03 September 2025

   

night watch

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professor david lloyd
in-conversation with
Robyn Williams aO duniv

Step into the time-warped cobblestones of Ankh-Morpork as we celebrate the Penguin Modern Classics edition of Night Watch – one of Sir Terry Pratchett’s most powerful and politically charged Discworld novels.

Join us for a special conversation event with the University of South Australia's Vice Chancellor and President, Professor David Lloyd, and renowned science broadcaster Robyn Williams AO DUniv.

This definitive annotated Penguin Modern Classics edition of  Night Watch shines new light on the beloved classic. Join us as David and Robyn explore the novel’s rich layers – from revolution and resistance to humour, humanity, and hope. With nods to Victor Hugo and M*A*S*H, Night Watch is a brilliant satire of power and policing, and an enduring story of community and courage.

Professor Lloyd, who co-authored the introduction and annotations for this Penguin Modern Classics edition, will share insights into Pratchett’s influences, the book’s historical echoes, and why Night Watch remains so deeply resonant. Robyn Williams brings his signature wit and curiosity to the discussion, making this a must-attend for fans of fantasy, politics, or just a good story.

Sir Terry Pratchett was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of South Australia in 2014, and his legacy continues to support UniSA Master’s students through the Sir Terry Pratchett Memorial Scholarship. This event continues and celebrates the special connection between Pratchett and the University.

Imprints Booksellers will be selling copies of the annotated edition of The Night Watch in the Auditorium foyer on the night of the event.

Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre 

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PROFESSOR DAVID LLOYD
UNISA VICE CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT
CO-VICE CHANCELLOR ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY

Professor David Lloyd is Vice Chancellor and President of the University of South Australia and Co-Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University. A Dublin-born and educated chemist who specialises in computer-aided drug design, Professor Lloyd has positioned UniSA as Australia's university of enterprise, reshaping the institution's activities to better meet the challenges of today's learners.

Most recently he has co-led the creation of the new Adelaide University - the first comprehensive public Australian university to be created this century - formed through the amalgamation of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.

 

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ROBYN WILLIAMS AO DUNIV
SCIENCE JOURNALIST, BROADCASTER AND AUTHOR

Robyn Williams AO DUniv is a renowned science journalist and broadcaster, best known as the long-time presenter of The Science Show on ABC Radio National. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the UK, though his early career also included acting roles in Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Doctor Who and The Goodies.

Robyn has interviewed leading scientists on ABC TV programs such as Quantum and Catalyst, narrated The Nature of Australia, and featured alongside David Attenborough in World Safari.

A passionate advocate for science communication, he has served as President of the Australian Museum Trust, chaired the Commission for the Future, and is a proclaimed National Living Treasure.

Robyn was the first journalist elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, and holds honorary doctorates from several universities. He is also a published author, with over 10 books to his name.

 

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Presented by
The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre 

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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.