Kim Beazley to deliver 2017 AUJS Sir Zelman Cowen Memorial Oration
The Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) has announced the launch of the 2017 Sir Zelman Cowen Memorial Oration, to be delivered by Australia’s former Deputy Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and Ambassador to the United States Kim Beazley.
Kim Beazley
The Sir Zelman Cowen Memorial Oration was first established in 2015 as a forum for learning and debate on matters of public interest and themes relevant to Sir Zelman Cowen’s life; including law, justice, leadership, community, education, public policy and Australian identity. The Oration was established with the support of its patron, Josh Frydenberg MP, and the support of Lady Anna Cowen and the Cowen family.
Sir Zelman Cowen was a distinguished scholar, educator, civic leader and – for five years – Governor- General of the Commonwealth of Australia. He was also a significant figure in the Jewish community. He was Australia’s second Jewish Governor-General, after Sir Isaac Isaacs.
AUJS is proud that the Oration will be delivered by Kim Beazley, one of Australia’s most iconic and respected modern-day political and diplomatic figures and an acclaimed orator. With growing national debate on Australia’s relationship with the US and its role in Asia – and, particularly, with a new Trump US administration, Mr Beazley’s expertise in international relations, the USA and diplomacy promise to provide the community with a fascinating Oration.
Dean Sherr, Oration Chair, said: “The 2017 Sir Zelman Cowen Memorial Oration will be a worthy tribute to one of Australia’s and Australian Jewry’s most distinguished public figures. Given the immense life and service of Sir Zelman Cowen, we anticipate an Oration that makes a significant contribution to Australian public life and discourse.
“Given the public interest and debate over Australia’s role in changing international relations, its alliance with the United States and its developing role in the Asian region, The Hon Kim Beazley AC will make a compelling and enlightening contribution to this debate with his Oration. There are very few figures in this area of such authority and expertise.
“Kim Beazley has been a high-profile, well-respected figure in Australian public life for decades and his delivery of the 2017 Sir Zelman Cowen Memorial Oration promises to make a meaningful contribution to Australian public debate and provide a worthy tribute to the legacy of Sir Zelman Cowen.”
The Oration will be delivered on March 1, 2017 at Melbourne’s St Kilda Town Hall.
Tickets and further information about the 2017 Sir Zelman Cowen Memorial Oration are available at aujs.com.au/oration.
