Content
Foundation Patron and Board Members
The University Foundation’s patron is Tim Fairfax, who held the position of Chair of the Foundation Board from its inception in 1997 to 2009.
He also served for 12 years as Deputy Chancellor of the University.
Tim is Chairman of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Salvation Army Brisbane Advisory Board, Chair of the National Portrait Gallery Board, Trustee of Queensland Art Gallery, President Queensland Art Gallery Foundation, and Director of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.
Tim is also Patron of AMA Queensland Foundation, Member of Philanthropy Australia Council and Councillor Royal National Association Queensland.
He is also a pastoralist who is passionate about rural and regional Australia.
"A good university’s presence within a region has the power to transform individual lives as well as the very fabric of its society. USC is worthy of the community’s strongest support," says Mr Fairfax.
The Foundation Board is a dedicated group of volunteers whose common goal is to contribute to the University's growth and development for students, staff, alumni, the community and the region.
Together they bring a range of skills and backgrounds from running their own successful business to the corporate, education and community sectors.
John Dobson OAM – Foundation Chair
John Dobson has served USC as its Chancellor since 2007, and as a member of Council since 1998.
He has worked with universities in various roles for over 40 years.
He is the Catholic parish priest of Caloundra and Dean of the North Coast Deanery in the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
Among other things, he brings to the Foundation his insight gained through interactions with people over a whole broad spectrum of human experience.
“The University of the Sunshine Coast has without doubt the most important and far reaching responsibility possible—the advanced education of our people.”
Karen Neuendorf 
Karen Neuendorf, of Neuendorf Interiors, is well-known in the Sunshine Coast business community as a respected interior designer and sought-after adviser and lecturer in her field.
Karen is passionate about playing an active role in the University's future direction, utilising her diverse networks in the community.
Her involvement in numerous community and corporate groups includes five terms as President of the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network, championing many quality programs for women in business.
“Education, be it formally through a university or informally through life experience, is a precious gift that defines who we are. This unique University touches the greater community, be it the individual or business. I see myself as a conduit to give and connect to the region.”
Back to top
Jocelyn Walker
A long time resident of the Sunshine Coast, Jocelyn Walker has been a Foundation Board member for over 10 years.
The former operator of Moby Vic's 24 hour roadhouses, Jocelyn is mostly involved in commercial development these days.
"I readily accepted Paul Thomas' invitation to join the board, believing that this fast growing institution was poised to become one of the finest in our country. I felt that I could contribute to the team and make a difference."
"My enthusiasm toward the development of this magnificent facility has only been heightened as we celebrate the achievements of serving both our students and community over the past decade. I congratulate USC for fulfilling it's mission to create a facility of world class standard in teaching and research and welcome the opportunity to continue my support."
John Shadforth
John Shadforth has lived on the Sunshine Coast for over 30 years and has owned and run several successful businesses.
He has a passion to see people improve their lives and become positive contributors to society through education.
"A proud family man with seven grandchildren, I am motivated and excited by the potential that USC offers to all members of the community and the difference I can make as a Board member to ensure the best outcome for the University, it's staff and students."
Back to top
Michelle Hamer
Michelle Hamer was raised on the Sunshine Coast and is widely known for her expertise in the fields of training, networking and facilitating positive outcomes for community and business organisations.
As well as running two businesses and serving on community boards, she lectures and tutors at USC and is passionate about the exciting role the University plays within the community.
“I am keen to celebrate and enhance the active role that students play on the Sunshine Coast. The University I believe, encourages people to follow their dreams and make a positive difference to their lives and the lives of others”.
Michelle is the Director of Smart Advice – a consultancy that provides business analysis and advice to professionals in the areas of strategy, gaining and retaining customers, systems and procedures and financial management.
"I have long felt that education is the key to a successful society. It is with great pride then that I have been given an opportunity to contribute to the development of our local University through my role on both the USC Council and the Foundation Board and to build on the exceptional work done to date by others".
Back to top
Cameron Hall
Cameron Hall was born and completed school on the Sunshine Coast before heading off to complete an honours degree in Civil Engineering at The University of Queensland in 1996.
Work and travel then saw Cameron live in London, Canada, Sydney and Melbourne. In 2005, Cameron returned to the Sunshine Coast to work for Hall Contracting Pty Ltd, the family construction business set up in Mooloolaba by his grandfather Les Hall in 1946.
“I am a strong believer in tertiary education, and was amazed to see this wonderful institution thriving on the Sunshine Coast. Going to university on the Sunshine Coast wasn’t an option when I left school, so to see it become such a well respected university in such a short time is fantastic."
"The short and long term economic benefits that the University provides the region should not be understated. Not only does it provide jobs at the University and in local supporting industries now, it also provides an avenue to attract the bright young people to the region who will help ensure the Coast’s long term economic viability. As a board member of the Foundation, I am excited about contributing to the University’s future success.”
Bruce Williams 
Bruce Williams is the elected USC general staff member on the University Council and works in USC International.
He has lived on the Sunshine Coast for 20 years and has been part of the University community since 1997 having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (2000) and an Honours degree (2003). Bruce taught Communication and Cultural Studies courses at USC for 7 years, and also worked in an administrative role supporting students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
"As a personal beneficiary of USC’s positive impact on our region, I am privileged to have seen firsthand the University grow over the years into a dynamic educational institution. It’s great to be able to work together with so many talented and committed people to support the ongoing success of our students and staff, and I value the opportunity to contribute through the Foundation to the University’s continued growth and development."
Back to top