Alison Byrnes (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I acknowledge the loss of two highly accomplished local people this year. Emeritus Professor Ken McKinnon AO was the University of Wollongong's second vice-chancellor. Sadly passing away in April, Professor McKinnon has left behind a monumental legacy. His tenure spanned from 1981 to 1994. Current vice-chancellor Max Lu described him as ' a visionary leader whose impact on the University of Wollongong has been long lasting and deeply felt'.

Professor McKinnon was the driving force behind the university's rise as a world-class teaching and research facility, with his steadfast belief in education, community and science shaping the university that we know and love today. He was also responsible for the University of Wollongong's first international campus, in Dubai, now one of four, taking the uni from a regional campus to a global leader. Even in his retirement, Professor McKinnon and his wife, Sue Walker, continued to make generous philanthropic donations to the university, establishing research fellowships and supporting future generations of academic leaders.

Australia's former chief scientist Professor Ian Chubb described Professor McKinnon as the 'Wizard of Wollongong' and highlighted his unique ability to 'not just open doors but make you believe that the doorways were there to walk through'. His successor and deputy, Gerard Sutton, described him as 'probably the best vice-chancellor Australia has ever had, in terms of what he's achieved'. His legacy lives on, and I give my sincere condolences to his wife, Sue, and his entire family.

In January this year, Wollongong lost another local legend, Ben Hession. Ben devoted 34 years of service to local community radio station VOX FM, mentoring presenters, championing local artists and generously giving his time, his kindness and his care to so many. President of VOX FM Lilian Wings described Ben as 'a man whose quiet dedication shaped the very soul of VOX FM and left an imprint on the Wollongong community that will be felt for generations'. Lilian said, 'To speak of Ben is to speak about loyalty, humility and a lifetime of service given without ever seeking recognition.'

Ben's contributions extended far beyond the station. He generously volunteered at the University of Wollongong, the Yours and Owls music-booking company, the Music Farmers music store and the Oz Poetry community. Music Farmers owner Jeb Taylor said, 'Ben gave basically every local artist in Wollongong their first radio airplay and on-air interview.' A constant presence in the music scene and a champion of many, Ben was always there to help. His loss is felt deeply.