John Howard and Geoffrey Blainey to open Ramsay Centre building
Sydney, Wednesday 4 April 2018: Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC will today deliver the inaugural lecture at the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation to mark the opening of its new building by the Honourable John Howard OM AC, 25th Prime Minister of Australia.
Former Prime Minister John Howard said, “Professor Blainey is one of Australia’s greatest historians. He has made an enormous contribution to the intellectual life of this nation and internationally. I cannot think of a better person to give the inaugural lecture at the Ramsay Centre.”
Professor Blainey said, “I am slightly nervous but very pleased to be giving this inaugural lecture. It is important that we understand the vital role that Western Civilisation has played in the growth of our nation, as well as the contribution Australians have made to the advancement of Western Civilisation.”
Board member of the Ramsay Centre and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott said, “It’s an honour to have Professor Blainey speak at the opening of the new Ramsay Centre building. Professor Blainey has dedicated his life’s work to promoting a better understanding of Australian and world history, all of which is vital to the work of the Ramsay Centre.”
Board member and Principal of Queenwood, Elizabeth Stone said, “Western Civilisation is one of the great world civilisations. Crucial modern values – human rights, rule of law, the scientific method, freedom of speech – were developed over centuries of trial and error and now benefit all Australians. New challenges require further evolution so rigorous, scholarly examination through the work of the Centre is both essential and timely.”
CEO of The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation Professor Simon Haines said, “The opening of the Centre building comes at an auspicious moment. For some months, we have been engaged in detailed discussions with the Australian National University regarding a new undergraduate degree in Western Civilisation. We hope to make an announcement about those talks in the very near future.”
Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Blainey, AC, FAHA, FASSA has published 40 books, held chairs in history and economic history in Australia and was a visiting professor at Harvard University. He has been awarded the Britannica Award for the dissemination of knowledge and is a Companion of the order of Australia. He will speak on the subject of Australian Democracy and Western Civilisation.
The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation was created with an endowment from the late Paul Ramsay AO, founder of Ramsay Health Care, to promote a deeper appreciation of Western civilisation through the creation of university degrees, Ramsay Scholarships, summer schools and public lectures.
Media Contact: Emma-Kate Bos 0414 445 453 emmakate.bos@ramsaycentre.org