Fellow of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp
Citation orated by Dr Peter Robertson
Chancellor, I present Peter Fitzgerald.
Through an esteemed career and enduring commitment to advancing education and business in the Illawarra, Peter Fitzgerald has helped create a brighter future for our region and its people.
Peter joined KPMG’s ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp office – then known as Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co – as an undergraduate accountant, making Partner at just 30 years of age. He was to spend his entire career with the Illawarra’s only international professional services firm, including 21 years as Managing Partner. Peter became widely regarded as a valuable asset to the local business community.
By the time Peter retired in 2014, KPMG ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp had increased its staff by almost tenfold. A lifelong local and a proud ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp alumnus, Peter gave innumerable young UOW graduates their start. Over the years, the firm has been one of the region’s biggest recruiters of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp’s commerce students, many enjoying long and fulfilling careers at KPMG with Peter as their inspiring mentor and role model.
Peter’s ongoing service to this ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp is extraordinary. He has forged strong links between the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp and local business for the benefit of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp, its students and staff, regional industry and the wider community. Peter has given freely of his guidance and practical expertise to shape a resilient future for the organisation.
In his 13 years as a member of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp Council, Peter played an integral role in the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp growth and prosperity. He served on numerous ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp committees, including two Accommodation Expansion Oversight Committees, the Risk, Audit and Compliance Committee, Committee of Appeal (Student Discipline), Council Nominations Committee, Honorary Awards Committee and the Chancellor Robert Hope Memorial Prize Selection Committee.
As Chair of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp’s Risk, Audit and Compliance Committee for almost five years, Peter provided unparalleled professional insight, advice and leadership. His capacity to assess ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp-wide operational risks was instrumental in assuring the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp Council and governance processes, safeguarding the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp’s future development, growth and stability. Peter is also particularly proud of his part in bringing the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp’s Innovation Campus vision to life as a member of the Innovation Campus Oversight Committee.
In the broader community, Peter offered professional guidance and compassionate assistance across a diversity of causes. He was a member of the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Committee, served on the School Board of Edmund Rice College and was Chair of Mater Dei School for children with intellectual disabilities. He remains a Director of IMB Bank ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp, Peoplecare and the IRT Group.
Chancellor, Peter Fitzgerald has given a lifetime of outstanding service to the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp and to the development of a thriving Illawarra community.
It is a privilege to present Peter Fitzgerald to be admitted as a Fellow of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp.