31/03/2026
This month, AUT had the difficult task of farewelling long-term AUT staff member Simon Davies. Simon joined the Australian University of Theology (then Australian College of Theology) in February 2005 as Office Administrator. Over the next two decades, Simon rose through a series of increasingly senior roles: Academic Administrator, Director of Academic Services, Registrar, and ultimately Chief Operating Officer and Registrar. That trajectory reflected both his expanding responsibilities and the AUT’s recognition of his extraordinary contributions. Simon served as source of expert advice and support not only to AUT staff but also to AUT's network of Affiliated Colleges. As one senior colleague put it, Simon was not merely respected across the AUT Consortium – he was beloved.
Those who worked closely with him speak of a rare combination of gifts. The Rev Dr Mark Harding, former Dean of ACT, recalls that after Simon joined in 2005, he quickly became indispensable, bringing outstanding policy knowledge, student-centred thinking and excellent IT skills to the whole network. These were contributions he describes as being of “inestimable benefit.” Chancellor General David Hurley, former Governor General of Australia, singled out Simon's tireless efforts in helping secure university status, noting that his service to the Council had been “admirable in every respect.” The Rev Dr Brian Harris perhaps put it most simply: “What did Simon do? Everything. How did Simon do it? Exceptionally well.”
Colleagues have also valued the faith and character that underpinned his work. He has been described as calm in challenging situations, humble, patient, thorough, and, in the words of Dr Harris, “an authentic follower of Jesus.” His supervisor noted that through his dedication and integrity, Simon has been “a great example of Christian faith in action.”
In honour of his service, the AUT Council has established the Simon Davies Prize, to be awarded annually to the student who heads the graduating list in the Diploma of Theology/Ministry examination. This is a fitting tribute to AUT's first Chief Operating Officer.
Simon now moves on to new opportunities, and the AUT wishes him and his family every blessing for the future.
Photos: Top (L): Simon receiving an award for 20 years of service with the ACT/AUT; Top (R): A Lego minifigure of Simon which was part of Simon's farewell gift; Bottom: Mary Andrews College student Kath Thornhill receiving the inaugural Simon Davies Prize.
