OUR PEOPLE

Professor Amit Chakma
Vice-Chancellor 

Prior to commencing at UWA, Professor Chakma completed his second term and 10th year as President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Western Ontario.

Prior to that time, he served from 2001 to 2009 as Vice-President (Academic) and Provost of The University of Waterloo in Canada.

Professor Chakma was Inaugural Chair of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.  He has served as Chair of the Canadian Government’s Advisory Panel on Canada’s International Education Strategy, helping guide the development and launch of the Strategy in 2014.

He is a past Chair of the World University Service of Canada and a past member of the Science Technology and Innovation Council of Canada. He has a solid record of achievement in senior leadership roles at both universities. At the University of Western Ontario, he led a research-intensive university of more than 30,000 students, 2000 academic and professional staff and a budget in excess of $1 billion.

Professor Chakma has a substantial record of research. He is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and holds a Master of Applied Science and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia.  His research has covered greenhouse gas control technology, energy and environmental model system modelling, petroleum waste management, gas separation and processing and mass transfer.

Board of Advisors

The University Club is fortunate to have the support and guidance of our Board of Advisors, whose vision and commitment have performed a vital role in the continued success of The University Club of Western Australia.

Peter Toll

Peter is a Partner within BDO Australia’s Perth Corporate Finance team (focusing on transactional services and M&A) and one of the two International Liaison Partners for BDO Australia.

He has over 20 years of experience advising companies ranging in size from ASX 100 to large family operations on identifying and executing transactions. Peter has considerable public market corporate transactions experience, including listing companies on various exchanges, focusing on the ASX, TSX, LSE and AIM exchanges. His strength lies in mergers and acquisitions facilitated by his extensive network in the business community.

Having joined BDO in 1998 and appointed Partner in 2006, Peter has gained additional experience working in BDO’s New York and Melbourne offices. He is also a member of BDO’s Natural Resources industry group and the National Lead for the Food & Agribusiness industry group for BDO Australia.

Peter completed a Bachelor of Commerce at UWA in 1998.

Fiona Allan

Fiona is the Chief Advancement Officer at  The University of Western Australia

Fiona is a professional fundraiser who enjoyed a successful career in Scotland working in leadership development, conservation, and disability before moving to Australia in 2008. Having commenced at UWA in 2011, Fiona joined the Development and Alumni Relations team in 2012. She was an integral member of the team that successfully raised $430 million for UWA’s New Century Campaign and progressed through several leadership roles, culminating in her appointment as CAO in 2019. In her role, Fiona has responsibility for alumni engagement, philanthropy, and community engagement. Recently, Fiona has been selected to participate in the global CASE Commission on Philanthropy – an international best practice forum that advances philanthropy. Board appointments include the Perth Festival Board and the University Club of Western Australia. In her free time, Fiona enjoys playing masters-level hockey and cooking.

Colin Campbell-Fraser

Colin is a graduate of The University of Western Australia, with extensive knowledge and experience as a professional in communications and marketing in both the private and public sectors. A former senior newspaper journalist he spent eight years with the State Government as media and policy adviser to various Ministers and Premiers. Following three years with ABC Radio as producer of morning current affairs, he joined UWA in 1996, as Director of Public Affairs, and in 2008 was appointed Principal Adviser External Relations and Advocacy to UWA’s Vice-Chancellor and Senior Executive. He now consults privately to organisations, institutions and individuals. Throughout his working life Colin has been an active member and office bearer of a diverse range of community based organisations. These have included: President of University House Inc.(UWA); Member of the UWA Sports Association Board; Member of the Advisory Board of the Trade, Migration and Development Research Centre (UWA Business School); Member of the Advisory Board of the University Club of Western Australia; Councillor of UWA Council of Convocation; Commissioner Lotterywest; Consultative Board Member of the Perth Convention Bureau; Member of Central Institute of Technology Governing Council, and Member of the Board of Fremantle Press.

Rhiannon Compton

Rhiannon is the People and Culture Manager for a global mining consulting firm where she serves on the Senior Leadership Team, developing and executing key people strategies across all divisions of the company.

Rhiannon is an alumna of the University of Western Australia having completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Commerce. She started her career working in a research capacity for the university within both the Business School and Centre for Social Impact.

Her career progressed from there to supporting the global mobilisation of the international workforce of an EPC and energy company in the construction phase of a large-scale LNG project in Australia’s north. Rhiannon then transitioned into consulting, providing people and performance advisory services to tier-one mining, infrastructure and oil & gas companies across Australia.

Rhiannon also strongly believes in giving back to the community in both her professional and personal capacity. Through her current role, Rhiannon has developed partnerships with NGO’s such as Down Syndrome WA, Ronald McDonald House and Dress For Success. In her personal capacity, Rhiannon is actively involved in a number of community organisations, participates in career and industry mentoring programs and holds a number of volunteer board positions. In 2020, Rhiannon was appointed Co-Chair of the University of Western Australia Young Alumni Network. Rhiannon previously held a board position with the United Nations Association of Australia Young Professionals Network, and now holds a strategic advisory position to the board.

