2022 Events

The English-Speaking Union (Queensland Branch) invites all members, their guests and friends to a number of events throughout the year in pursuit of our organisational objective to promote understanding and communication in and about the English language and culture especially in Australia through education, social events and scholarship.

You can find further information about our various competitions (including the Public Speaking and Short Story competitions) via the menu link above.

Come and enjoy good fellowship, discussion and an entertaining social evening with ESU members. This page will be updated regularly as further information is published both here and on our Facebook page.

Scroll down for photos and reviews of our most recent events.

 

The ESU Christmas Party and AGM at the historic Miegunyah House was a great success. Christmas punch, pavlova and an uninvited storm added to the excitement of the night.
We are all looking forward to another successful year in 2023. If you would like to join us then talk to Caroline on 0423 295 721


PAST EVENTS UPDATE

Friday 7 October 2022

“Does radio still provide a voice – The role of radio in society: past, present and future.”

Our ESU dinner at 66 on Ernest was a delightful night with animated conversations inspired by the most interesting lecture by Dr Ashley Jones from University of Southern Queensland on the role of radio in contemporary Australia.
 Media specialist Dr Jones reminded us of the history of radio in Australia and the central importance of its role in connecting our local communities. This started many in the audience on a journey of remembering and sharing their days sitting around the radio and the important current role that radio plays in their lives.

 

Saturday 10 September 2022 @ 2:30pm

HIGH TEA

Members enjoyed a delicious High Tea at Miegunyah Historic Home and a glass of wine as the 2022 Public Speaking Competition Winners inspired with their winning public speeches.

PICTURED: Winning and place-getting speakers representing the Senior, Intermediate and Junior heats with ESU QLD Public Speaking Coordinators Talisa Pariss-Proby and Caroline Hatcher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 21 July 2022

Churchill Lecture: “The Final Word”

On Friday 21 July, members and friends of ESU came together for a delightful dinner at the United Service Club for the annual Churchill Lecture for 2022.

Our speakers were popular Brisbane journalists David Fagan and Madonna King. They shared their research from their recent book Modern Governors of Queensland.

As one member commented:

The interactive dialogue between David & Madonna gave the audience great insights into the individual approaches adopted by past Qld governors in their role. Recounting anecdotes from their numerous interviews with a wide representative group of close government house staff was fascinating. The discussion of the Mentor/Constitutional role of the Governor gave attendees a fresh perspective on the Governor’s  relationship with numerous Premiers.
And another:
A wonderful night.
Following this lecture, one of our members John Thompson-Grey shared his experience of judging the Roly Sussex Short Story Competition and generously provided a copy of one of his recent books ‘While I remember Vol 1: Memorable Queenslanders’  to each of our members and guests.

WIT & WISDOM: THREE OF OUR BEST POETS

66 on Ernest (66 Ernest St, South Brisbane)

Brisbane)

Members enjoyed an evening of fine fare and entertainment as members of the Communication, Speech and Performance Teachers Inc. regaled us with a scintillating performance program of Australian poetry. Featuring live performances of selections of poetry from the body of work of three of our finest poets, the late and celebrated, Les Murray, Bruce Dawe and Clive James.

Fine fare at 66 on Ernest was enjoyed by all, as members of the CSPT Inc. entertained us. Below are some kind words by CSPT Inc. President, Kathy Wilson, reflecting on the event:
“I just wanted to write to thank you for allowing the CSPT Inc. to come and perform at your recent literary event.
We all thoroughly enjoyed being part of your event. Your members were very welcoming and encouraging to the performers and other guests.
There were great conversations, scrumptious food and inspiring performances.
Other members remarked “they would love to attend more events like this and would certainly bring their partners to the next one.”
Please keep us informed of any events where other guests are able to attend.
Congratulations on a wonderful literary event.
All the Best with all your work in 2022.”


Friday 25 March 2022

OF TABOOS AND LANGUAGE MINEFIELDS

Miegunyah Historic Home, 34 Jordon Tce, Bowen Hills

ESU QLD President and Emeritus Professor Roly Sussex explored how taboos can differ between societies and the recent example of new taboo-making involving political correctness, which has created many “no-go” areas, and has brought about significant changes in how we use language.

This first event of 2022 was a high-spirited and stimulating cocktail party featuring a presentation by our President Roly Sussex. Set within the walls of the beautiful stateley home of Miegunyah, guests enjoyed drinks and canapes on its spacious verandahs before taking their seats inside for Roly’s lecture within Miegunyah’s elegant dining room.

The lecture certainly flavoured discussion both serious and humorous throughout the evening: meanwhile, a storm raged on outside and Miegunyah’s hosts managed our guests with such aplomb and calmness.

As one guest suggested: “such a wonderful evening in this beautiful home.”

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