The Exhibition A Life of Opportunity and Success, curated by the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre at Victoria University, offers a new insight into the life and legacy of Sir Zelman Cowen, including his significant contributions to the Jewish community in Australia. 

This Exhibition marked the centenary of Sir Zelman Cowen, one of Australia’s most distinguished statesmen, legal scholars and public intellectuals. The exhibition was officially launched by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency The Honourable Linda Dessau AC at the Jewish Museum of Australia on 13 August 2019. The Exhibition toured throughout 2019 to:

  • Jewish Museum of Australia
  • Supreme Court of Victoria Library
  • Victoria University including MetroWest Gallery

The exhibition was one of a series of events celebrating the centenary of the birth of Sir Zelman Cowen. The exhibition features exclusive material uncovered by the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, including documents, artefacts, personal memorabilia, photographs and an interactive timeline with films to showcase the legacy of Sir Zelman Cowen. It also included six documentary films and two interactive programs for viewers to reflect upon Sir Zelman’s many public achievements, contribution to Australian life and the powerful values he championed through his leadership roles.

To commemorate the centenary of the birth of Sir Zelman Cowen, the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre interviewed prominent Australians who shared their personal memories of Sir Zelman and reflected on his roles as husband, father, teacher, scholar and public intellectual. Interviewees include:

To view the full list of interviews, visit the Centenary of Sir Zelman Cowen.

Sir Zelman Cowen Centre received the citation for Community Engagement in the 2019 Victoria University Vice-Chancellor’s Awards.

Image of Sir Zelman Cowen as a small child
Image of Sir Zelman Cowen as Dean of Melbourne University
Image of Sir Zelman Cowen and Lady Anna Cowen

Explore the exhibition

Image of the Sir Zelman Cowen exhibition

Exhibition View, Jewish Museum of Australia.

Chaim Cowen and Raphael Leibler at the Sir Zelman Cowen exhibition

Chaim Cowen and Raphael Leibler at the exhibition launch 13 August 2019.

Plinth displaying documents and photos at the Sir Zelman Cowen exhibition

Presentation box presented to Lady Cowen by the Jewish National Fund on the occasion of the Dedication of the Sir Zelman and Lady Cowen Forest.

Plinth displaying documents at the Sir Zelman Cowen exhibition

The Hatband and epaulettes embroidered with the wattle insignia of the Governor-General, worn by Sir Zelman Cowen in his role as Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Australian military forces. 1977-1982. The exhibition also includes Lady Cowen’s original, handwritten notes documenting daily life and experiences of herself and her family during Sir Zelman Cowen’s tenure as Governor-General of Australia. The diary was published in 2017 as My Vice-Regal Life: Diaries 1978-1982 (The Miegunyah Press, Melbourne).

Image of the Sir Zelman Cowen exhibition

Wide view exhibition, Jewish Museum of Australia.

Display of documents at the Sir Zelman Cowen exhibition.

Sir Zelman wrote a number of important books, including this signed copy of Isaac Isaacs by Zelman Cowen (Oxford University Press, Melbourne 1967), and The Private Man: The Boyer Lectures 1969 (ABC Publishing, 1969 & 1972).

Book on display at the Sir Zelman Cowen exhibition.

Signed copy of A Touch of Healing: Speeches of Sir Zelman Cowen 1977-1982 (St Lucia; University of Queensland Press, 1986).

Documents and images on display at the Sir Zelman Cowen exhibition.

Photographs and documents recording Sir Zelman’s significant contribution to Victoria University as Chair of the Victoria University Foundation Board of Directors. Sir Zelman was an important advisor to the Vice-Chancellor in the formative phase of the University and was the first Distinguished Visiting Professor. His support and interest was integral in establishing the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for continuing education for judges and the legal profession.

Speeches at the Sir Zelman Cowen exhibition.

The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria officially opens the centenary exhibition at the Jewish Museum of Australia, 13 August, 2019.

Lady Cowen and the Governor of Victoria at the Sir Zelman Cowen exhibition.

Lady Anna Cowen with the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria.

Peter Dawkins, the VU SZCC team, Lady Cowen

L-R: Exhibition Curator Robin Astley, Video Content Producer Hannah Moon, Professor Kathy Laster (Director, Sir Zelman Cowen Centre), Lady Anna Cowen, Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University Peter Dawkins, The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria and Karen Mahlab, Chair, Sir Zelman Cowen Centre at the official launch of the exhibition at the Jewish Museum of Australia.

Hannah Moon, Robin Astley and Eleni Papavasileiou

L-R Video Content Producer Hannah-Moon, Exhibition Curator Robin Astley with Jewish Museum of Australia’s curator Eleni Papavasileiou.