Bruce will discuss the state of Trump’s presidency, major issues and decisions that have marked the first year of his second term, the US-Australia relationship under Trump, Trump and global issues from Ukraine to Gaza to China, and the political outlook in the US for the 2026 midterm elections.
Thursday 9 October 2025, 6.30pm for 7pm start at the Balmain Town Hall Library (rear of the Town Hall).
About Bruce Wolpe
Bruce Wolpe is a Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre at Sydney University. Bruce is a regular contributor on US politics across media platforms in Australia. Bruce is the author of two books on Trump and Australia, including “What Trump’s Second Term Means for Australia (Allen & Unwin, January 2025). He has worked with the Democrats during President Obama’s first term and on the staff of Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
These two talks will address important issues facing community members in the Balmain peninsular:
1. Stay in your current home, whilst unlocking the money stored in your residence (Reverse Mortgage).
2. Move to a smaller and more manageable apartment (Downsizing).
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1. Unlock your home equity to boost your retirement income. (Andrew Black)
Join us to learn about your options to boost your retirement income by accessing the equity currently locked in your home. Whether you are looking for an additional retirement income stream, a lump sum to pay for home modifications, a world trip or other large purchase, find out if a reverse mortgage could be a suitable solution.
This information session will show you how a reverse mortgage works, the process from application, accessing your funds through to closing your account. Find out what the funds can be used for and all the important factors you will need to consider, such as impact on aged pension, equity in your home and any inheritance for your family.
2. Why now is the best time to Downsizer you home. (Mark Macduffie)
Hear from the award-winning company helping Australians downsize without the need for a cash deposit. Mark will unpack the key demographic drivers behind the downsizing movement in Australia and explain why now—amid potential interest rate cuts—presents a unique opportunity for this segment.
He’ll also reveal one of superannuation’s best-kept secrets: a tax incentive designed specifically for downsizers. This session offers practical insights for anyone looking to move sooner, not later.
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About Andrew Black
(MFinPlan, Dip. Financial Services (Finance and Mortgage Broking))
Andrew is the Chair of Gateway Bank with over 40 years’ of financial services experience in banking, wealth, insurance and investments with Citibank (United Kingdom and Australia), Commonwealth Bank, St. George Bank and CEO & MD of Skandia Australia and CEO of Plan B Group Holdings.
Andrew has held other non-executive director and advisory board roles in business coaching and personal insurances. He is currently a responsible manager for the AFSL of Alternative Media providing personal and general advice for personal insurances at Compare Club.
Andrew has recent personal experience of a reverse mortgage advising his mother-in-law.
About Mark Macduffie
Mark is the Co-founder and CEO of Downsizer.com, a platform designed to support the 1.9 million Australians planning to downsize their homes. With over 30 years’ experience across international wealth management, institutional banking, global markets and real estate, Mark is a seasoned executive who has led digital innovation across both startup and enterprise. He has served as Chief Technical Office of a social impact platform supporting Indigenous languages and continues to coach founders on tech and go-to-market strategy.
Actor, writer and director, Jonathan Biggins, will discuss satire, its relevance and the challenges it faces in the modern world.
The American playwright George S Kaufman famously said “Satire is what closes on Saturday night”. The 25 year run of the Wharf Revue might have proved him wrong but can satire survive in an increasingly bizarre world? It’s difficult to speak truth to power when truth is tenuous at best. But perhaps in a world increasingly dominated by technology and the few who control it, the intrinsically human need for comedy and our innate satisfaction at seeing the rug pulled from under those in power will become even more important. Discuss in 250 words or less, no AI allowed.
Thursday 12 June 2025, 6.30pm for 7pm start at the Balmain Town Hall Library (rear of the Town Hall).
About Jonathan Biggins
Jonathan is an actor, writer and director, perhaps best known as a co-creator of The Wharf Revue and his one-man play about Paul Keating, The Gospel According to Paul. His plays include Australia Day and Talk and he has performed with all the state theatre and opera companies. He lives in Balmain, naturally.
ABC radio’s Marius Webb will discuss the birth of DoubleJay and other ABC stories.
Marius Webb worked at the ABC and was the first staff-elected ABC Board Member.
Marius played a pivotal role in the establishment of DoubleJay which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Join Marius in discussing the beginnings of youth radio and its evolution to today’s media.
Marius will be introduced by Bruce Spence who will keep him on track if he wanders off topic.
Thursday 8 May 2025, 6.30pm for 7pm start at the Balmain Town Hall Library (rear of the Town Hall).
Veteran actor and SMH letter writer Bruce Spence and ABC radio’s Marius Webb share stories of their exploits and transgressions.
Veteran Balmain residents Bruce Spence and Marius Webb will share stories of their varied careers and dubious achievements over a combined hundred years of radio, television, theatre and politics. Bruce is of course well known for his various roles on stage and screen since the ‘70’s and Marius recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the birth of DoubleJay/TripleJay. They will regale us with fascinating tales from the 1970s, acting in Melbourne, falling foul of the law, their political activities, to their more recent ventures such as writing letters to the SMH, and living in Italy. Despite the witty interjections by Marius, Bruce maintains a serious demeanour. Old friends for many years, they have a lot in common except their height.
Thursday 13 March 2025, 6.30pm for 7pm start at the Balmain Town Hall Library (rear of the Town Hall).
About Bruce Spence and Marius Webb
Bruce was recently awarded the 2024 Equity Lifetime Award in recognition of his contribution to his profession, his work with The NSW Actors Benevolent Fund and Actors Equity, while Marius received a boxed set of Bananas in Pyjamas from a grateful ABC.
Balmain Institute Inc. 