Associate Professor Nin Kirkham

Nin Kirkham is a graduate of UWA. She completed a BA (Hons) with a double major in Philosophy and Literature 2002, and a PhD in Philosophy in 2008.

Nin has worked as an academic in Philosophy at UWA since 2009. She is currently the Discipline Chair of Philosophy and the Deputy Head of the School of Humanities (Community and Outreach). Since 2017, Nin has been the President of the UWA Academic Staff Association.

In her academic role at UWA, Nin’s expertise is in ethics and critical thinking. Her current research focuses on normative and applied ethics, in particular, the application of virtue theory to environmental, bioethical, and technological issues. She also has extensive experience teaching professional ethics, critical thinking and logic, including into disciplines outside philosophy, such as engineering, business and science.

Nin is a staunch supporter of UWA, committed to the history, culture, and academic mission of the University, and its role in promoting the welfare of the Western Australian community.

Nee Nee Ong

Nee Nee Ong is a graduate of UWA with a Masters in Business Administration and a
Bachelor of Engineering. With 22 years’ experience, she currently works as an engineer
managing interdisciplinary teams for the delivery of projects and providing electrical
design work. Nee Nee has continued her association with UWA, as seen more recently
in 2015 as a university accreditation accessor, UWA Convocation Awards Convenor and
with UWA volunteer positions, such as mentoring.
Nee Nee has extensive leadership, governance, marketing, event organisation and
finance experience with not-for-profit and professional organisations. This is evident
with the current positions held with Engineers Australia; member of Congress, Electrical
College Board, College of Leadership and Management; and National Committee
Women in Engineering. She has strong community links and volunteer involvement with
the local community.

Leona Marquand

BA(Hons) UOP, DipIFR ACCA, GradDipAppFin FASEA, ACA

Chief Financial Officer – University of Western Australia

As the University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Chief Financial Officer, Leona is responsible for the University’s financial strategy, including; policy and compliance, financial planning and budget, financial administration, financial management and reporting, procurement, and investment and debt portfolios.

Prior to joining the University, Leona held senior leadership positions with KPMG in the Channel Islands, UK and Australia. A Fellow Chartered Accountant with an international career, specialising in providing audit and assurance services and strategic financial advice, Leona brings strong expertise in investment, financial analysis and business strategy to UWA.

As a member of the Executive, Leona advises and supports the University’s strategic priorities, combining her deep understanding of higher education with financial performance to ensure strategic financial alignment in achieving the University’s vision.

Leona also holds positions as the Chair of the UWA Disability Access and Inclusion Working Group and is a Member of the Sisters of St John of God Financial Advisory Committee.

Chris Massey

Chris is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), and has tertiary qualifications including the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd), Graduate Diploma of Education (Dip. Ed.) and Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE).

Chris is the current Executive Director of the Association of Independent Schools WA (AISWA) commencing in September 2022. AISWA was established in 1962 as a non-profit organisation to support, represent and promote the interests of Independent Schools. AISWA’s constituent members include over 160 Independent Schools throughout WA.

Prior to AISWA Chris worked at The University of WA as a Director for 16 years across multiple portfolios including student services and administration, health and wellbeing, student accommodation and sport. Chris had 6 years of project and senior management experience in the Health Sector, including the Cancer Council of WA and Medicare Australia. Chris has also had more than 12 years of experience in the secondary education sector including managing an educational self-esteem program within Australia and Singapore.

Chris is an award recipient from the School of Indigenous Studies for programs that enhance learning; a Fellow of Leadership WA (2008); the current Chair of the National Australian UniSport Board and a member of the University Club Advisory Board. Chris has also served as Director on the Hale School Board of Governors, West Coast Fever Club (Suncorp Super Netball) Board, UWA Sport Pty. Ltd Board and Venues West. Chris is a Life Member of the UWA Football Club.

Viknash VM

Viknash is the Postgraduate Student’s Association President at the University of Western Australia (UWA) where he is currently pursuing his Master’s in international Relations and calls Singapore Home.

He has been heavily involved in UWA’s Student life domains throughout his time here at UWA, having served on the Board of the Student Guild, with a niche for governance matters, in various capacities (Council Member (’19), International President (’20), Mature Age President (’21), Deputy Chair (’21), National Union Delegate (’21)) and was a Residential Advisor at University Hall. He is currently a member of the International Student Support team at UWA.

Along his journey in completing his BCom (Accounting) and GCertIR and now Masters here at UWA, Viknash has demonstrated the ability to effectively execute his duties and has a strong passion for well-being, advocacy, diplomacy and policy governance.

Heather Zampatti

Heather is Head of Wealth Management, Australia at Bell Potter Securities and has over 30 years’ experience in investment advising, providing investors with professional portfolio management. Heather is Chairman of Lotterywest. She sits on the boards of WA Ballet, Chief Executive Women, Osteoporosis Australia, the Advisers of University of Western Australia University Club, WA Regional Council of FINSIA and ASIC Financial Services Consultative Committee.

