Events

Keith Conlon launches the  history of the first 100 years of the Commonwealth Club of Adelaide.

Bishop Michael Musale serves as the General Overseer of Christ Victory Gospel Ministries, and President of Victory Christian School, both located in Turbo, Kenya. Michael was born and raised in Nairobi in the era when Britain was gradually relinquishing responsibility for a number of African nations, including Kenya Hence he was privileged to be one […]

Dr. Donald Beard has had an extraordinary career. He has been quoted as a man of substance in war and in peace. He graduated in 1947 M.B, B.S. (Adel). and joined the Citizen Military Forces. He took up appointment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and in 1949 he was sent to Japan for 12 months […]

Dr. Brendan Nelson commenced as Director of the Australian War Memorial on 17th December, 2012.  Prior to this he was the Australian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, The European Union and NATO(2009-12). Apart from overseeing a major transformation in Australia’s relationships with the European Union and NATO, Dr. Nelson forged deep links with the communities of […]

Born in 1950 and educated at Prince Alfred College, Glenn is a fifth generation Cooper. Glenn started off his working career by gaining qualifications in electronic engineering and later in computing and marketing. After his completion of studies, Glenn entered into the computing field with a company called Anderson Digital Equipment. After two years with […]

Her Excellency Frances Adamson who was born in Adelaide, is the Australian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. Ms Adamson arrived in Beijing on 8th August, 2011,and presented her credentials to the President of the People’s Republic of china, HE Hu Jintao, on 16th August,2011. Ms Adamson served in the Australian Consulate-General in Hong […]

The club has a great opportunity for a guided tour of the Adelaide Oval. The tour will be conducted by two of our executive members, Dr. Peter Hammond and Mr. Paul Turner After the tour there will be canapés and drinks in room one, level 3, riverbank stand, and an address by the CEO of […]

Adelaide’s newest Lord Mayor, Martin Haese, was elected in November last year. He was born and raised in Adelaide. As a city resident, business owner and educator, Martin is committed to serving the City of Adelaide. Martin is married to Genevieve, an advertising and global communications professional, with whom he operates a city based consultancy […]

Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd),born in Adelaide and educated at Elizabeth East Primary School and Elizabeth High School, was the 34th Governor of South Australia from 2007 to 2014. He served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1968, on HMAS Sydney during the Vietnam War and as the commander of […]

Rod Hook had a major impact on public transport services in Adelaide. As Head of Transport and Infrastructure he was responsible for 3,500 staff and held the positions of Commissioner of Highways, the State’s Rail Commissioner and the State’s Coordinator-General. Rod was involved in delivering major infrastructure projects including: Holdfast Shores Redevelopment, West Beach Boat […]

Mat McLachlan is a leading Australian War Historian, He worked for fifteen years as a writer and editor before dedicating himself fulltime to his passion, Australian military history .His first book, “Walking with the Anzacs”, was published in 2007 and has been reprinted six times. A fully revised edition will be released this year. His […]

Geoff grew up on a fruit block in Vale Park. Licensed Surveyor and spent eight years, from 1969 to 1978, in geodetic and cadastral surveying with the Department of Lands in South Australia. In 1978 undertook thirteen years in the coal mining and construction industry in the far north of South Australia. In 1991 returned […]

Peter Cosgrove was born in Sydney in 1947.  The son of a soldier, he attended Waverley College in Sydney and graduated in 1968 from the Royal Military College, Duntroon. Early in his military career, he fought in Vietnam, commanding a rifle platoon.  He was awarded the Military Cross in 1971 for his performance and leadership […]

Stephanie McCarthy is a South Australian author who has been writing books, screenplay, television, and plays for stage and radio for 35 years, winning major awards especially for her radio dramas produced by the BBC and the ABC. She has been a book reviewer and is a teacher of both adults and children, conducting workshops […]

