The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre
Strengthening our Democracy. Valuing our Diversity. Building our Future.
The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, known as the Hawke Centre, is a community-focused centre devoted to generating ideas and solutions to achieve cohesive, sustainable societies. We create a year-long program of FREE events and exhibitions that reflect our fundamental themes: Strengthening our Democracy – Valuing Our Diversity – Building Our Future. Our program includes the Annual Hawke Lecture and Nelson Mandela Lecture.
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We are proudly supported by our Patrons and encourage you to support the work of our centre by making a tax-deductible donation, or by giving your time as a volunteer.
The Centre is affiliated with the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Library.
Vale Sir Eric Neal AC CVO KStJ FTSE
We are saddened by the loss of our Patron Sir Eric Neal, whose life and contributions spanned engineering, public office, education, and civic leadership. Sir Eric made significant contributions to both business and society throughout his long and eminent career.
After studying engineering at the SA School of Mines, an antecedent institution of the University of South Australia, he became a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia and went on to become one of Australia’s most successful corporate leaders. He was appointed Governor of South Australia - the first business leader in a vice-regal office.
His role as Patron of The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre will be especially remembered for the commitment, integrity, and influence he brought to the Centre’s programs and public engagement. His archives are housed in the University of South Australia's Sir Eric Neal Library.
A state funeral to honour the life and achievements of the Honourable Sir Eric James Neal AC CVO KStJ will be held at 11am on Wednesday 24 September 2025 at St Peter’s Cathedral, North Adelaide. Members of the public are welcome to attend and pay their respects (registration required). The event will also be streamed on the SA Government Facebook page.
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The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre has facilitated a diverse range of intriguing, engaging and socially-challenging discussions which are available as podcasts or videos, which generally available within one week following the lecture.
While the views presented by speakers within The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre public program are their own and are not necessarily those of either the University of South Australia, or The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, they are presented in the interest of open debate and discussion in the community and reflect our themes of: Strengthening our Democracy - Valuing our Diversity - Building our Future. The Hawke Centre reserves the right to change their program at any time without notice.
