Tuesday Forums

Forums have a "current affairs" focus covering local events, politics, science, the environment and international events.

Sessions are held via Zoom typically on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm and run from February to early June and from mid-July to November.

There are two registration options:

* Pre-register for all talks during the year and you will automatically be sent Zoom login details each week, i.e. there will not be any need to register on a weekly basis. (Note: Those who pre-registered in 2025 will automatically be transferred to the 2026 Forums.)
* Register on a weekly basis for the Forums which interest you. Registration will open in the week preceding the talk and the details are advertised with each Forum.

Access PAST FORUMS (log in required)

Date	Forum details
17 February	Where to for Australia's Universities? Emeritus Professor Glenn Withers, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU Australia's universities face major change from funding pressures, shifting student demand, international competition, workforce challenges and rapid technological disruption. This talk examines current conditions and future pathways for a sustainable sector. Professor Withers is an economist whose work spans labour markets, immigration, education and public policy. He helped found the Productivity Commission, the Crawford School of Public Policy and Universities Australia (as founding CEO), and was an adviser to Prime Minister Hawke. 👉Registrations open 10 February 9AM and close 16 February 5PM. To register email Include your U3A membership number in the email.
24 February	A History of US Policy Approaches to South America Dr Luis Gomez Romero, Senior Lecturer, School of Law, University of Wollongong This talk traces US policy toward South America, from Cold War interventions to contemporary engagement, including Venezuela. It examines strategic, economic and political interests and their impact on regional stability and democracy. Luis specialises in human rights, constitutional law, political theory and law and culture. He holds a PhD in Jurisprudence (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid) and completed postdoctoral research at McGill University. 👉Registrations open 17 February 9AM and close 23 February 5PM. To register email Include your U3A membership number in the email.
3 March	The Changing Face of Death: New Approaches to Dying and After-Death Care Catherine Prosser Tender Funerals Canberra Region & Estella Hutchinson Your Sunset End of Life Services Catherine and Estella discuss evolving approaches to death and dying. Tender Funerals is a not-for-profit supporting meaningful, affordable funerals. End-of-life doulas provide non-medical emotional, practical and advocacy support for individuals and families. Catherine has a background in community development, arts and social enterprise. Estella is a Canberra-based end-of-life doula, grief counsellor, funeral advocate and celebrant. 👉Registrations open 24 February 9AM and close 2 March 5PM. To register email Include your U3A membership number in the email.

Date

Forum details

17 February

Where to for Australia's Universities?

Emeritus Professor Glenn Withers, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU

Australia's universities face major change from funding pressures, shifting student demand, international competition, workforce challenges and rapid technological disruption. This talk examines current conditions and future pathways for a sustainable sector.
Professor Withers is an economist whose work spans labour markets, immigration, education and public policy. He helped found the Productivity Commission, the Crawford School of Public Policy and Universities Australia (as founding CEO), and was an adviser to Prime Minister Hawke.

👉Registrations open 10 February 9AM and close 16 February 5PM.

To register email

Include your U3A membership number in the email.

24 February

A History of US Policy Approaches to South America

Dr Luis Gomez Romero, Senior Lecturer, School of Law, University of Wollongong

This talk traces US policy toward South America, from Cold War interventions to contemporary engagement, including Venezuela. It examines strategic, economic and political interests and their impact on regional stability and democracy.

Luis specialises in human rights, constitutional law, political theory and law and culture. He holds a PhD in Jurisprudence (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid) and completed postdoctoral research at McGill University.

👉Registrations open 17 February 9AM and close 23 February 5PM.

To register email

Include your U3A membership number in the email.

3 March

The Changing Face of Death: New Approaches to Dying and After-Death Care

Catherine Prosser Tender Funerals Canberra Region & Estella Hutchinson Your Sunset End of Life Services

Catherine and Estella discuss evolving approaches to death and dying. Tender Funerals is a not-for-profit supporting meaningful, affordable funerals. End-of-life doulas provide non-medical emotional, practical and advocacy support for individuals and families.

Catherine has a background in community development, arts and social enterprise. Estella is a Canberra-based end-of-life doula, grief counsellor, funeral advocate and celebrant.

👉Registrations open 24 February 9AM and close 2 March 5PM.

To register email

Include your U3A membership number in the email.

For enquiries email