and it has been a very,
very fruitful relationship.
So thank you Jeanette, in particular,
for the role that you have played.
Now what we have is exactly what we have --
what we are sitting here now and in front of us.
And that students throughout Western Australia
and globally have a world-class higher education facility.
46,000 students; about 20,000 overseas students.
And that in itself is testament to the plethora of courses --
quality courses -- that this wonderful institution provides.
And we can't forget that.
As I said, it is testament to the dedication and commitment
of literally thousands of lecturers, and administrators,
and vice-chancellors and chancellors through Curtin
over the last 3 decades in particular.
But there's so much more on the horizon.
The Chancellor spoke in glowing terms, and I'm excited
about this in particular, about the Master Plan.
I think that in itself is very exciting,
and I've enjoyed working with the university
over the last 18 months to 2 years
to bring that into fruition.
The opportunities for the School of Minds in Kalgoorlie.
The health services opportunities in the Pilbara.
Those things in themselves are just the tip of the iceberg
in terms of what's going to be achieved
in Curtin over the years ahead.
It is very, very exciting.
From a state government perspective, we are looking
to institutions like Curtin
to continue the reform process in education.
We're making some significant reforms
in the senior secondary level next year.
For those students as they leave their high school --
their secondary schools --
to make sure that they have a pathway
which draws from their strengths.
In particular those students that are aligned
with Curtin for an ATAR pathway.
So those reforms require quality tertiary institutions.
So that when students finish their compulsory years
of education that they know they've got a quality
tertiary institution.
And we have 5 quality universities throughout
Western Australia.
In addition to 11 state training providers,
and a raft of private training providers.
So the opportunities are there.
And I'm delighted that as those reforms move
through over the next couple of years, they can come
to somewhere like Curtin with literally dozens upon dozens
of opportunities which will see them provide pathways;
doors open for career pathways beyond their formal education.
On the second level, international education is very,
very significant to me personally.
We are really an untapped resource in Western Australia.
I am delighted to be Chair of WAHEC --
the Western Australian Higher Education Council.
So I meet very regularly with the vice-chancellors
of all the institutions, and this is almost number 1
on the agenda each and every time.
That we've got to get the message
out there internationally.
Don't worry about the eastern states.
Don't worry about the overseas universities.
Come to where the sun shines.
Come to where we've got these quality, educational facilities.
And that is what we need to do.
It is a billion dollar enterprise.
It provides enormous opportunity.
Not just for the economy, but for the institutions themselves.
So Vice-Chancellor I'll look forward to working with you
on my hick, and ensuring that we can promote higher education
throughout Western Australia, and particularly
from your perspective from Curtin.
Having said all of that,
once again Vice-Chancellor congratulations.
I delighted -- I will be delighted to work with you,
and I've got to say as far as Curtin
and your petition is concerned, I've got no doubt
that we are really just started, and the best is yet to come.
So good luck.
Thank you [applause].
>> Colin Stirling, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor:
Before I bring the official proceedings to a close,
I would like to extend our gratitude to the Governor
for officiating Professor Terry's investiture today.
So thank you very much for that indeed.
And thank you, to you,
all of you for attending this afternoon,
and for witnessing this very special occasion.
[ Music ]
[ Silence ]