Charlie King AM Awarded Honorary Doctorate at Batchelor Institute’s 50th Anniversary Gala - CatholicCare NT

In a momentous occasion at the Batchelor Institute’s 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner, Charlie King AM, a distinguished Gurindji man, was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his decades of service to First Nations communities across the Northern Territory and beyond.

The honorary doctorate, conferred by Batchelor Institute, honours Dr King’s tireless work in media, his leadership in the fight against family violence, and his unwavering commitment to social justice. Dr King is best known for founding the NO MORE Campaign, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing domestic and family violence in communities across Australia. His advocacy has brought about significant change, empowering communities to stand together against violence.

Speaking at the Gala Dinner, Dr King reflected on the importance of community engagement in fostering empowerment. “To truly empower our people, we must engage with them at every level. It’s through listening, understanding, and working together that we create real, lasting change," said Dr King during his acceptance speech. His message, ‘engage to empower,’ resonated deeply with the audience and underscored his life’s work of bringing people together to create safer, stronger communities.

Pat Anderson AO, Chairperson of the Batchelor Institute Council, said of Dr King’s contributions “Charlie King has been a source of pride for First Nations people. He has provided a positive role model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over many decades in the media. He has used his public profile to champion the issue of domestic and family violence through founding the very successful NO MORE campaign. We are incredibly proud to honour him with this doctorate,” said Ms Anderson.

The honorary doctorate is a testament to Dr King’s enduring impact on First Nations communities, and his leadership in advocating for social justice. His work has not only brought critical issues to the forefront but has also inspired a generation of leaders and change-makers.

The Gala Dinner was a highlight of Batchelor Institute’s week-long 50th-anniversary celebrations, bringing together alumni, government officials, and community leaders to honour the past, present, and future of Australia’s oldest First Nations-led tertiary institution.

Media Release and photo courtesy of Batchelor Institute

About Batchelor Institute:

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education is Australia’s only dual-sector, First Nations-led tertiary institution. It offers a wide range of educational programs that integrate First Nations knowledge with Western education, fostering a unique learning environment that empowers students and strengthens communities.