For Future Reference: Jennifer Robinson on Courage

What does courage mean in an increasingly complex and uncertain world?

At State Library Victoria's 2026 For Future Reference lecture, Jennifer Robinson, one of the most respected human rights lawyers and advocates of our time, considers this question through the lens of her extraordinary career.

As the recipient of the 2026 Sydney Peace Prize, Jennifer's landmark work includes securing the release of Julian Assange, achieving political asylum for West Papuan leader Benny Wenda, representing Amber Heard in Johnny Depp’s unsuccessful defamation claim, and taking climate change to the International Court of Justice.

In this special lecture, Jennifer reflects on the nature of courage – what it looks and feels like for herself and the clients she represents, as well as what courage means for cultural institutions that care for and preserve collections for future generations.

Endowed by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust.