Jillian Broadbent facts for kids

Jillian Rosemary Broadbent, born in 1948, is a well-known Australian economist and businesswoman. She has been a leader on the boards of many different organizations. These include companies in finance, the arts, and other important areas. Ms. Broadbent was also the head of the University of Wollongong for 11 years, finishing her role in late 2020.

Early Life and Learning

Jillian Rosemary Broadbent was born on April 23, 1948. Her father was John Raymond Broadbent (Major General).

She went to Ravenswood School for Girls. When she was 16, she started studying at the University of Sydney. There, she earned degrees in economics and mathematics.

Her Career in Banking

Ms. Broadbent began her career as an economist. She worked for the Reserve Bank of Australia. An economist studies how money and resources are used.

She spent 30 years working in the banking world. This included time in Australia and other countries. She became a senior leader at Bankers Trust Australia.

Leading Many Organizations

Jillian Broadbent has held many important leadership roles.

From 2005 to 2006, she was the president of Chief Executive Women. This group helps women who are leaders in business.

From 2011 to 2017, Ms. Broadbent was the first chairperson of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. This organization helps fund projects that use clean energy. In 2017, she was part of a group that looked into how the Commonwealth Bank of Australia was run.

In the business world, Ms. Broadbent has served on the boards of big companies. These include Macquarie Bank, Woolworths, Macquarie Limited, Australian Securities Exchange, and Qantas. Being on a board means she helped guide these companies.

She has also supported arts and non-profit groups. She was on the boards of SBS (a TV channel), the National Portrait Gallery, Sydney Theatre Company, the National Institute of Dramatic Art, and Sydney Dance Company. She also helped start the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.

Ms. Broadbent was the chancellor of the University of Wollongong (UOW) for 11 years. She finished this role in September 2020. The chancellor is like the head of the university.

Awards and Special Recognition

Jillian Broadbent has received many awards for her work.

In 2001, she was given the Centenary Medal. This was for her leadership in Australian business.

In 2003, she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. This award recognized her help in developing Australia's economy and finances.

On Australia Day in 2019, Ms. Broadbent received a very high honor. She was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. This was for her outstanding service to many organizations. These included corporate, financial, clean energy, and cultural groups. It also recognized her work in higher education and helping women in business.

In 2018, she became a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales.

Ms. Broadbent has also received special honorary degrees. These are from Western Sydney University (in 2000) and the UOW (in 2021).

A portrait of her, painted by Ben Quilty in 2021, is displayed at the UOW. The university's new Arts and Social Sciences building is named after her. This was to honor her important role as the university's third chancellor.