John Curtin: The Man Who Rose to the Occasion October 12, 2008
Posted by hcaa in Invitation.add a comment
You are cordially invited to a talk to be given by Andrew Knopfelmacher entitled ‘John Curtin: The Man Who Rose to the Occasion’. As HCAA regulars would be aware Andrew has been a strong supporter of our talks over the years and has previously given two presentations (a talk on his father, the late Dr. Frank Knopfelmacher and on the nature of totalitarianism). Both these talks were well received as was a talk Andrew gave for the Brunswick Community History Group on John Curtin (who grew up in Brunswick).
HCAA is therefore honored that Andrew will give a talk reviewing John Curtin’s life, particularly his time as prime minister (1941 to 1945). In this era of meaningless self-referential introspection there has been a tendency to unproductively focus on the importance of character. However in the case of Curtain such an analysis is warranted because he was someone who rose to the occasion and in doing so arguably helped rescue Australia.
Prime Ministers since Curtin have talked about integrity and supposedly adopted moral role models but Curtain actually came through at the critical juncture. The talk in acknowledging Curtin’s short-comings will also emphasize that the late prime minister’s leadership was the vital dynamic which saved our nation by forging the alliance with the United States.
Andrew’s talk will be held-
At 7:30pm on Wednesday the 29th of October 2008
At Bells Hotel and Brewery
At 157 Moray Street South Melbourne
(Corner of Coventry Road)
Mel ways REF: 2K E1
The hotel management would be appreciative if guests availed themselves of the opportunity to purchase a meal or drinks at the bar between 6:30 and 7:00 pm. The talk will commence in the upstairs function room. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and/or make comment at the end of the speaker’s talk.
John Curtain (1885 – 1945) was a complex historical character on whom much can be said. Andrew’s talk will therefore offer the opportunity to generate discussion on this historical giant as there will be opportunity to make comment and/or ask Andrew questions at the end of his talk.
- RSVP: Monday the 27th of October 2008
Contacts (Listed in alphabetical order): - David Bennett (03) 9898 3629
- David Cowling (03) 9584 6247
- Klara Doroszlay (03) 9889 6014
- Jim Hewat (03) 9306 4318
- Phil McMillan (03) 9645 4417
- Tom Rigg (03) 9366 6168
