bout Our Guest Speakers

 

If you would like to be part of our Guest Speaker Program, please contact our Secretary Greg Early by activating any "Contact Us" button and he will be happy to assist.

2026

FEBRUARY - DAVID HAMILTON

David has a wonderful collection of puppets. David's puppet show was quite amazing and his experience with puppets was outstanding. What a wonderful start to the new year. If you get the chance to go to one of his shows make sure you go as its simply sensational. Thank you David for kick starting our New Year.

APRIL - TREVOR HAMLEY

Trevor spoke about his book "Vodka in a Vegemite Jar".  A Glaciologist and Antarctic Expeditioner, he spoke of his time at the Russian Antarctic base and his 2000 km journey onto the Antarctic continent.  An empty vegemite jar was used to drink Vodka after the Russians consumed all the vegemite to the surprise of Trevor.  The trials and tribulations of the journey left us spellbound with a busy question and answer time following.

MAY - DAVE TERRY from the RACQ education team.

Dave spoke about new road rules, merging traffic and the rights and wrongs of roundabout use etc.  He finished his presentation with a discussion on aged driving and when the right time was to hand in your keys.  This was a very thought provoking presentation with many questions and answers exchanged.

JUNE - KEITH BOULTON from the QUEENSLAND Maritime Museum.

Keith showed an excellent power point presentation and spoke about Shipwrecks in Moreton Bay.  He mentioned there were 152 wrecked vessels in The Bay and 73 remain.  Some have been made into artificial reefs.  Of the 83 in the Brisbane River only 3 remain.  He spoke in more detail about the Hospital Ship Centaur and it's demise, also on the Queensland Government ship Lucinda.  The Australian Constitution was drafted on the Lucinda. 

JULY - SUZY DASH from TASK TAMERS

Suzy is the Owner and Managing Director of Task Tamers which is a down-sizing and relocation business.  Under Susy's leadership, the highly experienced and dedicated Task Tamers team, comprising more than ten relocation experts and a network of trusted service providers, has helped over 1,000 families declutter, down-size and relocate with care and confidence.  This was an excellent presentation supported by some handout material.

AUGUST - TANYA SALTER from HUMMINGBIRD HOUSE

Hummingbird House is a specialist children's hospice and one of only three in Australia.  This hospice is part of Wesley Mission, Queensland which is a division of the Uniting Church.  They provide specialised paediatric palliative care services to babies, children and young people up to the age of 18, with a life-limiting condition, helping them make every moment precious when time is short.  They support hundreds of families from right across Queensland and strive to provide choices about when, where and how they receive care.  Tanya's task is to liaise with individuals, schools, churches and community groups wishing to help raise awareness and funds for the House.    

2025 

DECEMBER - BARRY HARKIN

Barry spoke about his life and times in the outback and included some of the works that he undertook in several outback pubs. He worked around Mt Isa in the mid sixties; spoke about the big strike in 1961, and his time at Alice Springs, and also gold digging at Kalgoorlie. In 1963 he returned to Mt Isa. In 2005 he left to come to Brisbane even though his heart remains at Mt Isa.!

NOVEMBER - EVERALD COMPTON

Everald spoke on the subject of "Five Achievements"!  He spoke about his five achievements which included his position as the first Secretary of St. Andrews Hospital, the formation of the National Seniors Club, the introduction of Assisted Voluntary Dying Legislation, his efforts to have the Port of Gladstone elevated to the status of Australia's main port and the introduction of legislation in respect of Age Discrimination. He also mentioned that he has now finished his latest book which is titled "Walking with the Man".   Our 5 minute speaker was Bev Doolan who spoke about "When Harry met Beverley" which was and entertaining recollection of her courtship times!

OCTOBER - BART SINCLAIR 

Bart spoke about "A very Lucky Life" and described his account of his life lived to date!  Bart Sinclair was born into a racing family and has a passion for racing and the racing industry. One of the interesting facts that Bart mentioned was that women's involvement in racing has skyrocketed in the last 20 years. He mentioned the two top riders here in Angela Jones and Emily Lane as clear evidence of how women have reached the top positions as jockeys. His best racehorse in his opinion was Bernborough who won fifteen races in a row. Bart's talk was very interesting and well received by all in attendance.  

AUGUST - DR CHRIS REYNOLDS

Chris has led an interesting life as a school teacher, university professor, business manager and political strategist. His qualifications include a B.A, a Dip.Ed, a B.D, a M.A, and a PHD.  Chris spoke to us about early Australian History, which is contained in a book that he authored titled "What A Capital Idea", which covers the period from 1770 up to and including 1901. It's a fascinating and comprehensive overview of Australian history and the factual book is almost 500 pages long. Highly recommended reading!     

JULY - GREG HOOPER

Greg talked about Trade Travel. This is a company that does have some exceptional tours within Australia and Internationally. Tours are escorted tours as well as cruising. Greg made mention of an interesting nine day tour they have of New Zealand's South Island!. 

JUNE - IAN REEVES AOM

Ian talked to us about "Writing your Life Story". In Ian's case he has experienced 83 years, to date, much of which he has spent as a "scallywag". He has also spent a considerable part of his life coaching both male and female football teams. Ian's talk was light hearted and a pleasure to listen to.

MAY - RICHARD KINNON

Richard is the Founder and Director of Outback Pioneers at Longreach, which offers stagecoach rides, station tours and cruises. He is the recipient of multiple awards for holiday accommodation and outback experiences. Richard is a grazier who loves to share the outback heritage and lifestyles with visitors to the Longreach area. Outback Pioneers vision is "to inspire and educate current and future generations to experience, value and preserve the real Australian outback". He is very passionate about life on the land in and around Longreach.