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Aviation hero to deliver Albert Coates oration at Federation University

6 November 2025
Renowned Australian aircraft pilot Richard de Crespigny AM will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Sir Albert Coates Oration at Federation University’s Mt Helen Campus.

Renowned Australian aircraft pilot Richard de Crespigny AM will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Sir Albert Coates Oration at Federation University’s Mt Helen Campus.

 The pilot-in-charge of Qantas Flight 32 in 2010 when an engine of the Airbus A380 exploded shortly after take-off, Richard and his team returned the plane to Singapore, landing at Changi Airport and saving the lives of 469 passengers and crew on board. 

In 2016, Richard was awarded the Order of Australia for his contributions to aviation safety and has authored two books QF32 and FLY! – the Elements of Resilience

At this year’s oration, Richard will explore the topic of ‘Resilience - From Cradle to the Grave’.

The annual oration is delivered in association with the Albert Coates Memorial Trust, to commemorate the life and achievements of one of Ballarat’s most revered public figures, Sir Albert Ernest Coates, who was born in 1895 at Mt Pleasant and went on to become one of Australia's top surgeons and a pioneer in the field of neurosurgery.

The Sir Albert Coates Oration is free to the public and will take place on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 at 6pm in the Geoffrey Blainey Auditorium, via University Drive Federation University, Mt Helen Campus.

Tickets can be reserved by 12 November via the online registration form or by visiting federation.edu.au/albertcoatesoration

 Quotes attributable to keynote speaker Richard de Crespigny AM

“We live in the most disruptive times, marked by deeper, more frequent crises that leave little time for recovery.”

“For our personal, corporate and national survival, we have never faced a more critical moment to prepare, team up, respond and adapt, while seizing the extraordinary opportunities these challenges present.”

“It is my privilege to deliver the Albert Coates Oration. Coral and I look forward to meeting the wonderful people of Ballarat.”

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“The Albert Coates Oration celebrates the enduring legacy of one of Ballarat’s most respected figures, bringing students, staff and the broader community together to hear from remarkable speakers on rich and inspiring topics.”

“We are excited to welcome Richard de Crespigny to share his insights on resilience as somebody who has demonstrated incredible leadership under pressure.”