A two hour discussion on current issues. First hour is a presentation/Q&A with either an invited guest or a member. The second hour is a discussion on issues raised by members

Limit 35 - 55. $25 per term.
Starts: 1 February Wednesday 10-12 noon
Venue: Goodwin Village, Marshall Street, Farrer
Ends: 12 December
Contact: Phil Burns on 6231 7515 or
Enrolments from preferably not before 9am, 16/1/2012

A participative discussion group embracing political, economic and social issues. Also includes guest speakers, presentations volunteered by group members, and occasional group visits (participation optional).

Limit 25 - 35
Starts: 1 February Wednesday 10-12 noon
Venue: Baptist Church, Groom St, Hughes
Ends: 28 November
Contact: Robyn Beetham on 6290 1899
Enrolments from preferably not before 9am, 16/1/2012

Discussions on a variety of subjects.

Limit 25
Starts: 19 January Thursday 10-12 noon
Venue: Jerrabomberra Community Centre, Jerrabomberra
Ends: 6 December
Contact: Ray Williams on 0423 258 720
Enrolments from preferably not before 8am, 16/1/2012

A participative discussion group covering current political, economic and social issues at local, national and international levels. Guest speakers also regularly address the group. This is a popular group and membership is governed by venue size.

Limit 20 - 60. Weston Club membership $5 pa.
Starts: 7 February Tuesday 10-12 noon
Venue: The Weston Club, Liardet St, Weston
Ends: 11 December
School terms
Contact: Gladys Glover on 6247 3324, or email Pat O'Connor at
Enrolments from preferably not before 9am, 16/1/2012

Current role, history and prospect of newspapers in Australia, with an emphasis on Canberra.

Limit 20. Room rent.
Starts: 2 May Wednesday 2-4 pm
Venue: Hughes Community Centre Room 2
Ends: 16 May
Contact: Victor Isaacs on 6257 1742,
Enrolments from preferably not before 8am, 16/1/2012

Ongoing Weekly discussion group basing topics on the contents of "Review: the World of Issues, Ideas and Opinion", published each Friday in "The Australian Financial Review", and similar publications. Articles discussed are by leading Australian and international commentators on major issues in politics, government, the arts and communication.
Members are encouraged to analyse and expand on issues raised.

Limit 5 - 15. Room rent plus $3 weekly for "Financial Review"
Starts: 2 February Thursday 2-4 pm
Venue: Cook Community Hub, Meeting Room
Ends: 29 November
Contact: Henry Hatch 6290 1138,
Enrolments from preferably not before 8am, 16/1/2012

Members meet on the first Tuesday of each month to discuss a significant non-fiction book, journal edition or essay on a topical issue. Members collectively choose the books and topics, which range over social, cultural, political and economic issues. The reading list is planned several months ahead. Members take turns in summarising each book and leading discussion.

Limit 8 - 14. Cost of publications where applicable.
Student Materials: One (occasionally two shorter) publications each month. Help is provided in sourcing selected publications at cheapest price
Starts: 7 February Tuesday 1.45-4 pm
Venue: Members' homes, on rotation
Ends: 27 November
1st Tuesday monthly
Contact: David Townsend on 6282 3850, . or Marguerite Carrington on , 6238 3367
Enrolments from preferably not before 8am, 16/1/2012

Some Chinese emigrants to the West have written in English about rapid changes in China, social dysfunction in countries with autocratic regimes or market–dominant minorities, and clashes between Chinese and Western values, and those of different generations. In this course we shall study books by Amy Chua and Yiyun Li. Participants will be encouraged to present a short story or chapter for discussion.

Limit 15 - 40
Student Materials: Books "Gold Boy, Emerald Girl" by Yiyun Li. and "World on Fire" by Amy Chua
Starts: 24 February Friday 10-12 noon
Venue: Baptist Church, Groom St, Hughes
Ends: 18 May
Term 1: 24 Feb-30 March (Chua)
Term 2: 20 April-18 May (Li)
Contact: Alan Bellett at (preferred), or on 6292 8144
Enrolments from preferably not before 8am, 16/1/2012

The U.S. dominates the world - what are its political institutions? How do the Americans elect their President? How are the States governed? How do Canadian political institutions differ from Australian?

Limit 20. Room rent.
Starts: 15 August Wednesday 2-4 pm
Venue: Hughes Community Centre Room 2
Ends: 29 August
Contact: Victor Isaacs on 6257 1742,
Enrolments from preferably not before 8am, 16/1/2012

After a brief history of the Middle East, the course will cover the main contemporary Middle East issues, including Israel/Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Bahrain, Yemen. There will be a detailed analysis of Islam and radical Islam, including the nature and motivation of terrorists. Further details wil be provided by letter to applicants, together with suggested book references.

Limit 40 - 85. Small contribution required for hall hire and refreshments.
Starts: 3 May Thursday 10-12 noon
Venue: Hughes Community Centre Main Hall
Ends: 14 June
Contact: Philip Peters on 6281 5590
Enrolments from 1/2/2012

Ongoing weekly discussion group basing topics on the contents of "Review: the World of Issues, Ideas and Opinion" published each Friday in "The Australian Financial Review" and similar publications. Articles discussed are by leading Australian and international commentators on major issues in politics, government, the arts and communication.
Members are encouraged to analyse and expand on issues raised.

Limit 15. Financial Review $3. Rent $3.50, including morning tea and coffee.
Student Materials: Financial Review each Friday
Starts: 2 February Thursday 9:45-11:45 am
Venue: Wesley Music Centre, Forrest
Ends: 29 November
Contact: David Townsend on 6282 3850,
Enrolments from preferably not before 8am, 16/1/2012

In his recent book, Michael Wensley says its time for Australia to wake up! Writer and strategist Robert Kaplan makes a similar case for Americans, and the West generally, to pay more attention to Asia. Participation encouraged.

Approx $50 for essential books.
Student Materials: List of essential and recommended pre-course reading is available now
Starts: 30 January Monday 9.50-12 noon
Venue: Baptist Church, Groom St, Hughes
Ends: 16 April
No classes on public holidays.
Contact: