Professor Brian De Garis
Brian is Emeritus Professor of History at Murdoch University, and has cultivated a distinguished academic career, with notable appointments at the University of Western Australia and the Australian National University. Born in Western Australia, he has taught and researched many aspects of the history of this State and has been a Director of the Western Australian History Foundation since its inception. Professor De Garis has also published extensively on the history of the federation movement and other aspects of Australian political history, including significant contributions whilst at the Centre for WA History at the University of Western Australia. Professor De Garis is currently a member of the Editorial Board for the Historical Encyclopaedia of WA project at the University of Western Australia, alongside fellow, previous Library Board member Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Bolton. In addition, he worked on a history of Australian popular culture.
A member of the Library Board since 1991, Professor De Garis was elected as Chairperson in December 1993. Brian was an energetic leader during a challenging period that demanded imaginative administration decisions and organisational changes. He continued to perform his duties with distinction, balancing the busy schedule of his university role with Library Board commitments. In June 2000 Professor De Garis resigned from the Library Board to take up a two year appointment as Keith Cameron Professor of Australian History at University College, Dublin. He was awarded Fellowship of the Library Board at his final meeting, in recognition of his invaluable contribution to its work.
Page last updated: Tuesday 22 November 2011
