Media Release

Don Dunstan. Photo courtesy of The Advertiser.

Friday, 6 February 2009

Premier Mike Rann will attend a sold-out party at Norwood Town Hall tonight to mark the 10th anniversary of Don Dunstan's death and the foundation established in his honour.

The Don Dunstan Foundation, based at the University of Adelaide, is hosting the 1970s themed event, appropriately titled "Don's Party," in celebration of his achievements and vision as the State's highest-profile Premier.

Legendary Australian author and playwright David Williamson has penned a special "Ode to Don" to be performed by a guest artist at tonight's party, with Premier Rann giving the keynote address.

The Executive Officer of the Foundation, Claire Bossley, says Don's Party is the first of a series of events planned in 2009 to commemorate one of the most visionary premiers in Australia's history.

"Don Dunstan's era is remembered for huge social gains in anti-discrimination, multiculturalism, Aboriginal land rights, Constitutional reform, the arts, consumer protection and a lot more. In much of that reform, South Australia led the country," Ms Bossley says.

"When he was dying, Don Dunstan was concerned that there was still much to be done to create a just and vibrant society and it is our role to keep working to keep his vision alive."

Other events planned for this year include:

• The Dunstan Dialogues: a number of high-profile Australians will debate the topic "Leadership and the Gift of Lousy Times" in August in an entertaining, hard-hitting exchange reminiscent of the Dunstan era;

• A reconciliation oration is scheduled for the end of May to coincide with Reconciliation Week;

• A special function for women to celebrate Dunstan's legacy re anti-discrimination and equal pay legislation;

• A corporate fundraiser will also be held to raise awareness and funds for issues championed by Dunstan.

The Don Dunstan Foundation is jointly funded by the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the State Government. Current projects are centred on homelessness, Aboriginal employment and refugees.