Designing meaningful experiences
Chris Walsh
6 May 1969
-
13 January 2026
- Professor Chris Walsh-
Social Justice
Where learning meets justice
Chris lived at this intersection, where knowledge was always in service of fairness and dignity. His work and leadership challenged systems, opened conversations, and made space for voices too often unheard.
Innovation
Purpose-driven education
For Chris, education was never neutral; it was guided by intention, responsibility, and co-creation. He believed learning was something we build together through shared voices, collaboration, and care, shaping not only better individuals but a more just and connected world.
Future
Teaching for change. Thinking for impact
Chris taught to provoke thought, and thought to inspire action. His leadership left a lasting imprint- one that continues to influence how others learn, lead, and make a difference.
Love
Joy, love, and a life shared
At the heart of everything, Chris brought joy, love, and an energy that drew people in. He loved to have fun, to gather people, and to make moments feel alive, and everyone around him felt it. Alongside that was his deep kindness and constant care, shown unwaveringly to those he loved. His warmth, generosity, and laughter will be held and remembered always.
Chris Career Journey
2018 -2026
Chief Academic Officer & Dean
Victoria University, Australia
2025 -2026
Director
Victorian Academy of Teaching
and Leadership, Australia
2019 -2026
Director
Violence Prevention Australia
2016 -2026
Director
BABSEACLE (Bridges Across Borders South East Asia Community Legal Education Foundation)
2016 -2026
External Expert
Tertiary Education and
Quality Standards Agency, Australia
2017-2018
Social and Environmental Justice Theme Leader
The Cairns Institute, Australia
2016- 2018
Professor of Education, Head of Education, Director of Research
James Cook University, Australia
2016 -2018
Vice President
Australian Literacy
Educators’ Association (ALEA)
2014-2016
Director of Education Programs
and Associate Professor
Torrens University, Australia
2013-2014
Visiting Professor
University of Vienna, Austria
2009-2014
Senior Lecturer,
Head of Research
The Open University, United Kingdom
2005-2009
Lecturer of Language
and Literacy
Deakin University, Australia
2003-2004
Curriculum Specialist
UNICEF, Afghanistan
2002-2004
Adjunct Professor of Education
Teachers College Columbia University, New York City, U.S.A.
Story of
Dr Love continued
Legacy
Chris career was defined by purpose, integrity, and a deep commitment to education, social justice, and meaningful impact. The journey below offers a fuller view of the work, leadership, and legacy he leaves behind- please click the link to explore his career journey before Victoria University.
Love & Happiness
Chris inspired in me a deep sense of love and care, and the courage to live life fully. We shared 15 beautiful years, years in which he introduced me to Martin Margiela, business class flights, a good glass of Pinot Noir, paella, and always knowing exactly where to find the best food and cocktails. He loved to travel in style, and our first love in Australia was McLaren Vale- the place captured here, one of his true sources of happiness.
More than anything, we packed a lifetime into those 15 years, full of adventure, laughter, and a shared love of living well.
- Andrew Chong
Dare to Dream
Chris taught me to dare to dream, and to follow those dreams wherever they might lead. Life with him was an adventure: moving from country to country, stepping into the unfamiliar, and embracing the excitement of unexplored territory. He had a way of making the world feel both vast and deeply alive.
And through it all, he did it with style. Chris believed in showing up well, curious, open, and always impeccably dressed. With him, every journey felt intentional, every moment worth savouring, and every place a new story waiting to be lived.
-Andrew Chong
Strength with grace, resilience with purpose
Not a goodbye-
only love,
carried forward.
Share your Love
Fight Domestic Violence
If you would like to share some love in Chris’s memory, you may consider a donation to Violence Prevention Australia (VPA) in his name.
Chris was a founding member and an extraordinary advocate; his leadership, compassion, and commitment helped shape VPA’s purpose and direction, particularly in supporting LGBTIQ communities.
His legacy continues to guide this work, and through it, his impact lives on.
Empowering Justice
BABSEACLE is a global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing access to justice and the rule of law through legal education, pro bono initiatives, and partnerships with universities, legal professionals, and communities across Asia and beyond.
Chris was deeply involved in every aspect of BABSEACLE’s work from an academic and research perspective. He brought rigour, insight, and a strong commitment to justice that helped shape its programs and impact across communities.
His contribution leaves a lasting legacy, and his influence will continue to guide and inspire the work ahead.
With Love
Till we meet again
Love, Andrew & Ziggy