Ithaka Lectures 2024

Building on the well-received inaugural Ithaka Lecture series of 2023, the list of speakers for 2024 makes for exciting reading. The spirit of the Ithaka Lectures remains true: considering topics and discussions that extend and challenge, and balancing a range of subject areas over the course of the year. The lectures run between 6:00pm and 7:00pm in the evening, occasionally with the opportunity to meet the speakers afterwards and always with the opportunity to ask questions.

At the time of writing, we have already heard from two of our eight speakers for the year, Victor Steffensen and Alastair Campbell.

Victor Steffensen spoke to us in mid-February on the subject of indigenous land management, and more broadly about how indigenous methods could be kept alive and relevant in today’s society. His storytelling and deep knowledge enthralled the audience throughout and some deep insight to Victor’s journey was shared, including stories of how knowledge was passed to Victor originally.

We were thrilled to welcome Alastair Campbell in conversation with the Headmaster on Monday 4 March. Alastair’s candid and insightful perspective on the political scene was truly refreshing for all and peppered with amusing personal anecdotes throughout.

Pictured in header: Dr Richard Malpass and Mr Alastair Campbell

Wednesday 15 May – Dr Michelle Dickinson

An engineer specialising in nanotechnology, who has published many research papers on materials, engineering, nanotechnology and biomedical engineering, the creator of Nanogirl is firmly focused on creating innovative ways to engage her audience with science and technology.

Wednesday 5 June – Dr Norman Swan

A medical journalist, most recently known as someone to refer to during the COVID-19 crisis, his regular broadcasts highlight his goal to keep the Australian public informed of health developments as they happen, combining medical expertise with investigative reporting and clear analysis.

Wednesday 7 August – Mr Simon Tedeschi

A well-known classical pianist and writer, his recent book Fugitive is described as “straddling the borders of poetry and prose, fiction and fact, trauma and testimony”.

(Photo credit: Keith Saunders)

Thursday 12 September – Dr Elizabeth Farrelly

A Sydney-based author, journalist and architecture critic, her recent book Killing Sydney: The Fight for a City’s Soul sets out a roadmap for urban living whilst analysing the history of cities themselves.

Wednesday 23 October – Mr Craig Foster

From his time as the Socceroos captain, Craig went on to become one of the most respected sports broadcasters, as well as a social justice advocate and human rights campaigner.

Monday 11 November – Mr Dylan Alcott

Australian of the Year in 2022, and with twenty-three quad wheelchair grand slam titles to his name, Dylan is always seeking to correct the perceptions of the disabled community through storytelling and advocating for social change.