Taronga Zoo in Mosman to Revitalise Cable Car, Sydney Zoo Claims Unfair Competition


Taronga Zoo in Mosman has submitted a $77 million proposal to replace its former Sky Safari cable car system. However, Sydney Zoo has strongly opposed this plan, arguing that the upgrade could harm its business by diverting patrons away from the Western Sydney location. 



Taronga Zoo’s new cable car design would span 1.5 km from the Mosman ferry terminal to the main zoo entrance, offering enhanced views of Sydney Harbour and the zoo grounds. The proposed upgrade, part of the Strategic Plan for 2021 to 2025, would feature larger gondolas with improved accessibility, including capacity for wheelchairs and prams, addressing limitations in the previous model retired in early 2023.

If approved under SSD-46807958, Taronga Zoo expects this cable car revitalisation to be completed by 2025.

Taronga Zoo in Mosman
Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo

Funding Concerns and Economic Impact

Sydney Zoo’s managing director, Jake Burgess, has urged blocking Taronga’s development, arguing that the project relies heavily on public funding, which could give Taronga Zoo an unfair advantage over private competitors.

He suggested that Taronga’s plan violates the NSW competition policy guidelines on “competitive neutrality,” which require publicly funded entities not to compete with private businesses harmfully. 

Mr Burgess warned that if the Sky Safari upgrade proceeds, Sydney Zoo could lose visitation numbers and revenue, potentially leading to job cuts and reduced community programs. He emphasised that while Sydney Zoo prioritises conservation programs and mobile education, Taronga’s upgrade aims to enhance its appeal to tourists.

Sydney Zoo also highlighted concerns about Taronga’s prioritisation of non-conservation attractions, such as themed events, which they believe could detract from conservation. Supporters of Sydney Zoo point out that, unlike Taronga’s $77 million gondola project, Sydney Zoo’s Ferris wheel and other temporary attractions were privately funded and only temporarily in operation.

Conservation and Community Engagement

Taronga Zoo has defended its Sky Safari upgrade to be consistent with its conservation and educational mission. According to Taronga representatives, the modernised cable car experience will integrate conservation-focused audio content within each gondola to educate visitors about wildlife protection.

Taronga Zoo in Mosman
Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo

Taronga officials noted that the zoo, established in 1916 as a not-for-profit organisation, allocates all its revenue toward conservation and animal welfare projects. 

The NSW Government allocated funding for Taronga Zoo improvements as part of its 2022 state budget, covering the Sky Safari project and other developments such as a wildlife hospital and animal habitats. Taronga has highlighted that improved accessibility features will allow more visitors, including those with mobility challenges, to explore the zoo.

Taronga maintains that the Sky Safari, which first opened in 1987 and transported over 20 million visitors until its closure in early 2023, is a vital part of its infrastructure. They argue the upgrade aligns with their goal of creating an engaging and educational experience for all guests while reinforcing their commitment to conservation. 

A History of Rivalry

The clash between Sydney Zoo and Taronga is the latest in a history of rivalry, dating back to 2019, when Sydney Zoo first opened in Eastern Creek. Initial confusion over the name “Sydney Zoo” prompted Taronga to seek clarification, fearing the public might mistake the new facility for Taronga’s iconic Mosman location. 

This rivalry was further highlighted when high-profile visitors like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles visited Sydney Zoo, sparking fan debates about the artist’s choice of zoo. For many, the longstanding Taronga Zoo remains symbolic of Sydney’s heritage, having drawn 1.7 million visitors annually before the pandemic.

Beyond the immediate tourist appeal, the ongoing competition raises questions about funding and conservation, as both zoos strive to balance visitor engagement with wildlife protection. Sydney Zoo’s push to halt Taronga’s new project reflects broader concerns within the zoo industry over equitable competition and the role of public funding.

The Path Forward

As of now, Taronga Zoo’s Sky Safari proposal remains under review by the NSW Department of Planning. Taronga representatives remain optimistic, asserting that the project is designed to secure the zoo’s financial stability and support conservation initiatives. 



Meanwhile, Sydney Zoo continues to challenge the cable car project, urging NSW authorities to consider the potential economic impact on Western Sydney communities and the private sector before approving.

