Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d)
Chancellor of the University of the Sunshine Coast
Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d) was awarded the Knight of the Order of Australia in January 2015 for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia, through distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force, continued commitment to serve the nation in leadership roles, particularly the national responses to the MH370 and MH17 disasters, and in a variety of roles in the community.
Sir Angus was Chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2005-2011. He was served as Chief of the Australian Air Force from 2001-2005. He retired from the military in 2011 after 41 years of service.
In August 2022 Sir Angus was appointed by the Prime Minister to co-lead the Defence Strategic Review for the Government.
Sir Angus is Chair of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, Chancellor for the University of the Sunshine Coast, Chair of the Supashock Advisory Board, Chair of the UNSW Canberra Advisory Board and Chair of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
He is a Board Member of the Lowy Institute for International Policy, the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, and GreaterGood Canberra. He is also a visiting fellow of the Australian National University National Security College
In addition to his many board roles, he is the Ambassador/Patron of numerous charitable organisations including several mental health organisations.
In July 2014, Sir Angus was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to lead Australia’s efforts to help recover, identify, and repatriate Australians killed in the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 disaster. Sir Angus also led the Joint Agency Coordination Centre coordinating the Australian Government’s support for the search into missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in 2014.
In 2012 Sir Angus led the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers.
Sir Angus was Chair of Air Services Australia from 2012-2018 and Chair of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board from July 2011 until March 2014.
In 2011, he was named the Australian Father of the Year and in 2012, the ACT Australian of the Year.
Sir Angus was awarded the Degree of Doctor of the University of South Australia in August 2017, Degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa from ANU in December 2016, Degree of Doctor of the University, honoris causa from UNSW in November 2015, and Degree of Doctor of the University from Griffith University in December 2013.
Sir Angus is married to Liz and they have three sons and three grandchildren.
University Profile
Regionally based, but globally relevant.
The University of the Sunshine Coast, UniSC for short, is a young, fresh university driven by an unwavering belief that community and culture is just as important as a world-class education, given by world-class educators.
UniSC is not the biggest university, but it’s growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, and producing award-winning alumni.
The first campus on the Sunshine Coast opened its doors in 1996. Today, UniSC spans five campuses across Southeast Queensland, with a network of teaching locations at the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, the Fraser Coast, Caboolture and Gympie.
Being a young university means that students, staff, and stakeholders are never going to be bombarded by stale traditions or hear limiting phrases like “That’s the way we’ve always done it”. UniSC prefers innovative thinking that moves everyone forward.
Students have ranked UniSC as one of the best universities in Australia for teaching quality – a title UniSC has held for 16 consecutive years.
UniSC offers study options across more than 120 programs within 26 speciality areas including environmental sciences, nursing, medical and mental health sciences, biological sciences, engineering, technology, psychology, agriculture, human studies and communication.
A key focus at UniSC is making sure students are ready to step into a successful career. Practical training is embedded in all of the Uni’s programs so students can feel confident and ready for the workplace.
Sustainability is something UniSC cares about deeply. Worldwide, it’s ranked third in higher education for its work conserving life underwater, and fifth for protecting life on land.
Together with its people, community and partners, UniSC is building a safe, sustainable, supportive, and fun learning environment, where lifelong friends are made, and opportunities are earned.
To find out more, visit the University of the Sunshine Coast website www.usc.edu.au
Governance
University of the Sunshine Coast Council
Council is the University’s governing body and derives its powers from the University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998 (QLD).
The primary responsibilities of the Council of the University of the Sunshine Coast are:
To appoint the Vice-Chancellor and President as the Chief Executive Officer of the University and to monitor his/her performance against agreed indicators
To determine the Vision and strategic direction of the University and to approve the annual budget
To oversee and review the management of the University and its performance
To establish high level policy and procedural principles, consistent with legal requirements and community expectations
To approve and monitor systems of control and accountability, including general overview of any controlled entities of the University
To oversee and monitor the assessment and management of risk across the University, including commercial undertakings
To oversee and monitor the academic activities of the University
To approve significant commercial activities
To ensure the ongoing appropriateness of all delegations approved by Council.
Membership of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Council is as follows:
Ex-Officio Members
Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d) – Chancellor (to 31 March 2027)
Professor Helen Bartlett – Vice Chancellor and President (to 15 August 2025)
Professor Stuart Parsons – Chairperson of the Academic Board (to 27 April 2025)
Appointed Members – Governor-in-Council
Ms Debra Bennet (to 8 December 2025)
Ms Jenny Morawska (to 8 December 2025)
Mr Tim Rothwell (to 8 December 2025)
Ms Melinda Bryant (to 8 December 2025)
Mr Shaun McDonagh (to 8 December 2025)
Ms Bernadine Caruana (to 8 December 2025)
Appointed Members – Council
Ms Sandra Birkensleigh - Deputy Chancellor (to 8 December 2025)
The Hon Paul Lucas (to 8 December 2025)
Ms Errika Meades (to 8 December 2025)
Mr Phillip Strachan (to 8 December 2025)
Elected Members
Professor Cathy Yule – Academic Staff (to 8 December 2025)
Mr Oliver Gillingham – Professional Staff (to 8 December 2025)
Professor Abigail Elizur – Academic Staff (to 8 December 2025)
Ms Kaethe Englehardt – Student (to 8 December 2025)
Ms Bree Glasbergen – Student (to 8 December 2025)
Other Governing Bodies
Other Governing bodies within the University include:
Audit and Risk Management Committee
Chair – Sandra Birkensleigh
Planning and Resources Committee
Chair – Tim Rothwell
Honorary Awards Committee
Chair – Jenny Morawska
Nominations Committee and Executive Committee of Council
Chair - Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d) – Chancellor
Academic Board
Chair – Professor Stuart Parsons