Hollywood Subiaco Learners

01/05/2026

Australia’s military story: its past, present and…. future

This series takes us from an intriguing journey into the past, to discussion of the “now” and offers a glimpse into the future.

On Friday 15th May, Ernie Polis, will present: POW Camps in the Southwest.

On Friday, 19th June, Captain Ken Burleigh, RAN – Commanding Officer of HMAS Stirling will present: HMAS Stirling – its history and development, strategic significance and its future.

On Friday 17th July, Garry Coombe, former submariner will present: The Role of the Australian Navy in the Vietnam War.

Presentations are held at the Hollywood Subiaco Bowling Club, 42 Smyth Road Nedlands starting at 3pm.. Registration at 2.45pm

Costs are $5 for members and $10 for non-members per session. RSVP is essential to [email protected]. Cash only please

16/01/2026

Hollywood Subiaco Learners’ Club presents its first series for 2026
– Heritage and Horticulture

On Friday, 20th February, John Viska, the founding Chairman of the West Australian branch of the Australian Garden History Society and author of number of books regarding on gardening and horticulture, will present:

Historic Gardens of Perth.
An illustrated presentation on the society’s recent publication with a selection of images from the book as well as describing the origin of the project.

On Friday, 20th March, Richard Offen, lecturer, broadcaster and author, will present:

Debunking Myths

a virtual tour of some of the places that give Western Australian a very special status in the world’s history. Starting with fossils in
the Pilbara and some of the earliest evidence of Aboriginal communal living, to the remains of a fort on the Abrolhos Islands and continuing with the early buildings of the Swan River Colony, set up in 1829.

On Friday 17th April, John Viska’s presentation,

Colonial Kitchen Gardens

describing the form, they took in the early days of the colony as well as a selection of plants that were cultivated.

Presentations are held at the Hollywood Subiaco Bowling Club, 42 Smyth Road Nedlands commencing at 3pm registration at 2.45pm

Costs are $5 for members and $10 for non-members per session.
CASH ONLY please

RSVP is essential to [email protected].

01/05/2025

The second series for 2025 are 3 talks about WW11 titled
Myths, Maelstroms and Memories.

May 16th former naval officer will give a presentation on the Tragedy of USS Indianapolis the last surface warship to be sunk in WW11. Discover some interesting facts and some myths surrounding this sinking.

June 20th Vernon Benjamin will give a talk called Air War over Germany and with particular mention of Australia's contribution.

July 18th army museum curatorial volunteer will present Here, There and Everywhere charting both here and abroad where Subiaco men and women served in WW11.

Talks are held at Hollywood Subiaco Bowling Club 42 Smyth Road Nedlands from 3-4.00pm with registration at 2.45. Costs are $5 for members and $10 for non members CASH ONLY.

RSVP is essential to Rosanne

A light afternoon tea will include war time recipes.

17/01/2025

Hollywood Subiaco Learners’ Club first series for 2025.

Welcome to our first series of 2025, from February to April. – Perth, Past and Present. Please join us for a captivating travel through time.
On 21st February, Richard Offen, lecturer, broadcaster and author, will present: Perth- Then and Now. Photos, taken from Richard’s best-selling book, past and present are laid side by side –
presenting a fascinating tour around the capital of WA.

On 21st March, Lucy Hair will present: Influences that have shaped housing styles in WA. Lucy is a professional historian and has extensive experience on heritage projects.

On 11th April, Richard Offen will present: Heroes, Villains and Vagabonds, an intriguing journey through the history of Perth, highlighting some people who, for good or bad, have made Perth what it is today.

Presentations are held at the Hollywood Subiaco Bowling Club, 42 Smyth Road Nedlands commencing at 3pm.

Costs are $5 for members and $10 for non-members per session. RSVP is essential to [email protected]. (Rosanne Donaldson)
Cash only please. A light afternoon tea will be served

24/10/2024

The final session in the series A Balanced Life will be held on November 15th starting at 2.45.

Andy Austin a physiotherapist from Body Logic will offer tips and techniques to keep your balance and your confidence as you age.

As this is the last session for 2024 we have a few surprises in store!

11/10/2024

The second in the series A Balanced Life

Prabuddha Nicol will present: Meditation , the way within.

Prabuddha will present some simple techniques of meditation to calm the body and still the mind.

Prabuddha Nicol has spent over 40 years learning the art of meditation and spiritual living from the late Meditation Master Sri Chinmoy, who dedicated his life to fostering peace and good will through music, art, poetry and sport. Prabuddha has taught meditation to many thousands of people and says “It is the most worthwhile and constructive practice one can add to their life’s activities”.

Date Friday 18th October 2.45 for a 3pm start.

Cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members

42 Smyth Rd Nedlands

A light afternoon tea will be served.

Please email [email protected]

09/09/2024

26/08/2024

The final series for 2024 is titled A Balanced Life.

On September 20th Susan Hall will present: Essential Oils for Health & Home. Susan will introduce us to the history, uses and features of a range of essential oils. There will be a door prize of a seated 1/2 seated massage for 1 lucky person

Time 2.30 pm for a 3.00 start
42 Smyth Rd Nedlands
Cost $5 for members and $10 for non-members CASH only
A light afternoon tea will be served

RSVP to Rosanne at [email protected] by 16th September

12/07/2024

Just a reminder about our final presentation in our series: Defending Australia by Air, Land and Sea.

Title: Exciting Times - Dangerous Times - Times to Remember
Date: 19th July
Time: 3pm
Venue: Hollywood Subiaco Bowling Club

Costs are $5 for members* and $10 for non-members per session. RSVP is essential to [email protected]. Cash only please.

Robert Mitchell , Special Projects Officer at the Australian Army Museum, WA, will be our presenter.

His talk will focus on two stories from 1939 - 1945 – Fremantle Fortress and the defence of Western Australia from Geraldton to Albany.

Background Information

Robert Mitchell was born in Canada and served 30 years in the Canadian Forces. He has resided in Western Australia for over 30 years. He remains an active volunteer, guide, researcher and writer in history, heritage and museum activities and is currently Special Projects Officer at the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia.

16/06/2024

Just a reminder about our 2nd presentation next week on 21st June in our Series : Defending Australia - by Air, Land and Sea.

Ian Duggan, author, will present: Black Swans Over Java and will provide an overview of Corunna Downs WW11 secret air base south of Marble Bar in WA, - covering the unbearable conditions that the men endured there together with the heroic flight crews flying missions bombing Japanese bases in Java and Bali.

About the presenter

Ian is a retired police officer having served 35 years in the West Australian police force, where he spent 11 years in the Pilbara. His research skills were honed by his police experience and university studies.

He has written 7 books, 5 of which have been published, including: Black Swans Over Java, The Rock, Traders Pirates or Spies. Another two are being edited and one has been partly completed.

Venue: Hollywood Subiaco Bowling Club, 42 Smyth Road Nedlands

Time: 2.45pm for a 3pm start

Date: 21st June

Payment: Cash only please: $5 members: $10 non members.

If you will be attending, please RSVP to [email protected] by Wednesday 19th June.