Curtin University of Technology has recognised one of Australia’s most widely read writers, Tim Winton, by naming a lecture theatre in his honour.
The Tim Winton Lecture Theatre was officially opened by the award-winning author and Curtin graduate. It is located on Curtin’s Bentley Campus across from the Elizabeth Jolley Lecture Theatre.
Elizabeth Jolley, an Australian literary icon and long-term Curtin academic, enjoyed a friendship with Tim Winton during his student years at Curtin.
“I have fond memories of my time at Curtin, particularly of my relationship with Elizabeth Jolley, who became my mentor and good friend,” Mr Winton said.
“I am honoured to have a lecture theatre bearing my name and it is fitting that it is should be located so close to the theatre named after Elizabeth.”
Mr Winton graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (English) in 1980 and a Graduate Diploma in English in 1981 from Curtin (then the Western Australia Institute of Technology).
He wrote his first novel An Open Swimmer, while studying at Curtin. It won the Australian/Vogel Literary Award in 1981 and launched his literary career. Mr Winton said he wrote the best part of three books while attending the University.
Mr Winton has since published 21 books in 30 countries and is the only author to have won the Miles Franklin Award four times. In 1998 he was awarded the Centenary Medal for service to literature and the community.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeanette Hacket, said the lecture theatre was named after Tim Winton in recognition of his outstanding literary achievements.
“We are proud that Curtin has a place in Tim’s history and his worldwide success is a real inspiration to our students,”she said.
“The Tim Winton Lecture Theatre will prove to be a constant reminder to students of what Tim has achieved through the passion and dedication he has shown for his craft”
The Tim Winton Lecture Theatre, in building 213, adjacent to the Elizabeth Jolley Lecture Theatre, can seat 200 people and will be used by students from across the University.
Media Contact: Kristy Jones, Public Relations, Curtin; 08 9266 1930; 0401 103 877; k.jones@curtin.edu.au
