Page, Earle Sir (1880 - 1961)

Sir Earle Christmas Grafton Page was a transformative figure in Australian politics and the primary architect of the Country Party’s regionalist platform. Serving as the 11th Prime Minister in a caretaker capacity in 1939 and as leader of the Country Party for nearly two decades, Page championed decentralisation, agrarianism, and the development of primary industries. 

A distinguished surgeon born in Grafton, Page’s regional influence was defined by his advocacy for Northern Rivers development and the New England statehood movement. His commitment to the region’s intellectual advancement culminated in his appointment as the inaugural Chancellor of the University of New England in 1954, following its transition to full autonomy from the University of Sydney. His leadership bridged regional aspirations with national policy, securing his place as a foundational figure in the history of both the New England region and the University. 

First UNE Chancellor (1954-1960).