— Malcolm McCusker’s long association with Curtin University recognised —
Former Governor of Western Australia, Malcolm McCusker, has been recognised by Curtin University for his outstanding contribution to the public good through his legal career, philanthropic and community interests and role as Governor, with an Honorary Doctor of the University.
One of the State’s most respected barristers, Mr McCusker served as Governor of Western Australia from 2011 and retired in June 2014.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said as Governor, Mr McCusker went beyond his formal responsibilities by championing, passionately and consistently, the importance of actively supporting the State’s community sector.
“He has also provided strong and consistent support to Curtin over many years through his leadership and funding for a range of key research and advocacy initiatives, including the McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth,” Professor Terry said.
The McCusker Charitable Foundation established the McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth in 2010 at Curtin’s Shenton Park Campus to fund work being undertaken by leading public health researcher Professor Mike Daube. The Centre is a research and advocacy initiative with a focus on reducing alcohol related harm in young people.
The McCusker Charitable Foundation aims to improve the health, wellbeing and education in Western Australia, and has supported a wide range of charitable causes.
Mr McCusker’s long association with Curtin includes serving as an inaugural board member of the Australian Sustainable Development Institute (ASDI), a Curtin-based initiative that aims to bring together key research groups in sustainability. During his term as Governor he continued to act as Patron of ASDI.
As Governor, Mr McCusker officiated at a number of high-profile Curtin functions, including the Investitures of the Chancellor, Mr Colin Beckett and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Terry.
He served as Chairman of the Legal Aid Commission of WA from 1983 to 2011, the longest serving commissioner in Australia, and is highly regarded for his successful representation of a number of high-profile cases, often pro-bono, of wrongfully convicted persons. He was appointed as Queen’s Counsel in 1982.
Mr McCusker received his Honorary Doctorate at a ceremony with Curtin Business School graduates at Curtin’s Bentley Campus.
Notes to Editor:
- Image of Mr McCusker receiving his honorary doctorate is available on request.
