Meet Kelvin Kong, Australia’s first indigenous surgeon.

We are delighted to announce that Professor Kelvin Kong AM will deliver the 25th Libby Harricks Memorial Oration at Parliament House Canberra on the evening of Monday 25 March 2024.

Professor Kong is Australia’s first indigenous surgeon, a Worimi man, and an inspiring advocate for hearing health. He was honoured as the NAIDOC Person of the Year in 2023 and received the Medal of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2024 for his work with Indigenous children at risk of hearing loss.

“Australia still has the worst ear disease rates in the world. Chronic suppurative otitis media affects from 40% to 85% of children in Indigenous communities,” Professor Kong said.

Hosted by Deafness Forum Australia, the national peak body for the 4 million Australians living with hearing loss, the oration series has featured distinguished speakers from around the world, gaining international recognition for its exceptional presentations.

The venue will be the Parliamentary Theatrette, 6pm Monday 25 March. Free entry and all are welcome, but places will be limited.

Register here to attend.

For more information, info@deafnessforum.org.au