Dr Glendenning is widely recognised for his work with refugees. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Australian Catholic University, the Sir Ron Wilson Award for Human Rights by the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and most recently an Award for Advocacy from Baptist care Western Australia. He also received the 2016 Eureka Democracy Award from the Eureka Stockade Commemoration Committee and the Order of Australia (AM) Award in the 2017 Australia Day Honours. He also co-founded Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation in 1997.

Dr Glendenning’s work has addressed some of the most painful aspects of the refugee experience. He led the research team for the “Deported To Danger” series which monitored the safety of rejected asylum seekers in 22 countries, and resulted in the internationally screened documentary, A Well Founded Fear.

The Rotary Club of West Wollongong Annual Peace Oration has brought a series of speakers of international profile to address issues fundamental to the promotion of peace and international understanding. Past speakers include Ambassador John McCarthy (at the time National President of the Australian Institute for International Affairs) and the Dalai Lama’s official representative to Australia.

For a gold coin donation only, anyone in the community is invited to join the local Rotarians to hear Phil Glendenning’s presentation at 6pm for 6.15pm at the Edmund Rice College, Mt. Keira Road on March 22. Juice and nibbles will be provided. RSVP by March 20 to Michael Campbell at 0490 022 313.

The Rotary Club of West Wollongong meets Wednesday evenings at 6.15pm at the Centro CBD Restaurant, 28 Stewart Street Wollongong.  To learn more about Rotary please contact President Jim Christensen on 0417 660 526.