The time is fast approaching for the 2017 Mumbulla Foundation’s major fundraiser, which traditionally has an element of fun and surprise.

The big surprise this year is the special guest – one of the 10 most popular after dinner speakers in Australia, FitzSimons is an author, columnist, radio and television personality, ex-Wallaby and linguist.

Born on a farm in Peat's Ridge, FitzSimons went to Knox Grammar School, before accepting an American Field Service Scholarship to go to Ohio for a year. He returned to complete an Arts degree at Sydney University majoring in government and political science.

In 1984 he broke into the Wallabies under the coaching of Alan Jones, living in France and Italy playing rugby for the next five years whilst learning both languages as well as Spanish. Upon his return to Australia he again played for the Wallabies, under Bob Dwyer, going on to play seven tests. 

In 1989 he joined The Sydney Morning Herald full-time, and has been one of their most popular columnists since. Andrew Denton has called him "Australia's finest sports journalist." 

FitzSimons boasts an impressive list of interview credits including ex-president George Bush, Sir Edmund Hillary, Jodie Foster, Nicki Lauda, Joe Montana and Carl Lewis as well as all the major Australian sporting figures from Shane Gould to Lionel Rose and Allan Border. He has interviewed every Australian Prime Minister from Gough Whitlam through to Kevin Rudd. 

“The Mumbulla Foundation is absolutely thrilled to have Peter FitzSimons as guest speaker at its annual Gala Dinner this year,” said chairman Gary Potts.

“Not only is Peter one of Australia’s best known authors and commentators, he is also a highly entertaining and engaging after dinner speaker. It promises to be a fabulous night for everyone who attends.”

There will be a delicious three course meal provided by Clinton Pendlebury and his team at Oaklands, a charity auction with great prizes and, of course, dancing.

The Mumbulla Foundation Gala Dinner thanked Bega Cheese and its other sponsors for supporting this event.

Funds raised from the Mumbulla Foundation Gala Dinner, around $20,000 per year, are distributed back into the community by way of grants to local not for profit organisations.

Mark the date now in your diary!  Join the foundation for dinner, dancing and great conversation on Friday,  October 20, at Oaklands Events Centre, Pambula.

Bookings available at mumbulla.org.au  Tickets for this fun, engaging and entertaining  night are $100 per person, or book before September 18 for the early bird discount. Bring your friends and colleagues along and book a table for 10 for $900.

Peter FitzSimons AM appears by arrangement with Claxton Speakers International.