Bill Tweddell, OAM

Bill Tweddell served as Chancellor of James Cook University from 26 March 2016 until 23 April 2023.

He was the University’s fifth Chancellor, and the first JCU graduate to be elected to the role. In 2010, Mr Tweddell was recognised as one of JCU’s Outstanding Alumni.

Mr Tweddell enjoyed a distinguished career in Australia’s diplomatic service spanning four decades (1976-2016). Immediately before becoming Chancellor he served as Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines from January 2012 to January 2016.

Mr Tweddell was a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He served as Head of the Americas and Africa Division and in other senior positions in the Department in Canberra, and as Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Consul-General to Hong Kong and Macau, High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives,
and Deputy High Commissioner to India, with earlier postings in Greece and Bangladesh. He was also Chief of Staff and Principal Adviser to the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer.

Mr Tweddell grew up in Townsville, attending Central State School, Townsville Grammar School and James Cook University, where he obtained degrees in English Language and Literature (1972) and in Economics (1976).

He began his working life at JCU (1970 – 75).

Mr Tweddell is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Australian Institute of International Affairs and the National Press Club. He is Patron of the Great Barrier Reef Orchestra and member of the Council of the John Flynn College. He is a former Chair of the Steering Committee for a Centre for Brain Health in the Tropics.

In 2016, the President of the Philippines awarded Mr Tweddell with the rank of Grand Cross, Gold Distinction, under the Order of the Sikatuna, for his services to relations between the Philippines and Australia.

In 2024 Bill became a Life Member of the Foundation for Australian Literary Studies.

His wife Chris Tweddell (née Austin, also a JCU graduate). They have two adult sons, Andrew and Paul.