The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre – University of South Australia

The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre is a dynamic and eclectic Centre devoted to generating ideas and solutions to achieve cohesive, sustainable societies. We engage national and international speakers to contribute to a year-long free events programme including lectures and art exhibitions on topics ranging from human rights to plant biology, arts to environment and more.

As the year’s programme draws to a close, we have enjoyed presenting an even more diverse selection of events in 2019 reflecting the Centre’s fundamental themes Strengthen our Democracy; Value our Diversity and Build our Future. The Centre has hosted high profile guests including human rights advocate Kumi Naidoo , author and musician Ben Folds and geneticist and TV Presenter Dr Giles Yeo.

During the final part of the year the Hawke Centre will present The Annual Hawke Lecture, delivered by William (Bill) Kelty AC, exploring the topic: Why Bob Hawke Inspired Australia and his Unfinished Business. The University of South Australia offers the Annual Hawke Lecture in this spirit, as an opportunity to listen to the views of someone whose experience of human affairs is notable, and whose concerns about our world are truly worthy of consideration.

The Hawke Centre will also present the cave-divers, Craig Challen and Richard Harris, who were named joint 2019 Australian of the Year, for their role in the dramatic rescue of 12 boys and their coach from a flooded Thai cave.

Turning our attention to South America, we will be exploring the geopolitics of the region with Dr Benito Cao, a Latin America expert who will be focusing his talking points on Brazil’s position and global aspirations. He will be joined by other academics and professionals in a panel discussion. Those keen on following global politics can also join us for Sultans, Sheikhs, Queens and Presidents, examining the rise of democracy in Southern Arabia.

Our Perspectives series concludes with Ema Tavola, New Zealand-based independent artist and curator, who unpacks power and privilege in the South Pacific through the lens of the art world.

The final two instalments of our sustainable futures series will examine environmental stewardship, economic wellbeing, and citizens’ assemblies.

Photo credit: The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre

Sustainable Futures

The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre is again proud to be presenting at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival – championing talent at one of the world’s most celebrated literary and artistic events. In this special off-shore Hawke Centre Event, we will present the revered journalist and author, Richard Fidler.

Richard Fidler (Photo credit: The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre)

In the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, the 2019 Exhibitions programme will see a focus on talented students studying at the University of South Australia. Facilitated by Match Studio, Visualising Mental Health presents clinical tools and product prototypes designed and developed by UniSA’s Communication Design students in consultation with practicing psychologists to ‘visualise’ complex mental health concepts. Hosted between University of South Australia and AnglicareSA’s Thread Together programme, the Clothing for Good exhibition explores how reused clothing can support environmental and human wellbeing. 

Clothing for Good (Photo credit: The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre)

In November, the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery will host, Martha Cooper: Street Shots, 1978 – 2019. New York photographer Martha Cooper’s photos have been credited with spreading urban art worldwide. Street Shots 1978-2019 draws on her extensive body of work, showcasing her unique perspective on creativity in everyday life.

Martha Cooper: Street Shots, 1978- 2019 (Photo credit: The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre)

The exhibition programme concludes with Activism Now, exploring contemporary activism through the stories of six self-identified women activists between the ages of 18 and 26.

It has been Jacinta’s aim that this year’s programme provides the audience with the knowledge and means to navigate some of the world’s more complicated issues, and the tools to meet our shared responsibilities. You can relive all Hawke Centre events through podcasts and videos on the Hawke Centre website . There is more to come as the Centre is home to an ever-revolving door of artists, activists, and change makers.