This year’s Autumn meeting, held on 26 March 2026, opened on a reflective note, with tributes to Ms Cathy Tang, Professor John Melville-Jones AM, and Professor Bryant Stokes AO, whose recent passing marks a profound loss. Each made an enduring and significant contribution to UWA and to Convocation, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape its future.

We also celebrated the awarding of a Medal of the Order of Australia to former Warden Professor Lesley Cala, a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding service and dedication.

Mr Matt Budge, Ms Devon Cuneo and Dr Eros Scagnetti, who have each made an important contribution to Alumni Council, were re-elected to Council for a further three-year term.

With elections come retirements, and appreciation was expressed to retiring Members of Council for their time, dedication and contribution to Convocation and the University. Those who retired were;

• Ms Harriet Calverley, who was of great assistance in the ongoing development of graduation ceremonies.
• Dr David Griffiths retired as Deputy Warden, a role in which his support and advice was invaluable. He will continue on Alumni Council ex-officio in his role as Convocation-elected Senator.
• For many years, Dr Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis has served as Chair of the Events Committee, bringing excellent leadership and energy to the role. With the dedicated support of her team, she played a pivotal part in delivering a wide array of highly successful and memorable events that have enriched our community.
• Adjunct Professor Warren Kerr AM was a Convocation-elected Senator for nine years. A past Warden of Convocation (2013-17), most recently Warren was an elected member of Alumni Council where he served as Chair of the Honours and Resources Committees. His exceptional contribution and service to the University and to Convocation over many years has been immense.

More than 200 alumni at the UWA Club and many more watching from across Australia and the globe heard from a fascinating panel that demonstrated UWA’s leadership in climate, health and renewable energy.

Ably moderated by urban planner and geographer, Director of the UWA Public Policy Institute, Associate Professor Paul Maginn, it included agricultural economist Professor Marit Kragt, agricultural scientist Emeritus Professor Graeme Martin, researcher in offshore hydrodynamics Dr Hugh Wolgamot, and biologist Professor Caitlin Wyrwoll.