Published 30-Oct-2024

Mosman in Crisis? Affluent Suburb Faces Loss of Last Post Office

A wave of apprehension has swept through the affluent Sydney suburb of Mosman as its last remaining post office has been listed for sale, raising concerns about the future of essential postal services for residents.



This move shocked the community, particularly after the recent closure of Mosman’s other post office at Spit Junction just this week.

The Mosman Post Office, a long-standing fixture in the suburb’s retail centre, is being marketed for its potential as a luxury apartment development.  Lowry Property Group, the real estate agency handling the sale, highlights the property’s prime location and water views in its listing, suggesting its suitability for a “luxury boutique residential project.”

This news has ignited a firestorm on social media, with residents expressing dismay and anxiety over the potential loss of this crucial community service. Many are worried about the impact on elderly residents who depend on the post office for essential services.  The closure of the Spit Junction post office has already left a void, with locals lamenting the dwindling number of traditional services in the area.

post office
Photo Credit: Google Map

Independent Councillor and former Deputy Mayor Roy Bendall acknowledged the community’s growing unease. He stressed the importance of a post office for a functioning municipality. He highlighted the impact the closure of the Spit Junction branch already has on elderly residents who rely on it for parcel collection and other services.  Councillor Bendall plans to raise a motion at the next council meeting in November to seek guarantees from Australia Post about the future of postal services in Mosman.

While acknowledging the prime location of the Mosman Post Office site, Councillor Bendall emphasised the need for Australia Post to prioritise community needs.  John Wakefield, a recent Labor candidate in the local elections, echoed these concerns but expressed hope that Australia Post would adapt to the changing circumstances and provide alternative service options for the community.

Australia Post Responds

post office
Photo Credit: Google Map

An Australia Post spokesperson confirmed the listing of the Mosman Post Shop for sale but assured the community that there are no immediate plans to close or relocate the branch.

They explained that the decision to close the Spit Junction Post Shop was based on a significant decline in customer visits and that a new self-service hub with parcel lockers and a postal product vending machine would be established nearby.



Meanwhile, Mosman Council has issued a statement emphasising the community’s importance of a fully functional post office and pledging to advocate for its retention if closure seems likely.

As Mosman’s future postal services hang in the balance, the community awaits further developments and assurances from Australia Post.

Published Date 28-October-2024

Rowena Meredith: From Oars to Ambulances

Olympic bronze medallist Rowena Meredith is charting an extraordinary course both on and off the water. At 29, this Australian representative rower is not only a key member of the Women’s Quadruple Sculls team but is also pursuing a career as a paramedic, setting her apart in the world of professional athletics.



The Rowing Journey

Photo Credit: Australian Olympic Committee

Meredith’s rowing career began in 2008 at Mosman Rowing Club. Her breakthrough came with a silver medal at the 2015 U23 World Championships, marking her entry into international competition. Since then, has achieved multiple podium finishes in World Rowing Cups, sixth place at the 2022 World Rowing Championships in Racice, and a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Photo Credit: Australian Olympic Committee

The Olympic Triumph

Photo Credit: Australian Olympic Committee

The Tokyo Olympics provided a defining moment in Meredith’s career. Despite facing stiff competition and securing their final berth through the repêchage, Meredith and her crew demonstrated remarkable resilience to clinch the bronze medal in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls.

Paramedic Aspirations

While excelling in rowing, Meredith is simultaneously pursuing a career as a paramedic. This unusual combination demonstrates her commitment to both personal growth and public service. Meredith’s ability to juggle these two intense pursuits provides her with a unique perspective on both her sport and her future career.



As Meredith prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, she continues to train rigorously while advancing her paramedic studies.

Whether pulling an oar or responding to an emergency, Rowena Meredith is setting a new standard for what it means to be a modern athlete.

Published 14-July-2024

Toddler Requires Surgery Following Surprise Kookaburra Attack in Mosman

A 2-year-old girl underwent surgery after a kookaburra unexpectedly attacked her, tearing a hole in her lip during a family picnic at Georges Heights in Mosman.



The incident occurred around midday when Jessica Bregenhoj and her daughter Paris were enjoying lunch in a popular beachside park shortly after Paris had attended a ballet lesson. The toddler was eating a pastry when a kookaburra swooped down and snatched it directly from her mouth, causing significant injury.