Independent Senator for South Australia

Dr Leanna Read is South Australia's fourth Chief Scientist and the first woman to hold the position. A renowned biotechnologist, she brings a wealth of executive, board and investment experience in technology-based businesses. In addition to her Chief Scientist role, Leanna chairs the Cooperative Research Centre for Cell Therapy Manufacturing and is a member of […]

The Scottish Diaspora Tapestry is currently touring the world and will be on display. There will also be a talk about it given by its travelling curator. A project to involve communities around the world in celebration of Scottish heritage and culture, the people and places which connect Scotland to its global diaspora. Scots have migrated […]

David Sefton is set to become the first Artistic Director to deliver four consecutive Adelaide Festivals after being offered the opportunity to curate the 2016 festival. Adelaide Festival Chair, Richard Ryan AO, said: “Since David moved to Adelaide in 2011 the board has been impressed with his shrewd mixture of bold programming and his determination […]

Menna Rawlings has been British High Commissioner to Australia since April 2015. Menna joined the FCO in 1989 and has served in a wide range of Diplomatic Service roles. She was most recently a member of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Management Board as HR Director. This followed postings to Washington DC, Ghana, Israel, Kenya […]

Rob Chapman FAICD, F FIN Rob Chapman has been the CEO of two of Australia’s largest banks (Bank SA and St George) during the past 15 years. He is now a professional director and owner of many companies including Chair of the State’s largest piece of infrastructure, the award-winning Adelaide Airport. Rob has recently accepted […]

OUR SPEAKER Vincent Ciccarello has been actively involved in classical music for almost 30 years. He studied piano and musicology at the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide and became active in arts admin as manager of Elder Hall, the Adelaide Chamber Singers and Elder Conservatorium Youth Orchestra, before taking up the […]

Professor Paul Kerin is Head of the School of Economics at the University of Adelaide. He also writes a monthly column on governance issues for Company Director Magazine (  published by the Australian Institute of Company Directors) and is a member of the Social-Economic Modelling Committee of the Royal Commission into the Nuclear Fuel Cycle(South […]

On 19 February 2013, it was announced that the Honourable Justice Lander would be South Australia’s first Independent Commissioner Against Corruption. The Hon. Bruce Lander QC, as he now is, was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia in March 1969. He practised as a solicitor until 1981 when […]

Phillip commenced his working career as a teacher, before establishing his own travel company – Phil Hoffmann Travel – in Adelaide in 1990. Driven by Phil’s genuine passion and energy, the company has grown dynamically over the last 25 years and now has 250 employees in 10 branches, with an annual turnover of over $220 […]

Julian Burnside AO QC Julian Burnside is a barrister based in Melbourne.  He specialises in commercial litigation.  He joined the Bar in 1976 and took silk in 1989. He acted for the Ok Tedi natives against BHP, for Alan Bond in fraud trials, for Rose Porteous in numerous actions against Gina Rinehart, and for the Maritime Union of Australia in the […]

Carolyn has worked at the State Library for 37 years and loves its mix of heritage collections and the latest technology. She currently delivers community-learning programs, assists researchers, and coordinates the Library’s transcription program. Carolyn explores the life of the little-known South Australian Sir Hubert Wilkins—polar explorer but so much more—in a slideshow of sumptuous […]

His Excellency was born in South Vietnam in 1954. He attended Dalat University, but fled Vietnam from the new communist regime in 1977, and came to Darwin in an open boat. The Governor attended the University of Adelaide, receiving an economics and accounting degree and an MBA. He was a señor investigator and manager with […]

Jacqui Storey is the Project Coordinator for Ageing and Communities at the Wellbeing and Resilience Centre at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). Jacqui holds a Bachelor of Design degree from the Queensland University of Technology and a Masters of Applied Project Management from the University of Adelaide. Her career has included […]

