The University community has been saddened by the recent death of Mrs Judith Roberts, who served Flinders as a councillor, in committee roles and as both Pro Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor.

The Chancellor, Mr Stephen Gerlach, said Mrs Roberts had been a tireless supporter of the University, both in her official roles and as an advocate for Flinders and its activities.

“Her strong commitment to Flinders was part of an extraordinary record of service to the community,” Mr Gerlach said.

She was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University in December 2008.

A nurse by profession, Mrs Roberts was involved with a wide range of Government and non-Government organisations, and advised State and Federal Governments in the areas of health – especially cancer prevention – education, welfare and women’s affairs.

Her roles included presidency of the Cancer Council Australia and the Family Services Council of Australia, and she was appointed foundation Chair of the Helpmann Academy Board in 1994. She also held the posts of President of Relationships Australia and Director of the South Australian Government’s Office of Ageing, and was Chair of the Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia from 1987 to 1994.

She was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2003 for her service to the community and to education.

A champion of access and equity in education, Mrs Roberts served on University Council for a total of 16 years (1992 to 2008), chairing the Council working party which reviewed the University governance arrangements in 2003. In addition to her work on committees concerned with academic promotions and remuneration, Mrs Roberts also sat on various senior appointment committees.

Appointed Pro Chancellor in 2001, she was Deputy Chancellor from 2005 to 2008.

Her funeral is today.