Jessica quickly administered first aid with the help of a passerby who assisted in cleaning the wound with saline. 

The severity of the injury led to Paris being rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital, where initial assessments by doctors suggested that stitches were necessary. Concerns regarding the depth of the cut resulted in the involvement of a plastic surgery team, who confirmed that the injury had penetrated through to Paris’s gums.

Despite the ordeal, Paris is recovering well and has been engaging in activities like colouring and playing with her family at home following her discharge from the hospital. Jessica expressed relief that her daughter wasn’t more seriously injured and emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant when eating outdoors.

Kookaburra attack in Mosman
Photo Credit: Unsplash

Following the incident, Jessica has advocated for installing warning signs in the area to alert others to the potential dangers of local wildlife. The Harbour Trust, which manages Georges Heights, has acknowledged the incident and plans to erect signs around food and beverage areas to educate the community on how to coexist with the native birds safely. 

Moreover, other local residents have shared similar experiences, highlighting a recurring issue with kookaburras behaving aggressively when food is present.



The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) reiterated the importance of not feeding wildlife and encouraged anyone who experiences aggressive bird interactions to report them to the appropriate authorities. They also provided guidelines on how to react safely if swooped by a bird.

Published 21-June-2024

Over 18,000 Drivers in Mosman and North Sydney Rewarded with Demerit Point Removal

More than 18,000 motorists in Mosman and North Sydney have had a demerit point removed from their driving records, reflecting a broader effort across NSW to incentivise good road behaviour.



Mosman, with a total of 25,938 licensed drivers, saw 8,145 individuals with current demerit points, of which 4,977 qualified for this reduction. In North Sydney, from 76,020 licensed holders, 20,535 had demerit points with 13,069 meeting the criteria for removal. 

This local focus forms part of a state-wide program that erased points for over one million drivers, aiming to reinforce safe driving practices amidst increasing road fatalities.

The initiative also significantly benefited drivers in the Central Coast area, where 54,971 motorists saw a point deducted from their records. Additionally, car-dependent regions like Western Sydney witnessed substantial participation with 290,287 demerit points collectively removed across several LGAs including Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Liverpool, and Parramatta.

With NSW facing a crisis of 369 road deaths in the last year, the government’s program targets a broader reduction in fatalities by encouraging adherence to traffic regulations. The demerit point removal, typically a process that spans three years, has been accelerated for those maintaining a clean driving slate from January 17, 2023, to January 17, 2024, as part of a strategic approach to enhance road safety.

Mosman drivers
Photo Credit: Freerangestock.com

“The reward of a demerit point removed is most valuable in areas where people depend on their car to get to work and to get their families around like in western Sydney, the Central Coast and our regional areas,” Minister for Roads John Graham said.

“If you drive for a living then the reward for safe driving could be the difference between ongoing employment and losing your livelihood.

“People are used to the stick of enforcement and double demerits but this is the carrot of reward for good behaviour,” Mr Graham went on.

“Every demerit point wiped from a licence under this trial is the result of a full 12 months of safe driving by a motorist on NSW roads.

“This is what we need at a time when fatalities on our roads have been rising just as they are in all other states and territories.



The ongoing efforts to promote safer driving behaviour continue with plans to extend the demerit point return trial and implement additional safety measures such as seatbelt enforcement via mobile detection cameras. These initiatives represent a crucial step towards reducing the road toll and ensuring safer travel for all NSW residents.

Published 2-June-2024

Mosman Prodigy Bound for Water Polo Worlds

Mosman teen Felix Pal is set to make waves on the international stage, juggling HSC studies with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Australia at the World Water Polo Championships in July. 



Most Year 12 students already have their hands full with impending HSC exams, but one Mosman teen has the added pressure of wearing the Green and Gold this July. The 17-year-old Scots College student will represent the nation in the Under 18 Australian men’s water polo team at this year’s world championships in Argentina.

Despite not initially being heavily involved in the national selection process, Felix recently received the surprising news that he had been chosen to represent Australia in the Under 18 men’s water polo team at the upcoming World Championships. This unexpected opportunity has left the Mosman teen excited and eager to participate in the prestigious event.

