The Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO), the major organization for security professionals working in Higher and Further Education around the world has announced that its Australasia Chair, Russell Gammie, is to retire after 25 years of dedicated service.
Russell Gammie
Russell who also retires from his role at Monash University in Australia as Director of Global Security & Crisis Response was the force behind Australia joining AUCSO.
Known as the Grandfather of the University Security network in Australia, Russell Gammie set up a small confederation of interested parties in 1999. By 2010, this had grown into the TERSEC Group (Tertiary Security) comprising members from institutions in Victoria, as well as a growing number of interstate members.
Tapping the knowledge base
Mal Abley, Manager of Security Operations and Systems at Deakin University, Australia, and Australasia Region Chair for AUCSO said, “Russell knew that to further professionalize our industry, we needed to be able to tap into the knowledge base of our international colleagues."
Mal Abley adds, "This insight led to Russell beginning his search for an established group we could partner with that would offer us a new perspective and provide the encouragement to grow in our profession. That organization was AUCSO.”
Sharing experiences and good practice
By 2021 over 40 Australian, New Zealand and Singapore Universities had joined AUCSO
Russell Gammie joined AUCSO in 2018 as Chair of the newly formed Australasian Region which was made up of 28 Australian and New Zealand members.
At the time, this was a welcome step forward for the organization which had members from Europe and the rest of the world, giving the perfect opportunity to learn and grow through the sharing of experiences and good practice.
By 2021 over 40 Australian, New Zealand and Singapore Universities had joined AUCSO making it one of the largest membership groups within the organization.
Russell Gammie's comment
Speaking of his pending retirement, Russell Gammie said, “All good things come to an end and as much as I've enjoyed this journey, it's time for me to embark on another, a more relaxing one."
He adds, “I can't go without saying a very sincere thank you to everyone who has been part of the experience over the 20-plus years."
Privilege and pleasure
Russell Gammie continues, "It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure for me to work in such an important sector for so long, and alongside such an experienced and dedicated group of people."
He further said, “The wonderful support and camaraderie I've been lucky to experience, as well as the real progress we've made together, has made my time enjoyable and rewarding. I'll now continue to watch with interest from the sidelines. Keep on doing it, back each other, and share the load!”
Guidance, advice, and leadership
Mal Abley concluded, “On behalf of AUCSO I would like to say a huge thank you to Russell for all of his guidance, advice, and leadership over the last 25 years. We will miss you, but we wish you a fabulous retirement and a very happy life in your new home in Thailand.”
Julie Barker, COO of AUSCO, added, "I had the pleasure of meeting Russ last year – he is a great guy and has been a superbly active and supportive Regional Chair for us. We will miss him lots, but we wish him and his wife a fantastic retirement.”
