LUNCHTIME LECTURE SERIES: AUSTRALIANS SHAPING THE NATION

Australia has been shaped by the remarkable work of many individuals whose achievements have resonated beyond our shores. In the inaugural Lunchtime Lecture Series drawing on the 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum exhibition in the Westpac Long Gallery, a stellar selection of distinguished Australians share insights into the inspiration behind their groundbreaking contributions, which have helped define the nation across science, sport and the arts.

Lunchtime Lecture Series: Australians Shaping the Nation is available as a series of six lectures.

1pm, Tuesday 21 August: Ita Buttrose AO OBE

From copy girl to editor at the age of 23, Ita Buttrose’s boundary-pushing career at The Telegraph, Cleo, The Australian Women’s Weekly and The Sunday Telegraph won her status as a feminist icon. The legendary media trailblazer, businesswoman, best-selling author and 2013 Australian of the Year continues her active leadership role as a committed community and welfare contributor.

1pm, Tuesday 28 August: Layne Beachley AO

Layne Beachley won six consecutive world surfing titles between 1998 and 2003, winning her seventh in 2006 - an unparalleled achievement. The recipient of numerous awards, she is Chair of Surfing Australia, a motivational speaker, trainer and philanthropist whose Aim for the Stars Foundation provides financial support for young girls and women.

1pm, Tuesday 4 September: Dr George Miller AO

`Statesman of Australian cinema’, director, screenwriter and producer George Miller traces his multi-award winning engagement with film to the ritual Saturday matinee in his hometown of Chinchilla, Queensland. Miller’s diverse, genre-breaking films including the Mad Max, Babe, and Happy Feet films, have achieved classic status.

1pm, Tuesday 11 September: Dick Smith AC

Sydney born Dick Smith is an adventurer, businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, political activist and 1986 Australian of the Year. The founder of Dick Smith Electronics became a household name, launching Australian Geographic magazine in 1984 which sponsors adventure and inspires a love of nature. His own ground breaking adventurous aviation feats include a solo helicopter flight around the world and to the North Pole, as well as a non-stop balloon trip across Australia.

1pm, Tuesday 18 September: Kim McKay AO

Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay AO has led the transformation of the nation’s first museum into one of the world's pre-eminent natural history and cultural institutions. Kim also co-founded the Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World campaigns, and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the environment and the community. She offers reflections on the historic, scientific and cultural significance of the newly-restored Westpac Long Gallery, the nation’s first gallery, and its collection of treasures.

1pm, Tuesday 25 September: Noel Gordon

Google Maps began in the spare room of software engineer Noel Gordon’s Sydney apartment in 2003. Today’s instant digital information, directions and street views of almost anywhere on earth has changed our lives, our understanding of the world and how we move and interact within it.

ADVANCE BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Lunchtime Lecture Series is available as a series of six lectures: General admission $100; Concession $90; AM Members $80.

Tickets include admission to the Museum and the 200 Treasures of the Westpac Long Gallery exhibition. Lunch available at our rooftop restaurant, No 1. William (level 4).

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