Water Polo runs deep in the Pal family. Felix’s late grandfather played in Hungary. Additionally, Felix’s father had a remarkable water polo career, winning three national championships while playing for the University of California, Berkeley in the United States. Felix has always aspired to match his father’s success and continue the water polo tradition deeply rooted in their family history.

The third generation is about to make waves on the international stage. Felix attributes his talent and passion for the sport to his older brother George, who he considers a skilled water polo player. 

Funding Hurdles

But before the young gun can make the trip, he must first raise money. Unfortunately, Australia doesn’t fund their junior teams, and with an estimated cost of $16,000 for each player, Felix’s dad, Damon, is calling on the community for help. 

While Damon acknowledges the honour of having his son represent Australia on the international stage, he laments the lack of funding from national programs to support the junior water polo team. Recognising the significant financial burden this opportunity presents, Damon is actively seeking assistance from various sources, expressing gratitude for any contributions that can help alleviate the substantial costs associated with Felix’s participation in the World Championships.

So far, almost $3,500 has been raised – but there’s still a long way to go.

Olympic Dreams 

While Felix harbours ambitions of potentially reaching the Olympic level in water polo, he remains grounded and pragmatic about his chances, expressing reserved confidence tempered by realistic expectations. 

Despite not wanting to get ahead of himself, he remains hopeful and committed to pursuing his athletic dreams as far as his talents can take him. However, he must first overcome his academics. 



After competing in the prestigious World Championships, Felix Pal must immediately shift his focus to preparing for the critical HSC Trial Exams. Juggling the demands of his academic commitments alongside his athletic pursuits will undoubtedly be a formidable task, but he believes the opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage makes the effort worthwhile.

Published 29-May-2024

Titan of Mosman Bay: Triumph, Tragedy and Transformation of Archibald Mosman

With a single stroke of entrepreneurial daring that defied the odds, Scottish immigrant Archibald Mosman amassed a whaling empire along Sydney’s Great Sirius Cove, only to lose it all in a dramatic downfall less than two decades later.



From humble beginnings as a merchant arriving in Sydney aboard the Civilian in 1828, Mosman swiftly diversified his business interests, establishing warehouses and securing lucrative wool trade connections with Liverpool. However, his ambitions soon shifted towards the burgeoning whaling industry.

Seizing an opportunity, Mosman outmaneuvered his competitor John Bell, acquiring the rights to develop a whaling depot along the picturesque Sirius Cove. By 1835, his fleet boasted the formidable Jane and Tigress whalers, solidifying his dominance in the region.

Mosman Sirius Cove
Sirius Cove
Photo Credit: Mosman Council Image Library

The Opulent Nest and a Growing Legacy  

Revelling in his success, Mosman constructed the opulent The Nest residence in the 1830s. The house was a grand estate overlooking his maritime domain. It was originally situated on 30 acres of land overlooking Mosman Bay, with an orchard, vineyard, gardens, and other features making it an idyllic home. The thick walls suggest it was built with convict labour and designed to withstand potential attacks from convicts working there.

Mosman’s son Hugh, who discovered the Charters Towers goldfield, was born at The Nest. Over the decades, it was home to several notable families like the Stirlings, Judge Forbes, and the Russells.  After 90 years, The Nest was demolished as the grounds were being subdivided for development.

The Nest in Mosman
The Nest
Photo Credit: Mosman Council Image Library 

Naming the Suburb of Mosman

Mosman’s whaling operations became an economic powerhouse, generating substantial profits from berthing, careening, and refitting services. His land acquisitions led to the surrounding suburb being named after him, solidifying his legacy in the region. The suburb of Mosman, derived from his surname, became a lasting tribute to the Scottish entrepreneur’s impact on the region’s development.

However, his meteoric rise was subject to controversy. The whaling industry’s exploitation of these magnificent creatures for their oil and other products casts a shadow over Mosman’s legacy, reflecting the extractive mindset of the era.

Archibald Mosman
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Tycoon’s Downfall & Rebuilding

In an ironic twist, the very empire Mosman had so painstakingly built crumbled in 1844 when he and his business partners faced bankruptcy. Forced to relinquish his annuity and whaling establishment, Mosman retreated to the pastoral pursuits of Furracabad station near Glen Innes.