Dr. Vincent commenced a 5-year appointment as the South Australian Commissioner for Equal Opportunity on May 26th 2016. Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, she held the position of CEO of the Leaders Institute of SA for almost 14 years. In addition, Niki held an appointment as Adjunct Professor in the University of South Australia's […]

Professor Jon Adams is Professor of Public Health and Director of the Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM) at the Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney. Jon holds an ARC Professorial Future Fellowship, is a Senior Fellow of the Oxford International Research Leadership Program, and is National Convenor of the Public […]

Dr. Natalie Luscombe-Marsh is a Research Scientist at the CSIRO Food and Nutrition Department and an Affiliate Senior Lecturer at the University of Adelaide. Natalie’s long-standing research interest relates to the mechanisms underlying weight loss induced by high protein, energy-restricted diets in healthy and clinical populations, including overweight and obese patients. She is also interested […]

Nick Cater is Executive Director of The Menzies Research Centre, an Australian public policy institute and writes a weekly column for The Australian. Nick grew up in England and studied sociology at the University of Exeter before joining the BBC as a journalist. He moved to Australia in 1989 to work for News Corp Australia, […]

Dr Jeffery Howard Nicholas considers himself to be a quintessential South Australian. Born in Mt Gambier at the beginning of World War II, his early education could only be described as truncated, as the family moved from one government appointment to another. Moving gave him a wide appreciation of country life before he finally settled […]

Professor Emeritus Rosemary Ryall retired in 2010 from her position as Chief Medical Scientist and Professor of Urological Research in the Department of Surgery at the Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University, South Australia.   Rose’s initial involvement in the urodynamics service of the Urology Unit developed into a role oriented more to basic urological […]

Anna Bligh is the Chief Executive of the Australian Bankers’ Association, working to strengthen the culture in banking and improve customer experience. Anna has had a long and distinguished career in politics. She was Premier of Queensland for almost five years and led the response and recovery effort to devastating floods in January 2011. Prior […]

Margot Forster is a graduate of the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies, with a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Studies. Ms Forster has held a number of important positions during her career, including Base Commander RAAF Base Williams, Commanding Officer Combat Support Unit Williams and Chief of Staff of the Aerospace Operational Support […]

Liz Hawkins is the Director of Programming, Development and Venue Sales at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Liz has just returned from Hong Kong and has exciting news about the 2018 Adelaide Festival and what is happening at the Adelaide Festival Centre. We are fortunate to have Liz as our speaker as the CEO Douglas Gautier […]

Professor Samantha Hepburn is the Director of the Centre for Energy and Natural Resources Law at Deakin University.  Samantha has extensive experience researching and teaching in natural resources law including mining and energy law, environmental law and property and land law.  Samantha has written numerous books, including a Mining and Energy Law book for Cambridge University Press as well as many scholarly […]

Robert Wainwright has been a journalist for 25 years, rising from the grassroots of country journalism in Western Australia to a senior writer with The Sydney Morning Herald. His career has ranged from politics to crime, always focusing on the people behind the major news of the day. Fascinated by characters and what drives them, […]

Ian Smith is the founding partner of Bespoke Approach, an Australian-based corporate and political advisory firm established in July 2008. Ian was previously CEO of Gavin Anderson & Company (Australia). He has been a media advisor to former Liberal leaders in South Australia and Victoria and has advised the Australian Federal Government on policy reforms […]

David was born in Adelaide, trained as an accountant, but started as a cadet on the business pages of the Advertiserand then BRWmagazine.  He was one of the founders of consumer finance journalism in Australia.  David has launched a number of publications including Personal Investment, BusinessMagazine, New Accountant and Money Managementmagazine and has written several […]

Brenton Cox is the Executive General Manager – Finance & Corporate at the Adelaide Airport.  He is responsible for the sound financial and commercially prudent conduct of the business, including effective reporting and stakeholder communications.   Brenton has previously served as a non-executive Director of Sydney Airport and Hobart Airport and is currently on the […]

