Dr Bernard Hendrik Lochtenberg

Born in 1931 in Singapore, Dr Bernard Lochtenberg settled in Australia in 1942. He was educated at the University of Western Australia, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree, and, as a Rhodes Scholar, at the University of Oxford, graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Dr Lochtenberg joined ICI Australia in 1956. He became a General Manager of the company 1970, and a director of ICI’s Plastics Division in England in 1973. He was a senior Vice-President of ICI Americas from 1979 to 1988, and Chairman from 1989 to 1993. Dr Lochtenberg was Chairman of Orica Limited, formerly ICI Australia, from 1995 to 2001.

Dr Lochtenberg has been a most active and capable contributor in a wide range of health organisations. In 1994-1995 he was a Director of the Caritas Christi Hospice ( Kew) and has been Chairman of the Mental Health Research Institute since 1994 and a Director of the Inner and Eastern Health Care Network Board since 1995. He was a member of the Neuroscience Victoria Board from 2002 to 2004. Dr Lochtenberg was also Chairman of the Ministerial Review on Medical Staffing in the Victorian Public Hospital System in 1994-1995.

Dr Lochtenberg has made an outstanding contribution to the University in his role as a member of University Council. Dr Lochtenberg was appointed a member of the University Council 1996 and was subsequently appointed as Deputy Chancellor in 2005. He has been an active member of Council committees, namely Audit and Risk Committee (1998-2004), Building and Estates Committee (1998-2006), Remuneration and Employment Conditions Committee (formerly Standing Committee on Staff Salaries) (1996-2006), Council Nominations and Governance Committee (2004-2006), Senior Appointments Committee (2005) and Honours Committee (2006). He has also been a member of the Newman College Council since 1996.

To cite a long list of committee work and University subsidiaries can seem worthy but perhaps not exciting. Yet it is through these various bodies that Council members exercise leadership within the University. In his long involvement on Council, Dr Lochtenberg has contributed to almost every significant facet of the institution. His influence has been subtle, continuous, and highly valued.

In 1998 Dr Lochtenberg undertook the important leadership role in the establishment and governance of UMEE Pty Ltd (formerly Melbourne University Private Pty Ltd) by first accepting a directorship of the company, which was then followed by his appointment as Chairman in 2003. In 2001, he also took on the role of Director of Melbourne Enterprises International Ltd, a subsidiary of UMEE Pty Ltd, which was followed by his appointment as Chair in 2003. In 2004, he took up the appointment of Chair of the MU Student Union Ltd, which he held until May 2006.

Dr Lochtenberg has also been Chairman of the Delaware Symphony 1984 – 1993.

In 2003, the Commonwealth Government awarded him a Federation Centenary Medal, acknowledging his great contribution to the Australian community.