Honouring a trailblazer: New lecture series celebrates Professor Bob Morgan’s legacy
The University of Newcastle is proud to announce a new lecture series honouring Professor Bob Morgan AO, 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 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.
The University of Newcastle’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Engagement and Equity, and proud Wiradjuri man, Nathan Towney said Uncle Bob Morgan has 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,” Mr Towney 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.”
A credit to Uncle Bob and the team, Wollotuka was recently awarded an Australian Financial Review Higher Education Award for Equity and Access for their ongoing commitment to provide high quality support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
His resume extends further than BATSIER, he 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 Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said Council is excited the Professor Bob Morgan AO Oration series will 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.
“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.
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, Larissa has written award-winning novels and directed impactful documentaries that advocate for better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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.
“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.
“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.
Event details:
Date: Monday 22 September
Time: Doors open 6.30pm for 7.30pm start
Where: Gosford Regional Library – Dennison Street, Gosford
Theme: theme is Empowering Tools for Aboriginal Social Justice, Change and Transformation.
Register: Please secure your tickets online at events.humanitix.com/professor-bob-morgan-ao-oration
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.