Lectures for Term 1 2025

Lecture 1             Wednesday 29 January

Topic: Views From Then and Now” Aerial Photographs of S.A

Speaker: Dr Paul Dare

The pioneering aerial photographer Darian Smith created numerous photographs of South Australia over 50 years ago. Dr Paul Dare has flown over the same locations to replicate the photographs showing changes in the landscape. Paul with talk about gathering the photographs and publishing “Views from Then and Now”. Signed copies of the beautiful coffee table book will be available for purchase (approx $70-80).

 

Lecture 2             Wednesday 12 February

Topic: Biosecurity issues: how and why they concern the home gardener – or should!

Speaker: Barbara Hall

Barbara’s talk will look at why home gardeners should be concerned about plant biosecurity issues. While they are not as emotive as animal or human issues, and hardly ever make the news, plants have regular “pandemics” and everyone should be aware.

 

Lecture 3             Wednesday  26 February

Topic: The amazing story of John Benedict Lomas

Speaker: Ron Dearing

The amazing story of a convict who was twice transported to Australia in the 1800’s. He was an English soldier, jail escapee, bushranger, lunatic asylum patient, farmer and policeman who claimed to have guarded Napoleon at St. Helena, travelled overland with Capt. Charles Sturt, murdered a prisoner whilst in the police force – or did he? A book will be available for purchase.

 

Lecture 4             Wednesday 12 March

Topic: The AI Revolution: What It Means for Our Changing World

Speaker: Laurel Papworth

Artificial Intelligence is already altering the way we live, but what does this mean for society as a whole? In this interactive presentation, we’ll look at how tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are contributing to global changes in education, creativity, and problem-solving. We’ll also discuss the ripple effects these technologies might have on communities and families, exploring both the promises and the challenges of this new era.

 

Lecture 5             Wednesday  26 March

Topic: The Wonderful World of Bats

Speaker: Shane McCann

Shane is a volunteer with Fauna Rescue. She is a rescuer, carer, orphan rearer and educator with our amazing Grey-headed Flying-foxes here in Adelaide. Learn about the importance, the myths, the facts and the incredible lives of our Grey-Headed Flying-foxes of Adelaide.

Lecture 6               Wednesday 9 April

Topic:  Macquarie Island: Working on Macquarie assisting with Studies of the Wildlife and the Maintenance of the Base

Speaker:  Paul Jenkins

Paul has worked on Macquarie and Antarctica. His talk will be about his contribution to wildlife conservation and his role as an engineer keeping the base functioning efficiently.