Claire Higgins

The parent of a Deakin graduate and a resident of the Bellarine Peninsula, Claire has a deep appreciation of the University’s role to meet students’ and community needs, both locally and globally. Claire is delighted to be leading the University Council to achieve the strategic plan Deakin 2030: Ideas to Impact. The Council is committed to realising the plan’s ambition to maximise, through balanced excellence in teaching and research, the social, cultural and economic impact Deakin delivers regionally, nationally and globally.

Claire is an experienced Board Chair and Director whose leadership style focuses on ethics, integrity and clarity of purpose. She has extensive management, commercial, health, safety, and governance experience, and her former Chair and Directorships include Chair Country Fire Authority (2007-2015), Director Vital Healthcare Management (2012-2019), Director Ambulance Victoria (2009-2014), Director Barwon Water (2007-2010), past Chair and Director Barwon Health (2000-2009) and Director Ryman Healthcare (2014-2024, Interim Chair 2022-2023).

Currently, Claire is Chair of the Boards of the health insurer GMHBA and of REI Superannuation and a non-executive Director of the education-focused Futurity Investment Group and the medical device start-up Margin Clear.

Claire places importance on good communication and the respectful and productive exchange of ideas to build shared commitment and to achieve success.

As Chancellor, Claire looks forward to sharing conversations and thoughts with staff and students across the University, and to congratulating scores of Deakin students as they stride the stage at a Graduation Ceremony.