Michelle Bellingan starts as DVC Academic at Central Queensland U. She moves up from dean of health, medical and applied sciences.

At Uni Melbourne, Tony Birch is appointed to the Boisbouvier Chair in Australian Literature, (“advancing the teaching and public appreciation of Australian literature”). Mr Birch is an “an acclaimed local First Nations” novelist and poet.

Ngiare Brown will become James Cook U’s chancellor in April. Professor Brown was foundation CEO of the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association and is chair of the National Mental Health Commission.

Exercise and Sports Science Australia announces its two research grants for this year. Bernie Bissett, Mary Johnson (Uni Canberra) and team for exercise physiology in COVID recovery. Annette Raynor and team (Edith Cowan U) for an exercise programme for aged care facility residents with Parkinson’s Disease.

Cathy McGowan (yes, the former Independent member for Indi) is named chair of AgriFutures Australia, (one of the federal government’s agriculture research and development corporations).

Trina Myers is in-coming head of Deakin U’s School of Information Technology. She will join from QUT.