Deakin Uni boss quits Trust
Jane den Hollander says her job with Kardinia Park Stadium is done
PROFESSOR Jane den Hollander has made a surprise resignation from the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.
The Deakin University Vice-Chancellor’s resignation as a trustee, submitted to Minister for Sport John Eren, is effective tomorrow.
Prof den Hollander was appointed by the State Government in January 2015 as a member of the Kardinia Park Steering Committee.
Working with fellow members, the State Government and the City of Greater Geelong, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Trust.
Prof den Hollander said she felt her time was up, initially intending to serve two years and staying three.
“The plan always was that (Steve Bracks and I) would do the legislation and once the legislation was done we’d come off,” she said.
“Steve and I formed the inaugural Chair and the Deputy Chair of the Trust and we were going to stay a year, Steve left and I stayed an extra year beyond that.”
Prof den Hollander also holds positions as Geelong Performing Arts Centre deputy chair and Skilling the Bay chair and said time restraints was a contributing factor. She described the opportunity as a “privilege” and wished the Trust well for the future.
“I’m very proud of the Trust, what we achieved and the committee we now have. Everyone has a different skill ... my great skill is policy and legislation and that bit is done,” she said.
The Trust was set up to take over all promotion and management of the Kardinia Park precinct, which had historically been led by the council.
Since February 2016 Prof den Hollander continued to help lead the Trust’s strategical direction as a member.
She served as deputy chair, until she stepped down last July, citing business and travel demands.
Her fellow trustees included Michael Malouf, Rebecca Casson, Gillian Costa, Simon Guthrie and Elizabeth Mears.
Prominent lawyer Dan Simmonds, a principal of Geelong law firm Harwood Andrews, was the latest member to join the Trust in October.
Trust chairman Michael Malouf thanked Prof den Hollander for her “valuable and generous contribution” and her role in making GMHBA Stadium “Australia’s best regional stadium”.
“It’s a really challenging environment but Jane’s experience and intellect has been invaluable,” he said.
A selection process to find her replacement is underway.