Monash alumnus named Australian of the Year

January 2009

Monash alumnus Professor Mick Dodson AM (BJuris 1974, LLB 1978) is the 2009 Australian of the Year.

Professor Dodson is an academic and Indigenous issues advocate. He is the director of the National Centre for Indigenous Studies at the Australian National University and chair of Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Professor Dodson received a Monash University Distinguished Alumni Award in 1997/98.

Presenting the award on Australia Day eve, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd thanked Professor Dodson for his lifetime commitment to improving the lives of Aboriginal people and promoting understanding between all Australians.

“Mick Dodson has been a courageous fighter for reconciliation and for closing the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians,” said the Prime Minister.

“His efforts truly show that if we work together, we can achieve real progress.”

Professor Dodson is the second Monash alumnus to receive this prestigious national honour. Professor Tim Flannery (MSc 1981) was Australian of the Year 2007.

Links:

• Read Professor Mick Dodson’s profile on the Monash prominent alumni website
• For more information about the awards visit: www.australianoftheyear.org.au