About us
The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre is committed to delivering a diverse program of events and exhibitions throughout the year which reflect our fundamental themes: Strengthening our Democracy - Valuing our Diversity - Building our Future.
Since its establishment in 1997, The Hawke Centre has developed a public events program with topics ranging from human rights to environment, economy and science, and many more.
The Hawke Centre
Our Centre is widely recognised as a tangible expression of the University of South Australia's commitment to engage meaningfully with the community. Its focus also complements the longstanding reputation of South Australia as a crucible for social inquiry and inventiveness.
The Centre influences thinking and practice through its public program of events which examines key ideas and solutions for twenty-first century society. In addition, the Centre connects its audience with arts and cultural festivals, as well as with a diverse group of likeminded individuals, community organisations, businesses and government agencies. We also bring attention to key research areas from within and beyond the University of South Australia.
The Hawke Centre is also home of the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery which offers a dedicated guest gallery space for organisations to convey their social messages through art and conduct important outreach. The Gallery extends the Hawke Centre's commitment to engage with the community.
The Hawke Centre acknowledges the traditional Kaurna owners of the land on which it is situated and seeks to foster respect for Indigenous people.
We honour the values of Bob Hawke as a major supporter of education, of international understanding, and of balance between equity and economy to serve the greater social good.
Join our Mailing List
Complete this form to receive free and regular e-mail updates about the Hawke Centre program. Contact us if you unable to provide an email address. Alternatively, keep up-to-date by following our Events Program on our website.
Hawke Centre Patrons
The Hawke Centre is honoured to have the support of patrons who collectively have contributed significantly to Australian society and to our world. The Hawke Centre’s patrons enthusiastically embrace its agenda to promote public understanding of the issues that shape human affairs, both within Australia and beyond.
PROFESSOR MARY McALEESE
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC Governor of South Australia
The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG
The Hon Sir Eric Neal AC CVO FTSE
Mrs Imelda Roche AO-
Past patrons
The Hawke Centre honour the contribution of our past patrons, recognising their support with gratitude. Our past patrons include:
The late Nelson Mandela
First International Patron, 2001-2013
The late Nelson Mandela served as the Hawke Centre's first International Patron from 2001-2013. The UniSA Nelson Mandela series was named in his honour.
The patronage of Nelson Mandela, one of the twentieth century’s outstanding humanitarian leaders, sent an enduring message about the Hawke Centre and its commitment to education, justice, responsible leadership and active citizenship locally and internationally.
The patronage also reflected his relationship with Bob Hawke. Mr Mandela recognised Bob Hawke’s actions against the apartheid regime as critical to his release from prison.
Nelson Mandela was awarded a University of South Australia doctorate by former Chancellor and Hawke Centre patron the late Dr Basil Hetzel AC in a ceremony at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, 1998.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation based in South Africa embodies the spirit of reconciliation, Ubuntu, and social justice. Visit the Foundation website for more information about the Foundation's work and Nelson Mandela's life.
The late Rt Hon Sir Zelman Cowen AK GCMG GCVO QC DCL
The late Dr Basil Hetzel AC
The late Dame Roma Mitchell AC DBE CVO
The late Rt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen KG AK GCMG GCVO KBE KstJ QC
The late dr lowitja o'donoghue ac cbe dsg
Bob Hawke and UniSA
"Knowledge is the antidote to fear and prejudice and it is the indispensable basis of good policy-making and of a cohesive community"
The Late Honourable Robert James Lee Hawke, AC, GCL, at the establishment of the Hawke Centre
Named after Bob Hawke, a third generation South Australian and one of the twentieth century’s most notable prime ministers (1983–91), The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre was established by Memorandum of Understanding in December 1997 with a target to establish an active public program, a research institute and a library in purpose-built facilities. On that occasion Bob Hawke remarked:
"I will do all I can to help make the Centre an institution of which we can all be proud, not as a memorial to an individual, but as another small but important bridge to understanding, compassion, and good policy."
The Late Bob Hawke delivered the first Annual Hawke Lecture in 1998, entitled A Confident Australia, establishing a tradition of excellent insight that has been sustained by a series of outstanding speakers.
He personally assisted the process of securing a fine group of patrons for the Hawke Centre, especially International Patron, the late Nelson Mandela. He remained steadfastly committed to the Centre and its program, and led the funding drive for the new Hawke Building, opened in 2007.
The University of South Australia deeply appreciates the Late Mr Hawke’s confidence and his support of the Centre. The Hawke Centre honours his contribution to the nation and its focus on civil society issues reflects some themes of the Hawke era that remain relevant today in Australian life.
Photography Randy Larcombe, Copyright University of South Australia
Donate
Help us to deliver an independent program of public events and invest in a unique and acclaimed public learning centre. Read more about how you can make a tax-deductible donation to the Hawke Centre.
Photography Randy Larcombe, Copyright University of South Australia
Awards
The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre has been recognised in various ways for its contributions to public learning and societal advancement.
Become a Volunteer
Hands up if you want to help create memorable events. Volunteer for the Hawke Centre, and be an integral part of delivering our program.
Volunteering with the Hawke Centre will allow you to connect to your community to help make it a better place. Your help can make a real difference, and the benefits of volunteering can be enormous.
Contact us if you are interested in joining our wonderful team of volunteers.
While the views presented by speakers within The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre public program are their own and are not necessarily those of either the University of South Australia, or The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, they are presented in the interest of open debate and discussion in the community and reflect our themes of: Strengthening our Democracy - Valuing our Diversity - Building our Future. The Hawke Centre reserves the right to change their program at any time without notice.
