THE Australian Institute of International Affairs, in partnership with the University of Wollongong and the Wollongong City Council, invites members of the public to attend its inaugural Town Hall meeting on international affairs in Wollongong.

The talk will be held on Thursday May 24 at the Wollongong Town Hall, Multi-Function Room, corner of Crown and Kembla Streets, Wollongong.

The Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) is an independent, non-profit organisation that promotes interest in and understanding of international affairs in Australia. It organises more than 200 events per year across the country and produces highly regarded publications.

The AIIA was ranked in the top 10 think tanks in Asia in the 2011 Global Go To Think Tank Index.

Join expert speakers to discuss the forthcoming White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century. This is a chance to be involved in the national debate about transformations in the Asian region and learn about the White Paper process from experts in the field. The event will give the audience the opportunity to engage directly in an important national debate.

The meeting will feature John McCarthy, one of the most accomplished Australian diplomats of his generation. His résumé includes ambassadorships in Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, the United States, Indonesia, Japan and India, notably functioning as the face of Australia in India during the recent turbulence in relations. He has also served in Damascus, Baghdad and Vientiane. He is currently Australia’s Special Representative to Sri Lanka and a special representative for Australia’s Security Council Bid. He has been National President of AIIA since 2010.

Colin Chapman is a writer, broadcaster, television producer and geopolitical analyst. Colin has held a number of senior positions – including five years at the London Sunday Times, six years at BBC TV News and 17 years in the Financial Times management. He has worked as deputy editor of The Australian and as an executive producer at the ABC. In 2002 Mr Chapman joined Stratfor, an American geopolitical analysis group, as vice-president Asia-Pacific. He also appears regularly as an international affairs commentator on CNBC Asia.

The event is free. To reserve a place visit www.aiia.asn.au or phone (02) 6282 2133.