Aerial shot of Quadrangle
University_

Chancellor's Committee

Supporting the University community
We help to fund projects of significance to the University and engage with the wider community, through initiatives such as our Book Fair and Gift Shop.

About us

Established in 1977 by then Chancellor Sir Hermann Black, we aim to: 

  • raise awareness of the University among the general public
  • encourage the community to visit our campus
  • raise funds to carry out projects of University-wide significance, for which funding might not be available from traditional sources. 

Our key initiatives are running:

Through our fundraising activities, we support scholarships and grants, and projects to conserve archival research material and University museums and art collections

All our members are volunteers, allowing all of the funds raised to go directly to our important projects.

The Committee's contribution to the University is considerable, always seeking to maintain and improve our unique environment and the opportunities available to our students.
Belinda Hutchinson AC, Chancellor
Entrance to Great Hall

Book Fair

The annual book fair is a major fundraiser which will take place in the Great Hall on 9-13 September 2023.

Our volunteers work throughout the year processing donations received from the local community and individual donors.  

We accept pre-loved books, DVDs, and CDs providing they are clean and in good condition for sale. We also accept textbooks that are less than five years old, however encyclopaedias and magazines are not accepted. 

Donations can be left in the blue collection bin located outside 146 Burren Street, Newtown at any time. Larger donations can be delivered to the premises on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Please ring 9351 0017 beforehand to check that the workroom is open and volunteers are available to accept the donation. 

 

Other important information

The Chancellor's Committee funds a wide range of advertised bursaries to help students overcome specific challenges or circumstances. These bursaries include the following:

  • Marie Bashir Chancellor's Committee Postgraduate Merit Award (valued at up to $3000), which supports further postgraduate coursework by students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 
  • Chancellor's Committee Drought Bursary (valued at up to $2000), which supports students from regional or rural backgrounds who have been financially impacted by the drought in Australia.

Find out more about these two bursaries in the 'All faculties and schools' section of the advertised bursaries webpage on the University's current students website.

  • Chancellor's Committee Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students Bursary (valued at up to $2000), which provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are doing undergraduate study (bachelor's degree or a diploma).

Find out more about this bursary in the 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students' section of the advertised bursaries webpage on the University's current students website.

  • Anthony Howson Disability Bursary (valued at up to $2000), which supports undergraduate students who are unable to undertake a full-time study load due to their disability.

Find out more about this bursary in the 'Students with a disability' section of the advertised bursaries webpage on the University's current students website.

We also fund a wide range of grants for student and staff initiatives, across many different areas of the University. Examples of the initiatives we support include:

  • an annual project for students to construct a new racing sports car that they race against other Australian universities
  • major book collections for the Chau Chak Wing Museum
  • construction of a rocket by undergraduate students for the Australian Universities Rocketry Competition
  • conservation and repair of the University Library Rare Books and Collections.

To apply for a grant, complete the Chancellor's Committee grant application form (Word, 56KB) and send the completed form to the Chancellor’s Committee Secretary (the.cc@sydney.edu.au).

Would you like to support our staff and students?

If you would like to sponsor a bursary or a grant, please contact us.

Joining the committee is a wonderful way to engage with the University and its students, and use your talents to improve the University community.

Volunteer opportunities include staffing the Gift Shop, assisting with the Book Fair, and helping to organise occasional social and fundraising functions.

Please complete the membership form (pdf, 296KB), and email it to the Committee Secretary at the.cc@sydney.edu.au.