Festschrift for Professor Frank Oberklaid

08/04/2024

The Centre for Community Child Health held a Festschrift on Thursday 21 March, to acknowledge the immense contribution of Professor Frank Oberklaid to children’s health, development and wellbeing. 

Professor Frank Oberklaid AM was the Foundation Director of the Centre for Community Child Health for over 25 years. He is currently Co-Group Leader of Child Health Policy and Equity at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Director the Centre’s Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) program and an Honorary Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne.

An internationally recognised researcher, author, lecturer, and consultant, Prof Oberklaid has written two books and over 200 scientific publications on various aspects of paediatrics. His work has been acknowledged with several prestigious awards and many invited international lectureships and visiting professorships.
The private event featured presentations by many national and international speakers who have been influenced by Frank’s mentorship, knowledge and visionary leadership.

Centre Director, Professor Sharon Goldfeld, chaired the day, which included keynote addresses from Associate Professor Jill Sewell and Naomi Eisenstadt CB. Keynotes and panel sessions explored local and international perspectives on efforts to improve equity and children’s wellbeing, health and development. The welcome address by Prof Sharon Goldfeld is available to watch below.

 Professor Oberklaid closed the event with some personal reflections on his illustrious career improving health and wellbeing outcomes for children and families.