Tim Fischer was born at Lockhart on May 3rd1946.  He was educated at Xavier College in Melbourne and conscripted into the Australian Army from 1966 – 1969, serving with the 1 RAR in both Australia and the Vietnam War, before returning to the family farm at Boree Creek in southern NSW. Tim was elected to […]

Sharon Hanlon was appointed a Board Member of Crime Stoppers South Australia in 2011.  Today, she is Chair of Crime Stoppers SA, Deputy Chair of Crime Stoppers Australia, and a Director of Crime Stoppers International, which is headquartered in The Netherlands. In Australia, a Crime Stoppers program operates in every State and Territory and they […]

Grant Stevens has been Commissioner of the South Australian Police Force since July 2015, with 36 years of policing experience, including over 7 years as an Assistant Commissioner and 3 years as Deputy Commissioner.   As Commissioner, Grant is a member of a wide range of Executive Boards and Committees at state and national levels.  […]

Richard Heathcote was born in the UK and has lived in Australia for 39 years.  Richard is currently Director of Benefaction at Carrick Hill historic house and garden in Adelaide.  He previously worked in Victoria, where for a decade he managed Rippon Lea Estate, the National Trust’s flagship property in Melbourne. Richard has broadcast and […]

Jim Whallley was appointed the Chief Entrepreneur for South Australia by the Premier in 2018. His task is to advocate for economic growth and provide independent advice to the Government on innovation and entrepreneurship policy as Chair of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board. Prior to this appointment, Jim was co-founder and Chairman of the Nova Group. […]

Peter Owen is Director of the Wilderness Society in South Australia and has held that position for the last 5 years. Peter has been a member of the Society for 14 years and was their South Australian Campaign Manager from 2005 to 2014. Peter holds an Arts degree, a Law degree, and Graduate Diplomas in […]

Sandy Verschoor is a first-generation Australian of Dutch, French, Portuguese and Ceylonese descent.  Sandy is married to Gregg Mitchell, a graphic designer and artist, and has two daughters, and a son.   Sandy was elected as an Area Councillor in the 2015 by-election and served as Deputy Lord Mayor from June 2017 to November 2018. […]

John Blaxland is Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies, Director of the ANU Southeast Asia Institute and Head of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at ANU, overseeing its three degree programs. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales. In addition, […]

Visit d'Arenberg Winery at McLaren Vale for wine tasting in 'The Cube' Includes a two-course luncheon at the Alma Hotel in Willunga Our bus coach will depart at 9:00 am from the Bus Stop on the South side of Grote Street, opposite Her Majesty's Theatre and arrive back at 4:30 pm Bubbly and Nibbles will […]

Peter Monteath is a Professor of History at Flinders University in Adelaide.  He was born and grew up in Brisbane before attending the University of Queensland, Siegen University (Federal Republic of Germany) and Griffith University. Professor Monteath has taught previously at The Universities of Queensland, Western Australia and Adelaide as well as at Griffith and […]

Elizabeth Day is the Director of the DFAT South Australian State Office and manages the Department’s engagement with its diverse stakeholders across South Australia.   A career diplomat, Ms Day has served overseas as the Political Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Paris (2014-16), First Secretary in Dili (2007-9) and Third Secretary at the Australian […]

Steven Marshall is South Australia’s 46thPremier.  He was elected to the South Australian Parliament as the Member for Norwood in 2010. His electorate has since been renamed Dunstan.  In 2013, Mr Marshall became the Leader of the Liberal Party and State Opposition. Steven led the Party to victory on March 17th2018.  He is responsible for Aboriginal Affairs […]

Gabrielle Kelly is the founding Director of the SAHMRI Wellbeing and Resilience Centre.   After a film-making career, Gabrielle was an early leader in the digital industry in Australia and New York, as well as founding Board Member ofScreen Australia, Australia’s national film investment fund.  Gabrielle was Senior Vice President of the New York based […]

