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Haruko Asakura, MEd, BA Dip Ed, Dip Teach, was born in Tokyo and brings extensive experience teaching Japanese across both Australia and Japan, from primary education through to university level. For almost 25 years, she was the lecturer in charge of Japanese Language Studies at Australian Catholic University (ACU), and she also served as a visiting professor at Hijiyama University in Hiroshima.

With deep knowledge of Japanese language and culture, Haruko is passionate about creating engaging and enjoyable learning experiences. She believes adults learn best when lessons are both intellectually stimulating and genuinely enjoyable, and she is committed to ensuring every student feels supported, motivated, and confident in their progress.

Her dedication to teaching excellence has been recognised and she received “ACU Excellence in Teaching Award”, “The Quality Teaching Award” by NSW Minister for Education and Training and the Australian College of Educators, during her university career. She also received the “Certificate of Commendation” by Sydney Consul-General of Japan for her dedication and outstanding contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Australia.

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Originally from Spain, Ana has degrees in Engineering and Education and is a qualified teacher. For the last 12 years, her passion for global cultures has taken her across the USA, Germany, and Singapore, where she taught Spanish. Currently living in Australia, her new home, she continues doing what she is passionate about: teaching her native language. For Ana, teaching Spanish is a way to share Hispanic culture and to connect with her home country while giving her students an entertaining and engaging way to learn Spanish.

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Mohamad is a community‑focused support professional with a Certificate III in Community Services and ongoing studies in Alcohol and Other Drugs. He brings a rare blend of empathy, cultural competency, and more than 20 years of high‑level client management experience from his former career in IT consulting. Mohamad has supported diverse communities through digital mentoring and language teaching, and is committed to empowering individuals through person‑centred support, clear communication, and calm, solution‑focused guidance. Driven by a genuine passion for improving wellbeing, Mohamad loves to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

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The Australian National Maritime Museum is Australia’s national museum dedicated to exploring the nation’s deep connection with the sea. Located on the waterfront at Darling Harbour in Sydney, the museum features world-class exhibitions, historic vessels, maritime artefacts, and stories of exploration, migration, naval service, First Nations seafaring, and ocean science. Opened in 1991, it is the only federally operated national museum located outside Canberra and welcomes visitors from around the world to discover Australia’s rich maritime heritage.

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Australian Voice Association. Tutor of WEA Sydney

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Australian Young Professionals Toastmasters. Tutor of WEA Sydney

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Kailash Awati has over two decades of experience in helping organisations improve their data and decision-making capabilities. He currently works at an NSW government agency and is also an Adjunct Fellow in Human-Centred AI at UTS.  Apart from his professional work, he has a deep interest in promoting data and AI literacy amongst audiences ranging from curious non-specialists to postgraduate students.  Kailash has written well-regarded books on managing complexity in organisations ( https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Kailash-Awati/author/B006JSYRCO) and blogs occasionally at Eight to Late (https://eight2late.wordpress.com).

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Sharon has a Diploma in Western Calligraphy, Certificate IV in Illuminated Calligraphy, Commercial Italic and Historical Calligraphy. She continues to study with many international calligraphers as part of her ongoing learning. She has been teaching in adult education for twenty plus years at Community Colleges. She has developed and run school holiday workshops for children introducing them to the art of calligraphy and its many benefits. Sharon has a comprehensive background in design and layout, watercolour painting, Botanical Art and Chinese Brush painting. Her love of Calligraphy and its history makes her passionate about what she teaches to all.

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Malabi believes in the power of collaborative growth and learning. Malabi, is an experienced instructor with over 27 years of teaching expertise, brings a modern and realistic approach to her classes, drawing from her deep understanding of human nature the subject that she is facilitating and her passion for teaching. Her teaching style is characterised by its conversational nature, creating an engaging and relaxed atmosphere for learning. She provides a carefully crafted curriculum for students to explore at their own pace, while emphasising group involvement to nurture individual motivations for participation.

To support student learning, Malabi provides handouts for home practice midway through the term, ensuring students have a clear understanding of the course material. She also fosters open discussions before and after sessions, offering extra support to those in need. Additionally, she organises regular end-of-term events, such as outdoor occasions, to encourage personal interactions within the community and create memorable experiences for students.

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Andrew Banks, MMus Tech BEd has been a high school music teacher for over 38 years as well as being Head Teacher of Creative and Performing Arts. He has been a tutor at WEA for nine years offering courses in ukulele, harmonica and guitar. He has also played in Bands since his teens (Rock, Blues and Country music etc.) and still continues to perform. Andrew has a keen interest in music covering a wide variety of styles and eras and delivers each lesson with great enthusiasm embellished with fascinating facts and humour. Andrew is dedicated to the notion that learning an instrument at any age inspires creativity, curiosity and social interaction.