Thank you to those who came along to the State Library of Victoria for our 2026 Annual Lecture and Prize giving Ceremony on September 24!

The History Council of Victoria’s Annual Lecture is our most prestigious event, featuring a noted scholar offering insight and provocation from history and historiography. The event also provides the opportunity to present our two annual history prizes to their well-deserved winners. 

After an introduction and welcome from the State Library of Victoria’s Katie Flack, Audience members heard a compelling account of the emergence of the concept of ‘Direct Action’ and its various application throughout political history from Sean Scalmer, Professor of History at the University of Melbourne. Sean is the author of seven books, including, most recently, A Fair Day’s Work: The Quest to Win Back Time (2025). He is also the co-editor of six books on social movements, labour history, and democracy. Thank you Sean for a brilliant lecture. 

We also presented the winner of our 2026 Jane Hansen Prize for History Advocacy, awarded to Dr Deb Hull for her effective and powerful work advocating for history over the past decade in her role as Executive Officer of the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria. At a time when the study of history at all levels is increasingly threatened, Deb has worked to engage a broad range of stakeholders, from the political and administrative arms of government to teachers and the general public, in support of historical education, curriculum renewal and professional development programs for teachers.

The Lynette Russell Prize for First Peoples’ Histories in Schools was awarded to Loyola Secondary College for their work engaging with local elders and Indigenous leaders through the school’s reconciliation walk, and their ongoing commitment to reconciliation and the inclusion of First People, represented by Eddie Betts and Andrew Walker. The prize was received by Deputy Principal Mr Adam Calderone.

Thank you to all those who attended on the night and watched our live stream! We look forward to doing it all again in 2027. 

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