Dr Woodgate (inset) was first appointed to Charles Sturt's University Council in February 2018 and was Chair of the University’s Foresighting Committee from its inception in 2019.

Dr Woodgate played a fundamental role in setting the current strategic direction of the University and in establishing significant initiatives, such as the University’s flagship Research Institutes. Colleagues described him as “an exceptionally talented CEO who combines a fine eye for detail with a broad, strategic perspective”; “a big picture but principled thinker who places great emphasis on corporate governance”; and a “sharp intellect with a firm focus on future discovery”.

He was thorough, meticulous, guided by robust analytical principles and always gave his absolute best to the organisations he served. But above all, he was devoted to both public service and the advancement of his discipline, spatial science. This observation is reflected in a career in the space and geospatial sectors that spanned more than 30 years and included an impressive range of senior leadership roles.

Dr Woodgate was Chair of the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre, Chair of the Steering Committee for the 2030 Space and Spatial Industries Growth Roadmap, Chair of the Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network, and Chair of Canthera Discovery (a national cancer therapeutics research organisation).

He was also a member of the Australian Space Agency’s Space Industry Leaders Forum, a Board member of Geoscape Australia and an Honorary Fellow of the Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI).

Charles Sturt University Chancellor Michele Allan, who has known and worked with Peter since 1995, said he " ... has driven the innovation agenda for Charles Sturt. His wise counsel and deep knowledge has taken the University in an exciting and impactful research direction. Peter was a great friend as well as an impressive Board colleague. I will miss his wisdom.”

Dr Woodgate commenced his career with the Forests Commission of Victoria, working in forest research and assessment and managing remote sensing and geographic information system mapping operations for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. As CEO of the Geospatial Science Initiative at RMIT University he helped create Spatial Vision Innovations Pty Ltd, a pioneer in its field.

Dr Woodgate held a Doctorate in Business Administration from RMIT University, a Masters of Applied Science from the University of New South Wales, a Degree in Forest Science from the University of Melbourne and was a Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He was a genuine polymath.

Just four weeks ago, Dr Woodgate was appointed Director and President designate for the new geospatial peak body formed in a merger between the SSSI and the Spatial Business Industries Association (SIBA|GITA). His appointment was a fitting tribute to his ground-breaking contribution to the space and geospatial sectors.

Dr Woodgate was a great asset to the University and will be warmly remembered and sorely missed. The impact of his contributions will be felt at the University for years to come.

The thoughts of all the University's staff are with his family and friends at this difficult time.