Dr. Saarela is a Research Director in food sciences at South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and an Affiliate Professor in the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide.   Dr. Saarela graduated from the University of Helsinki and she is a Doctor of Food Sciences.  She began working at […]

John Roskam has been the Executive Director of the free market think tank the Institute of Public Affairs since 2005.  Before joining the IPA, he taught political theory at the University of Melbourne.  John was previously the Executive Director of The Menzies Research Centre in Canberra, has been a senior adviser and chief of staff […]

Mitchell Butel is an Australian actor, singer, writer and director.  He is best known for his work in the theatre, including musical and opera productions.  Mitchell has worked extensively with many theatre companies, both in Australia and overseas.  He has been awarded four Helpmann Awards, two Green Room Awards and four Sydney Theatre Awards.  Mitchell […]

Ian Henschke is Chief Advocate for National Seniors Australia.  He took up this role in 2017 and in 2019 was appointed the Spokesperson for the Alliance for a Fairer Retirement System.   Ian is a former South Australian television journalist and radio presenter.  He reported for the 7.30 Report in the 1980’s and 1990’s and […]

Peter Nikoloff is an Executive Director and Co-founder of Nova Systems and Senior Weapons System Engineer.  He obtained an Aeronautical Engineer degree from RMIT in 1986 and has 30 years experience supporting Defence and Space projects.  Peter’s Woomera Test Range experience includes supporting the recent upgrade and operations for both military weapon systems and launch […]

Monica Oliphant is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of South Australia, a University Fellow at Charles Darwin University and also runs her own Consultancy.  She worked 18 years for the electricity utility ETSA as a research scientist in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency and was involved in the SA Government’s […]

Dr. James Muecke AM graduated with Honours from Adelaide Medical School in 1987.  James lived and worked as a doctor in Africa and subsequently as an eye surgeon in the Middle East, battling malaria, wild animals and rebel soldiers.  He founded ‘Sight for All’ in 2008,’ which is dedicated to fighting blindness in the Aboriginal […]

David Mark grew up in Adelaide and attended the South Australian College of Advanced Education.  David holds a Bachelor of Education, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching degree and a MBA in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.   Coming from a football family, it was natural for David to gravitate to SANFL football administration and he was the Chief […]

Dr David Headon is a cultural consultant and historian.  Formerly Director of the Centre for Australian Cultural Studies (1994-2004), Cultural Adviser to the National Capital Authority (2000-2007), History and Heritage Adviser for the Centenary of Canberra (2008-13) and an Adviser to Senator Kate Lundy (2008-15), he is now a Foundation Fellow in the Australian Studies […]

Nicola graduated from the University of Bari, Italy in 1987 with a degree in Electronic Engineering.  He then worked in microelectronic research, before being appointed as Scientific Attaché at the Italian Embassy in Canberra from 2001 to 2008.  In 2009, Nicola joined the South Australian Government as a Special Envoy for Higher Education, Research and […]

His Excellency the Honorable Hieu Van Le AC is South Australia’s 35th Governor and the first person of Asian origin to be appointed a State Governor in Australia.  He assumed office in September 2014 and will complete his term in office at the end of August 2021.  Previously, His Excellency had been Lieutenant Governor of […]

Justice Doyle graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce from Adelaide University and a Bachelor of Civil Law from Oxford University.   Justice Doyle was an associate to the Honourable Justice Lander from 1995-1996, before joining the legal firm of Fisher Jeffries, working as a solicitor from 1997-2001.  Justice Doyle was a […]

Founder of Ferguson Fisheries, Andrew Ferguson started as a professional fisherman in 1975 at the age of 16. He purchased his first Southern Zone lobster licence and boat in May 1980. During his fishing career up until 2000, Andrew owned and operated fishing vessels and fishing licences, in South Australian waters. Today Ferguson Fisheries continues […]

