The Kerferd Oration

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The Kerferd Oration

THE George Briscoe Kerferd Oration was first held in 2003 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the naming of Beechworth.

The Oration brings an eminent speaker to our regional community to discuss an emerging issue in the context of social justice in rural areas. The Oration honours George Briscoe Kerferd (1831 – 1889), an energetic community leader, Premier of Victoria and a Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria. The annual Oration is a free community event sponsored by Indigo Shire Council, WAW Credit Union and Quercus Beechworth.

04/08/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Beechworth or tuned in from afar — and to our amazing sponsors Indigo Shire Council, Bank WAW, and Quercus Beechworth who made this special event possible.

This year’s Kerferd Oration was a truly powerful and inspiring gathering, filled with thoughtful reflection, challenging ideas, and genuine community spirit.

We’re incredibly grateful to Gillian Calvert AO, whose address “Their Future, Our Choice: Creating an Australia That Works for Children” resonated deeply and reminded us all of the importance of putting children at the heart of our national conversation.

Thank you also to our wonderful MC Karina Kerr, who led the event with warmth, clarity, and grace.

To everyone who listened, asked questions, engaged in conversation, and brought their attention and openness — thank you. Your presence, both in person and online, made the event what it was.

— The Kerferd Oration Committee

27/07/2025

Learn more about our 2025 Moderator

Karina Kerr is an experienced and values-driven human services professional and leader from the Albury-Wodonga region, with strong connections to Wangaratta, Corowa, and beyond. With over 20 years in the sector, she brings expertise in trauma-informed practice, mental health, and family conflict resolution. She holds multiple qualifications, including a Master's in Social and Organisational Leadership and is currently completing a Master of Social Work. Known for her warmth, integrity, and advocacy for neurodiversity, Karina is a proud dyslexic who promotes lived experience and inclusive learning. Her vibrant personality and professional insight make her a relatable and capable MC for both community and professional events.

Kerferd Oration is currently live! www.kerferdoration.org

27/07/2025

📣 The George Briscoe Kerferd Oration begins at 11:00 AM today!

Join us live at www.kerferdoration.org for a powerful and timely event that puts children and their futures at the centre of our community conversation.

🎤 Gillian Calvert AO — Australia’s first Children’s Commissioner — will share her insights, followed by a live Q&A where your questions can be heard and answered in real time.

Whether you’re tuning in from home or attending in person, this is your opportunity to be part of a meaningful dialogue.

🌐 Watch live, ask questions, and take part in the conversation at www.kerferdoration.org.
Let’s shape a future where every child’s voice matters

26/07/2025

🗣 Question of the Week – Reflections
“Discuss: Children are the silent victims of domestic violence.”

Some questions land quietly — but that doesn’t mean they go unheard. We hope this week’s question travelled; through thoughtful pauses, quiet reckoning, or in conversations. In asking it, we invited our community to hold space for the most vulnerable — and we trust that many did.

Tomorrow, we gather to carry this question — and many others — into the room together.

🗓 Sunday 27 July
🕚 11:00 AM (with a live video available at kerferdoration.org)
📍 Beechworth Memorial Hall
🎟 Free event – all welcome
🌐 Online registrations close at midnight – limited places available at the door

Featuring Gillian Calvert AO, Australia’s first Children’s Commissioner, the George Briscoe Kerferd Oration 2025 will be a space for truth-telling, listening, and shared responsibility.
Let’s ask better questions — and keep having the conversations that matter.

21/07/2025

🧠 George Kerferd Hotel Question of the Week:
“Discuss: Children are the silent victims of domestic violence.”

This is the final question in our four-part series ahead of the George Briscoe Kerferd Oration 2025. 💬 Join the conversation in the comments. Your voice matters.

Then join us for a powerful event that puts children and their futures at the centre:
🗓 Sunday 27 July | 🕚 11:00 AM
📍 Beechworth Memorial Hall
🎟 Free event – all welcome
🌐 Register now at kerferdoration.org

Featuring Gillian Calvert AO — Australia’s first Children’s Commissioner — who brings a lifetime of experience in advocating for children, families, and vulnerable communities.

Let’s have the conversations that matter.
Proudly supported by Indigo Shire , Bank WAW , and Quercus Beechworth

21/07/2025

🗣 Question of the Week – Reflections
Should we be worried that screen time for Australian children has ballooned?
In 2017, primary school students averaged 4 hours a day, and high school students 6. By 2023, students in Years 4–8 were spending 9 hours a day in front of screens. (SMH, 11 June)

We hope this week’s question sparked moments of reflection and conversation — whether around the dinner table, in classrooms, or during quiet pauses throughout the day.

