Tuesday Forums

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

Sessions are held via Zoom commencing on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm and run from March 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 2024 will automatically be transferred to the 2025 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
21 October	Threats to the Great Barrier Reef Dr Paul Hardisty (former CEO Aust Institute of Marine Science) Dr Hardisty will talk about climate, biodiversity, and the need for courage in shifting how we think about the future. Drawing from his new book IN HOT WATER inside the Battle to Save the Great Barrier Reef, Paul will put a spotlight on the last hundred years of history of the GBR, describe the current state of the world's reefs, and discuss possible futures that we can choose from. Paul is an environmental scientist, engineer and a freelance journalist. He has over 30 years' experience in sustainability, climate science, and marine conservation and continues to advise on global environmental and climate challenges. His freelance work has taken him to some of the world's most dangerous places, including Ethiopia, Yemen, and most recently Ukraine. 👉Registrations open 14 October 9AM and close 20 October 5PM. To register email Include your U3A membership or affiliate number in the email.
28 October	Democratic Republic of the Congo: colonialism, civil war and, always, critical minerals John Angley With the world watching Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Gaza, little attention is paid to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Strategically located, it has long been a focus of global and local powers particularly given its mineral wealth. Whilst the talk will briefly touch on DRC's experience with European colonists the emphasis will be on modern times and the rivalries of big and small powers greedy for resources in this African country. John has extensive experience in policy development at a senior level, especially with Cabinet and budget processes. His background includes work as a senior Labor staffer with Hon. Kim Beazley. John recently served as Senior Trade Commissioner in Washington DC. He is a keen student of international politics and relationships. 👉Registrations open 21 October 9AM and close 27 October 5PM. To register email Include your U3A membership or affiliate number in the email.
4 November	The threats to Australia's natural environment from Invasive species Doug Laing Details to be provided closer to the date. 👉Registrations open 28 October 9AM and close 3 November 5PM. To register email Include your U3A membership or affiliate number in the email.

Date

Forum details

21 October

Threats to the Great Barrier Reef

Dr Paul Hardisty (former CEO Aust Institute of Marine Science)

Dr Hardisty will talk about climate, biodiversity, and the need for courage in shifting how we think about the future. Drawing from his new book IN HOT WATER inside the Battle to Save the Great Barrier Reef, Paul will put a spotlight on the last hundred years of history of the GBR, describe the current state of the world's reefs, and discuss possible futures that we can choose from.

Paul is an environmental scientist, engineer and a freelance journalist. He has over 30 years' experience in sustainability, climate science, and marine conservation and continues to advise on global environmental and climate challenges. His freelance work has taken him to some of the world's most dangerous places, including Ethiopia, Yemen, and most recently Ukraine.

👉Registrations open 14 October 9AM and close 20 October 5PM.

To register email

Include your U3A membership or affiliate number in the email.

28 October

Democratic Republic of the Congo: colonialism, civil war and, always, critical minerals

John Angley

With the world watching Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Gaza, little attention is paid to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Strategically located, it has long been a focus of global and local powers particularly given its mineral wealth. Whilst the talk will briefly touch on DRC's experience with European colonists the emphasis will be on modern times and the rivalries of big and small powers greedy for resources in this African country.

John has extensive experience in policy development at a senior level, especially with Cabinet and budget processes. His background includes work as a senior Labor staffer with Hon. Kim Beazley. John recently served as Senior Trade Commissioner in Washington DC. He is a keen student of international politics and relationships.

👉Registrations open 21 October 9AM and close 27 October 5PM.

To register email

Include your U3A membership or affiliate number in the email.

4 November

The threats to Australia's natural environment from Invasive species

Doug Laing

Details to be provided closer to the date.

👉Registrations open 28 October 9AM and close 3 November 5PM.

To register email

Include your U3A membership or affiliate number in the email.