Federation University
We transform lives and enhance communities.
Federation is regional Victoria's largest education institution. We have campuses in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland and the Wimmera. We’re a university and a TAFE. We offer a range of courses that link directly to current industry trends. But what we’re most proud of is our diverse student community.
Federation University started as The School of Mines in Ballarat in 1870. Since then, we’ve grown and changed, merged with other institutions, established local and global partnerships, and produced over 123,000 graduates. If we had to sum up our main goal in five words, we’d say transforming lives and enhancing communities. That’s what we believe education can (and should) do. We want every student to graduate with the knowledge and skills they need to follow their dreams and make a positive contribution to society.
Today, Federation is regional Victoria’s largest education institution, with campuses in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland and the Wimmera. We’re dual sector, which means we offer both higher education and TAFE courses. What sets us apart from other universities? Our dedication to diversity and inclusion, equitable entry, industry connection and student support.
Governance
Federation is overseen by five council standing committees, the Academic Board and the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership team. These governance groups meet regularly to discuss and monitor University strategy, learning and teaching, policies, planning, quality, compliance and legal matters.
The Corporate Governance Policy supports the Federation University regulations and must be followed, along with supporting procedures, operation manuals and work instructions.
The Chancellor
Dr Philip Freier
Chancellor of Federation
PhD in Philosophy, James Cook University; MEdST, University of Newcastle and Bachelor's degrees in Divinity and Applied Science.
Dr Philip Freier began his career as a teacher in northern Australia.
In 1999, he became Bishop of the Northern Territory, and from 2014 to 2020, Dr Freier served as the 16th Anglican Primate of Australia. From December 2006 to February 2025, he served as the 10th Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne and the 13th Bishop of Melbourne. Before ordination, he trained as a teacher and taught on Thursday Island, Kowanyama, and Yarrabah. He was also an advisory teacher in Aboriginal education with the Queensland Education Department.
He was chair of the Brotherhood of St Laurence and has extensive experience on boards, including higher education providers.
Dr Freier’s ministry covered all socio‐economic and cultural groups with a strong interest in and concern for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
He chaired the Board of Delegates of the Australian College of Theology and was Chair of the Doctrine Commission of the General Synod. His previous positions include Examining Chaplain to the Archbishop of Brisbane, Area Dean of the Burnett in the Diocese of Brisbane, Rector at Christ Church Bundaberg in the Diocese of Brisbane, and Rector St Oswald’s Banyo in the Diocese of Brisbane.
Dr Freier maintains a keen interest in Australian Anglican history. From 2000 to 2003, he was an Honorary Fellow of the Faculty of Law, Business and Arts at the Northern Territory University.
He is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Term: 2025-2028
Governing body
University Council
The Council is the governing authority of Federation as set out by the Federation University Australia Act 2010 (Vic), responsible for the direction and supervision of the University.
The Council is mostly made up of external members but also includes higher education and TAFE staff and students, general staff, and the Academic Board. This mixed membership is vital for balance in governance. Internal members understand how Federation works and external members bring independent judgement and expertise.
Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: Dr Philip Freier (2028)
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Duncan Bentley (Ex-Officio)
Chair of Academic Board: Professor Bernadine Van Gramberg (31 December 2026)
Members appointed by the Minister
Deputy Chancellor: Ms Rhonda Whitfield (31 December 2026)
Deputy Chancellor: Professor Andrew Reeves (10 June 2028)
Ms Pauline Buckland (31 December 2025)
Members appointed by the Governor-in-Council
Dr Doris Paton (31 December 2026)
Ms Nicola Pero (31 December 2025)
Members appointed by the Council
Ms Michelle Nightingale (31 December 2026)
Mr Des Pearson AO (30 June 2028)
Mr Doug Robinson (2026)
Distinguished Professor Colette Browning (2028)
Members elected by the university community
Staff: Dr Matthew Abbott (13 November 2027)
Students: Ms Kerrie Bryant (31 December 2025)