Rod Barton is a former Director of Strategic Technology in Australia's Defence Intelligence Organisation.   His intelligence career spanned over 20 years, with postings to London, Bahrain, Baghdad, New York and Mogadishu.  During this time, Rod also worked with the United Nations in Somalia as the Director of Disarmament and Demobilisation of Somali militias; and in […]

Lainie Anderson has been a columnist with Adelaide’s Sunday Mail for 14 years. Her 30-year career in journalism and public relations includes stints at the Herald Sun in Melbourne, The Times in London and the South Australian Tourism Commission.   In 2016 she was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to gauge the significance of Adelaide’s historic Vickers Vimy aircraft and retrace the route of […]

Sally Grundy’s family have farmed on Hindmarsh Island and Mundoo Island for many generations. Mundoo Island Station is the last farming property on the River Murray and is dissected by the Coorong Barrages. This provides a unique wetland environment of fresh water on one side and salt water on the other. Living in this diverse […]

Dr. Tony Stimson holds a PhD in History and was a co-founder and principal of Eynesbury Senior College, Institutes of Business and Technology and international English language academies until stepping down in 2007.    Since then, Dr. Stimson has been preoccupied with two books on South Australia’s involvement in the Anglo-Boer War – the first will appear early in 2022. A […]

Thomas Keneally is an iconic Australian novelist, playwright, essayist and actor. Thomas was born in Sydney, but spent his early years in Kempsey before his family moved back to Sydney. He attended Christian Brothers St .Patrick’s College Strathfield and awarded his Leaving Certificate with Honours English. Thomas enroled at St. Patrick’s Seminary Manly, but he […]

Dr Brian Wheeler is a retired Dentist who has enjoyed a long and rewarding involvement with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Dr. Wheeler is a life member of RFDS Central Operations (SA&NT), having served 23 years on the board including 3 years as Chairman. He was also on the Federal Board for six years, with […]

Genevieve Rueger grew up in Belair with her parents and two older brothers. She left Adelaide at 17 years of age to commence her military training in Canberra. Genevieve graduated from the Army Pilot’s Course as a Helicopter Pilot in 2006 and joined the Counter Terrorism Regiment in Sydney. Genevieve lived in most states and […]

Professor Adrian Esterman is Chair of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of South Australia, a position he has held for the last seventeen years.   Professor Esterman’s career includes five years as a WHO staff member based in Geneva and two years as a staff member in the WHO European office in Copenhagen.  His […]

Richard Venus is a retired electrical engineer with an interest in researching and writing about engineering heritage. He has served as chairman of Engineering Heritage SA; deputy chair of the national body, Engineering Heritage Australia; and Vice President of the History Council of SA. In 2015 he received Engineers Australia’s John Monash Medal, which is […]

Pamela Rajkowski OAM is a South Australian historian who, since 1980, travelled Australia while teaching full-time to research, conduct interviews and document the history and contribution of the Afghan cameleers of Australia.   Pamela interviewed cameleer and Afghan-Aboriginal descendants, academics, ethnic community leaders, Aboriginal people and significant outback characters. Her first book “In the Tracks […]

Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC is a proud sixth-generation South Australian: her mother, the Honourable Jennifer Cashmore AM, was a South Australian parliamentarian; her late father, Ian, was a manager at Hills Industries and her late step‑father, Stewart Cockburn AM, was a distinguished Walkley award winning journalist. Her Excellency studied economics at the […]

Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC is a proud sixth-generation South Australian: her mother, the Honourable Jennifer Cashmore AM, was a South Australian parliamentarian; her late father, Ian, was a manager at Hills Industries and her late step‑father, Stewart Cockburn AM, was a distinguished Walkley award winning journalist. Her Excellency studied economics at the […]

Visit Monarto Zoo and enjoy a guided bus tour. Cost is $60 and includes bus hire, admission and fully guided tour.   Members of the Zoological Society pay only $30 for the bus hire. Own luncheon can be purchased at the Restaurant. Our Bus will depart at 10:00 am from the bus stop on the south […]

