Four new members join Victoria University Council

Victoria University has recently welcomed four new members to its University Council: Felicity Topp, Fiona Schutt, Cath Whelan and Greg Tucker.

VU Council is the governing body of Victoria University, established under the Victoria University Act 2010 (Vic). It oversees and is accountable for the University’s operations, including its strategy, budget, and the management of risk. 

It has five standing committees: Audit and Risk; Finance and Investment; Infrastructure Planning; Remunerations; and Nominations, which provide advice and recommendations to Council.

The new members show our commitment to progressive inclusivity and ensuring our Council membership reflects diversity.

“I am delighted that Felicity, Fiona, Cath and Greg have joined our Council. They each bring a unique skill set to VU, which will help position us as a dual-sector leader in education and research,” Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adam Shoemaker said.

Introducing the new members: 

Felicity Topp

Peninsula Health CEO and 2022 recipient of the VU Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award, Felicity Topp, brings 35 years of public health and executive experience to the VU Council. 

“I'm particularly drawn to the University's focus on partnering with industry. Having worked extensively in the healthcare sector, I recognise the pressing workforce needs in areas like aged care, mental health, and disability services. 

“I believe that by forging strong partnerships between higher education and healthcare, we can effectively develop and educate the workforce of the future to address these needs,” Ms Topp said.

Fiona Schutt

Melbourne Water General Manager Fiona Schutt is a senior executive with extensive expertise in financial transformation, strategy and planning.

“I hope to bring a lens of commercial strategy, financial and analytical insights underpinned by experience and understanding of the higher education sector.  

“It’s a real honour and a privilege to be welcomed into and be part of the VU community.  I am very humbled by it while also looking to play the best role I can in helping this community thrive and succeed,” Ms Schutt said.

Cath Whelan

Cath Whelan is an experienced executive with decades of experience as a community worker, public sector executive, organisational consultant and public entity board member and chair. Cath was born and raised in Melbourne’s western suburbs - on Wurundjeri Country - and has lived there for most of her life. 

“The sense of pride, achievement and optimism in VU’s strategic plan, coupled with an obvious determination to tackle the significant challenges that lie ahead, resonates with me.  The way in which the plan recognises the Boonwurrung, Wadawurung and Wurundjeri as Traditional Owners highlights the commitment our university has to learning from traditional and contemporary Indigenous culture and thinking,” Ms Whelan said.

“I am keen to learn from all those who have come before me in the VU community in order to continue the journey together.  This will enshrine a strong, respected and inclusive university in our region, that not only impacts our health and wellbeing in Melbourne’s west, but also influences state, national and international developments in tertiary education.”

Greg Tucker

Greg Tucker is a lawyer with significant senior leadership experience and is currently serving on a portfolio of boards both commercial and not-for-profit. 

He brings considerable experience in governance, senior leadership, management of risk and understanding legal matters.

“The Strategic Plan has the potential to transform the University and to provide students, including disadvantaged groups, with access to superior brand of higher education,” said Mr Tucker.

“I’m looking forward to working with the University community to execute this ambitious, transformational strategy.”