This dramatic downfall, however, was not the end of Mosman’s story. Despite losing his whaling ventures, he rebuilt his fortunes, eventually relocating to the affluent Byron Lodge in Randwick, where he spent his final years.

Byron Lodge in Randwick
Photo Credit: Randwick City Library

The Lingering Legacy and a Family’s Pride

Today, the former Mosman Whaling Station is now the Mosman Scouts Hall, also known as The Barn, a heritage listed site. It is a poignant reminder of the region’s whaling heritage and one of the last remaining examples of early colonial maritime industrial architecture in Sydney. Though the harpoons have long fallen silent, the echoes of Mosman’s whaling empire still reverberate through the annals of Australia’s history.

The Barn
The Barn in Mosman
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Moreover, the Mosman family remains a proud custodian of their ancestor’s legacy, fiercely guarding the proper pronunciation of the suburb’s name, as “Moss-man” and not “Mozz-min.” This pronunciation debate has swirled around Mosman for years, with the family weighing in to defend the proud heritage of the Mosman name. 

According to Susan Stewart, a descendant, referring to the suburb as “Mozz-min” is an absolute pretentious act, typically done by the nouveau riche. She argues that newcomers to Mosman need to understand that the name Mosman has a long history spanning generations. Stewart believes that only those oblivious to the area’s heritage would mispronounce the name in such a way.

Indeed, the Mosman family tree stretches back to 1828, when Archibald Mosman and his twin brother George arrived in Australia from Scotland. They later established the whaling station that gave the suburb its name. Today, descendants bearing the Mosman surname or middle name are scattered throughout the area, their roots inextricably intertwined with the region’s history.



While the story of Archibald Mosman is one of triumph, tragedy, and transformation, his family’s unwavering pride in their ancestry ensures that his legacy endures, showing the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship and the indelible imprint left by those who dared to dream big in the unforgiving wilderness of colonial Australia.

Published 26-May-2024

Critically Endangered Species Find New Home At Mosman’s Taronga Zoo

A purpose-built amphibian and reptile conservation centre is being set up at the Taronga Zoo in Mosman to serve as home to some of Australia’s unique and critically endangered species, such as the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle and the Corroboree Frog. It is expected to be fully operational within 2022.


Read: Conservation Society in Mosman to Build World’s First Platypus Sanctuary


This comes after the NSW Government approved of the facility, which will replace the existing Reptile World exhibit.

The exhibit, quite popular among locals, will be demolished to make way for a new on-site Wildlife Hospital.

taronga zoo
Artist’s impression of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre (Photo credit: NSW Government)

The Taronga Conservation Society said it will be an educational and multi-layered experience for guests that showcases the beauty and diversity of some of the most misunderstood and most imperilled creatures on the planet under threat, from climate change, disease and habitat modification.

wildlife hospital taronga
Artist’s impression of Wildlife Hospital (Photo credit: https://taronga.org.au

“Taronga is a leader in reptile and amphibian conservation in Australia. We have brought back seven reptile and amphibian species from the brink of extinction,” the group stated.

This includes the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle, a short-necked freshwater turtle often found in the deeper pools of rivers. They are considered critically endangered or are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Minister for Planning and Homes, Anthony Roberts expects that the new conservation centre at the Taronga Zoo will be a drawcard for tourists and locals. 

corroboree frog
Corroboree Frog (Photo credit: https://taronga.org.au

“Taronga is such an important part of Sydney, not only in its role of providing care for more than 4,000 animals but also in being an amazing place for the public to explore and learn about the natural world,” Mr Roberts said.

“It will bring guests eye to eye with unbelievable animals, help spark a connection and inspire action for years to come.”

The new purpose-built facility is designed by DWP (Design Worldwide Partnership) with landscape architecture by Context Landscape Architecture.

Enjoy World Honey Bee Day in Mosman With these Buzz-Worthy Cocktails

Did you know that every third Saturday of August is World Honey Bee Day? Thanks to these hard-working insects that are major contributors to the multiplication of food crops, alcohol producers across the world have been using their golden, thick liquid gold in their range of spirits, wines, and even beers!