Michael O’Connell is a consulting Victimologist; Victim Advocate for Second Chances SA; Member of the International Network of Services for Victims of Terrorism; White Ribbon Ambassador; Patron, Love and Gratitude and, Foundation Board Member of Victim Support Asia. Michael served as the inaugural Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, South Australia (2006-2018).  Before that appointment, he served […]

Visit the ‘Cedars’ and enjoy a guided tour. Cost is $50 pp and includes bus hire, admission and fully guided tour. Own lunch can be purchased at the on-site Restaurant. Our Bus will depart at 10:00 am from the bus stop on the south side of Grote Street, opposite Her Majesty’s Theatre and arrive back […]

Brian Oldman has held senior executive roles in some of London’s most respected cultural and scientific institutions, having worked in transformative roles at the British Museum, the National Maritime Museum, the Zoological Society of London and Sir John Sloane’s Museum.   Brian commenced at the South Australian Museum in January 2014. The Museum is Australia’s […]

After a corporate career that took him from Adelaide to London and eventually McLaren Vale, Andrew Kay recently joined Business SA as the new CEO. Andrew has had many years’ experience working across the financial services, FMCG and wine sectors and is determined to play a role in projecting his belief that South Australia is […]

Peter Goers has worked in the theatre in SA as actor, director and designer since 1971. A Fringe award winner, this year he is presenting his eighth consecutive one-man Fringe show at Holden Street Theatres.   Peter has written a weekly opinion column for the “Sunday Mail” since 1991 and has hosted the multi-award winning […]

Professor Garnaut is currently Professor Emeritus in Economics, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Melbourne; Professor Emeritus, College of Asia & the Pacific, The Australian National University, Chairman Sunshot Zero Carbon Futures Pty Ltd; Director ZEN Energy Pty Ltd, Director Renergi Pty Ltd, Chairman Australian APEC Study Centre Advisory Board. Throughout his career Professor […]

Visit the Coorong Wild Fish Farm and enjoy a guided factory tour, tasting and a 2-course lunch, consisting of: Coorong mullet with choice of salads; Danish or fruit salad and ice cream; tea and coffee. Fish packages will be available for purchase.   Our Bus will depart at 10:00 am from the bus stop on […]

Barry Urquhart is an internationally recognised and respected conference keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, business strategist and consumer behaviour analyst.   Barry and Marketing Focus are Australian marketing success case studies.  Thirty eight years of continuous double digit growth at the cutting edge of marketing and business innovations; expanding spheres of operation from local to national and […]

Rebecca Knol is the Chief Executive Officer of the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy, the leading industry association representing resource and energy companies, including those who provide services to them.   SACOME member companies underpin the South Australian economy, contributing $10.7 billion to the state economy, 8.3% of South Australia’s Gross State Product, […]

Warren Mundineis a member of the Bundjalung Indigenous Nation of Australia and a descendant of the Gumbaynggirr and Yuin Indigenous Nations of Australia. He is from Grafton, NSW.   Warren is a highly respected and influential businessman, political strategist and advocate for empowering the Indigenous people of Australia to build businesses and sustainable economies. His […]

Alexander Downer is a member of a very distinguished South Australian family. His grandfather was a senator in the Australian parliament and his father served as a cabinet minister in the Menzies Government and was later Australia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Alexander was educated at Geelong Grammar and Radley College. Shortly after graduating […]

Jane Lomax-Smith is a Pathologist, with a career in research and clinical medicine. She trained in London and has worked in Boston and Adelaide, where she gained a PhD in immunology.   Jane has run hospital departments and private practices, including her own. She is a staunch supporter of conservation of heritage buildings and the […]

