Professor Jack Loneragan was Murdoch’s Foundation Professor of Biological Sciences when the University began in 1974. His wife Mona was a known and generous contributor to Murdoch community life. Together, the Loneragans helped to shape Murdoch University into what it is today. 

Professor Loneragan, a world leader in trace elements and plant nutrition, originally came to Murdoch from the Institute of Agriculture at UWA and from the beginning, was widely regarded as unassuming and practical, becoming one of the most consistent influences on the early years of Murdoch. He spent 16 years in professional leadership roles at Murdoch, including a term as acting Vice-Chancellor, before retiring in 1990. 

Following a request from the Board of the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Murdoch’s Senate Committee resolved in October 1993 that the new science building at Murdoch be known as the Loneragan Building.  

The naming was in recognition of the contribution Professor Loneragan had made as the School’s foundation Dean and as Pro Vice Chancellor, and of his wife Mona for her work for the University community, especially through the Banksia Club, a group of respected Murdoch community supporters, now known as the Banksia Association. 

Image: Mona and Jack Loneragan

Federal Minister for Finance, the Hon Kim Beazley MP officially opened the $7 million science teaching and research building the following year, just to the east of Bush Court. 

The Loneragan Building was developed to expand teaching and research for the physical and biological sciences at Murdoch, and it still remains a buzzing centre of science activity on campus to present day. 

Jack and Mona’s son Neil followed his father into the sciences.  

Widely regarded as one of Western Australia’s foremost fish and marine experts, Professor Neil Loneragan was welcomed into Murdoch’s academic community first from 1979 to 1989 completing Honours, a Phd and working as a research officer, and then again from 2005 until his recent retirement at the end of 2021. 

His research covered the areas of fisheries ecology, marine biology, data-limited fisheries, fisheries stock enhancement and sea ranching. Neil also led large, multi-disciplinary research collaborations such as the CSIRO Collaboration project on the Ningaloo Marine Park and the WA Marine Science Institution project on ecosystem indicators for fisheries management. 

Professor Neil Loneragan’s extensive international links, particularly in China, Indonesia and the United States, brought Murdoch’s research projects to the global stage. Now in retirement, Neil remains connected to the Murdoch community as an Emeritus Professor. He is President of the Asian Fisheries Society, and Editor in Chief of the Asian Fisheries Science journal, and continuing research and supervision of students. 

In 2012 the Loneragan Family Scholarship was established by Jack’s children Neil, Bruce, John and Kate.

This scholarship supports Murdoch University honours students with a major in Biological, Environmental or Marine Science, who are experiencing personal or financial hardship. This further lasting legacy helps to ensure the continuing success of passionate science students who walk through the Loneragan Building doors.  

Images: The official opening of the Loneragan Building

Image: The Loneragan Building under construction