La Trobe University and the Fairley Foundation have announced that the Fairley Lecture, held annually in Shepparton, will not go ahead this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each year the Fairley Foundation partners with La Trobe to present a free public lecture delivered by a prominent Australian.
This year’s lecture was due to held on July 15 at the Eastbank Centre and would have marked the event’s tenth anniversary.
Fairley Foundation Chair Andrew Fairley AM said the Lecture will instead be held next year.
“It’s clear that the coronavirus pandemic will continue to have an impact in our communities throughout this year,” Mr Fairley said.
“Although we’re disappointed by having to cancel this year’s event, it’s the right thing to do,” he said.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said the University is proud to be one of the Foundation’s Change Partners.
“Now more than ever our communities need organisations like the Fairley Foundation. La Trobe looks forward to co-hosting the annual lecture in 2021,” Professor Dewar said.
The Fairley Foundation was established in 1965 with a bequest from Shepparton businessman Sir Andrew Fairley, founder of the Shepparton Preserving Company Ltd (SPC). It supports the people of Shepparton by funding charitable organisations with an emphasis on improving education.
