CQUniversity Council Members

Rennie Fritschy

Rennie's background is in mineral processing, petrochemicals and textiles. He has been a member of Council since 1996 and Chancellor since 2004. During this time he has used his expertise in strategy development and implementation; accounting and financial matters; risk management stratagems, and high level governance expertise to ensure the Council performs in accordance with its responsibilities. 

Professor Scott Bowman

In his role as Vice-Chancellor and President Scott drives the strategic planning, financial and external affairs of the University across its network of campus and teaching locations in Australia and the Asia-Pacific. He is the force behind CQUniversity's Renewal Plan and is committed to building a strong regional university. Scott's background is in the fields of radiography and imaging.

Professor Jennelle Kyd

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research) Jennelle drives the University's research and academic agenda. She has a significant research portfolio in the areas of biotechnology, immunology and medical microbiology with an emphasis on vaccine development for the prevention of middle ear and respiratory infections. She is also an inventor of commercially valuable intellectual property.

Charles Ware

With 30 years of experience as a lawyer in private practice, Charles brings a broad range of directorship experience to the Council in his role as Deputy Chancellor. He has extensive experience in the leadership, oversight and operation of large, complex public sector agencies and government owned corporations. Charles is also a Director and Deputy Chair of Gladstone Ports Corporation Limited.

Dr Robyn Minchinton

Robyn is a medical scientist specialising in haematology; her career has spanned 40 years in the public health sector in diagnostics and research in hospitals, the Red Cross Blood Service and higher education.  She is experienced in executive and laboratory management and accreditation.  Robyn is passionate about lifelong learning, innovation and science communication.

John Anderson

John's broad experience in developing innovative and creative partnerships across the corporate, small business and community sectors, as well as with all levels of Government enables him to provide high level strategic policy and operational advice over a range of issues. He has a special interest in issues around native title, land interests, cultural heritage and natural resource policy and programs.

Sandra Collins

Sandra is the East End Mine Manager of Cement Australia and is based in Gladstone. She is a qualified mining engineer and the recipient of a Harkness Fellowship (USA). In 2009 Sandra was recognised as ‘Mine Manager of the Year' and also received an award for the ‘Most Outstanding Contribution to Mining'. She has experience in corporate finance and is an organisational development consultant.

Tim Griffin OAM

Tim is a qualified engineer with a background that includes utility infrastructure management, performance assessment and capital sustainability. In 2007 Tim was awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to engineering and to the Association that represents the interests of over 42,000 Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers in Australia (APESMA).

Peter Corones AM

Peter is an experienced businessman who has spent many years in local government roles, including serving as Mayor of Gladstone City for fourteen years. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge in industrial development, tourism, education and training and environmental responsibility. Peter was the Director of the Committee that formed the Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited.

Dr John Fitzsimmons

John is the elected Academic Staff representative on Council. He is a senior lecturer at CQUniversity and teaches in literary and cultural studies in the School of Humanities and Communication. John's academic expertise is in online learning, postmodern fiction and narrative theory. He is the CQUniversity Branch President of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU).

Narelle Pearse

Narelle is the Chief Executive Officer of the Mackay Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation. She is a well-credentialed negotiator with a commitment to working collaboratively to manage the impact of economic development on key industries in the region. In 2008 she participated in Australia's 2020 summit as part of the Future Direction of the Australian Economy stream.

Marni McGrath

Marni is one of the principals in the Rockhampton chartered accounting firm, Evans Edwards and Associates. She has expertise in all aspects of taxation compliance, accounting and computer systems, and business advisory services. She became a Partner in the firm in July 2005. Marni is a Board Member of the Australian International Campuses Trust and Australian International Campuses Pty Ltd.

Jan Davis

Jan is the elected Professional Staff representative  on Council. She is a Senior Internal Auditor and holds a Bachelor of Business  (Accounting) from CQUniversity. Jan’s position requires her to review the financial controls of the University. Jan also is a Certified Internal Auditor with the Institute of Internal Auditors (Aust). This is Jan’s second term on Council.

Caryl Turpin

Caryl is the student representative on Council. She completed her Bachelor of Learning Management – Early Childhood (with Distinction) with CQUniversity in 2005. Caryl is currently completing the third year of a Bachelor of Nursing degree. She will continue to work in both fields when she graduates.