Research biologist and former Australian of the year Sir Gustav Nossal was the guest speaker at the fourth annual Barry Jones Oration last week.
Sir Gustav’s address at Werribee Mansion focused on his passion for addressing the control of bugs and superbugs, with his main focus on ebola.
Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said it was an amazing achievement to have Sir Gustav speaking at this year’s oration.
The event, which honours the former Lalor MP Barry Jones – aims to raise greater awareness of economic, education, social and environmental issues.
Sir Gustav discussed the advances being made in dealing with ebola and the challenges that will be faced in future. The success associated with advances in polio vaccination and the need to raise awareness of the disease across the world were also discussed.
Sir Gustav arrived in Australia from Austria with his family in 1939.
He has served as president of the International Union of Immunological Societies, president of the Australian Academy of Science, and chairman overseeing the World Health Organisation’s vaccines and biological program.
He was named Australian of the Year for his work in immunology.
Guest speakers at previous orations have included molecular biologist Suzanne Cory and barrister and human rights and refugee advocate Julian Burnside.
