Charles Sturt University (CSU) is today mourning the loss of Mr Ian Nicol, AM, KSJ, director and Deputy Chair of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture (ACC&C), a research centre linked to the School of Theology on CSU's Canberra Campus.

 

Mr Nicol, aged 54, died from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Boxing Day, Wednesday 26 December.

 

CSU Chancellor Mr Lawrie Willett, AO praised Mr Nicol’s significant contribution to the University.

 

“His intellect and passion for the work of the ACC&C in promoting peaceful dialogue between faiths inspired those around him, and his commitment to Christian values was evident in his championing of interests of people with disabilities,” Mr Willett said.

 

Mr Nicol was a partner at the Canberra law firm, Williams Love and Nicol, and he was a significant contributor to the development and growth of the centre over many years.

 

“Since joining the ACC&C Board, Ian witnessed the growth of CSU’s School of Theology to be the largest in Australia,” Mr Willett said.

 

“Ian also helped guide the establishment of the Public and Contextual Theology Strategic Research Centre, a joint international theological research initiative of CSU, Princeton University (USA), Manchester University (UK), Stellenbosch University (SA), and Edinburgh University (UK).”

 

In addition to his work with the ACC&C, Mr Nicol was on the boards of the Commonwealth Club, Focus Inc. (a charity providing supported housing for the disabled), and was Chairman of the ACT Society for the Physically Handicapped. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2002 for his services to people with physical disabilities, and was appointed a Knight of the Order of St John for his community work.

 

Mr Nicol is survived by his wife, Meredith, and three sons, Robert, Alistair and Malcolm. A private funeral will be held in Canberra on Friday 4 January 2008, followed by a celebration of his life in the afternoon.