Philanthropist New Chancellor for QUT

Philanthropist and community leader, Tim Fairfax AM has been appointed Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology.

Tim Fairfax is described as la eading advocate for philanthropy and the arts in Australia and a highly regarded figure in the business community for his pastoral, transport and communications enterprises.

Deputy Chancellor Helen Gluer said QUT was honoured to have Tim Fairfax take up this important role.

"Mr Fairfax is a respected community leader who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to QUT, reflected in the chair and directorships he holds in numerous and diverse organisations that underpin economic and cultural life in Australia," she said.

Fairfax, a member of the Fairfax media family and former director of Rural Press Ltd, is a Philanthropy Australia Council member and chairman of the Salvation Army's Advisory Board.

As chairman of two Fairfax family foundations, Tim Fairfax takes an active leadership role in promoting philanthropy in Australia. His work in this sphere has been recognised with the 2011 Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Leadership award.

A keen supporter of the arts, Fairfax is interim chair of the National Gallery of Australia. He is a founding benefactor and former chair of the National Portrait Gallery and its single largest donor.

He is also president of the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation and an honorary councillor of the Australian Business Arts Foundation.

Professor Coaldrake said QUT looked forward to working with Fairfax to realise the University's ambitious plans and consolidate its position as a leading university.

"His strong sense of community and philanthropy align with QUT's DNA," he said.

Fairfax will replace outgoing Chancellor Major General (Ret'd) Peter Arnison AC.