January 30th - Professor Leigh Peterson

Leigh has engineering degrees from Melbourne University, and a Master’s degree and Doctor of Philosophy from Princeton University. He has held appointments at ANU, the SECV’s Research Laboratory and RMIT University.

Leigh’s career has included extensive engineering research and its application in industry, tertiary teaching and senior-level university administration. He is an engineer with a wide knowledge of understanding of technology, and a keen interest in its application and impact on society.

Subject:  The Hum in the Wires Charles Todd

Charles Todd emigrated to Australia in 1855 to take up his appointment as Astronomer and Metrological Observer and Chief Telegraph Officer for South Australia. After successfully linking South Australia to Victoria and NSW through electric telegraph, in 1870 he was appointed to construct the 2,900 km Overland Telegraph Line from Port Augusta to Darwin.

His expertise in astronomy, meteorology and the accurate determination of time and contributions to the resolution of the dispute about the location of the Victorian-South Australian border should also be acknowledged.

February 27th   - Emma Glynn

Emma Glynn is a physiotherapist with a special interest in helping people stay active and independent as they age. She’s an APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physio and currently manages a busy clinic at Life Ready Physio, Camberwell, where she works closely with older adults navigating common issues like knee osteoarthritis, hip pain, and balance challenges.

Emma has over ten years of clinical experience and a calm, practical approach to care. Outside of work, she enjoys running, strength training, and spending time with a good book or a strong coffee - often both at once.

Subject: Emma will be guiding us through some of the key health concerns that tend to emerge after 60 - things like heart health, bone strength, cognitive changes, and sleep quality. Her aim is to make the evidence simple and relatable, and to share ideas that support a longer, more active life.

March 27th - Gary Adler

Gary took a gap year when he finished school in 1972. The gap year lasted 48 years until he sold The Chocolate Box as a successful going concern, retiring in 2020. He survived working with his parents, and later his sister. Gary ate a lot of chocolate, often after a staff member would preface the tasting with “is it meant to taste like this?”

Gary opened or renovated over 50 shops and warehouses, visiting chocolate factories all over Australia and around the world, including one where they would not let him in!

Presentation synopsis

A Czech Jew escapes Europe in 1939, and via Lebanon, arrives in England. A German Jew also escapes Europe in 1939, and via Cuba, arrives in England. They meet, dance and after marrying decide to go to New Zealand after the war. A bomb during the blitz changes their plans, and they arrive in Melbourne in 1948. They plan to open a camera shop but isn’t this a presentation about The Chocolate Box.