Relishing a seat at the big table

Belinda Hutchinson assumed the role of University of Sydney chancellor as a labour of love. It’s an unpaid position which, right now, has evolved from around one-and-a-half days a week to nearly four as the university faces the dire effects of the pandemic, a reduced international student base, dealing with sweeping changes to government funding and fees, as well as the impending loss of vice-chancellor Michael Spence, who is set to take up a position in London early in 2021.

Losing international students has cost the university millions of dollars in revenue, and while many people believe the university to be well endowed, Hutchinson says the reality is that it is a public institution and most of the funds are allocated to support debt accrued by building on campus and providing for staff and students.

However, undaunted by the challenges, Hutchinson has just signed up for another four years in the role.

“I really feel I want to continue. We’ve done so much good work I don’t want to lose the momentum and we’ve got to get through