2020 has been a year like no other. It began with vast parts of our nation ablaze, as smoke choked the air, and lives and livelihoods were devastated. The arrival of COVID-19 shortly after brought unprecedented disruption economically and socially - upending almost every part of life as we've known it.

As this year draws to a close on a more optimistic note, we invite you to join former Prime Minister and current Chair of Beyond Blue, The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, in conversation with Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Kristen Hilton. They will reflect on the impacts of the year that was and discuss how we can might use this moment of disruption to build a more a more connected, resilient and equal society.

Martin Bean CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President, RMIT University, will provide a special address.

Following the Oration, Kristen Hilton will facilitate a Q&A session that will include both Julia Gillard and Martin Bean.

About Julia Gillard AC

Julia Gillard was the 27th Prime Minister of Australia, the country’s first female prime minister.

Ms Gillard currently serves as the Chair of Beyond Blue, one of Australia’s leading mental health awareness bodies and has been their chair since 2017.

She is Chair of the Global Partnership for Education, a global funding body for education in developing countries; and the inaugural Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at Kings College London, which through research, practice and advocacy, is addressing women’s under-representation in leadership.

In addition, she is a patron of CAMFED – Campaign for Female Education which is focused on the eradicating poverty in Africa through the education of girls and the empowerment of young women; the John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library; and Western Chances, a program that gives young people in Melbourne’s west the chance to fulfil their potential and overcome barriers.

Ms Gillard recently released her second book Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons, which is co-authored by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Event details

Date: Thursday 10 December 2020

Time: 12.30pm to 1.45pm (including Q&A)

The Oration will be delivered as an online event on the Zoom platform.

To participate you would need a device such a mobile, computer or a tablet. You do not require an account to attend this event. We will send you a link close to the date.

The oration is a free public event. However, you must register to take part.

Q&A

Do you have a question or two for Julia or Martin? If you do, please email communications@veohrc.vic.gov.au.

Accessibility

Live captions will be provided.

If you require an Auslan interpreter or have questions about accessing the oration please email communications@veohrc.vic.gov.au.