dungala kaiela orationThe Dungala Kaiela Oration is an annual event co-hosted by the Kaiela Institute and the University of Melbourne. The orations have rolling themes examining culture, climate change, economics and regional development, legal issues, health and society. The orations celebrate Aboriginal cultural identity, create a shared vision for the people of the greater Goulburn Murray region, and build bridges to promote Aboriginal social and economic development.
The overarching theme of the Dungala Kaiela Oration ‘The Invincible Spirit: defining the future’ exemplifies what makes our people – the Yorta Yorta of the river country – so strong, proud and resilient. It also highlights our determination to look to the future to build economic prosperity through sustainable education and economic development initiatives. |
“Here we are in our sacred room, in our place, on our country, talking about issues of vital importance.” |
2023: PROFESSOR MEGAN DAVIS
Professor Dr Megan Davis BA, LLB, Hon. LLD Qld., GDLP, LLM, PhD ANU, FAAL, FASSA.
This year, we are celebrating the 15th annual Dungala Kaiela Oration and an important referendum on First Peoples' recognition in the Australian Constitution. The Kaiela Institute, in association with the University of Melbourne, are delighted and honoured to present Professor Megan Davis as the 2023 keynote speaker.
Professor Megan Davis is the Pro Vice-Chancellor Society (PVCS) at UNSW Sydney. Professor Davis is also the Balnaves Chair of Constitutional Law, a UNSW Scientia Professor, a Professor of Law and Director of the Indigenous Law Centre UNSW Law.
This year, we are celebrating the 15th annual Dungala Kaiela Oration and an important referendum on First Peoples' recognition in the Australian Constitution. The Kaiela Institute, in association with the University of Melbourne, are delighted and honoured to present Professor Megan Davis as the 2023 keynote speaker.
Professor Megan Davis is the Pro Vice-Chancellor Society (PVCS) at UNSW Sydney. Professor Davis is also the Balnaves Chair of Constitutional Law, a UNSW Scientia Professor, a Professor of Law and Director of the Indigenous Law Centre UNSW Law.
She is a Cobble Cobble woman of the Barunggam Nation and a renowned constitutional lawyer and public law expert, focusing on advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her work extends internationally, through roles at the United Nations, focusing on global Indigenous rights. In this capacity, she was elected by the UN Human Rights Council to the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples based in Geneva in 2017 and again in 2019 (2019-2022) and served previously as an expert member and Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, UN Headquarters in New York (2011-2016).
She is currently the Chair of the Expert Mechanism. Prof Davis is an Acting Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. She is also a member of the Australian Rugby League Commissioner.
She is currently the Chair of the Expert Mechanism. Prof Davis is an Acting Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. She is also a member of the Australian Rugby League Commissioner.
2022: PROFESSOR WIREMU DOHERTY
In this 14th year of the Dungala Kaiela Oration, we are delighted and honoured to have esteemed international educator Professor Wiremu Doherty, Chief Executive at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi in Aotearoa/New Zealand speak to us on the importance of Indigenous knowledges, prosperity and productivity.
Indigenous knowledge is a leading edge to building and enhancing an intergenerational economy. Within the New Zealand tertiary education context, the Wānanga (universities) have been operating for four decades, building on from the early language nests – kohanga reo from the 70s, and the total immersion schooling that followed. Having a pathway for students to complete their formal schooling and tertiary provision immersed entirely in Māori for 40 years is having a positive impact on workforce development in New Zealand. No longer is the notion of educational excellence dialectically opposed to Indigenous excellence.
Indigenous knowledge is a leading edge to building and enhancing an intergenerational economy. Within the New Zealand tertiary education context, the Wānanga (universities) have been operating for four decades, building on from the early language nests – kohanga reo from the 70s, and the total immersion schooling that followed. Having a pathway for students to complete their formal schooling and tertiary provision immersed entirely in Māori for 40 years is having a positive impact on workforce development in New Zealand. No longer is the notion of educational excellence dialectically opposed to Indigenous excellence.
2021: JOSEPHINE SUKKAR AM
The Kaiela Institute, in association with the University of Melbourne, are delighted to present the 2021 keynote speaker for the 13th annual Dungala Kaiela Oration, Josephine Sukkar AM.
Josephine Sukkar AM is Chair of the Australian Sports Commission, co-founder and principal of construction company Buildcorp, and president of Australian Women’s Rugby.
