CGS Gough Whitlam Address

ENDURING PURPOSE

The CGS Gough Whitlam Address is an event celebrating the diverse voices of CGS Alumni who have gone on to become contemporary agents of change after their time at the School.

The annual event is a reminder to current students at Canberra Grammar School of the role that they can play in shaping their world and creating positive influence and change.

In spite of COVID and an extended lockdown, we were fortunate enough to be able to hold the 2021 Whitlam Address in the Tim Murray Theatre, as well as live stream the celebration to those who were unable to be on site for the event. This year’s Gough Whitlam Address speaker was Diggory Howitt (CGS 1985). Howitt is the CEO and President of Cochlear, an organisation which strives to transform the lives of those suffering from hearing loss. Howitt is also a member of The Champions of Change Coalition, an institution dedicated to advancing women in global leadership and creating diverse, respectful and inclusive workplaces.

It was a wonderful and inspiring time to hear from a former student about worldly issues that impact our community, as well as a meaningful reminder that the students of today are the leaders of tomorrow who will strive for progress, success and change in the world.

The Insight Speaker Series (Insight) is an integral part of an educational journey that teaches students to celebrate diversity, kindness and extraordinary endeavours.

Insight hosted three speakers before the coronavirus lockdown. Our first speaker was Dr Brad Tucker, who spoke of the New Space Race, a race of international super-corporations rather than states. Dr Tucker provided a chance to focus away from the pandemic and explore the galaxy through an exceptional shared experience.

Our second speaker was Rachel Noble, Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate, who presented a rich and powerful painting of Australia’s digital future. Students were enthralled to learn about a ‘licence to hack’ or ‘cyber-spies in action.'

Professor Will Steffen joined us for Insight to deliver a strong climate change address to students and graciously hosted a masterclass for senior students. Professor Steffen, an Earth System scientist and Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University, described the climate change ramifications of cascading tipping points and reaching the point of no return. This critical presentation reiterated the concept of facilitating a climate of sound national and global governance as climate change knows no borders.

The Centre strives to support student cognitive, socioemotional and behavioural dimensions, encouraging students to uncover their assumptions and question how they have come to believe what they believe. The Centre aims to encourage students to utilise their sense of belonging to common humanity, sharing values and responsibilities, empathy, solidarity and respect for differences and diversity. Students can reflect on the world around them and act at all times with civil courage that leads to greater fairness, justice, and equity for all.