This topic sits at the crossroads of childhood wellbeing and the realities of modern life. As screen time continues to rise, our conversations must deepen about how it shapes young minds — and the responsibility adults hold in guiding this journey.

🗓 A new question lands tomorrow — we look forward to hearing your thoughts.
🔗 Register now to be part of the 2025 George Briscoe Kerferd Oration.
https://events.humanitix.com/the-kerferd-oration-2025

19/07/2025

⏳ Just 1 Week to Go
Three Big Questions Already on the Table. One More to Come. And One Unmissable Event Ahead.

🗓 Sunday 27 July 2025 | 🕚 11:00 AM
📍 Beechworth Memorial Hall
🎟 Free event – everyone welcome
🌐 Register now: kerferdoration.org

As we approach the 2025 George Briscoe Kerferd Oration, we’ve been inviting our community to reflect deeply on how we treat children in Australia—through poverty, justice, and now, the digital world.

Join us for a powerful address by Gillian Calvert AO, Australia’s first Children’s Commissioner and a lifelong advocate for children, families, and social justice. Gillian brings decades of experience across child protection, housing, disability and refugee services—and she’ll be challenging us to act boldly for future generations.

🎥 Want a taste of what’s ahead?
Watch this powerful clip from Gillian’s interview with young people at the GENerator Room, ATYP @ FUSE Summit 2022. It’s a glimpse of her clarity, conviction, and deep respect for youth voice:
👉Catch full Interview here: youtube.com/watch?v=Ihtl89_Rges&list=PPSV&t=82s

This is a free event. It’s open to all. And it’s a conversation that matters.

Bring a friend. Bring your questions. Be part of the future we’re shaping—together.

🧡 Proudly supported by Indigo Shire , Bank WAW , and Quercus Beechworth .

17/07/2025

We extend our sincere thanks to Quercus Beechworth for their generous support of the Kerferd Oration.

As a community organisation dedicated to learning, connection, and local resilience, Quercus shares the spirit of the Oration—bringing people together to explore ideas, deepen understanding, and strengthen community life.

We’re proud to have them as partners in this important event. 💬✨

https://quercusbeechworth.org.au/

16/07/2025

A heartfelt thank you to Bank WAW Beechworth for their generous support of the Kerferd Oration.

As a proudly customer-owned bank, WAW continues to invest in the people, ideas, and events that strengthen our region. Their support helps ensure the Oration remains free and accessible to all—bringing big ideas to our small town.

We’re grateful to have local partners who believe in the power of community conversation. 🙌

https://www.bankwaw.com.au/

15/07/2025

Thank you to Indigo Shire for championing public events like the Kerferd Oration.

Their generous support helps bring our community together to reflect, connect, and engage with the issues that shape the world around us. We’re grateful for their continued partnership.

www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/

14/07/2025

🧠 George Kerferd Hotel Question of the Week:
“Should we be worried that screen time for Australian children has ballooned? In 2017, primary school kids averaged 4 hours a day, and high school students 6 hours. By 2023, Years 4-8 are spending 9 hours a day in front of screens.”
(SMH 11 June p 3)

This is the third of four big questions leading up to the George Briscoe Kerferd Oration 2025 — and we want to hear what you think!

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Join us for the Oration:
🗓 Sunday 27 July | 🕚 11:00 AM
📍 Beechworth Memorial Hall
🎟 Free event – all welcome
🌐 Register now at kerferdoration.org

Featuring Gillian Calvert AO, Australia’s first Children’s Commissioner and lifelong advocate for children and families.

Proudly supported by Indigo Shire , Bank WAW , and Quercus Beechworth .

14/07/2025

🗣 Question of the Week – Reflections

What do government and community responses to youth crime say about us as adults?

This week’s question invited us to look honestly at how we respond to young people facing challenges. Though responses were few, the question remains vital.

Change begins with awareness, and awareness grows from conversation. Even in silence, reflection is happening.

Let’s continue to build a thoughtful, compassionate conversation together.

🔗 Register now to be part of the 2025 Kerferd Oration.
https://events.humanitix.com/the-kerferd-oration-2025

🗓 A new question arrives tomorrow — we hope you’ll join in.

Address

Beechworth, VIC

Website

https://kerferdoration.org/

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