|
|||||
New National Defence Strategy in June, Tony Abbott in August and newsDear , It’s been a busy month and a bit. We’ve moved out of our old premises and are currently temporarily housed in the offices of director Graeme Haycroft’s Red Union, and we are on the hunt for permanent digs. At the same time we hosted Ron Manners in a new functions venue, the hall at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Fortitude Valley, and pursued a number of policy issues, including batting back criticism of us by the state treasurer, Cameron Dick. Coming functionsAustralia's new National Defence Strategy - is it fit for purpose?Don’t forget our review of the National Defence Strategy by Major General (Retired) Adam Findlay on Tuesday June 18 at the Brisbane Club. Adam is an impressive intellect, and when it comes to army top brass, definitely not a shiny bum, collecting medals from a safe distance from the action. He was deployed in Iraq and also in Afghanistan. Now a professor at Griffith University, he is eminently placed to give a critical assessment of where Australia is, and how it can get where it should be. Last week was the 80th anniversary of D Day when thousands of young men, average age 19, gave their lives for freedom and democracy, and thousands more ultimately triumphed over Nazi Germany. As a military historian Adam can weave the lessons of the past into the quandaries of the present. Cost is $135 for AIP members ($100 concessions) and the function will start at 12:00 for 12:30 pm. To book click here. We also welcome the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce as a partner on this function. Emancipation Day“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound”. These words were written by John Newton, at the time an Anglican clergyman, but formerly not only a slaver, but a slave himself. His life experience encompassed active involvement both as a perpetrator, and a victim, of the slave trade. He found God, repented, and became an advocate of abolition. The hymn is about his transition from involvement in one of the most inhuman trades to a life serving the highest good. His story exemplifies characteristics that are in short supply these days – humility, honesty, remorse, repentance, forgiveness – and dedication to doing the right thing, even when it is not popular. Newton will be the focus this year of our celebration of the British Empire’s abolition of slavery, and the dawn of the era of universal human rights. Who better to be our keynote speaker than the Hon Tony Abbott AC, a man with strong beliefs, who unlike many politicians, is prepared to fight for them, and who will admit that from time to time he needs as much grace as he can get. So put breakfast on August the 1st in your diary with further details to come. Classical educationThis is not an AIP function, but the movement across the country to start new private schools offering a classical education is one that should be applauded. In Brisbane James Power will be opening the St John Henry Newman College in 2026. This will be a classical education school in the Roman Catholic tradition. Another school is to open next year, and it will be in the Russian Orthodox tradition. Many parents are choosing to step outside our dysfunctional existing schooling system and are homeschooling their children. Many of these choose a classical education curriculum. Rather than preach at you about the benefits, why don’t you attend the official launch of John Henry Newman College and get a first hand view of what classical education has to offer. The opening is on Thursday 11th July at 6pm in the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church Parish Hall. To book click here. The launch is free, but they do need to know numbers. ActivitiesThe highlight of the last month was being attacked in the state parliament by treasurer Cameron Dick. They say you know you are over the target when you attract flak. Media release
Articles
Regards, GRAHAM YOUNG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
|
||
|
|||||
 |