Distinguished scientist and academic Professor Ian Chubb will be in Tenterfield on Saturday October 28 to deliver the annual Henry Parkes Oration.
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Professor Ian Chubb is a former Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University (2001 to 2011) and Chief Scientist for Australia (2011 to 2016).
He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1999 and a Companion in the Order of Australia in 2006 for his ‘service to higher education, including research and development policy in the pursuit of advancing the national interest socially, economically, culturally and environmentally, and to the facilitation of a knowledge-based global economy.
He was the ACT Australian of the Year in 2011 and has received six honorary doctorates. In 2016 he was awarded the Australian Academy of Science Medal for his outstanding contributions by sustained efforts in the public domain which have significantly advanced the cause of science and technology in Australia.
Subject of this year’s oration is A steed to be harnessed; science for the benefit of the nation in which Professor Chub imagines a Commonwealth fit for the 21st century; armed with science, guided by principles and led with conviction.
Professor Chubb will focus on environmental sustainability at a time when vast challenges are faced in relation to power generation, environmental impacts and the complex political issues involved.
When lamenting the lack of vision in our political system today, Professor Chubb’s thoughts turn to Henry Parkes and his line of ‘one people, one destiny’.
He said that some politicians refer to what they call ‘Australian values’ that are not his nor are they values of many people he knows…..nor do they reflect ‘one people, one destiny’.
“Maybe it is time that we identified what our values actually are today, building off what was bequeathed to us by Parkes and his colleagues and not let them be hijacked by a vocal minority.”
Admission to the Henry Parkes Oration at the Tenterfield School of Arts at 2pm on Saturday, October 28 is free but bookings are recommended. Phone (02) 6736 6100 or email h.bolton@tenterfield.nsw.gov.au.