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Guest Speakers for our monthly meetings:

Newsletter_PK_Probus_Guest_Speakers_to_May_2025.pdf

Speaker: Peter Moran – (October 28 2025) 

Subject: Local Historians presentation on the history of shell harbour, Port Kembla and surrounding areas.

Port Kembla's history is intricately tied to its role as a major industrial hub, particularly for steel production and as a critical port. The area, originally inhabited by the Dharawal Indigenous Australians, transformed dramatically after European settlement. The establishment of the steelworks and the port transformed Port Kembla into the industrial heart of the Illawarra region.

Speaker: To be confirmed – (November 2025 TBC)

Subject: xx

A ......

Speaker: Wollongong City Council - Free waste talks for groups (24 February 2026)

Subject: Waste Education for community

Council is launching a new suite of waste-wise workshops designed to empower our community with practical, hands-on learning. These workshops offer engaging activities focused on waste avoidance, reuse, recycling.

We have a range of waste wise programs that your garden will love, including various compost systems, how to set up a wicking bed or no-dig garden. We can take you on a deep dive into FOGO, tackle problem waste head-on or do a virtual tour of our landfill site.  Learn how to make eco-friendly beeswax and furoshiki wraps while exploring fun, sustainable crafting alternatives to single-use plastics. (follow this link: Waste Education | City of Wollongong ) and discuss with your group. There are talks on the topics of compost, FOGO, Gardening, Plastics, Recycling and more.

Speaker: Michael Giles: Funerals (pre-paid) by Hansen & Cole– (24 March 2026)

Subject: Dispelling the Myths, Question and Answer sessions

Obviously about Funerals for our loved ones, presentation.

Speaker: Peter Gray – (28 April 2026)

Subject: Local Author and Engineer with BHP

A retired geo-technical engineer, Peter mines his experience of working with BHP to create thrillers based around the Australian diamond industry, and specifically the rare and beautiful pink Argyle diamonds. Peter latest book

and first thriller, "Rough Cut". He has also written three books for children. His fascinating presentation included the science behind the creation of both diamonds and thrillers. W: www.peteragray.com.au

 

28 January 2025

Speaker: Dean Tower from Elossa Fitness – Corrimal & Shellharbour
Subject: Fitness Elossa is a specialised gym for people aged 60+ focusing on functional fitness and muscle strength (30m). 

25 February 2025

Speaker: Christopher O’Conell
Subject: Paper Weights (40mins) The history of antique glass paper weights and ordinary glass in general

25 March 2025

Speaker: Mark Matthews
Subject: From Rascals to Wadio – Mark is a Life motivator, ABC radio host, Australian composer and more!! Entertains with piano keyboard music and share from his life memoir and explain the journey from first fleet convicts to 20 years on local ABC radio, Civil Engineering and Music. 

22 April 2025

Speaker: Tom Hunt

Subject: Electric Cars.  Spoke about electric cars – the pros and cons.  Also talks on the story of carbon.

 27 May 2025

Speaker: Michael Thompson
Subject: Thunderstorms (based in the Illawarra) Topic will cover types of thunderstorms, how they form, severe storms, lightning, hail, tornadoes and some brief comparison Australia to USA. Open to discussions after, but no climate change !!

TBC 2026

Speaker: Peter Gray (Cancelled) New date to be confirmed)
Subject: Local Author and Engineer with BHP a retired geo-technical engineer, Peter mines his experience of working with BHP to create thrillers based around the Australian diamond industry, and specifically the rare and beautiful pink Argyle diamonds. Peter latest book and first thriller, "Rough Cut". He has also written three books for children. His fascinating presentation included the science behind the creation of both diamonds and thrillers. W: www.peteragray.com.au