January 26, 2024

UOW Deputy Chancellor honoured in Australia Day Awards

Warwick Shanks awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contributions to business and the community

University of Wollongong (UOW) Deputy Chancellor Mr Warwick Shanks has been recognised in the 2024 Australia Day Honours List, being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contributions to business and the community.

Mr Shanks has long and valued association with the University. He was first appointed to the UOW Council by the NSW Minister for Education in 2018, having previously served as an external member of the Council’s Finance and Resources Committee.

He was elected to the position of Deputy Chancellor at the October 2021 Council meeting. 

UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M. Davidson congratulated Mr Shanks for his well-earned recognition, and for his contributions to the University and to the wider Illawarra community.

“Warwick Shanks has served the University community exceptionally well as Deputy Chancellor, bringing immense expertise, interest and enthusiasm to the role,” Professor Davidson said.

“I know he particularly enjoys the role he plays at our graduation ceremonies and alumni awards events, and the opportunity to engage with students and alumni. I know his insights are also highly valued by the Illawarra business community and the community organisations he is involved with.”

During his time on the UOW Council, Mr Shanks has served as a member of the Finance and Infrastructure Committees, the Chancellor Robert Hope Memorial Prize Selection Committee and the Honorary Awards Committee.

An Audit and Assurance Partner in KPMG’s Enterprise division, Mr Shanks has more than 30 years’ experience in corporate governance, audit and risk management. He was a partner in KPMG’s Wollongong Office for more than 20 years, the last seven as Managing Partner of the office, and he is now based in KPMG’s Greater Western Sydney office in Parramatta.

As well as his work with the University, Mr Shanks has contributed to the Illawarra business community as Chairman of the Illawarra Committee of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and he oversees the judging of the Illawarra Business Awards.  He was also previously the Deputy Chairman of RDA Illawarra and has been on many economic development committees for the region. 

Mr Shanks is Chairman of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Limited (Merrigong Theatre Company) and previously served as Director of So They Can, a charity supporting Education activities in Kenya and Tanzania.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.