O'Shane, Pat Dr

Dr Pat O'Shane AM served as the fifth Chancellor of the University of New England (1994 - 2003). O'Shane, a Kuku Yalanji woman, is a trailblazing figure in Australian law and public service. She made a significant contribution to higher education and Aboriginal representation in governance during her time as Chancellor.

Throughout her career, she has been a vocal advocate for social justice and constitutional reform, notably as an elected delegate to the 1998 Constitutional Convention where she championed the idea of an Australian republic. 

Her legacy is recognised with numerous honours, including the Order of Australia (1984), the Centenary Medal (2001), and the NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award (2021).