Event and Ticketing Details
Dates & Times
Wednesday 06 August
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Bob Brown spent 20 years as leader of The Greens and has been involved in politics for most of his life. He has seen successive governments on both sides of the political divide come and go, and fought numerous campaigns championing human rights and fighting for the preservation of the environment. Throughout it all, he has managed to remain upbeat and optimistic. Where does this optimism come from, and how important is a positive outlook for propagating change?
Bob is one of Australia’s most loved and charismatic political figures. His new book Optimism: Reflections on a Life of Action sees him speak for the first time since his retirement from public life. In it he recalls the key events that have left a lasting impression on him, the ideas that have captured his imagination, and his belief in optimism as a powerful agent that can make a real difference.
The Wheeler Centre presents Bob Brown On Optimism at three venues: in Melbourne, Geelong and in our first ever Hobart event. This is a unique opportunity to hear one of the most outspoken politicians in recent history discuss how remaining optimistic in the face of tough challenges is the only realistic way forward.
Featuring
Judy Tierney
A state and national award winning journalist with ABC radio and television for over 35 years, Judy Tierney continues to contribute to various programmes despite her ‘retirement’.
Her broadcast roles have included national correspondent for The 7.30 Report including reporter and presenter positions; producer of Australian Story and the morning current affairs slot on local radio.
Judy’s voluntary community work is vast and varied. Over the years she has been actively involved in the Tasmanian Ballet Company, Terrapin Puppet Theatre, Tasmanian Youth Orchestra and the Theatre Royal – and the recently introduced Hobart Baroque.
Currently, Judy is on the board of Island, Tasmania’s most respected literary magazine and is a Leadership Champion with Tasmanian Leaders, the organisation that identifies and nurtures the best of our young, bright thinkers. She is an Ambassador for Second Bite, promoting the wonderful work done by the food distribution group feeding the needy.
In her ‘spare’ time, Judy escorts travellers to exotic overseas climes. She has just returned from Cuba and Panama and Myanmar is next on her itinerary. Judy is a constant traveller, having enjoyed visiting over 75 countries. She has lived in Britain, the USA and Kuwait.
Bob Brown
Bob Brown resigned as leader of the Greens in 2012 and from the Australian Senate in June 2012. Brown led the Australian Greens from the party's foundation in 1992 until April 2012.
In 1978 Bob was appointed director of the Tasmania Wilderness Society and led the campaign to prevent the construction of the Franklin dam. He spent 19 days in prison and on the day of his release, in 1983, he became a member of Tasmania’s parliament.
Bob was elected to the Australian Senate in 1996. From 2002 to 2004, when minor parties held the balance of power in the Senate, Brown became a well-recognised politician. He was re-elected in both 2001 and in 2007. Bob Brown was also the first openly gay member of the Parliament of Australia, and the first openly gay leader of an Australian political party.
Bob established the Bob Brown Foundation, a not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting action campaigns for the environment in Australia and our region.
Bob lives with his partner Paul in Tasmania and travels widely. He has published a number of books including his memoir and photographic books and poetry books. He has also won many awards, including from the United Nations.