New chair for Bendigo Kangan Institute

TEACHER and former Australian Council of Trade Unions president Sharan Burrow has been named the new chair of the Bendigo Kangan Institute board.

Her appointment became effective on 1 September.

Ms Burrow joined the board in December last year and replaces Greater Bendigo councillor Margaret O’Rourke, who has held the position since 2022.

The institute consists of four brands; Bendigo TAFE and the Kangan Institute, skills assessment agency VETASSESS, and learning management platform provider eWorks.

“I am honoured to accept the role of board chair for Bendigo Kangan Institute,” Ms Burrow said.

“Our organisation plays a vital role in shaping the future of our community through education, skills assessments and jobs.

“I am committed to working closely with our board, staff, students, government partners, industry leaders and the broader community to foster growth and drive impact – ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional education, training and skills solutions in a time marked by significant change and opportunity.”

Ms Burrow will lead the development of several major projects including the Hume Tech School operated by Kangan Institute, the Bendigo TAFE Community Health and Learning Hub in partnership with Dhelkaya Health, and new Kangan Institute campuses in Sunbury and Melton.

She was ACTU president from 2000 to 2010 and has also served as general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation.

Institute chief executive officer Sally Curtain said Ms Burrow’s extensive expertise and proven leadership would be invaluable.

“With Ms Burrow at the helm, we are well positioned to continue to drive sustainable growth and positive change, delivering high-quality education and training that equips our students with the skills they need to succeed,” she said.

Ms Burrow has represented workers and civil society groups in global policy discussions at the United Nations, the International Labour Organisation, G7, G20, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

She has also co-chaired the World Economic Forum’s annual meetings in Switzerland.

Ms Burrow currently works as a visiting professor in practice to the London School of Economics Grantham Institute, vice-chair of the European Climate Foundation, a board member of the Green Hydrogen Association, a member of Temasek’s sustainability advisory panel, and a board member of Novonix.