A journalist and pioneer of Territory television is set to deliver this year’s 29th Annual Eric Johnston Lecture at Northern Territory Library later this month.

Andy Bruyn AM moved to the Territory from NSW in 1978 before self-government and has seen the place he has called home for the past 37 years evolve significantly.

Mr Bruyn AM has spent much of his life servicing the community through executive roles with a range of cultural, tourism, education and charitable organisations and has been the General Manager of Territory Television Pty Ltd for 24 years.

The focus of the lecture will be a collection of  Territory stories since self-government, when the young Territory was feeling its way through new responsibilities, hence the title ”Growing Pains – the Territory’s teenage years”.

Northern Territory Library director Patrick Gregory said the Eric Johnston Lecture has been a forum for critical discussion of Northern Territory issues since 1986 and is named in honour of the inaugural speaker, Commodore Eric Johnston, who was the Administrator of the Northern Territory at the time.

“The development of northern Australia is of major significance to the community,” Mr Gregory said.

“The Northern Territory Library is delighted to have someone of Mr Bruyn’s wisdom, experience and stature deliver this year’s lecture as he has witnessed and broadcast to the community some of the Territory’s most defining moments, moments that continue to shape our identify.

“Past speakers have included prominent Territorians as well as interstate and overseas dignitaries who have made a significant contribution to increasing our knowledge of Northern Territory history and culture, such as Bob Beadman,  Banduk Marika, Tom Pauling AO QC and Tom Calma AO.

“His Honour the Honourable John Hardy OAM, Administrator of the Northern Territory, will deliver the vote of thanks.”

The 29th Annual Eric Johnston will be held at Northern Territory Library from 5-6.30pm on Thursday, 26 November and admission is free. Transcripts and recordings of the lectures are available at www.ntl.nt.gov.au.

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Media Note – for more information/interview please contact NTL Director Patrick Gregory on 89220720.