Ms Sukkar’s oration will talk to the undeniable power within the infrastructure of sport in Australia to harness and channel the passion of the Australian people. She will highlight the willingness and ability within sporting infrastructure to tackle the insidious issue of institutional racism and to be a critical cornerstone in creating a healthy, vibrant nation to which we can all be proud to contribute.
And one in which we can all be winners.
Josephine Sukkar AM is Chair of the Australian Sports Commission, co-founder and principal of construction company Buildcorp, and president of Australian Women’s Rugby.
Ms Sukkar’s oration will talk to the undeniable power within the infrastructure of sport in Australia to harness and channel the passion of the Australian people. She will highlight the willingness and ability within sporting infrastructure to tackle the insidious issue of institutional racism and to be a critical cornerstone in creating a healthy, vibrant nation to which we can all be proud to contribute.
And one in which we can all be winners.
2020: DR LOIS PEELER
The twelfth annual Dungala Kaiela Oration was delivered by Dr Lois Peeler AM. Dr Peeler is a proud Yorta Yorta woman whose achievements in many fields mark her intellect, strength, determination and resilience.
Dr Peeler spoke to our hearts and souls on the theme of ‘The River is Us: Carrying the Spirit and Strength of the Dungala’.
Dr Peeler was joined by her countrywomen to discuss issues arising from her oration: Professor Deborah Cheetham and Dr Lou Bennett in conversation with PhD candidate Karyn Ferguson.
Dr Peeler spoke to our hearts and souls on the theme of ‘The River is Us: Carrying the Spirit and Strength of the Dungala’.
Dr Peeler was joined by her countrywomen to discuss issues arising from her oration: Professor Deborah Cheetham and Dr Lou Bennett in conversation with PhD candidate Karyn Ferguson.
2019: SENATOR PAT DODSON
The eleventh annual Dungala Kaiela Oration was delivered by Senator Pat Dodson on Friday 9th August at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club.
This year our keynote speaker is Yawuru leader Senator Pat Dodson, Australian Labor Party, Western Australia. Known as "The Father of Reconciliation", Senator Dodson will speak about the successes, failures, disappointments and areas of ongoing need, including in the areas of reconciliation, land, recognition and public policy.
Further to this, Senator Dodson will share his vision for the future in the context of national, regional and local level realities for our mob. His long and profound contribution to the question of Aboriginal futures and Australian society will create an inspiring platform for the Goulburn Murray.
This year our keynote speaker is Yawuru leader Senator Pat Dodson, Australian Labor Party, Western Australia. Known as "The Father of Reconciliation", Senator Dodson will speak about the successes, failures, disappointments and areas of ongoing need, including in the areas of reconciliation, land, recognition and public policy.
Further to this, Senator Dodson will share his vision for the future in the context of national, regional and local level realities for our mob. His long and profound contribution to the question of Aboriginal futures and Australian society will create an inspiring platform for the Goulburn Murray.
2018: DR MOANA JACKSON
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The tenth annual Dungala Kaiela Oration was delivered by Dr. Moana Jackson on Tuesday 24th July at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club.
Dr Moana is Director of Ngā Kaiwhakamārama i ngā Ture (the Maori Legal Service) and lecturer at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Ōtaki. His lecture, At home on country, at home in the world, explores the United Nations drafting of Rights of Indigenous Peoples and its desire to allow Indigenous people to determine their own destinies. Melbourne University Newsroom Press Release Coverage: Shepparton News coverage and photographs Twitter Moments from the event ABC Radio National Drive Interview |
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2017: PROFESSOR MARCIA LANGTON
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The ninth annual Dungala Kaiela Oration was delivered by Professor Marcia Langton, Associate Provost Redmond Barry, Distinguished Professor Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies on Wednesday the 5th of July at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club.
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2016: DR MARTIN PARKINSON PSM
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The eighth annual Dungala Kaiela Oration was delivered by Dr Martin Parkinson PSM, Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet on 17th August.
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2015: PROFESSOR GLYNN DAVIS ac
The seventh annual oration was delivered on country at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club on the 8th of July by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne Professor Glyn Davis. In his oration Prof. Davis drew on the work of figures such as William Cooper, Faith Bandler, Kath Walker, Noel Pearson and Paul Briggs to trace ideas that influence the empowered communities movement. Working through key moments in recent Indigenous history, Professor Davis explored the multiplicity of thought in Indigenous debates.
On the night, the audience of over 200 were treated to a performance by Lou Bennett that included a poignant rendition of Kev Carmody and Paul Kelly's classic anthem From Little Things Big Things Grow. Following the keynote address, Bennett returned to the stage to close proceedings with a stirring duet with 9 year old Lillie Walker from the Dungala Children's Choir of Ngarra Bura Fera.
