The most senior official in a Priory is the Prior (in Australia this has traditionally been the Governor-General). The Chancellor is the deputy of the Prior. In practice, all of the leadership functions are delegated to the Chancellor, who exercises these responsibilities as the Chair of a national Board of Directors.
Biographical information about the first seven Australian Chancellors can be found in the article below. Since this article was written, two more Chancellors have been appointed (Prof Mark Compton, and Mr Cameron Oxley).
Howie-Willis I. The Chancellors: The seven distinguished Australians who have led the Australian Priory of the Order of St John since 1946. St John History, 2011; 11: 57-64.
In Australia, we have a tradition that each outgoing Chancellor has their portrait painted – these are shown below. Click on each image for a closer look.
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| Professor Mark R Compton AM GCStJ 2014-2019 Artist: Evert Ploeg, oil on canvas | Dr Neil R Conn AO GCStJ 2007-2014 Artist: Evert Ploeg; oil on canvas | Professor Villis R Marshall AC GCStJ 1999-2007 Artist: Evert Ploeg; oil on canvas | Mr Peter FG Henderson AC KStJ 1996-1999 Artist: |
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| Sir Guy SM Green AC KBE KStJ 1991-1995 Artist: | Sir John M Young KCMG GCStJ 1982-1991 Artist: | (image to come) Sir George GL Stening Kt GCStJ 1961-1982 Artist: Graeme Inson | Sir Hugh RG Poate KVO GCStJ 1946-1961 Artist: Joshua Smith, oil on canvas |