Boyer Lecture: Australia has an Asian history, too, you just have to look for it
Dr. Louisa Lim, the first Asian Boyer lecturer, explores the often-overlooked history of Australia's engagement with Asia. She argues that Australia's historical and cultural ties to the region are deeper than commonly acknowledged in mainstream narratives.
Why it matters
It challenges national identity narratives and encourages a more inclusive understanding of Australia's historical and geopolitical position in the 21st century.
This Chinese dragon was paraded in front of Victorian Parliament House as part of celebrations to welcome the Duke and Duchess of York in May 1901. ( Supplied: Museums Victoria )
Link copied Share Share article This year's Boyer Lecture series explores the opportunities and challenges of Australia's engagement with Asia in the 21st century. Dr Louisa Lim, Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, reported from China for a decade for NPR and the BBC. This is an edited extract of her lecture, Tell it Slant.
When I was asked to reflect on Australia's role as part of Asia, I sat on a flat, white beach under a grey winter sky and thought about what that meant.
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