WAIT Chairs and Curtin Chancellors
As head of WAIT and Curtin’s governing bodies, these esteemed individuals have helped shape the direction of the developing institution. Many are remembered through the naming of buildings and campus facilities.
Dr Thomas (Blue) Robertson
WAIT Chair 1967–1969
WAIT came about thanks to the vision and efforts of four key figures in Western Australia’s post-war educational scene, including the WA Director of Education, Dr Thomas Logan Robertson.
Dr Roy Halliday Henderson
WAIT Chair 1969–1976
Dr Roy Henderson made a significant contribution to the demanding and important early days of WAIT as a member of its Interim Council, chosen for his experience in the business sector.
Hon Justice Alan Barblett AO
WAIT Chair 1976–1985
A practising lawyer who held many senior positions in the legal sector, the Hon Justice Alan Barblett joined the WAIT Council as a legal adviser before becoming its Chair in 1976.
Hon Justice Peter Brinsden AM QC
WAIT Chair 1985–1986
Curtin Chancellor 1987–1990
A Queens Counsel and President of the Law Council of Western Australia, the Hon Peter Brinsden was well known in state and national legal circles.
Dr Harry Sorensen AO OBE CitWA
Curtin Chancellor 1990–1996
Dr Harry Sorensen helped to champion the spirit of volunteering at Curtin, helping to enrich the student experience and expand the University’s community contributions.
Dr Charles (Harry) Perkins AO CitWA
Curtin Chancellor 1996–2002
As Chancellor Dr Harry Perkins strongly supported international education and Curtin’s move to establish its first overseas campus in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Dr Eric Tan AM CitWA
Curtin Chancellor 2003–2006
As Chancellor, Dr Eric Tan helped to build Curtin’s deep relationships in Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
Dr William (Gordon) Martin
Curtin Chancellor 2006–2009
A prominent businessman with a background in the chemical and resources industry, Dr Gordon Martin further enhanced Curtin’s engagement with industry, particularly in science and engineering, with the collaborative Resources and Chemistry Precinct developed on Curtin’s Perth campus during this time.
Dr James (Jim) Gill AO
Curtin Chancellor 2010–2012
As Curtin Chancellor, Dr Jim Gill supported several major initiatives to progress the University’s reputation and impact, chairing the initial steering committee for the Greater Curtin project, with its aims of transforming the Perth campus into a major urban hub for innovation and collaboration.
Dr Colin Beckett
Curtin Chancellor 2013–2018
As Chancellor, Dr Colin Beckett helped steer the expansion of Curtin’s presence and industry connections in the Perth CBD and embraced the University’s global expansion with the establishment of new campuses in Dubai and Mauritius.
Dr Andy Crane
Curtin Chancellor 2019–present
The former CEO of Australia’s largest grain exporter, CBH, Dr Andy Crane brings to Curtin significant experience in areas well aligned to Curtin’s future needs and aims: sustaining growth in complex environments, embracing the opportunities afforded by both technology and globalisation, and maintaining a strong sense of values-led organisational integrity.