The University Club of Western Australia Executive Management Team

General Manager

Direct: +61 (8) 6488 2660
Fax: +61 (8) 6488 1183
Email: gary.ellis
@universityclub.uwa.edu.au

Gary has over 30 years’ experience in hospitality at both Executive Chef and General Management level and has worked in leading restaurants, hotels and private clubs in South Africa, Taiwan, Malaysia and England before migrating to Australia, where he was first appointed as General Manager of the exclusive Macquarie Links International Golf Club in Sydney, before joining the University Club in January 2006. Gary is a Member of the West Coast Council of Industry Partners.

Miss Nicole

Membership and Marketing Manager

Direct: +61 (8) 6488 4811
Fax: +61 (8) 6488 4832
Email: nicole.burchett
@universityclub.uwa.edu.au

Nicole has over 20 years of experience in the management of corporate sales and marketing for the hospitality and tourism industry in Western Australia. Nicole started her career with The Melbourne Hotel Perth and has gone on to work in senior and executive management roles for a wide range of organisations including Little Creatures Brewing, Aarons Hotels and Resorts, Mirvac Hotels and Resorts and Australia’s South West before joining the University Club of Western Australia in early 2007.

Nicole is passionate about leadership, stakeholder engagement, corporate communications and corporate social responsibility.

Human Resources Manager

Direct: +61 (8) 6488 4285
Fax: +61 (8) 6488 4833
Email: kirsty.hayden@universityclub.uwa.edu.au

Kirsty has over 25 years of experience in human resource management across varied industries and organisations. Kirsty started her career in Melbourne in both hospitality and mining organisations and upon moving to Perth completed a Bachelor of Economics (Human Resources, Management and Industrial Relations). From there she worked in human resources roles at NAB, Cockburn Cement, Accru Australia and North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club.  Most recently, Kirsty managed Surf Life Saving Western Australia’s lifeguard and emergency service response team before joining the Club in 2022.

Kirsty is passionate about elevating an organisation’s human talent and working with management and employees to create best practices and an employee choice organisation.

Mr Steve

Financial Controller

Direct: +61 (8) 6488 4288
Fax: +61 (8) 6488 8771
Email: steven.floyd
@universityclub.uwa.edu.au

Having served his professional training years with Ernst & Young, Steve moved to London to work in a financial executive role with progressive home furnishings group, The Malabar Cotton Company for 7 years, before returning to South Africa. Since 1995 Steve has gained extensive all-round experience in the hospitality industry operating his own distribution and retailing businesses specialising in craft beers and cheeses, before immigrating and taking up employment with the Club in June 2005. His role at the Club incorporates all financial responsibilities for the University Club , University Theatres and University Hall Catering.

Conferences and Events Manager

Direct: +61 (8) 6488 4842
Fax: +61 (8) 6488 1183
Email: julie.harrison
@universityclub.uwa.edu.au

Julie has over 10 years’ experience in the hotel industry specialising in events management, as well as an Honours degree from UWA.  She has worked at Hyatt Regency Perth, Sheraton Perth Hotel and Bells Estate, and was most recently employed as Conference and Events Manager for Macdonald Hotels and Resorts in Scotland.

Mr Myles

Operations Manager

Direct: +61 (8) 6488 4838
Fax: +61 (8) 6488 4832
Email: myles.harrison
@universityclub.uwa.edu.au

Myles has 30 years’ experience in hospitality management and has enjoyed a career which has taken him around the world. Myles started his career at the Merlin Hotel Perth in 1984 and stayed on with the Hyatt Perth until 1989.   Myles left the Hyatt to move to London to work for the Milestone Hotel which is part of the Small Luxury Hotels Of The World brand. Myles moved back to Perth to take on the Operations and Sales Manager role at Heyder and Sheers Catering for a number of years before continuing his career overseas in Canada and Ireland where he worked as the Restaurant Manager at The Shelbourne Hotel . Myles moved his young family back to Perth in 2007 to join the University Club as Food and Beverage Manager for four and a half years before moving to the Pilbara to work as Catering Operations Manager for BHP, KJV, Chevron and Woodside. Myles returned to the University Club in mid-2015 as Operations Manager and oversees all of the Food and Beverage Operations at the Club in addition to the University of Western Australia’s Business School Café which is managed by the University Club.

Executive Chef

Direct: +61 (8) 6488 2663
Fax: +61 (8) 6488 4831
Email: costa.simatos
@universityclub.uwa.edu.au

Costa  gained a wealth of experience working in 5 star hotels before settling here in Perth. Prior to his appointment with The University Club, Costa was employed as the opening Executive Sous Chef of the Perth Convention Centre. Previous to this he spent 8 years as the Executive Chef at Hilton hotels in both Kuwait and South Africa. Costa has many years of experience working in the Middle East, South Africa and Australia and his  food is influenced by a combination of his Greek-Cypriot heritage, the multi-cultural flavours of South Africa and classical western cooking.