Pat Turner AM, CEO of National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), will give the keynote address at National Archives of Australia's biennial Dr Mickey Dewar oration. The oration will be held at Northern Territory Parliament House, Darwin from 5:30 pm next Tuesday 31 May 2022, and streamed live from 6:00 pm.

National Archives' Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Director Phyllis Williams said this year’s event, which is held during National Reconciliation Week, is an opportunity to learn about Indigenous matters and explore how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.

'The oration will bring together notable Indigenous figures Arrernte/Gurdanji woman Pat Turner and MC for the night Gurindji man Charlie King OAM. National Archives will also have key representatives attending the event, including new Director-General Simon Froude', Ms Williams said.

The Dr Mickey Dewar oration is a not-to-be-missed event. This year's discussion promises to be lively and engaging for anyone wishing to attend.

Every second year, a speaker from the Northern Territory is invited to give an oration about the history, society or culture of the territory.

Ms Turner was raised in Alice Springs and is at the forefront of community efforts to close the gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Her talk will provide a fascinating insight into the challenges and achievements in relation to Indigenous issues.

'I am delighted to be a part of such a prestigious and important event', Ms Turner said.

With the impacts of the pandemic exposing critical issues in the healthcare system and Australia’s ongoing struggle to close the gap, now is the time to inspire change and action from all Australians.

Embracing his new leadership role, Mr Froude said, 'Archives must be a force for change. We will play an ever-increasing role in setting to rights the injustices of our nation’s past, particularly the treatment of First Nations people and others impacted by government policy'.

Dr Mickey (Michelle) Dewar (1956–2017) was a respected historian and three-term member of the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council. This biennial event was established in 2018 to honour her tremendous contribution to the Northern Territory as well as her commitment to the National Archives.

Tickets to the oration are free, with a streaming option available for those unable to attend in person. For more information, visit the National Archives website.

Available for interview

Pat Turner, CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)

Simon Froude, Director-General, National Archives of Australia

Phyllis Williams, Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement, National Archives of Australia.