Firstly, though, I’d like to recap on our event on Timor Leste, led by Consul Dr Nitin Verma and agricultural training consultant Dick Warner. Those who attended this event were mightily impressed at the enormous level of support given by these two Tasmanians and their organisations to the people of Timor. It was a positive example of overseas aid approaches at their best. And, even though Nitin attended virtually due to COVID, the technology was excellent on the night, thanks to council member Bruno Arpi. Thanks to treasurer Ed Kremzer for chairing the event.
Next up we have our deferred event with Claire Gorman, Head of ABC International Services, on July 24. This is a joint event with the Friends of the ABC, and if you haven’t registered yet the link is HERE. Please note that the venue has changed to the Law Lecture Theatre (not the Harvard Room as earlier advised). Drinks and nibbles from 5.30; the event will start at 6pm.
Our August event will focus on Australia’s trade outlook in relation to foreign policy. We are truly fortunate to have as speaker Ms Patricia Holmes, Assistant Secretary of the DFAT Trade and Investment Strategy Branch. Patricia will give us special insight into the directions of trade strategies as they sit with Australia’s foreign policy. This event will be on August 21, also in the Law Lecture Theatre, at 6pm. Drinks and nibbles from 5.30. Registration, and more details for this event , should be posted in a fortnight or so.
Other future events, already advised, will be the Plimsoll Lecture with Foreign Minister Hon Penny Wong on October 15 and the Government House lecture with Mike Burgess, the Director General of ASIO, on November 12.
Our AGM will be on October 8 , with guest speaker Prof Nicholas Farrelly, who will give us an update on the situation in Myanmar. The AGM will be between 5.30 and 7pm, venue to be advised. Papers for the AGM will be distributed in September and if any members are keen to join the council please let me know!
We are working on other potential events for the remainder of 2024, including impacts of climate change in foreign policy and polar affairs from a US perspective. The next newsletter should have more detail on the remainder of the year, and early 2025!
Thanks to all members for their ongoing support, particularly in attending events on cold and wet evenings!
Kim Boyer
July 9, 2024