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New honour for CRC Chair Stepan Kerkyasharian
September 26, 2013.
Saved under Australian News
http://indianherald.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Dr-Chair110001_1.jpgTh
e Chair of the Community Relations Commission of NSW, Stepan Kerkyasharian,
has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Western Sydney,
in recognition of his "distinguished service to multiculturalism".
The degree was presented today by the Chancellor of the University,
Professor Peter Shergold, as part of a graduation ceremony at the
university.
Professor Shergold told the gathering such doctorates were presented to
"individuals who had contributed to the advancement of knowledge or the
betterment of society and who have achieved eminence in their field of
endeavour at local, state, national or international level".
Delivering the occasional address at the graduation ceremony, Dr
Kerkyasharian referred to the impact on Australia of international acts of
terrorism like the two violent attacks committed at the weekend in Kenya and
in Pakistan.
"The First Gulf War, the invasion of Iraq, September 11, the war in
Afghanistan and then Iraq again, the bombings in Bali, London and Spain,
have left Australian Muslims feeling in danger of being isolated and
rejected," Mr Kerkyasharian said.
"However, it has to be said that it has also made non-Muslim Australians
feel insecure and defensive, fearful of the spectre of the unknown and the
unexpected act of terror.
"The use of religion to pursue geo-political agendas, particularly through
terrorism, is a fearful and ultimately uncontrollable destructive force.
"The impact of seeing pictures of what happened in Nairobi and in Peshawar
(Pakistan) in the last few days on ordinary Australians cannot be ignored."
"It does present us with a challenge which we have to face collectively and
for which leaders of all religions in Australia have a collective
responsibility", he said.
Today's presentation is Mr Kerkyasharian's second honorary doctorate, as he
already holds a Doctor of Letters from the University of Sydney (Honoris
Causa). He is also a Fellow of the University of Technology, Sydney. Other
awards include Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2011, the Olympic
Order in 2000 and the Gold Cross of Poland.
At the end of November, Mr Kerkyasharian will conclude 24 years in his post
having served seven New South Wales State Premiers. He was previously
founding head of SBS Radio for nine years.
Mr Kerkyasharian will continue as part-time President of the Anti
Discrimination Board of NSW.
Contact details
Warren Duncan
[email protected]
+61 2 8255 6767
http://indianherald.com.au/australian-news/new-honour-for-crc-chair-stepan-k
erkyasharian/7093/
September 26, 2013.
Saved under Australian News
http://indianherald.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Dr-Chair110001_1.jpgTh
e Chair of the Community Relations Commission of NSW, Stepan Kerkyasharian,
has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Western Sydney,
in recognition of his "distinguished service to multiculturalism".
The degree was presented today by the Chancellor of the University,
Professor Peter Shergold, as part of a graduation ceremony at the
university.
Professor Shergold told the gathering such doctorates were presented to
"individuals who had contributed to the advancement of knowledge or the
betterment of society and who have achieved eminence in their field of
endeavour at local, state, national or international level".
Delivering the occasional address at the graduation ceremony, Dr
Kerkyasharian referred to the impact on Australia of international acts of
terrorism like the two violent attacks committed at the weekend in Kenya and
in Pakistan.
"The First Gulf War, the invasion of Iraq, September 11, the war in
Afghanistan and then Iraq again, the bombings in Bali, London and Spain,
have left Australian Muslims feeling in danger of being isolated and
rejected," Mr Kerkyasharian said.
"However, it has to be said that it has also made non-Muslim Australians
feel insecure and defensive, fearful of the spectre of the unknown and the
unexpected act of terror.
"The use of religion to pursue geo-political agendas, particularly through
terrorism, is a fearful and ultimately uncontrollable destructive force.
"The impact of seeing pictures of what happened in Nairobi and in Peshawar
(Pakistan) in the last few days on ordinary Australians cannot be ignored."
"It does present us with a challenge which we have to face collectively and
for which leaders of all religions in Australia have a collective
responsibility", he said.
Today's presentation is Mr Kerkyasharian's second honorary doctorate, as he
already holds a Doctor of Letters from the University of Sydney (Honoris
Causa). He is also a Fellow of the University of Technology, Sydney. Other
awards include Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2011, the Olympic
Order in 2000 and the Gold Cross of Poland.
At the end of November, Mr Kerkyasharian will conclude 24 years in his post
having served seven New South Wales State Premiers. He was previously
founding head of SBS Radio for nine years.
Mr Kerkyasharian will continue as part-time President of the Anti
Discrimination Board of NSW.
Contact details
Warren Duncan
[email protected]
+61 2 8255 6767
http://indianherald.com.au/australian-news/new-honour-for-crc-chair-stepan-k
erkyasharian/7093/