Speakers Sure To Inspire

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday April 1, 2006

A number of inspiring guest speakers will take to the podium this weekend at the Rotary District Conference.

The speakers will address issues that are happening in the world, how those issues affect us as individuals and what it means to Rotarians.

There will be local, national and international speakers including the following distinguished guests:

Ros Moriarty - Saturday April 1, 11am to 12.30pm

Ros is the managing director of the Jumbana group, Australia's leading indigenous art and design studio that markets its work domestically and internationally. The famous Qantas plane is one of their successful designs.

Ros' indigenous husband, John Moriarty, and their story of working together in government and art innovation is one of romance, shared art and design and culture.

Their three children have been raised in the blending of the two cultures, which enhance and support their philosophy.

Ros is on a number of boards, including the Australian Academy of Design, is a sought after speaker and is in the Australian Business Women's Hall of Fame. In 1999 Ros was a finalist in the NSW Telstra Business Women's Awards.

Monica Attard - Saturday April 1, 11am to 12.30pm

Who can forget this woman's reports coming from Russia in the days of the Russian uprising, Michael Gorbochov, Boris Yeltsin, and the vast crowds.

That momentous time saw the fall of Russian communism, and the subsequent push for independence of many countries of the Eastern Bloc.

And night after night, we saw it on television. This brave journalist, television reporter and Australian became a local hero to all Australia.

Subsequently Monica wrote a book called: "Russia: Which Way Paradise?"

Monica has continued working for the ABC in programs such as AM, PM, Four Corners, and now hosts Media Watch.

Monica Attard, who knows the Russian mind and politics, will give insights on Russia today.

Bruce Elder - Saturday April 1, 11am to 12.30pm

Bruce Elder is a journalist, writer and commentator. He has been with the Sydney Morning Herald for a number of years specialising in travel and popular culture.

His other areas of expertise include film, television, and popular music.

He has written extensively about Australia and the South Pacific. He is the Australasian editor of Australian Trivial Pursuit and has written over 60 books.

Bruce will address "The Influence of the Media on News and Current Affairs."

Dr Ian Paterson - Saturday April 1, 2pm to 3.30pm

Dr Ian Paterson is an educator with a background of many years' experience. Dr Paterson was the principal of Knox Grammar for 29 years.

Since retiring, he has consulted for the Yeshiva College, been principal at the King Abdul Assiz College and is currently principal of the Coptic School at Mt Druitt.

His generous sharing of education and life knowledge with the Muslim community is being discussed on Saturday afternoon with the topic "The Clash of Cultures within the Muslim Community".

Nada Roude - Saturday April 1, 2.40pm to 3pm

Nade Roude came to Australia from Lebanon as a seven year old. She was educated in Sydney, and has an impressive academic background.

On leaving school Nada studied comparative religion in Malaysia, spent time in Singapore, went to Lebanon and was stranded in Beirut Airport when the uprising was on. Nada saw the destruction of Lebanon first hand.

Nada developed the Muslim Women's Association and among many other roles, she has represented Australia both nationally and internationally. Nada will speak on "Being a Muslim in Australia."

James Dunn - Sunday April 2, 9am to 10.30am

James Dunn has had a distinguished career as a defence analyst with the Australian Government, senior foreign affairs advisor, and has served as a diplomat in Yugoslavia, Hungary, the former Czechoslovakia, Paris and Moscow.

Having a special interest in East Timor, he was in there during the troubled times and was in considerable danger.

His academic interests focused on political science, Russia and Indonesia. The distinguished diplomat is a defence expert and a man who has known the inside of the Australian government for decades.

His United Nations involvement and contact is ongoing.

James Dunn will discuss the topic. "The Relevance of the UN in 2006."

Michael Traill - Sunday April 2, 9am to 10.30am

Michael Traill founded Social Ventures Australia. SVA is a not for profit venture philanthropy organisation.

It partners with outstanding social enterprises, supports their growth efforts and uses benchmarks and performance measurements to hold them accountable for generating increased social change in Australia.

His topic is "Corporate Social Responsibility".

Dr Neil Phillips - Sunday April 2, 9am to 10.30am

Dr Neil Phillips studied in New York and has been in psychiatric practice for over 30 years.

He is in the NSW Health system and whilst he is based in Wollongong he also travels to other regional places in NSW.

He is frustrated by the lack of education in mental health and depression, and also by the lack of funding. Dr Phillips is a frequent guest on ABC radio 702.

Frank Devlyn - Sunday April 2, 11am to 12.30pm

Former Rotary International President and current International President's representative.

Mr Devlyn, who lives in Mexico, is a distinguished man and Rotarian. He is visiting Australia to share in the celebration of the Rotary District Conference in Wollongong.

A gifted speaker and internationally known Rotarian, Mr Devlyn will address issues of Rotary in the world today.

Warren Mundine - Sunday April 2, 11am to 12.30pm

Warren is the CEO of NSW Native Title Services, Federal President of the Labour Party and is an advocate for the indigenous community in Australia.

He is open, speaks in the currency of the people and has given observers food for thought with his attitude to the indigenous community of Australia.

His topic is "Indigenous Response to Social Pressures."