On the night, the audience of over 200 were treated to a performance by Lou Bennett that included a poignant rendition of Kev Carmody and Paul Kelly's classic anthem From Little Things Big Things Grow. Following the keynote address, Bennett returned to the stage to close proceedings with a stirring duet with 9 year old Lillie Walker from the Dungala Children's Choir of Ngarra Bura Fera.
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2014: Noel Pearson |
“There is no other tribe in Aboriginal Australia who has produced more important leaders than the Yorta Yorta” |
The sixth annual Dungala Kaiela Oration was held on 28 August 2014 and was the first oration to be delivered at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club home ground in Shepparton.
Noel Pearson, renowned lawyer, academic, land rights activist and founder of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership, delivered a landmark address. Noel paid tribute to the heritage of Yorta Yorta leadership, and charted the path ahead towards Aboriginal self-determination, reconciliation and Constitutional recognition.
Paul Briggs, Executive Chairman of the Kaiela Institute, and Prof Margaret Sheil, Provost of Melbourne University, made some opening remarks before Crystal Atkinson introduced Noel Pearson’s keynote address. Uncle Col Walker conducted the smoking ceremony, and Neil Morris conducted a Welcome to Country.
An article in The Age covering the 2014 Oration can be found here.
Noel Pearson, renowned lawyer, academic, land rights activist and founder of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership, delivered a landmark address. Noel paid tribute to the heritage of Yorta Yorta leadership, and charted the path ahead towards Aboriginal self-determination, reconciliation and Constitutional recognition.
Paul Briggs, Executive Chairman of the Kaiela Institute, and Prof Margaret Sheil, Provost of Melbourne University, made some opening remarks before Crystal Atkinson introduced Noel Pearson’s keynote address. Uncle Col Walker conducted the smoking ceremony, and Neil Morris conducted a Welcome to Country.
An article in The Age covering the 2014 Oration can be found here.
2013: Peter Nash
The fifth annual Dungala Kaiela Oration was held in June 2013. Peter Nash, Chairman of KPMG and board member of Reconciliation Australia delivered an outstanding address.
Deborah Cheetham and the Wilin Centre team including Short Black Opera and Tiriki Onus also made a big contribution. The Dhungala Children’s’ Choir was a highlight along with Eric Brown’s didgeridoo opening and closing.
Deborah Cheetham and the Wilin Centre team including Short Black Opera and Tiriki Onus also made a big contribution. The Dhungala Children’s’ Choir was a highlight along with Eric Brown’s didgeridoo opening and closing.
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2012: Brian Hartzer
The 2012 orator was Brian Hartzer, Westpac’s then incoming Australian CEO. Brian has a long history with the financial inclusion agenda Paul Briggs has been prosecuting in Shepparton.
"This Oration is about looking back to help create a vision for the successful development of not just Aboriginal communities but the whole Australian community in the future,"
- Brian Hartzer, CEO Westpac.
"This Oration is about looking back to help create a vision for the successful development of not just Aboriginal communities but the whole Australian community in the future,"
- Brian Hartzer, CEO Westpac.
| Dungala Kaiela Oration 2012 - Brian Hartzer - Transcript |
2011: Saul Eslake
As part of Mr Eslake's speech, he discussed the current resource boom and how it could be used to establish a sovereign wealth fund to address long term issues including closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and building bridges to promote Aboriginal social and economic development.
| Dungala Kaiela Oration 2011 - Saul Eslake - Transcript |
2010: Richard Goyder
“None of us have the answers, neither business, government, nor Wesfarmers, but Wesfarmers believes that it can at least facilitate the solutions. And in my opinion, the Goulburn Valley has shown through what it has tried and what it’s achieved, that it does have the answers.”
- Richard Goyder, CEO Wesfarmers
- Richard Goyder, CEO Wesfarmers
2009: Dr Carmen Lawrence - The prejudice of good People
Dr Carmen Lawrence, former Federal Minister and premier of Western Australia gave the inaugural Oration. Dr Lawrence's speech, titled: 'The Prejudice of Good People', addressed covert racism with a focus on healthcare where covert racism undermines the relationships between providers and patients resulting in poor health acre for Aboriginal people. Dr Lawrence set a very high bar for the Orations to come.
| Dungala Kaiela Oration 2009 - Dr Carmen Lawrence - Transcript |
