In November 2018, Jim Watkins, our College Business Manager of 12 years, retired. Stepping into this demanding position is Tim Stewart. Tim comes to the College from the University of Western Australia, where he held the position of Faculty General Manager, Faculty of Arts.

What does your role entail?
Overseeing the corporate services functions of the College.

What are you most looking forward to in this role?
Getting to know all of the staff and being actively involved in the development of the College Master Plan.

What is your biggest challenge this year?
Embedding risk and compliance within the College, while making the daily commute from the hills.

When looking back at the end of the year what do you hope to have achieved?
I hope to have helped in the growth and development of the College while excelling in supporting the principal and staff to meet our Mercy values.

During your career who has inspired you the most?
I have taken inspiration from a number of people over my career.  In particular, a senior archaeologist at the University of Western Australia made a lasting impression on my journey.  His knowledge and passion for his subject matter was infectious and he had a wonderful ability to bring both academic and professional staff along for the journey.  Not only did he respect and value the contributions of staff supporting their teaching and research pursuits but he inspired staff to go further in their own daily activities.

What is your favourite book?
‘Still Travelling’ by Mal Leyland.  Such an inspirational look at one half of the Leyland Brothers and the journey from migrants to explorers of our vast country.

What is your favourite quote?
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? – Who will watch the watchmen?

I am not sure that it is my favourite quote, but it has stayed with me from early in my career.