Scotch College

Hugh Mackay delivers Monash Lecture

Well-known psychologist, social researcher, and best-selling author Hugh Mackay delivered the 2008 Scotch College Sir John Monash Memorial Lecture, in the Cardinal Pavilion on 18 August.

The Monash Memorial Lecture commemorates the contribution of Scotch’s most distinguished Old Boy, Sir John Monash, to Australian life. It also provides an opportunity for prominent contemporary Australians to speak on a topic of national interest and importance.

A crowd of more than 100 people including Principal Tom Batty and his wife Lee, and members of the Class of 2008, heard a stimulating and often humorous after - dinner address focusing on the importance of community and creativity in busy, modern-day Australia.

Hugh Mackay’s lecture drew upon a range of data, including his own cutting edge research into many areas including family, relationships, education, values and technology, to create a picture of an Australian society seemingly more willing to engage with the world than it was 10 years ago but restricted by time and work pressures and not, perhaps, as happy or as fulfilled as it could be.

Throughout his address and after, during question time, the audience was struck time and time again with the accuracy of his insights and observations, not least in respect of today’s ‘options’ or ‘buzz and hum’ generation whom he considers have the world at their feet, provided they do not fall victim to overindulgence and use their technical prowess to engage with others.

In recognition of his pioneering work in social research, Hugh Mackay has been awarded honorary doctorates by Charles Sturt, Macquarie and New South Wales universities and is a former deputy chairman of the Australia Council for the Arts. He is a fellow of the Australian Psychological Society, received the University of Sydney’s 2004 alumni award for community service and is currently an adjunct professor in the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics.

He writes a weekly column for the Sun-Herald and the ‘West Australian’, and occasionally for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He is also a frequent broadcaster on ABC Radio.

A new edition of his latest book Advance Australia…Where? will be available in bookshops from 1 September.

A limited number of copies of the 2008 Monash Lecture are on sale from the English Department for $10. Each has been hand numbered and signed by Hugh Mackay. Please contact Ms Joanne Fisher on 9810 4453 if you are interested.
GS