The next New Institute public forum will welcome back one of Australia’s most prominent and respected Economics commentators.  Ross Gittins is renowned for his clear and concise style of writing, and his ability to break through the technical obscurantism and jargon that pervades many in the field. He is also unafraid of challenging the conventional wisdom, and using wry humour to illustrate his skepticism of the orthodoxy or fads of the day. 

Economics has long been called ‘The Dismal Science’.  The title of Ross’ new book, “The Happy Economist” typifies his humour as he asks provocative questions to make us think about things differently.  In it, he challenges the obsession of most economists with financial and economic measures.  He asks us to imagine instead a world where the progress of a nation was measured by more than figures like the GDP or national accounts. What if the wellbeing and even satisfaction or happiness of the people were also included?  Could happiness be our most important measure of economic success? 

Distilling the practical wisdom from recent scientific studies of happiness by psychologists and economists, Ross claims that happiness isn’t about maintaining a forced smile or a self-centred concern to maximise pleasure and minimise pain, but about living a satisfying life of endeavour, achievement and mutually rewarding relationships.

Perhaps more provocatively, he also argues for a different approach by governments.  He suggests that less emphasis on economic growth and efficiency, and more on preserving the planet and the social fabric – could add to ‘national happiness’.  It is a bold and insightful venture into an area where few economists dare to tread.

Don’t miss the pleasure of hearing Ross Gittins at The New Institute!

MEETING OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC 

VENUE: South Leagues Club, Llewellyn St.  Merewether.    

DATE: Tuesday 12th October 2010  

TIME: 7.00 till 8.30pm  ADMISSION: $5

FURTHER INFORMATION:  www.newinstitute.org.au  or Angie at  0422401129

Click here if you'd like to download a flyer for this event

A good crowd was on hand at Souths last night, 14th September, to hear from Stefano Manfredi as he outlined some of the ways that the relationships between cuisine and local produce have developed over time.

A number of people who were unable to attend were there as ‘virtual attendees’ via a live twitter stream.  If you were at the event either in person or ‘virtually’ please feel free to click the comment link and contribute your thoughts.

Coming up in October we will see the return of popular and nationally recognised economist and speaker Ross Gittins.

Ross will  return to the New Institute to discuss ‘The Happy Economist’. 

There will be more information available prior to the event, but it’s going to be worth putting aside the second Tuesday in October, as Ross always attracts a large and attentive audience.

Join us for a real treat on 14th September!

Fettuccine, Chorizo, Cappuccino, Sushi, Cabernet Sauvignon. These words are common place and are understood and appreciated by most Australians today. But only 50 years ago we were more familiar with devon, mint sauce, vegemite and porphyry pearl, while cheese came from a blue packet wrapped in alfoil.

The post-war migration era has seen Australia’s emergence as one of the most cosmopolitan and dynamic societies in the world. It has also resulted in the growth of businesses and cultural activities, and variety in foods, wine, restaurants, fashion, art and architecture. Choosing a restaurant to eat today is not a simple decision. Choices include restaurant or cafe; inside or out; a myriad of ethnicities; types of eating – a la carte, degustation, tapas, small bites; BYO or licensed.

The contribution of food and wine to Australian society is beyond the immediate pleasures of consumption and experience. It has supported our understanding of other cultures, nations and religions, while fine food and wine are also significant contributors to the Australian economy.

At the next public forum of the New Institute, Stefano Manfredi a leading providore and exponent of modern Italian cuisine in Australia, will review this profound transformation of Australia when he presents ’The Contribution of Food and Wine to Australian Society’.

Born in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Stefano and his family settled in Australia in 1961. His first restaurant opened in 1983, transforming the way the cuisine of Italy was perceived in Australia. His restaurant is the only Italian restaurant to have attained the coveted 3-hat rating from the SMH Good Food Guide. More recently, he has branched out into broader hospitality with restaurant and fine boutique accommodation at Bell’s Killcare and Pretty Beach.  He is also a nationally influential food writer, with a weekly column in the Sydney Morning Herald.

If you’d like a printable version of this notice you can download as a pdf here (Right Click and ‘Save As’)

MEETING OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC 

VENUE: South Leagues Club, Llewellyn St.  Merewether.    

DATE: Tuesday 14th September 2010  

TIME: 7.00 till 8.30pm  ADMISSION: $5

FURTHER INFORMATION:  Krysia Walker  0428 601692

Follow the #NewInstitute hashtag for tweets before and during the event.