Inaugural “Return to Country” speech in Bourke

Former Bourke man Associate Dean Dr Joe West, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and Dean of Engineering at Melbourne University Professor Frank Vetere at the Back O’Bourke Conference Centre. Photo TWH

In another first for Bourke, the Melbourne University’s inaugural “Return to Country” Oration was held at the Back O’Bourke Centre last Wednesday, and the passionate speech was delivered by a proud Bourke man – Dr Joe West.

The University’s Engineering faculty organised the “Bourke Oration” – an address that aims to elevate Indigenous perspectives in engineering and information technology, led by key Indigenous academic and community leaders.

Indigenous participation in engineering has not substantially increased over the past decade and the Oration in Bourke aims to help stimulate the national conversation and create a collaborative effort to improve indigenous participation.

The Bourke Oration was delivered by the faculty’s Associate Dean, Dr Joe West, a Murrawarri man who was born in Bourke and spent his early years locally.

The Oration was just one part of a week-long program of Indigenous University of Melbourne staff and students where they are also visiting schools and Indigenous communities in regional NSW. It’s a region familiar to Dr West.

“I left Bourke when I was young, but my family is still from here and Brewarrina,” Dr West said. “My mother is Murrawarri people which is north of Brewarrina. “I get back about once a year now, but it’s a long way and my work takes me away a lot.” […]

Read more in the printed edition of The Western Herald.

To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!