08 September - 09 September 2026

   

the brain cliff

Dr Norman Swan 

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Dr Norman Swan returns to the Hawke Centre to explore the science of brain ageing, drawing on insights from his latest book, The Brain Cliff. He will examine what really happens to our brains as we age and what research tells us about maintaining cognitive health, resilience and sharpness throughout life.

Many of us worry about losing our mental edge as we move through our forties and fifties – forgetting names, struggling to recall information, or simply not feeling as quick of mind as we once were. By our sixties and seventies, those concerns can deepen into fears about dementia, cognitive decline and losing our independence.

But according to one of Australia’s most trusted doctors, we have been thinking about brain ageing the wrong way.

Drawing on the latest research and remarkable stories from people in their nineties and beyond who continue to thrive cognitively, Dr Swan reveals that healthy brain ageing is not simply about genetics, diet or exercise. It’s about adaptability, resilience and the everyday habits that help our brains continue to flourish throughout life.

Insightful, practical and ultimately hopeful, this special event will change the way you think about ageing - and leave you with new tools to become a cognitive superager.

Imprints Booksellers will be selling copies of Norman's book, The Brain Cliff. in the Auditorium foyer on the night of the event.

Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre 

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speaker

dr norman swan
author and journalist

Dr Norman Swan is a multi-award-winning producer, broadcaster, investigative journalist and bestselling author. His career has been highlighted by his desire to keep the Australian public informed of health developments as they happen, combining medical expertise with journalism. One of the first medically qualified journalists in Australia, Dr Swan was born in Scotland, graduated in medicine from the University of Aberdeen and later obtained his postgraduate qualifications in Paediatrics.

Since joining the ABC in 1982, he has won numerous awards for his work as presenter of The Health Report on ABC Radio National. He currently hosts Radio National's The Health Report and co-hosts What's That Rash?, and during the pandemic, he co-hosted Coronacast. He also reports on 7.30 and is a guest reporter on Four Corners, appears on The Drum and is an occasional host of Radio National Breakfast.  

He has presented on his bestselling books at the Hawke Centre, including So You Think You Know What's Good for You? (2021) and So You Want to Live Younger Longer? (2022) and So You Want to Know What's Good for Your Kids?  (2024)

The Health Report: The Health Report

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Presented by
The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre

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While the views presented by speakers within The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre public program are their own and are not necessarily those of either Adelaide University or The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, they are presented in the interest of open debate and discussion in the community and reflect our themes of: Strengthening our Democracy - Valuing our Diversity - Building our Future. The Hawke Centre reserves the right to change their program at any time without notice.