President launches first centre for Irish studies
The research Centre is a joint initiative of Murdoch University and the Australian-Irish Heritage Association and is supported by staff from other WA tertiary institutions.Murdoch University was honoured by the President's visit and delighted that she was making a special visit to open the Centre, Vice Chancellor Steven Schwartz said."This will be the first such centre in Australia even though we are one of the most 'Irish' countries outside Ireland," Professor Schwartz said."Perth has a higher proportion of Irish-born people than any other Australian city and the Australian-Irish Heritage Association, which is based here, is one of the most active Irish organisations in Australia."This happy combination of circumstances is bringing the Irish Head of State to Murdoch to launch the Centre, thereby giving it an impetus which will ensure its success as an academic and cultural entity."And Murdoch is announcing a special postgraduate scholarship in Irish Studies to celebrate the launch of the centre."Director Bob Reece said the new Centre would initiate and coordinate research in the broad range of Irish Studies, including the strong links between Ireland and Australia."Much of our work will be to compile information on Irish Studies research on Australia," Professor Reece said.
"This information will be placed on a Murdoch website and we will issue a research newsletter. We will also be in close touch with other Irish studies centres in Ireland, UK and USA."We also will study contemporary Ireland, its place in the world and its relevance as a doorway to the European Community for Australia."And, the Centre will open up important new academic links with Ireland, such as the agreement being negotiated with the University College of Dublin for an exchange agreement involving students and staff in fields as diverse as veterinary studies and the humanities."This has been a strong community initiative and we will work closely with the Australian-Irish Heritage Foundation to organise seminars, public lectures and extension courses in Irish studies."The Foundation will provide scholarships and grants to honours and postgraduate students associated with Murdoch's Centre for Irish Studies.A postgraduate scholarship in Irish Studies will be available at Murdoch for 1999 and in 2000 Murdoch will host the 11th Irish-Australian Conference.Professor Reece, who was Keith Cameron Professor of Australian history at University College, Dublin from 1987-1989, has published extensively on the history of Irish convicts transported to Australia and has just completed a book on the origins of Irish transportation.The official launch by President McAleese follows the establishment of WA's new Irish Heritage Scholarship Foundation at a ceremony at the Celtic Club by the Premier of WA, Hon Richard Court, on 26 June, 1998.Further information
 |
Bob Reece Division of Social Sciences, Humanities and Education Telephone (08) 9360 2392 email breece@central.murdoch.edu.au |