This years Oration was delivered by Mr Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and Race Discrimination Commissioner, on Thursday 23rd October 2008.

In 2001, the University of Sydney, in collaboration with the Koori Centre, launched an annual oration by a leading spokesperson within the field of Indigenous and non-Indigenous race relations. The Dr Charles Perkins AO Memorial Oration was established with the full support of the Perkins family and in acknowledgement of his tireless dedication to human rights and social justice for Indigenous Australians.

Dr Charles Perkins AO Memorial Prize was established in 2000 by the Koori Centre. It commemorates the life-long achievements of Dr Perkins, the first Indigenous Australian graduate of The University of Sydney. With the support of the University’s three colleges, the Dr Charles Perkins Children’s Trust and the Koori Centre the prize is awarded to three Indigenous Australian students in their final year of a Bachelor or Honours degree who have achieved outstanding results during their studies.