Reconciliation Co-Chair Mick Dodson retires
Media Alert - 23 August 2011
Download a copy of Reconciliation Co-Chair Mick Dodson retires media release
After almost a decade serving on Reconciliation Australia’s Board of Directors, Professor Mick Dodson AM has announced his retirement as Co-Chair.
At a farewell function with staff and Board members in Canberra, fellow Co-Chair Melinda Cilento paid tribute to the former Australian of the Year.
“I have been deeply honoured to work with Mick. He has shown tremendous leadership in striving for all Australians to play their part in reconciliation,” Ms Cilento said.
“His generosity will be sorely missed, but of course he leaves Reconciliation Australia all the stronger for his contribution.”
“While the opportunities ahead for Mick are exciting, he will always remain a member of the Reconciliation Australia family.”
Professor Dodson first joined Reconciliation Australia’s Board in 2002 and became Co-Chair in 2008. As the first Aboriginal Australian to complete a law degree in 1974, he has passionately advocated for many issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—and is also involved in the national conversation about recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution.
His significant contribution towards reconciliation, both through his work as Co-Chair and within the legal profession, saw him named Australian of the Year in 2009.
Currently the Director of the National Centre for Indigenous Studies at the ANU and Chairman of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Professor Dodson will next week take his expertise to Harvard Law School.
“I’m proud of all of the great outcomes we’ve had over the past decade,” Professor Dodson said.
“I know that the staff and Board at Reconciliation Australia will continue to advocate for reconciliation with passion and conviction—and continue to champion Indigenous successes by sharing the good news stories with the public.”
Fellow Board Member and former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Dr Tom Calma will to take Professor Dodson’s place as Co-Chair.
Media Contacts: Rebecca Gallegos 0411 483 707 rebecca.gallegos@reconciliation.org.au or Kylie Kluger 0418 633 277 kylie.kluger@reconciliation.org.au
