As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of External Relations and Partnerships, the Hon. Wade Noonan leads Victoria University’s (VU) strategies for external engagement, advancement, marketing and communications, all aimed at benefiting students, staff, partners, industry, government and the community, whilst also overseeing VU Sport, which includes elite teams and facilities.
Before commencing with VU in late 2021, Wade served for over a decade in Victorian politics. He had a range of key roles during his time in the Victorian Parliament, including as Member for Williamstown in the Legislative Assembly, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Shadow Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Bushfire Response, and then Minister for Police and Corrections, and Minister for Industry, Employment and Resources. Throughout his public service, he faced challenges head-on, gaining valuable insights into leadership.
Wade successfully transitioned from politics in 2018, when he was appointed the Executive Director of the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA), where he successfully transformed the organisation into a leading advocacy group.
In 2020, Wade was honoured with a Companion of the University Award from Victoria University for his exceptional contributions to government and the western region of Melbourne. He is also a Fellow of Leadership Victoria’s esteemed Williamson Community Leadership Program and holds Graduate qualifications in Human Resource Management from Swinburne University.
Wade has extensive Board experience, and has held Directorships with a range of organisations, including the Victorian Health Building Authority, Homes Victoria, Forensicare, the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, Jobsbank and the YMCA Bridge Project.
