Dr Peter Woodgate. Image courtesy SmartSat CRC.
In news that has shocked the Australian geospatial community, Dr Peter Woodgate, President of the newly formed Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA), passed away in late December 2022.
Woodgate had been appointed as a Director and the inaugural President for the GCA on 5 December at the first meeting of the newly installed Board.
Woodgate also chaired the SmartSat CRC, Canthera Discovery (a cancer research organisation) and AURIN (an NCRIS facility) and was a Board member of PSMA Ltd (trading as Geoscape).
In addition, he was a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee at Charles Sturt University, and was an honorary Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne.
Woodgate worked tirelessly in leading the soon-to-be-released Space and Geospatial 2030 RoadMap, which has been produced to assist the Australian Government to realise the economic opportunities of these rapidly growing sectors.
In a statement, the Board of the GCA — led by acting president, Paul Digney — said that “Our condolences are extended to Peter’s wife Janet and his family during this very difficult time. The Geospatial Council of Australia’s Board of Directors and staff will miss Peter’s vision, calm and thoughtful leadership, and his endless commitment to championing the Geospatial and Space industries.”
“Peter was the epitome of a true gentleman. He brought experience, knowledge and expertise along with a wealth of governance experience that was so valuable for us at this crucial formation stage. We will be forever grateful for his guidance during those initial months as the Geospatial Council was being formed.
“As a colleague, Peter is remembered for the respect he showed to each person, the values that informed every decision and the tireless work and passion he committed to his various roles with which he was involved. He was also a friend and we will greatly miss the many conversations held. Peter was always respectful, considered and never short of valuable thoughts and well considered ideas.
“Peter was a great visionary and leader and will be sorely missed by many. Our deepest sympathies go to Janet and his family during this difficult time. Our industry has lost a truly extraordinary person.”