Peter Rees is an author specialising in Australian military history.  His books have also included politics, biography and true crime. His career began inauspiciously as a copyboy on the Daily and Sunday Telegraph in 1966 when the proprietor, Sir Frank Packer, sent him to the David Jones food hall in Sydney to collect freshly shucked […]

Mike Smithson is one of the most experienced reporters and presenters in the Seven Network, having worked as a television journalist and newsreader for 43 years. Mike was awarded the prestigious Journalist of the Year in South Australia plus numerous other awards for his work on television and in newspapers for his political commentary and critique, where […]

Samela Harris is a Hall of Fame journalist for whom retirement has been an epic fail!  In a career which began aged 7 writing reviews for her father’s bookshop publication, Mary’s Own Paper. she has edited Adelaide University’s On Dit;worked for The News on North Terrace; AAP Reuter on Fleet Street; The Evening News in […]

Our Speaker : Paula Nagel is well known as the first female reporter on the ABC’s current affairs program ‘This Day Tonight.’ She then worked as a film producer in Melbourne, before returning here as the Marketing Manager of Foundation SA, the largest sponsor of arts, sport and health promotion the State. Paula has served […]

Our Speakers:   Kerryn Smith served for 8 years in the Education arm of the Defence Department. Kerryn then transferred to the Defence Industry as an Executive in Industry Associations, managing teams and projects. In December 2021, Kerryn joined Legacy South Australia and Broken Hill as Chief Executive Officer and in December 2022 she was […]

Michael joined the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia as Director in 2021, bringing 20 years of experience in the museum, culture and science sector to the role. His particular focus has been on the development of public experience in museums of science and natural history. Michael has held leadership positions in the […]

Martin Hamilton-Smith is a self-employed Board Member, consultant, media commentator and company director, with a focus on international trade and investment, Indo Pacific relations, defence and space industries, entrepreneurship and science and technology linked to artificial intelligence, cyber and big data. Martin represented the seat of Waite for 21 years as a Liberal and later […]

Ross Womersley has had an extensive involvement in community services over many years and is driven by the idea that we live in a community in which everyone is included and has access the good things in life.    He is the CEO of the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) – the peak body […]

Edmund Pegge is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Sydney, and widely recognized in Australia and in Britain as an actor of great skill and range. He has appeared in a host of popular television series such as, Dr Who, The Bill, Day of the Triffids, Crossroads, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, […]

Dr. Hilton Koppe is a writer, teacher, workshop facilitator, podcaster and Doctor, living on Bundjalung land on the east coast of Australia. Hilton facilitates reflective writing workshops for doctors and other health professionals with the goal of deepening their compassion, overcoming professional isolation and reducing risk of burnout.  The workshops have been adapted for people […]

Hilton Koppe’s Workshop - Details   Write Your Life to Right Your Life – Reflective Writing Workshop Are you looking for creative ways to overcome some of life’s persistent, pestering unhelpful thoughts? Or looking for ways to transform minor irritations and annoying memories into something joyful? Or perhaps you are just feeling stuck with pen […]

Ben Wadham is a Professor of Defence and Veteran Studies at Flinders University.  Ben is also Director of Open Door: Understanding and Supporting Service Personnel and their Families.  Ben served in the Australian Regular Army for five years as an infantry soldier and military policy corporal, leaving in 1992.  Ben has led large national research […]

Program: Meet in the Goodman Building in the Adelaide Botanical Gardens – off Hackney Road at 3:00pm Parking – in front of the old MTT building or in Pine Tree Drive, Hackney Michael Harvey, the Director of the Botanical Gardens, will give a talk about the exhibition Afternoon tea Walk into the Gardens to view […]

Our Speaker:  Lieutenant Read’s military career began when he entered the Royal Australian Navy as a Boy Seaman in early 1964, undertaking 2 months training at HMAS CERBERUS in Victoria.  He was then posted to HMAS SYDNEY, which was readying itself to transport the 1st Battalion RAR to Vietnam, sailing from Sydney in May 1965. […]