Lunchtime forums

U3A/COTA BYO lunchtime forums

Tuesdays from 22 May to 20 November, 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. Main Hall, Hughes Community Centre. Entrance fee $2. Free tea and coffee provided. You need to bring your own cup. There is a hearing loop in the hall – people with hearing aids should adjust them to the ‘T’ position.

Forums are open to the public. No booking required - seating is on a first come basis.

For further Information contact Alex Gosman on

Date	Forum details
14 May	*Burial Rites: Mortuary Practices of the Prehistoric Cultures of Coastal Northern Chile* Presenter: Chris Carter Chris is an archaeologist with over 20 years’ experience. He is particularly interested in human interaction within landscapes and the formative period of cultural development. He will be highlighting mortuary practices of prehistoric cultures in Chile – did you know that mummies found in Chile are 3000 years older than those at the pyramids?
21 May	*Brexit – What next for the UK and Implications for the “European Union” Experiment* Presenter: Anne McNaughton , ANU Centre for European Studies Associate & ANU College of Law Senior Lecturer Anne is interested in promoting a more sophisticated and evidence-based understanding of the European Union in the broader Australian community
28 May	*World wide decline of the entomofauna (insects)* Presenter: Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, School of Life and Environmental Studies, University of Sydney The world wide population of insects (including bees) is in a steep decline arising from the impact of intensive agricultural practices and the use of pesticides. This presentation will highlight the nature of the decline in insect numbers, its impact on the food chain and what can be done to combat the decline. This is a fascinating but sobering presentation.
4 June	*Australia votes – the 2019 Election– the results and what does it mean* Presenter: Mark Kenny, Senior Fellow, Australian Studies Institute. Formerly the Sydney Morning Herald Political Editor Mark has a long standing interest in Australian politics and is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most incisive political commentators.
11 June	*The Past, Present, and Future of the Mt Stromlo Observatory* Presenter: Brad Tucker, Astrophysicist/Cosmologist, Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Mt Stromlo Observatory. Brad is a key spokesman for Mt Stromlo and is often heard on the radio discussing astronomy. He brings to the subject passion and commitment. Note that we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing in July!
18 June	*Town Planning in the ACT to the future* Presenter: Wayne Rutledge, Deputy Director-General, Sustainability and the Built and Environment ACT Government With the face of Canberra changing rapidly owing to developments like the Light Rail this will be an opportunity to hear about planned future developments.
25 June	*Immigration – what are the truths behind the trends in Australia’s immigration figures* Presenter: Abul Rizvi, ex-Deputy Secretary, Dept of Immigration and well known commentator/writer on immigration policy
2 July	*A personal perspective on some key aspects of Russian history and culture* Presenter: Kyle Wilson, former Intelligence Analyst (Russia) & Visiting Fellow, Centre for European Studies, ANU Kyle will be speaking about his personal experiences in Russia

Lunchtime forums

U3A/COTA BYO lunchtime forums

Burial Rites: Mortuary Practices of the Prehistoric Cultures of Coastal Northern Chile

Brexit – What next for the UK and Implications for the “European Union” Experiment

World wide decline of the entomofauna (insects)

Australia votes – the 2019 Election– the results and what does it mean

The Past, Present, and Future of the Mt Stromlo Observatory

Town Planning in the ACT to the future

Immigration – what are the truths behind the trends in Australia’s immigration figures

A personal perspective on some key aspects of Russian history and culture