The 2021 South Australian of the Year Tanya Hosch will front this year’s Fairley La Trobe Lecture on Wednesday night as the keynote speaker.
As the AFL’s executive general manager of inclusion and social policy, along with a lengthy portfolio in advocacy, Ms Hosch will discuss the impact First Nations people have had on the development of society and in shaping regional Australia.
Greater Shepparton has the highest First Nations population in Victoria outside Melbourne, and La Trobe academic director (Indigenous research) and Yorta Yorta woman Julie Andrews said Ms Hosch was a “fantastic choice” to share her knowledge.
Prof Andrews said Ms Hosch’s experience in football clubs, both nationally and at a community level, would create insight into their integral roles in regional development.
“Football is one of those key areas where it contributes to positive development and participation of Aboriginal people,” she said.
“Also having a woman at the forefront of leading this is just fantastic and it really fits in well with the heart of Rumbalara Football and Netball Club’s philosophy around sport, wellbeing, and history and connection to community.”
The Fairley Foundation was established in 1965 by SPC founder and former mayor Andrew Fairley, created “for the benefit of the people and communities of the Greater Shepparton area”.
Each year, the Fairley Foundation partners with La Trobe University to present a free lecture, with a prominent Australian figure as the keynote speaker.
Prof Andrews said the lecture was a tribute to the foundation’s own development in regional areas in the state.
“La Trobe University is committed to highlight decolonisation and what it means within the university settings,” she said.
“And the Fairley Foundation is one of those opportunities where we can showcase this by bringing Indigenous peoples and the community together to share knowledge and have a discussion around sport.”
The free lecture will take place on Wednesday, July 20 at 5.30pm for a 6pm start at La Trobe University Shepparton campus at 210 Fryers St.
To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2022-fairley-la-trobe-lecture-tickets-370985647057