The award-winning author of a book about asylum seekers and people smugglers will deliver a free public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Wednesday 30 July. Sydney writer, filmmaker, producer and director Ms Robin de Crespigny will talk about The People Smuggler, her first book, which has won the 25th Human Rights Award for Literature, the Queensland Literary Award, and the Ned Kelly Award for True Crime. Ms de Crespigny is also a former lecturer in directing at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. The public lecture by is hosted by Dr Alison Gerard and Dr Suzie Gibson, lecturers at the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences, in association with the CSU Explorations Series public lectures, Rural Australians for Asylum Seekers (Bathurst), and BooksPlus. Dr Gerard said, "This public lecture is part of the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences commitment to foster dialogue and debate on social justice issues relevant to our region. We hear a lot about border protection but very little about the actual people who make this dangerous journey to Australia seeking refuge from conflict in their countries of origin. The People Smuggler captures that human account and brings to life the story of Iraqi man, Ali Al Jenabi, and has received wide acclaim. Robin de Crespigny's public lecture will inform and challenge the community." The public lecture is at 6.30pm Wednesday 30 July in room 223, building 1292, at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst. Please RSVP to Ms Kate Esdaile on (02) 6338 4645 or kesdaile@csu.edu.au