News Archive

Even before UWA opened its doors to students in March 1913, the first UWA staff organisation - the Professorial Board - was established.

Chaired by Professor Hubert Whitfeld, the Professorial Board comprised the University's eight Foundation Professors: Whitfeld, Wilsmore, Paterson, Dakin, Murdoch, Woolnough, Ross and Shann.

Throughout last year's Centenary, the UWA Academic Staff Association (UWAASA) held its own celebrations including the launch of a commissioned book on the history of the Staff Association, Power and Persuasion - A History of the University of Western Australia Academic Staff Association and its Predecessors 1913 - 2013 .

The author, WA historian Ian Duckham, worked closely with UWAASA's committee and the University's archivists to record the role of academia on campus.

To celebrate 100 years of academic service by its academics and alumni to the University, the community and the world at large, UWAASA also inaugurated the Centenary Awards.

They were presented by the Vice-Chancellor in November and, in two categories, there were dual recipients due to outstanding nominations.

Presentations were made to: Dr Charlie Fox (for an academic still working at UWA); Dr Jack Cannon and Professor Christine McMenamin (for an academic retired from UWA); and honouring Dr Brenton Knott and Dr Terry Quickenden (posthumous awards).

Dr Cannon's daughter Jan Ladhams flew in from a remote school (where she is principal) 300kms from Fitzroy Crossing, to accept the award on her father's behalf.  Also travelling from afar to receive an award was Professor McMenamin who flew in from Melbourne, with her husband Professor Paul McMenamin.

At the same event on 8 November, Professorial Fellow Stuart Bunt, Acting President of UWAASA, presented the first copy of Power and Persuasion to the Vice-Chancellor. Congratulating Dr Duckham, Professor Bunt also thanked and acknowledged the great many people who contributed to the work.

The book provides a ‘warts and all' history of the association and its predecessors. While inevitably it is, in part, about politics, it provides an insight into a myriad of issues, including the struggle for gender equity. Perhaps most importantly it shows the many academics who have, through historical, political and societal changes, sought ‘to do the right thing by The University of Western Australia'.

It is available from UWAASA. Email ( [email protected] )