40 years at La Trobe

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At the end of December Professor Joseph Camilleri will bring to an end forty years of distinguished service at La Trobe University, the last nineteen years in his capacity as Professor of International Relations.

In 2005 Professor Camilleri founded the La Trobe Centre for Dialogue. Under his leadership, the Centre has established an enviable national and international reputation for research, training and policy development.

Both the Federal and Victorian governments have strongly supported the Centre's work, which has focused on the management of cultural and religious diversity within and between countries, especially in the context of tension and conflict.

Professor of Anthropology Alberto Gomes has been appointed new director of La Trobe University's Centre for Dialogue from the start of next year.

The Hon Justice Michael Kirby, retired judge of the High Court of Australia and Patron of the Centre for Dialogue, described Professor Camilleri as 'an inspiring leader'.

'Recent events in Australia and the world have demonstrated once again how vital it is to engage Australians of different faiths and cultures in dialogue and mutual respect,' Justice Kirby said.

'Joseph Camilleri has shown brilliance and empathy in promoting dialogue and understanding. His contributions to La Trobe University and the wider Victorian, Australian and international communities have been magnificent,'

The Hon Steve Bracks, Former Premier of Victoria and Chair of the Centre's Advisory Board for the last three years,  described Professor Camilleri as 'an outstanding public policy contributor, both in Australia and internationally.'

'He has positioned La Trobe University's Centre for Dialogue as the preeminent Centre for debate on culture and mutual respect between people and nations,' Mr Bracks said.

'His life's work has added to the deep understanding between many of these cultures in many communities. Australia has been lucky to have experienced his policy leadership.'

Professor Camilleri said the time has come for leadership of the Centre for Dialogue to pass to new hands.

'I am delighted that the University has accepted my recommendation that Professor Alberto Gomes be appointed as the Centre's new director from the start of next year.

Professor Alberto Gomes has taught anthropology at La Trobe since 1990. Widely recognised for excellence in teaching, he has also taught in Malaysia, Finland and Spain. He was the Development Studies Program Coordinator at La Trobe for more than 10 years and Convener of the Sociology and Anthropology Program between 2006 and 2009. His research on the Orang Asli (Malaysian aborigines,) spanning more than 30 years has resulted in numerous articles and three books. He is currently working on the anthropology of civility and on the nexus between equality, sustainability and peace.

During his period of long service at La Trobe Professor Camilleri made La Trobe an important centre for interdisciplinary teaching and research in International Relations. He established the sought after Bachelor of International Relations Degree, and the Master of International Policy Studies (now Master of International Relations). During this time he has mentored more than 20 international relations scholars who now hold senior positions in the academic world and supervised more than 40 PhDs.

La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Dewar said Professor Camilleri's contribution to La Trobe University has been immense.

'Joseph's legacy in international relations at La Trobe, and his contribution to dialogue and conflict resolution through the unique work of the Centre will have important and wide-ranging impacts for years to come. I wish him well in his future endeavours and look forward to seeing him on often campus,' Professor Dewar said.

While Professor Camilleri will continue to support La Trobe in its important and distinctive academic mission, he is planning over the next few years an extensive program of writing and contributions to academic and public debate, especially on key challenges facing Australia as it adjusts to Asia's rise and a period of far-reaching transition in world affairs.

Professor Camilleri also plans to develop a close association with a number of leading universities in Australia and internationally.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Mark Pearce, T: 03 9479 5246 M: 0423 783 756 E: m.pearce@latrobe.edu.au