Goya Dmytryshchak
Williamstown resident and one of Victoria’s-longest serving premiers, Steve Bracks has been installed as Victoria University’s seventh chancellor.
Mr Bracks has a long history with the university, which in 2017 awarded him an honorary degree of Doctor of the University, honoris causa, in recognition of his service to Victoria, particularly VU’s heartland Melbourne’s west.
“Ever since I moved to Williamstown in 1990, I’ve had a relationship and involvement with Victoria University and its predecessor, Mr Bracks told Star Weekly.
“It’s hard to live in the west and not have some sort of engagement with Victoria University.
“My three loves in life are the west of Melbourne, my commitment and passion for education and my involvement in Timor-Leste, of which Victoria University plays a key and significant role that sort of led me to this role as chancellor.”
Mr Bracks has supported the Timor-Leste government on governance issues on a pro bono basis since August 2007, a month after he retired from politics.
He also chaired the VU-led West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA), which aims to create high-skills job clusters in the region, especially in Footscray, Sunshine and Werribee.
“One of the reasons I wanted to take it up is to ensure that the vibrancy of Melbourne’s west is reflected in everything that Victoria University does and undertakes,” Mr Bracks said of his new role chairing the University Council.
“It is the key catchment area for the university going forward and one of the best catchment areas in the country – a growing population, a growing economy in Melbourne’s west, and VU wants to be part of that going forward.”
Mr Bracks was Victoria’s premier from 1999 to 2007 and the member for Williamstown from 1994 to 2007.
VU’s Vice-Chancellor Adam Shoemaker said Dr Bracks was the ideal person to inspire and lead the university.
“He brings new governance and leadership and a renewed commitment for VU to become the premier dual sector university in the world,” he said.
“He is a cultural leader with authenticity and empathy. His commitment to social justice and inclusivity is simply stellar.
“His stewardship will help Victoria University build on its commitment to equity and excellence, and its growing reputation as a leading university with outstanding research and award-winning innovations such as the Block Model.”