If you’re game for buzzing about the value of honey, below are some recipes to enjoy some sweet and smooth cocktails at home on World Honey Bee Day. 

HONEY FIZZ with CAZCABEL TEQUILA

Ingredients:

  • 50mL Cazcabel Honey
  • Soda water
  • Lemonade
  • 4 Lime Wedges

Method:

  • Add Cazcabel Honey over ice
  • Squeeze and add the lime wedges
  • Top up with soda water and lemonade, stir
Photo Credit: Supplied

HONEY PINEAPPLE MARGARITA with CAZCABEL TEQUILA

Ingredients:

  • 30mL Cazcabel Honey
  • 20mL Cazcabel Blanco
  • 25mL Lime juice
  • 25mL Pineapple juice
  • 5mL Agave syrup

Method:

  • Shake all ingredients and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice
  • Garnish with orange peel and pineapple leaf
Photo Credit: Supplied

HONEYCOMB ESPRESSO MARTINI with DUBLINER WHISKEY

Ingredients:

  • 60ml Dubliner Whiskey & Honeycomb Liqueur 
  • 15ml Mr Black Coffee Liqueur
  • 30ml Espresso

Method:

  • Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker until chilled.
  • Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  • Garnish with coffee beans or honeycomb bark.
Photo Credit: Supplied

THE QUEEN BEE with DUBLINER WHISKEY

Ingredients:

  • 60ml Dubliner Whiskey & Honeycomb Liqueur 
  • 15ml Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 10ml Sugar Syrup
  • 1 Tsp Forest Berry Jam
  • 3 Dashes Of Orange Bitters

Method:

  • Combine all ingredients and shake with ice.
  • Double strain into a chilled Martini glass.
  • Add orange twist garnish and enjoy!
Photo Credit: Supplied


The spirits are all available to purchase from national retailers including Dan Murphy’s Mosman on 718-728 Military Rd and BWS Mosman on 56 Avenue Rd. To place an order for contactless delivery or pick up visit the official sites: Dan Murphy’s | BWS

For COVID-safe protocols, read up Dan Murphy’s conditions for delivery, pick up, and order tracking and BWS’s delivery conditions and scheduling.



Meanwhile, beekeepers in Australia are encouraging the public to plant more flowering plants in their backyards and suburban community gardens to prevent its decline. Suburban gardens are pesticide-free, which will benefit the bee population.

ACU Mansion in Mosman Sells for $6.6 Million

The official residence of the Australian Catholic University vice-chancellor in Mosman has been sold for $6.6 million, nearly 30 years after it became a university property. 



The mansion on Kirkoswald Ave used to be the home of Professor Greg Craven and his family but he retired from his job after 13 years. 

The university’s chief operating officer, Dr Stephen Weller, said they decided to put the ACU mansion up for sale to address the priorities of the university’s overall budget, which means that the new vice-chancellor, Professor Zlatko Skrbis, will no longer be able to move into the executive residence.  

Built in 1904 in the suburb’s Golden Triangle with rows of expensive houses and just a few metres away from the Balmoral Beach Club, the house was expanded to become a five-bedroom dwelling with several living areas, a study, and a pool. The ACU mansion stood next to the residences of environmentalist Rob Purves and philanthropist Neil Balnaves.

Bernard Ryan and Geoff Smith from Ray White Lower North Shore Group said that five investors had their eye on the property. Mr Ryan said that the availability of quality residences in a good location is rare. 

In 1992, then vice-chancellor Professor Peter Drake was the first to live in the Mosman mansion after the ACU acquired the site for $885,000.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Meanwhile, Prof Skrbis joined ACU in 2018 after working for Monash University and the University of Queensland. An accomplished sociologist, Prof Skrbis is the fourth vice-chancellor of the Mosman university. He said he will ensure that ACU remains a globally recognised Catholic institution. 



“As we move forward, we will create impact by adhering to our Catholic mission and remaining committed to the pursuit of knowledge, the dignity of the human person, and the common good,” Prof Skrbis said as he released his strategic plan under the university’s new leadership.

“We will continue to offer our students an inclusive, ethics-based education, and we will search for solutions to local and global challenges through mission-aligned research. We will also support the broader community and advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.”