Simone Whetton has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her exceptional contribution to student life at the University of Sydney through long-standing volunteerism, legal guidance, and support for Sydney Uni Sport (formerly Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness) and the University of Sydney Union (USU).
The award was conferred on Monday, 11 May at a ceremony presided over by Chancellor David Thodey AO FTSE FAICD. The citation was read by former Sydney Uni Sport legal counsel and company secretary Natalie Brown.
"This award recognises Simone’s tireless support of student engagement, her exceptional legal and governance service, and her unwavering advocacy for the student experience at the University of Sydney," Mr Thodey said.
"She has maintained a deep and enduring connection to the University, and her contributions have had a lasting impact on our community."
Ms Whetton is a University of Sydney alumna and has worked closely with the USU and Sydney Uni Sport for many years. Picture: University of Sydney
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LinkContributions to student life and community
Ms Whetton is a graduate of the University of Sydney. She completed her Bachelor of Economics in 1990 and Bachelor of Laws in 1993, followed by a Diploma of Finance in 1998. She went on to become a partner at the esteemed law firm of Colins Biggers & Paisley.
From 2013 to 2016, Ms Whetton served as a Senate-appointed director of the USU where she played a vital role in strengthening board governance.
She provided expert legal advice and defence, and guided the implementation of new policies around confidentiality, in camera sessions and board reporting.
In recognition of her impact, she was awarded honorary life membership of the USU in 2016 – a testament to the wisdom, mentorship and rigour she has contributed to the University’s community.
Beyond her board term, Ms Whetton has continued to support the USU in a variety of vital capacities.
For nearly a decade, she has served as the Electoral Arbiter or the Returning Officer for USU elections, delivering briefings, overseeing processes, managing disputes and ensuring good governance. She continues to serve as the USU Returning Officer for the 2026 USU elections.
Simone has maintained a deep and enduring connection to the University, and her contributions have had a lasting impact on our community.
- Chancellor David Thodey
She has chaired the University’s People and Culture Committee since 2021, offering her legal expertise, ethical compass and unyielding commitment to student welfare.
Ms Whetton is also a significant contributor to Sydney Uni Sport.
In 2019, she was appointed Deputy Chair of the newly incorporated Sydney Uni Sport Board, helping to steer the organisation through a critical transition in its governance.
Her work included the development of key documentation and policy frameworks and the facilitation of complex club negotiations.
She has regularly supported legal matters for Sydney Uni Sport, championed infrastructure projects – most notably through her and her family's contribution to the TAG Family Grandstand campaign – and provided dedicated mentorship to student directors.
Ms Whetton is the current Chair of the Nominations Committee for the Sydney Uni Sport Board. She was recently a guest lecturer for the Business School and has also served as a judge for the USU’s intercollegiate arts competition, the Palladian Cup.
Her passion for equity and inclusion has been a throughline across her service. She has played a key role in creating more accessible opportunities for students in sport, student governance and campus life, advocating for systems that welcome and support all.
The fellowship was awarded at a ceremony on Monday, 11 May. Picture: University of Sydney.
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