Strengthening ACU's impact

A message from the Chief Operating Officer, Patrick Woods.

Dear colleagues,

As I approach my fourth month at ACU, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I’ve received. It has been a privilege to meet many of you and to gain a deeper understanding of the work being done across the university to support our students, research, and communities.

While I haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit all our campuses, I look forward to doing so in the months ahead. One of the most rewarding aspects of my time so far has been seeing firsthand the dedication and professionalism of our teams. Across all areas of the university, I’ve witnessed a strong commitment to collaboration and service, and I want to thank you for your contributions.

ACU’s strength lies not only in its teaching and research but also in the dedicated work happening behind the scenes to enable these efforts. The Corporate Services portfolio plays a vital role in supporting ACU’s people, operations, and long-term sustainability—helping to create an environment where our staff and students can thrive.

At present, important work is underway across the university, focusing on key initiatives such as enhancing systems and processes, strengthening workforce strategies, improving infrastructure, ensuring financial sustainability, and advancing governance practices. These efforts are essential to reinforcing our foundations and ensuring ACU is well-positioned to navigate the future with confidence. I look forward to sharing further updates as these initiatives progress.

As we begin Semester 1, I also want to acknowledge the additional effort this time of year requires. To support staff during this period, Service Central phone support hours have been extended until 14 March to assist with any queries as the semester gets underway. If you are new to ACU, I encourage you to explore the new starter guide on Service Central, which provides valuable information about available resources and services.

As we take the next steps in implementing Vision 2033, our focus will be on ensuring ACU is well-positioned for the future, with the right structures, resources, and strategies in place to support our shared goals. Achieving this will require effort, adaptability, and a collective focus, and I am confident that together we can meet the challenges ahead.

A strong, effective workplace is built on two key principles: treating everyone with respect and setting clear expectations. These values shape my approach to leadership, and I hope they resonate with you as we work towards strengthening ACU’s impact.

Thank you for your dedication and hard work—I look forward to continuing this journey with you and to contributing to ACU’s future alongside such a committed and passionate community.