Ballarat Speakers Club
Established 2015 by its founders and hosts Anthony and Annabel Sim, as a monthly speakers and lunch event, the Ballarat Speakers Club has become a Ballarat institution, an enriching experience for members of the wider Ballarat community.
Anthony and Annabel visited Tanzania in 2014 and were compelled to help the orphaned and homeless children living near Mt Kilimanjaro.
We are proud to showcase the diversity and hidden talents of Ballarat’s community and it’s a great place to meet old and new friends in a meaningful way. All our speakers offer their time for gratis and share their story to benefit the work of Upendo Foundation Australia.
By attending the Speakers Club, you are helping to support vulnerable African children.
To quote one of our long-time members: “For me it’s a WIN-WIN-WIN-WIN. I enjoy a relaxing lunch with friends, I make new friends, I hear an inspiring speaker and I support the poor children of Africa".
Held on the second Thursday of every month.
Venue: The Lounge, Selkirk Stadium, 989 Norman St, Wendouree Note our new venue
A percentage of the cost for your lunch and attendance goes to help the work of Upendo Foundation Children’s home. To date, we have contributed well over $30,000 to Upendo.
Membership is free by joining through Meetup. You will also then receive notices of our future speakers lunches.
Help raise money for Upendo. Why don't you join us?
Our next speaker
10 August 2023 at 12 noon
Why should we care about asteroids?
with Dr Timothy Holt
According to Dr Timothy Holt, asteroids could present one of our best prospects for the future, if we can mine them for minerals or water. How is this so?
Tim is an astronomer/planetary scientist and normally lives with his wife in Colorado USA. However he is currently lecturing at the University of Southern Queensland and living in Ballarat with his parents, Speakers Club members Rick and Rita Holt. So, we’ve nabbed him to speak to us before he moves on to his next assignment.
Tim will talk about the past, present and future prospects for our relationship with asteroids.
13 July 2023 at 12 noon
Ann Beggs-Sunter
Learn about one of Ballarat's Founding Fathers, James Oddie
Sometimes called the “Father of Ballarat”, James Oddie (1824-1910) was a miner, an innovator, a businessman, a publisher, a banker, a visionary and much more. He became one of Ballarat’s wealthiest and most influential citizens. As such, he was responsible for establishing our magnificent Art Gallery, our Observatory, and was involved in establishing the School of Mines and our wonderful Botanical Gardens.
Yet paradoxically, he died in poverty and his name is not recognized by many current Ballarat citizens.
Noted historian Ann Beggs-Sunter will tell the story of this remarkable pioneer of early Ballarat.
From Heartbreak to Triumph
with Lee Squire
Our June speaker has a brilliant story of redemption.
Lee Squire, the owner of Fernwood Women’s gym in Ballarat is going to tell us her story. Her journey from Loretto College to owning the most modern Fernwood gym in Australia is not without drama and pathos.
In her own words: “My life was in constant crisis, chaotic and spiraling completely out of control as I battled alcoholism and the voices in my head. Desperate to change my life I entered rehab and my world slowly began to change.”
Lee will detail her struggles, but also her successes and I’m sure you’ll find hers an inspiring story
Brooke Squires
Founder and CEO of RAW Africa Eco Tours
Brooke’s life has been one of constant adventure and continues to be so. Brooke has a passion to ensure that tourism benefits local people and the wildlife.
She is fresh off the plane from Uganda where she was leading a tour to visit the mountain gorillas in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute.
May 2023
