Chief People Officer's message

Thank you to staff from around the University who continue to provide expertise and outstanding service as we work toward a successful transition to Adelaide University. In the Division of University Operations (DUO) we are progressing two important programs of work.

The first piece of work, as a key enabler to supporting our people through change and merger related activity, is the ongoing development of a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment.

A program, led by the Human Resources Branch, is underway to support staff engagement, wellbeing and psychosocial safety. At staggered stages this year, work areas will receive a People at Work Survey; your responses will play a key role in shaping action plans tailored to the needs of each local area.

The second is the disestablishment of the University of Adelaide. Engagement with the appropriate regulators and stakeholders will continue until the closure of the University on 31 March 2026. The disestablishment team is working closely with the Integration Management Office to:

• review all critical areas (such as regulatory bodies, legal compliance, real estate and assets, bequests and donations, research funding, environmental compliance, and IT), and identify key requirements to move from an operational state to closure
• ensure compliance, operational and regulatory reporting obligations are met.

In addition, DUO teams continue to deliver services to support our staff, students, and the wider University community. This includes capital works projects completed in 2025, including Union House, the Barr Smith Library refurbishment, and the Barr Smith Lawns Public Realm upgrade.

Several other capital projects are nearing completion, including the Ray Last Laboratory, which provides the core teaching facility for anatomy; the Quantum Materials Lab, a dedicated facility for quantum materials device fabrication; and the new cattle and sheep yards at the Roseworthy campus. The Nexus10 Artificial Intelligence/Virtual Reality (AI/VR) Commercialisation Hub project is also underway and will showcase immersive AI/VR and Mixed Realities research capability.

I am grateful for the way that professional and academic staff within the University’s Faculties and Divisions collaborate productively with the 450 staff in the Division of University Operations to deliver services and support the continued success of our teaching and research, and the ongoing preparations for Adelaide University.

Peter Prest
Chief Operating Officer