Cadel Evans, Gerard Whateley team up for Deakin’s David Parkin Oration

Under the theme "First among equals", this year’s Oration at Melbourne's Federation Square will be a conversation between Evans, the only Australian to win the Tour de France, and Whateley, respected for his passion for sport and interviewing prowess. Evans is set to share his insights into sport as a way of life within the community.
Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander AO said the University was delighted to host both Evans and Whateley to deliver Deakin's seventh Oration in honour of David Parkin OAM.
"David Parkin passionately believes in the transformative power of sport to drive social change, a principle we value strongly at Deakin," Professor den Hollander said.
"And Cadel Evans has long advocated for the potential of sport to enrich us all – physically, emotionally, socially and as a community – while Gerard Whateley's knowledge of all things sport and the value it holds in society is well-renowned.
"Deakin is passionate about supporting the communities we serve and we know how strong a role sport plays in this, which is why we have been delighted to work in partnership with Cadel Evans and his team by supporting the annual Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race as part of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race."
Evans said he was honoured to have been asked to be part of this year's David Parkin Oration.
"Sport is a passion, a cultural influencer and a way of life that ties many Australians together," he said.
"Sport and winning has become big business but underpinning it should always be the themes of integrity, ethics and respect. I look forward to sharing a special evening with those in attendance".
Whateley said Cadel Evans was a living treasure of Australian sport.
"His Tour de France victory was a soaring achievement in the national imagination and his story is both unique and profound and very much worthy of the David Parkin Oration," Whateley said.
The Deakin University David Parkin Oration for Sport and Social Change
WHAT: Sporting great Cadel Evans to deliver the 2019 Deakin University David Parkin Oration for Sport and Social Change on the topic "First among Equals".
WHEN: 5.45pm to 6.45pm Wednesday 8 May 2019.
WHERE: Deakin Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne.
BOOKINGS: Free. Register on arrival from 5.15pm.