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Eminent Australians guest speakers on local Cunard sailings

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Sir Peter Cosgrove, Australia’s 26th governor-general, left, and Alexander Downer, former high commissioner to the UK, are among the guest speakers
An Australian diplomat, politicians, a champion sailor and swimming legend, as well as a former governor-general, are in the guest speakers lineup for Cunard’s 2022-23 Australian season.

Their presentations are part of the Insights Programme of daily lectures and debates.

‘We know our guests are passionate about learning and expanding their views, so in choosing our speakers for this upcoming season we wanted to ensure that they both inspire and entertain our guests whilst sailing with us,’ said Katrina McAlpine, commercial director Australia and New Zealand.

Julie Bishop and Sir Peter Cosgrove

During Queen Elizabeth’s October 30 sailing to Sydney from Singapore, Julie Bishop, former foreign affairs minister and chancellor of the Australian National University and former Australian Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove will be the guest speakers.

Nova Peris and Dawn Fraser

Nova Peris, an Olympic gold medallist and the first indigenous woman to be elected to federal parliament will be on board Queen Elizabeth’s November 15 sailing from Sydney to Fremantle. So, too, will be another gold medallist — Dawn Fraser, the first woman to swim 100mtrs freestyle in under a minute. 

John Stainton

On Queen Elizabeth’s three-day sailing from Sydney to Melbourne on December 13, the guest speaker will be film and television producer John Stainton, who will also be on board Queen Mary 2 in March 2023.

Alexander Downer and John Longley

Australia’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alexander Downer, will give a number of lectures during Queen Elizabeth’s seven-day Melbourne to Sydney voyage on December 15, and sailing champion John Longley, a crew member when Australia won the America’s Cup in 1983, will speak during a two-week round-trip from Melbourne on December 22.

Tim Flannery

When Queen Elizabeth sails from Melbourne to Fremantle on February 27, 2023, the guest presenter will be Tim Flannery, chief councillor of the Climate Council.

Ken Sutcliffe

The presenter on Queen Mary 2’s voyage from Hong Kong to Sydney on February 23, 2023 will be the Nine Network sports commentator Ken Sutcliffe who will entertain passengers with anecdotes from his 50-year career in television.

Between March 12 and April 7 2023, Queen Mary 2 will complete a round trip between Sydney and Fremantle, with John Stainton making his second guest appearance on the first leg of the voyage. 

Ian McFadyen

Ian McFadyen, creator of the television series ‘The Comedy Company,’ will join the ship for the second leg back to Sydney.

Rounding off Cunard’s upcoming Australian cruise season, Queen Victoria sails from Sydney to Hong Kong on March 1, 2023, with another guest appearance by Sir Peter Cosgrove.