Message to members

Dear Member

It is with a deep sense of sadness that we share the devastating news of the sudden passing of our highly regarded President, Dr Peter Woodgate.  Our condolences are extended to Peter’s wife Janet and his family during this very difficult time. The Geospatial Council of Australia’s Board of Directors and staff will miss Peter’s vision, calm and thoughtful leadership, and his endless commitment to championing the Geospatial and Space industries.

Peter was appointed as a Director and the inaugural President for the Geospatial Council of Australia on 5 December 2022 at the first meeting of the newly installed Board. Peter was the epitome of a true gentleman. He brought experience, knowledge and expertise along with a wealth of governance experience that was so valuable for us at this crucial formation stage. We will be forever grateful for his guidance during those initial months as the Geospatial Council was being formed.  

As a colleague, Peter is remembered for the respect he showed to each person, the values that informed every decision and the tireless work and passion he committed to his various roles with which he was involved.  He was also a friend and we will greatly miss the many conversations held. Peter was always respectful, considered and never short of valuable thoughts and well considered ideas.

Apart from his role as our incoming President, Peter also Chaired SmartSat CRC, Canthera Discovery (a cancer research organisation) and AURIN (an NCRIS facility) and was a Board member of PSMA Ltd (trading as Geoscape), a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee at Charles Sturt University, and was an honorary Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne.  He also worked tirelessly in leading the soon to be released Space and Geospatial 2030 RoadMap which has been produced to assist the Australian Government to realise the economic opportunities of these rapidly growing sectors.  He developed deep respect with all of the people and organisations that were consulted while producing this work.

Peter was a great visionary and leader and will be sorely missed by many.  Our deepest sympathies go to Janet and his family during this difficult time. Our industry has lost a truly extraordinary person.

With regards,            

Paul Digney, Acting President

Alistair Byron, Deputy President

Jacinta Burns, Director

Darren Mottolini, Director

Kate Ramsay, Director

Roshni Sharma, Director

Tony Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer

Kris Trott, Company Secretary

And the Team at Geospatial Council of Australia (Trading as SSSI until launch date March/April 2023)