Newcastle Institute’s lifetime member and former Patron Dr Bernie Curran has passed away. Bernie was an extraordinary and passionate member of our community. His contribution to the University of Newcastle through leadership, teaching, research and mentoring; his enthusiastic involvement in rugby and other sports; and his guidance and support for many other community groups is being widely acknowledged. In 2018 these contributions were recognised nationally when he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to tertiary education, particularly through higher learning opportunities for young people in rural areas.
Bernie supported the Newcastle Institute since its inception in 2004. He was committed to the concept of encouraging rational and respectful public discourse about key policy issues. Inevitably, he would often liken the role of Institute to the very best principles of participative democracy and philosophic discourse in ancient Greece and Rome. He contributed to our program in several presentations using his insights from the classics as lessons for modern society.
Bernie always provided wise counsel on the directions and strategy of the Newcastle Institute. He did all of this with charm and respect. We valued his guidance, his commitment, his sense of humour and most of all his friendship.
We pass on our condolences to his wife Mary and his extended family. Vale Bernie Curran – you will be missed.