The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre

⏳ Last days to experience the mesmerising world of Japanese origami in this special exhibition by world-renowned artist Tomoko Fuse before it closes soon.

Internationally recognised for her innovative paper-folding techniques, Fuse has redefined origami as a contemporary art form -transforming simple sheets of paper into intricate spirals, tessellations, knots, and infinite folds that blend precision with imagination.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the artistry, detail, and creativity of one of origami’s true masters


Presented by the Japan Australia Friendship Association (JAFA), in partnership with The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre

Open weekdays 9am - 6pm
Kerry Packer Civic Gallery
Hawke Building Level 3, Adelaide City Campus West

We look forward to welcoming acclaimed author and human rights advocate Thomas Mayo to Adelaide tomorrow to deliver the Nelson Mandela Lecture, Democracy in the Age of Doubt, Strengthening the Collective Spirit of a Free Nation.

This event is fully booked for in-person attendance, but you can still register to join us via livestream:

https://hawkecentre.adelaide.edu.au/events-and-exhibitions/events/2026/nelson_mandela_lecture_2026_mayo/

I am giving the Mandela Lecture tomorrow night at The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre in Adelaide.

I will be talking about Australian identity, Indigenous recognition and justice, the importance of truth in our media and governments as well as the hard fought gains by the Australian Union movement, both here at home and across the world. .

For the love of our island nation, we must do all we can to fight for our democracy. I will share how we can do that, with hope and pride.

Thank you to everyone who has registered to come to the event in person. It will be a full house! 🙏🏽

But you can still watch online. Register here:

https://hawkecentre.adelaide.edu.au/events-and-exhibitions/events/2026/nelson_mandela_lecture_2026_mayo/

Tune in to Channel 10 News tonight with the weather update coming from our Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, which is currently showing The Origami of Tomoko Fuse.

At the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, we are proud to present exhibitions that bring global perspectives to South Australia and create space for meaningful cultural exchange. Tomoko Fuse’s work beautifully reflects how individual elements - like folded sheets of paper - can come together to form something intricate, resilient and interconnected.

Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, and the Japan Australia Friendship Association JAFA in Adelaide, this event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan – a milestone honouring five decades of cultural connection and mutual respect.

Showing in the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery until 29 May 2026.

As the world grows more polarised, democracy is being tested - and Australia is not immune.

Delivering the Nelson Mandela Lecture, Thomas Mayo reflects on the challenges facing Australian democracy, calling on us to confront historic and contemporary threats and protect the hard-won freedoms that sustain modern democratic life.

Following the address, Mayo will be in conversation with acclaimed journalist and media freedom advocate Professor Peter Greste.

Join us for this FREE event presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre

Democracy in the Age of Doubt:
Strengthening the Collective Spirit of a Free Nation
Thursday, 14 May | 6:00pm
Attend online 💻 or in person at the Allan Scott Auditorium 📍
Adelaide University – City Campus West

Nelson Mandela Lecture As the world becomes more polarised, democracies are struggling to maintain the values that have made them strongholds of fairness and equality. More than ever, Australia must reassess the foundations it stands on.

Discover the mesmerising world of Japanese origami in a special exhibition and interactive workshops with internationally renowned artist Tomoko Fuse.

Celebrated for expanding the boundaries of paper-folding as a contemporary art form, Fuse transforms simple sheets of paper into intricate modular structures – spirals, tessellations, knots and seemingly infinite folds that balance precision with imagination.

Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre in partnership with the Japan Australia Friendship Association JAFA in Adelaide, and supported by Government of South Australia and The Japan Foundation, Sydney.

📅 Dates: 7 April – 29 May 2026
📍 Location: Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, Level 3 – Hawke Building, Adelaide University City West Campus, Adelaide
🕘 Open: Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm
🎟 Free entry

Featured Artwork, Tomoko Fuse, Photography: Tsuyoshi Hongo

Tomoko Experience the mesmerising world of Japanese origami in a special exhibition and interactive workshops by world-renowned artist Tomoko Fuse. Internationally recognised for her innovative paper-folding techniques, Fuse has expanded the boundaries of origami as a contemporary art form. Her works trans...

The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre's public events program begins this evening with a thought-provoking conversation on Indigenous knowledge, history and science.

Associate Professor Dan Hikuroa and Dr Joy McCann (2026 National Library of Australia Fellow) join Tim Jarvis AM to reflect on polar landscapes, ocean worlds and the choices shaping our collective future - asking how ancient wisdoms and deep histories might guide more ethical, connected and sustainable futures.

Some places are still available for this FREE event — register via the link below:
https://hawkecentre.adelaide.edu.au/events-and-exhibitions/events/2026/hawke_planettalks/

Presented in partnership with WOMADelaide Planet Talks.

And stay tuned for upcoming events, including Michael Wesley discussing the future of our region, plus our current exhibition Sanaa Exhibition – Let Creativity Shine, now showing in the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery.

Dan Hikuroa, Joy McCann, Tim Jarvis Join Māori earth-systems scientist Associate Professor Dan Hikuroa and Australian environmental historian Dr Joy McCann, recipient of the 2026 National Library of Australia Fellowship, in conversation with adventurer and environmental scientist Tim Jarvis AM, as they explore how Indigenous know...

Sanaa Exhibition: Let Creativity Shine brings together twelve bold artists exploring freedom, identity and connection through vibrant contemporary works across cultures and continents.

Including Adelaide’s own - Bridget Marie 🌻 who uses traditional and abstract techniques to produce engaging pieces that evoke a sense of vulnerability, identity, and the body’s place within the natural world.

Tonight she’s guiding Paint, Paint & Sip 6–8pm - an intimate creative session. See our website for details for this Sanaa-hosted event.

Sanaa exhibition is presented by as part of and , and showing in the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery until 27 March 🎨✨

Artwork by Bridget Marie, Left: Women Gathered, Top: Self Portrait

Now showing in Kerry Packer Civic Gallery - Let Creativity Shine ✨
- the latest exhibition from Sanaa : A better world through creativity

Discover the work of twelve artists from Australia, Kenya and Zambia, alongside Peru- and Ghana-born creatives now based in Australia - each bringing bold stories, styles and energy to Adelaide.

Grounded in the belief that creativity is freedom - to try, experiment, learn and enjoy the process- this vibrant exhibition invites you to connect and be inspired.

📍 Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, Level 3, Hawke Building
🗓️ Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm until March 27 2026
🎟️ Free entry

Find out more on our website about complementing public events, including Paint-and-Sip sessions and film screenings.

The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre's Kerry Packer Civic Gallery is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 6pm. Free entry.

Sanaa Exhibition is sponsored by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre and co-presented with Sanaa : A better world through creativity, as part of Adelaide Fringe.

Has Australia forgotten what keeps it safe?

In his powerful Quarterly Essay, Blind Spot: Southeast Asia and Australia’s Future, Professor Michael Wesley argues that Australia has made the wrong strategic bet - relying too heavily on the US alliance while neglecting the region that matters most to our security and prosperity.

Join Michael Wesley in conversation with Misha Ketchell, Editor of The Conversation, for a timely and thought-provoking discussion about AUKUS, the US alliance, and Australia’s future in our region.

Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre

🎟️ Register to attend in person or online for this FREE event
📅 Thursday 19 March 2026 | 🕕 6pm–7pm ACDT
🏛️ Adelaide University – West Campus

Visit our website for more details
https://hawkecentre.adelaide.edu.au/events-and-exhibitions/events/2026/michael_wesley_quarterly_essay/