Events calendar for 2023

Upcoming events

Our program of activities in 2023 has concluded. We wish all readers a wonderful festive season and a safe and happy start to the new year.

Our office will be closed between Christmas and New Year, re-opening on 2 January 2024.

We'll announce the 2024 Events calendar in February 2024.

Australian Electoral Commission Submission - William Watt

SUBMISSION TO NAME A COMMONWEALTH ELECTORATE IN HONOUR OF WILLIAM WATT

The ESU proposes that the new Commonwealth electoral division, to be established in Victoria as an outcome of the redistribution of electoral boundaries, be named in recognition of William Alexander Watt. 

All ESU members and interested parties are encouraged to support this submission by posting a public comment by 6pm on Friday 30th October 2020 on the Australian Electoral Commission’s website at https://www.aec.gov.au/Electorates/Redistributions/2021/vic/comments-suggestions.htm.

The full submission can be viewed at William Watt AEC Submission    

 

Letter of Support for Dr. Peter Ridd

On behalf of the English-Speaking Union Victoria Branch, I applaud you on your resilience and exemplary spirit in fighting for the principles of freedom of speech and intellectual freedom of inquiry. These fundamental principles align with our values; we strongly believe they are a key foundation stone of our democracy and of our universities in particular.

We have donated $1,000 to your GoFundMe campaign to assist with legal costs in your pending appeal in the High Court of Australia.  

Thank you for providing the opportunity to support this important defence of academic freedom.

BRITFEST 2019

BRITFEST 2019 - Saturday 4th May 2019

Britfest is happening again on Saturday 4th of May, 2019 from 10am to 4pm at the Moonee Ponds Bowling Club, 776 Mount Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds.

Entry is FREE.

This event features Morris Dancers, Scottish dancers, food stalls and much more.

You’ll be able to buy cooked British specialty meats and a wide selection of British beers will be available from the bar.

Come and join us to celebrate British Heritage and Culture and to have a great time.

Date: 
Saturday, 4 May, 2019 - 10:00 to 16:00

Battle for Australia Ceremony

Battle for Australia Ceremony – Forecourt, Shrine of Remembrance, St Kilda Road.

On Wednesday 4th September, Australia officially celebrates the Battle for Australia, a series of victories in the Coral Sea, at Milne Bay and on the Kokoda Track which stemmed the tide of Japanese conquest. Those heroic Australians and our allies who fought in these battles and particularly those who sacrificed their lives in these campaigns to stop a Japanese invasion deserve our eternal gratitude and recognition.

Date: 
Wednesday, 4 September, 2019 - 11:00 to 12:00

Governors-General Vision and Values

ESU Victorian Branch members together with members of the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Melbourne Shakespeare Society performed excerpts of historic speeches by Australia’s Governors-General from the early 1930s to the 1970s in October 2018. The Royal Commonwealth Society hosted this event at their heritage property, “The Gables” and the theatre restaurant style proved a great success. Due to its popularity, a future performance is planned in 2019 - this time, featuring Governors-General from the 1970s to the end of the twentieth century.

Public Speaking Program

The ESU runs public speaking sessions to build individual confidence and composure with speaking in public. The sessions feature a framework for crafting a speech/talk, delivery techniques and tips for maintaining calm and confidence.

Anyone interested in public speaking can contact us at admin@esuvic.org.au to find out about forthcoming sessions.