The University of Newcastle is set to introduce a new lecture series honouring Professor Bob Morgan, a globally recognised leader in Indigenous education, research, and knowledge.
The university, in partnership with the Central Coast Council, will launch the Professor Bob Morgan AO Oration series at the new Gosford Regional Library on Monday, September 22.
The lecture series will be a free, community event focused on key issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Professor Morgan, affectionately known as Uncle Bob, is a Gumilaroi man from Walgett in western NSW who has lived on Darkinjung Country on the Central Coast for many years.
He is a highly respected Aboriginal educator, researcher and advocate who has worked extensively throughout Australia and internationally in the field of Aboriginal knowledge and learning for more than 40 years.
Throughout his career, Professor Morgan has championed Indigenous social and restorative justice, dedicating his life to ensuring young Aboriginal people have access to education.
University Deputy Vice Chancellor Engagement and Equity and Wiradjuri man, Nathan Towney, said Uncle Bob Morgan had been a giant in the Aboriginal education space for many decades.
“This lecture series brings people together in his honour to discuss important issues in a safe and inclusive environment that encourages networking, reflection, and action,” he said.
“Uncle Bob has been the Chair of our University’s Board of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Research (BATSIER) for more than 10 years.
“This represents a long-standing commitment to supporting the university and broader community on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“He is also one of the founding members of our Wollotuka Institute that started as a small support group in 1983 after years of negotiation.
“Wollotuka has supported so many graduates over the 40 years, including myself, and has been a home away from home for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across the country.”
Wollotuka was recently awarded an Australian Financial Review Higher Education Award for Equity and Access for its ongoing commitment to provide high quality support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Uncle Bob was also the founding president of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc (NSW AECG), a commissioner with the now defunct NSW Education Commission, the inaugural chair of the Council of the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE), and also serves as Conjoint Professor with the Wollotuka Institute.
Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said Council was excited the series would be held at the new Gosford Regional Library.
“Uncle Bob’s lifelong dedication to advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, along with his deep connection to the broader community, makes the announcement of a new lecture series by the University of Newcastle a truly special moment for the Central Coast,” he said.
“This free, community-focused series will shine a light on the key issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our region, and we warmly welcome everyone to attend and be part of these vital conversations.”
The inaugural event will feature a keynote presentation by Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt – an accomplished lawyer, author, filmmaker, and academic.
Renowned for her work in social justice, she has written award-winning novels and directed impactful documentaries that advocate for better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said Professor Morgan had made such an impact within the university and the community, it was only fitting to honour his work with the lecture series.
“I’m excited for this event and can’t wait to hear more about Professor Morgan’s extraordinary life and the impact he is making across the globe to improve Indigenous education,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to come along to hear Professor Morgan’s remarkable story and Professor Behrendt’s keynote on Aboriginal social justice and change.”
As the number one university in Australia for Indigenous enrolments, the university is deeply committed to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, wellbeing and educational opportunities.
The series launch will take place at 7.30pm on Monday, September 22 (doors open 6.30pm) at Gosford Regional Library in Donnison St.
Secure your ticket online at events.humanitix.com/professor-bob-morgan-ao-oration
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