Touring exhibition: Sir Zelman Cowen: A Life of Opportunity & Success

This Exhibition marked the centenary of Sir Zelman Cowen, one of Australia’s most distinguished statesmen, legal scholars and public intellectuals. The exhibition was officially launched by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency The Honourable Linda Dessau AC at the Jewish Museum of Australia on 13 August 2019. 

The Exhibition toured throughout 2019 to:

• Jewish Museum of Australia
• Supreme Court of Victoria Library
• Victoria University, including MetroWest Gallery.

The exhibition was one of a series of events celebrating the centenary of the birth of Sir Zelman Cowen. The exhibition features exclusive material uncovered by the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, including documents, artefacts, personal memorabilia, photographs and an interactive timeline with films to showcase the legacy of Sir Zelman Cowen. It also included six documentary films and two interactive programs for viewers to reflect upon Sir Zelman’s many public achievements, contribution to Australian life and the powerful values he championed through his leadership roles.

To commemorate the centenary of the birth of Sir Zelman Cowen, the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre interviewed prominent Australians who shared their personal memories of Sir Zelman and reflected on his roles as husband, father, teacher, scholar and public intellectual. Interviewees include:

• The Hon Dame Quentin Bryce AD, CVO
• The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, international jurist, educator and former Justice of the High Court
• The Hon Sir James Gobbo AC CVO QC
• The Hon Linda Dessau AC.

To view the full list of interviews, visit the Centenary of Sir Zelman Cowen.

Sir Zelman Cowen Centre received the citation for Community Engagement in the 2019 Victoria University Vice-Chancellor’s Awards.