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Central Coast Council supports new lecture series celebrating Professor Bob Morgan’s legacy
Professor Bob Morgan AO

Published On

16/09/2025

Central Coast Council is proud to partner with the University of Newcastle in the presentation of a new lecture series honouring Professor Bob Morgan AO, a globally recognised leader in Indigenous education, research, and knowledge.

The Professor Bob Morgan AO Oration series will be held at the new Gosford Regional Library on Monday 22 September 2025. 

The lecture series will be a free, community event focused on key issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Professor Bob Morgan AO, affectionately known as Uncle Bob, is a proud Gumilaroi man from Walgett in western NSW who has lived on Darkinjung Country on the NSW 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.

Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Council is excited to support, and partner with, the University of Newcastle for the Professor Bob Morgan AO Oration series.

“This will be one of the first major events to be held at the new Gosford Regional Library, and it is fitting that this new lecture series, honouring the highly respected Professor Morgan AO, is featured.

“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.

“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,” Mayor McKinna said.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO reiterated the importance of this series in honour of Professor Morgan.

"Professor Morgan has made such an impact within the University and the community, it’s only fitting we honour his work with this lecture series,” Professor Zelinsky said.

The inaugural event will also feature a keynote presentation by Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt - an accomplished lawyer, author, filmmaker, and academic. Renowned for her work in social justice, Larissa has written award-winning novels and directed impactful documentaries that advocate for better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For further details regarding Professor Bob Morgan’s achievements and honours, please visit the University of Newcastle’s website: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/newsroom/featured/honouring-a-trailblazer-new-lecture-series-celebrates-professor-bob-morgans-legacy

Oration Series Event details:
Date: Monday 22 September 2025
Time: Doors open 6.30pm for 7.30pm start
Where: Gosford Regional Library – Donnison Street, Gosford
Theme: Empowering Tools for Aboriginal Social Justice, Change and Transformation.
Register: Please secure your tickets online at events.humanitix.com/professor-bob-morgan-ao-oration

MEDIA INTERVIEWS:
To arrange an interview or photos, please contact Melanie Sutton on (02) 4921 6135 or 0417 646 007 or Melanie.Sutton1@newcastle.edu.au . For the Media line, please call: 0438 837 166 or email media@newcastle.edu.au
 

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