Ms Denise Goldsworthy AO

Chancellor Edith Cowan University

Ms Goldsworthy AO has more than 10 years experience as a non-executive director, covering ASX200, Federal and State Government, private and charity organisations. The area of focus they have in common is that they are typically operating at the intersection between science and technology innovation with business and leadership for successful delivery of the corporate strategy.

Her expertise in innovation was honed during her executive career rising to leadership roles in operations and technology for ironmaking and steelmaking at BHP Steel before joining Rio Tinto Iron Ore, ultimately moving into executive roles including CCO Autonomous Haul Trucks, MD Dampier Salt, MD HIsmelt and Director Major Projects.

Denise’s current portfolio of NED roles includes Chair of Western Power, Gascoyne Gateway and Navy Clearance Diver Trust, and the Boards of ASC, and Leichhardt Industrials. She is also a member of the Cooperative Research Centres Advisory Committee (CRCAC).

She was awarded Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year in 2010 and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

 
 
 

University Profile

Edith Cowan University (ECU) provides the ideal learning environment for people who want to graduate world ready.

Located in Western Australia, our industry-relevant teaching and research, supportive study environment and award-winning facilities enable ECU students to do more than just survive in this world – they thrive in it.

Established in 1991, ECU took the opportunity to reshape the way higher education is delivered in a distinctive and inspiring campus environment.

ECU courses are developed in consultation with industry, and teaching staff have extensive industry experience and networks. It's why ECU students can expect work integrated learning placement opportunities, fieldwork, practicums and networking events as part of their studies.

This approach has been rewarded with five-star ratings for undergraduate teaching quality over the past 17 years, along with consistently high ratings for overall education experience, skills development, student support and learning resources, as reported in the Good Universities Guide .

ECU's world-class research strives to make a difference to the community in Western Australia and beyond. ECU focuses on working with our communities, business and government organizations to solve real-world problems.

The University was named after Edith Dircksey Cowan, the first woman to be elected to an Australian Parliament. Her life was dedicated to the belief that education was the key to growth, change and improvement in society.

Her example informs ECU's values ​​as we pride ourselves in developing capable graduates who lead engaged and productive lives in the communities in which they live and work.

ECU has more than 30,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, including international students from 100 countries. Our eight schools collectively deliver a diverse range of courses across arts and humanities, business and law, education, engineering, medical and health sciences, nursing and midwifery, science and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Courses are offered on our three campuses – ECU Joondalup and ECU Mount Lawley in metropolitan Perth and ECU South West in Bunbury, 200km south of the capital city. ECU also offers a comprehensive suite of online study options.

In late 2025, ECU City will open in the CBD, to deliver a world-class Creative Industries, Business and Technology precinct in Perth’s Yagan Square.ECU incorporates the world-renowned Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, the oldest and most popular School of Education in Western Australia, the largest Nursing program in the State, and Kurongkurl Katitjin, our Center for Australian Indigenous Education and Research.

Strategic goals and Supporting Plans

The ECU Strategic Plan, 2022-2026 – Towards the University of the Future, sets five strategic goals, building on our significant achievements of the last five years, and transitioning the University to achieve our vision for 2026.

Several whole-of-University supporting plans (linked below) provide a bridge between the ECU Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and ECU’s annual operating plans. The supporting plans provide a coordinated approach to achieve a broad range of objectives for relevant Strategic Priorities from the Strategic Plan. Progress against each supporting plan will be reviewed annually, with adjustments incorporated where necessary.
·       Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan -  PDF File, 113.5 KB
·       Educational Experience Plan -  PDF File, 84.0 KB
·       Enrollment Growth Plan -  PDF File, 76.7 KB
·       Equity and Inclusion Plan -  PDF File, 132.6 KB
·       International Plan -  PDF File, 81.7 KB
·       People and Culture Plan -  PDF File, 224.0 KB
·       Regional Plan -  PDF File, 74.2 KB
·       Research Plan -  PDF File, 82.8 KB

ECU’s Purpose, Vision, Commitments and Values

Our purpose
ECU’s purpose is to transform lives and enrich society.

Our vision
To lead the sector in educational experience, research with impact, and in positive contributions to industry and communities.

Our commitments
To achieve our vision, ECU will:
·       be dedicated to every student’s success
·       provide real-world research solutions
·       create partnerships for economic and social well-being
·       empower our staff to lead in a diverse and values-based organisation
·       secure our future through innovation and leadership

ECU’s values
Students, staff and Council members will always conduct their study, work and service to the University in ways that embrace the following values:
·       Integrity: we are ethical, honest and fair and demonstrate trust and personal responsibility
·       Respect: we treat everyone within our diverse community with dignity and respect
·       Rational Inquiry: our decision-making is driven by evidence, sound reasoning, and creative thinking
·       Personal Excellence: we demonstrate the highest personal and professional standards
·       Courage: we are bold and resolute in our thinking and actions in pursuit of our goals.

 To find out more, visit the Edith Cowan University https://www.ecu.edu.au/

Deakin-University-logo.jpg

Edith Cowan University

 
 

Governance

Edith Cowan University Council

The Edith Cowan University Council is the governing body which controls and manages the operation, affairs, concerns and property of the University, in accordance with the Corporate Governance Statement. The University Council and the senior management team work together to ensure that the University achieves its goals. ECU's Council establishes committees to assist it in meeting its responsibilities.

For more information, please see: https://www.ecu.edu.au/about-ecu/university-council

Membership of ECU’s Council is as follows:

Chancellor

Ms Denise Goldsworthy AO

Chief Executive Officer - Ex-Officio

Professor Steve Chapman CBE – Vice-Chancellor
Associate Professor Madeleine Ogilvie - Chair Academic Board

Appointed Members – Governor

Ms Kelly Reynolds (to 1 March 2026)
Mr Michael Rundus (to 8 August 2026)
Ms Pia Turcinov (to 29 April 2025)

Appointed Members – Council

Ms Gaye McMath (to 11 September 2025)
Mr Robert Radley - Deputy Chancellor, (to 19 September 2024)
Ms Elizabeth Tylich (to 19 August 2024 )
Mrs Gningala Yarran-Mark (to 17 March 2024)
Mr Monish Paul (to 19 October 2025)

Elected Members

Professor Craig Speelman - Academic Staff (to 30 September 2024)
Mr Colin Watson – Salaried Staff (to 26 September 2026)
Ms Sarah Rizwan – Student (to 10 October 2024)
Mr Faizan Akram - Student (to 10 October 2024)
Mr Damon Brown – Alumni (to 31 December 2026)
Ms Pearl Proud - Alumni (to 31 December 2026)

 

Other Governing Bodies

Other Governing bodies within the University include:

Governance and Nominations Committee

Chair – Ms Denise Goldsworthy AO, Chancellor

Council Remuneration Committee

Chair – Ms Denise Goldsworthy AO, Chancellor

ECU Foundation Board

Chair – Ms Denise Goldsworthy AO, Chancellor

Honorary Awards Committee

Chair – Ms Denise Goldsworthy AO, Chancellor

Legislative Committee

Chair – Ms Elizabeth Tylich

Quality, Audit and Risk Committee

Chair – Ms Gaye McMath

Resources Committee

Chair – Mr Robert Radley

South West Campus (Bunbury) Advisory Board

Chair – Mr Jeffery Williams

Advisory Board of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts Board

Chair – Ms Di Bain

Academic Board

Chair – Associate Professor Madeleine Ogilvie