An exclusive public lecture was held at the University of South Australia Mount Gambier Campus last Wednesday evening.

The live-streamed Nelson Mandela lecture was presented by human rights activist and former Socceroos captain Craig Foster AM, who UniSA Regional Manager Ian McKay said spoke passionately.

Mr McKay said the event was a success and those in attendance were engaged with the presentation.

“There was considerable positive conversation between those who attended during supper after the lecture, which is testament to how well Craig’s message engaged our audience,” Mr McKay said.

Mr Foster explored topics including contrasting positions of calling for ‘shared humanity’ and ‘togetherness’ in the midst of the COVID pandemic and the reality of a decaying aged care sector.

He also discussed the ongoing trauma and deaths in custody of First Nations peoples, the victimisation of poor and minority groups and the failure of parliamentary leaders to respond humanely to sexual abuse and rape claims.

Mr McKay thanked their partners Patrick of Coonawarra and Little Rippa Brewing for supporting the event.

The next public lecture is scheduled for June 16, ‘How to Understand and Manage Chronic Pain,’ which will be presented by Professor Lorimer Moseley.