Businessman, philanthropist and adventurer presents special lecture

Some well-known Australian identities have been taking part in a summer session program at the University of Wollongong over December and January – a program which has never been offered before at any of the country’s universities.

And today (25 January) this continued when businessman, philanthropist and adventurer, Dick Smith, flew in by helicopter to take part in UOW’s Faculty of Arts summer session subject of “Politics, the Community and the Common Good”.

Mr Smith spoke at the University on the subject of philanthropy and the private sector. His talk also focused on the need to ensure Australia’s population does not grow too quickly thereby increasing the potential danger of people-induced climate change.

He is founder of Dick Smith Electronics, Dick Smith Foods, Australian Geographic and is credited as the first man to fly solo around the world in a helicopter.

Dick Smith was Australian of the Year in 1986 and he will be flying back to Wollongong again on Australia Day as he is the Australia Day Ambassador for the region.

“The program has been encouraging people who are not university students to enrol and become part of a vibrant and vigorous series of lectures and debates,” according to subject co-ordinator, Dr Glenn Mitchell, who introduced the initiative.

Dr Mitchell said the program has reinforced the University’s credentials and civic mission as an agency for positive community engagement.

Among other notable presenters for the program were international respected jurist, human rights activist, author and broadcaster Geoffrey Robertson, QC; former High Court Justice, Michael Kirby; former Independent Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, John Hatton; former Chairperson of the NSW Corrective Services Commission, Professor Tony Vinson; and CEO of St Vincent’s de Paul, John Falzon.

Last reviewed: 25 January, 2010