Australians are being invited to an online event with the iconic Ita Buttrose AC OBE and world-renowned dementia researcher, Professor Henry Brodaty AO, for a live conversation celebrating the release of Ita’s provocative new book, Unapologetically Ita.
Hosted by UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), the webinar will take place from 2pm to 3pm AEDT on Monday, 18 November and promises a thought-provoking hour of reflection, honesty and inspiration.
A compelling and enlightening book by one of Australia’s most celebrated journalists, Unapologetically Ita captures the wit and intellect that have defined Buttrose’s remarkable six-decade career. Now in her eighties, Ita remains as passionate as ever about the causes she champions, the future of Australia and the importance of living meaningfully to the very end of our lives.
In this one-hour discussion, Professor Brodaty – Ita’s long-time friend, colleague and fellow advocate for healthy ageing – will explore the insights, challenges and inspirations behind Unapologetically Ita, including Ita’s reflections on her father’s dementia diagnosis and the impact it had on her family, the significance of brain health and dementia research in ensuring better quality of life for all Australians, her candid views on ageing, ageism and how society must rethink what it means to grow older, and the enduring optimism that has defined her six-decade career as one of Australia’s most influential women.
“Ita has been a defining force in shaping Australia’s cultural and social landscape,” said Professor Brodaty. “She has never shied away from tackling difficult subjects – from ageism and women’s rights to dementia and healthy ageing. This conversation will be both personal and profoundly relevant.”
In Unapologetically Ita, Buttrose reflects with trademark courage and clarity on a lifetime of leadership and advocacy – from her early days as founding editor of Cleo and editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly, to her tenure as Chair of the ABC and her ongoing work supporting causes close to her heart including dementia, macular disease and HIV/AIDS.
“Older Australians need to get their heads out of the sand. Ageing will not go away. It is the one thing we all have in common,” she says.
“We might be able to slow ageing down, but growing older is an unstoppable journey – one that can include fate tossing you a curveball or two.”
Unapologetically Ita launches nationally on 28 October.
Event Details: Unapologetically Ita: In Conversation with Professor Henry Brodaty AO
When: Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Time: 2pm – 3pm AEDT
Where: Online webinar
Cost: Free – registration essential
Register now: Webinar Registration – Zoom.
