Resume

John Coombs gained his BA (Hons) from the University of Wales in Welsh Language and Classical studies. He has since supplemented this with a BA in Classics from the University of New England. John has taught in primary schools and taught Latin at secondary schools. He has taught Latin, Classical Greek, Welsh and other subjects relating to History, Literature, Celtic Studies and Music with WEA and with Continuing Education at the University of Sydney. He has lectured in Welsh at the University of Sydney.

Resume

Council on the Ageing NSW. Tutor of WEA Sydney

Resume

David Crawford PhD, Grad.Dip Policy Studies, BA (Hons). He tutors writing sessions for all-comers, talks on French existentialist writer de Beauvoir, and is now exploring Healthy Ageing seminars for WEA attendees. David is a professional social research writer of 30 years, including with the House of Representatives Federal Parliament, UWS Men's Health Research Centre, Department of Premier & Cabinet, and the National Parks & Wildlife Service. A published author with articles in Friends on the Shelf Magazine (London),Men's Health Journal (UK), The Parliamentarian (UK), Sydney's Child, and Southern Highlands News. Two self-published books were produced in Paris. He recently self-published Ordinary Lives Extraordinary Conversations, a book of meandering and fascinating Oral History interviews with Volunteer guides at the Maritime Museum in Sydney, worklife tales at sea and in the Services. He is currently drafting a fourth manuscript on .. a not-to-be revealed topic! He enjoys facilitative learning with participants. David knows adult learning at WEA is a two-way process, with motivated, curious participants who learn through social connection and supportive community. His classes have fascinating content, flavoured with a mix of humour, group discussion and joy - and usually a relevant mention of Simone de Beauvoir, the unconventional French existentialist writer. He facilitated Men's Wellbeing workshops and retreats for several years in Canberra and  California.

Resume

Isabella, MEng, MTE, was born in Milan, Italy. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s in Management of Technology and Entrepreneurship from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne. After working in several fields for almost a decade, Isabella obtained a LOTE certificate from UNSW in order to teach Italian as a second language. She now teaches Italian for several institutions and schools. Isabella develops interactive, stimulating lessons and creates a relaxed atmosphere which makes the learning process enjoyable. She delivers lessons using extensive technology and a variety of materials. Isabella loves the challenge of finding the best approach to ensure everyone succeeds and reaches their goals.

Resume

After working on corporate identity and design in Paris, Blandine moved to Sydney where she began teaching French in the corporate environment, as well as translating for large companies. Blandine has studied at ISIT (Management & Intercultural Communication School) in Paris and holds a National Accreditation for Translators (NAATI) from Sydney. She has been teaching French as a second language at all levels at the Alliance Française and at the University of Sydney and enjoys sharing her love for French culture and current affairs. Blandine has a passion for the arts and is also working at the Sydney Opera House.

Resume

Liliane Cunliffe has an impressive academic background including a BA in Modern Literature and Languages from Paris XIII University, and a MA in Teaching French as a Foreign Language from the Jussien Sorbonne University in Paris. Her teaching career includes secondary school teaching in Paris, followed by steady employment by the Alliance Francaise in Sydney, after her migration to Australia in 1999.

Resume

Jacqueline has been working as a designer in the textile industry for over 25 years in both Australia and the UK. She has a love of innovative fabric construction, pattern design and colour. She uses a number of digital programmes in her workflow including Adobe Illustrator, Procreate and Adobe Photoshop in her process. She is also a keen hands-on designer, finding inspiration from a number of creative outlets such as drawing, painting, rug making, embroidering and has a background in dance. Pattern has been the driving force behind Jacqueline's work throughout her career and she is heavily influenced by movement, colour, and proportion. She loves to share this passion with her students so they can discover their own personal style.

Resume

CWA - Sydney City. Tutor of WEA Sydney

Resume

Olivia de Bergerac was born on the French Riviera, lived in Paris and stated teaching French to business people while completing a PhD in French Literature and Psychology. In Australia Olivia was teaching at the University of Sydney and then completed an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management and became a management consultant specialised in stress management. Today, Olivia teaches French, does research on neuroscience, longevity and life and death and writes books (in French and English). For Olivia the key is to transform all fears, fear of learning French, fear of getting old and fear of death into love.

Resume

Richard de Grijs is a professor of astronomy, historian of science and chair of the Australian National Maritime Museum heritage speakers. A volunteer guide at the Australian National Maritime Museum, he combines historical research with engaging storytelling to bring the Age of Sail to life.