A visionary leader: UNSW celebrates Chancellor David Gonski’s decades of service

UNSW Sydney’s longest-serving Chancellor, David Gonski AC, was honoured at a special event marking the conclusion of his 20-year tenure.

After decades on boards, foundations and in leadership roles in some of Australia’s most high-profile companies, David Gonski says he has loved being UNSW Chancellor the most.

Widely regarded as one of Australia’s most respected authorities in business, education and the arts, Mr Gonski will step down as Chancellor and from the University Council at the end of this year.

“When I think of universities, I think of how education can change people’s lives and change societies,” he told a packed room of distinguished guests and the UNSW community who came to farewell him.

“I can also see all of the research that universities do. In our case, we're doing medical advances, improving the environment and how solar works. We're assisting living standards generally.”

For two decades, Mr Gonski has been an influential advocate for UNSW and the broader education sector – overseeing major campus developments, helping elevate UNSW into the world’s top 20 universities and raising hundreds of millions of dollars through philanthropy.

He also oversaw hundreds of graduation ceremonies, personally shaking the hands of more than 72,000 UNSW graduates.

He said he was grateful to have served as the University’s Chancellor and optimistic about its future.

“It has been an enormous honour,” he said.

“This University's first 76 years will be minor in comparison to the next 76.”

At the ceremony, he was conferred with the University’s highest honour, a Doctor of Laws honoris causa, with the University Council recognising his eminent service to UNSW, higher education and philanthropy in Australia.

A tireless fundraiser for the University, Mr Gonski joined the Foundation Board 26 years ago and became Chair in 2007, a role he will continue. In the past 10 years, under his leadership, UNSW secured close to $800 million for major education, health and research initiatives.

As the first UNSW alumnus (BCom, LLB) to be Chancellor, his connection to the University is deeply personal. His father worked and lectured at UNSW after the family migrated from South Africa, and he said the relationship will continue for generations.

“19 of my family, most of whom are here tonight, went to this university. We're proud to be associated with it.

“But I give the Chancellor-to-be and the Vice Chancellor fair warning: (My wife) Orli and I have got five grandchildren. My sister's got about 10. My mother's got 21 great-grandchildren. We've got lots of people coming, so keep those rooms going!”

Shaping a world-leading institution

One of Mr Gonski’s most enduring contributions was his role in transforming university governance. Working closely with state and federal governments, he helped facilitate legislative reform that strengthened and streamlined governance structures across the sector.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs, paid tribute to his leadership.

“David Gonski presided over one of the most transformative periods in UNSW history. Under his leadership, we strengthened our research capability, deepened our industry and community ties and expanded our global footprint,” Prof. Brungs said.

“We are now a top 20 University globally. We lead the nation in employment outcomes, graduate outcomes, in research and research impact, in innovation and in start-ups across a wide variety of disciplines. Many of our schools are in the top handful in the world.

“But what distinguishes David's impact is not the scale of progress under his watch, but the way that it's occurred - thoughtfully, collegiately, with collaboration - always with the belief that universities change lives and shape the very society we live in.”

Continuing the legacy of Progress for All

Mr Gonski’s tenure was marked by a strong commitment to equity and access. Under his leadership, UNSW established the Gateway Admission Pathway and Program to support students with from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed at UNSW.

“I think that our university is taking wonderful steps to look at those from low socio-economic areas and try and encourage them,” Mr Gonski said.

“I'm absolutely delighted that our Vice-Chancellor sees that as one of his KPIs, and long may he do that.”

UNSW Vice-President, Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement, Professor Verity Firth AM, said Mr Gonski’s impact at the University couldn't be understated.

“In many ways, you are irreplaceable. UNSW would not be the university it is today without your leadership.”

“We are going to miss your presence as Chancellor, and we must make you promise tonight that you will visit us often.”

Mr Gonski said he remained committed to the institution, and wished his successor Warwick Negus every success as the University's next Chancellor.

“Warwick has been an extraordinary member of council for 18 years,” said Mr Gonski.

“He has managed the finances of this place second to none, and we absolutely are lucky that we've been able to persuade him to put his hand in to move from Deputy Chancellor, which he's done for the last three or four years, to Chancellor.

“He will be, in my opinion, a great Chancellor.”