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Is Laughter the Best Medicine?

Held on the 10th Apr 2025

at 6pm to
7:30pm

, North-West Tasmania


Add to Calendar 2025-04-10 18:00:00 2025-04-10 19:30:00 Australia/Sydney Is Laughter the Best Medicine? Explore the surprising impacts of humour on health in this unique mix of comedy and expert insights. The Makers Technology and Innovation Hub, 2 Bass Hwy, Parklands TAS
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Venue:

The Makers Technology and Innovation Hub, 2 Bass Hwy, Parklands TAS

Summary:

Explore the surprising impacts of humour on health in this unique mix of comedy and expert insights.

Presenter(s):

  • Associate Professor Alison Canty, neuroscientist, Wicking Dementia Research Education Centre, University of Tasmania
  • Dr Daryl Peebles, writer, performer and ‘grandfather of Tasmanian comedy’

In times of growing social isolation and health challenges, could laughter offer unexpected benefits? Our scientists, industry experts and researchers join forces with comedy acts to unpack how humour might support well-being and strengthen connections.

Tickets are free but essential, secure yours now to avoid missing out.

Pre-event refreshments:
Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.


About the experts:
Dr Daryl Peebles has spent over 40 years making people laugh as a comedian, writer, ventriloquist, and magician. His comedy plays have been performed across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, and he regularly takes to the stage as an MC, after-dinner speaker, and charity auctioneer. But there’s a serious side to his humour. With a PhD from the University of Tasmania, Daryl’s research explored The Value of Humour in Workplaces, uncovering how laughter can shape well-being and productivity. Now, he’s turned his focus to the power of humour in ageing and mental health. A regular performer in the Mental Health Week Comedy Roadshow, he’s soon bringing his latest show, Stand Up for Seniors (but not necessarily on the bus), to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.


Associate Professor Alison Canty is a neuroscientist at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre at the University of Tasmania. Her research focuses on how the brain and its potential to repair and regenerate, particularly in the context of ageing and dementia. Her career has taken her to top institutions like the Karolinska Institute and Imperial College London. In 2022, she was named an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, and spent 12 months at The Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin. Passionate about advancing dementia care, Associate Professor Canty leads the suite of Wicking Dementia Education programs, combining research with practical, impactful education.


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Find out more:
Want to learn more about the University of Tasmania's Island of Ideas public talks series? Catch-up on past events, register for upcoming talks or get in touch with us via our Island of Ideas webpage.

Community fest:
This event is a feature of the University of Tasmania's commUNIty FEST. Click the link below to explore the 11-day-long program of FREE community events held at our Cradle Coast campus.