Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke's chief of staff Graham Evans will kick off the event when he gives his insight about the Australian government and the lack of trust in public institutions. 

The former senior federal public servant and diplomat had more than 40 years experience in the public and private sectors before retiring in 2010.

He worked in the Commonwealth Government from 1968 until 1986, in the Department of External Affairs - with postings in Manila, Bangkok and Washington, and subsequently Treasury and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Between 1986 and 1995 he was head of a number of Commonwealth departments, principally the Department of Primary Industries and Energy and the Department of Transport and Communication where he was awarded an AO in recognition of the substantial micro-economic reforms achieved.

He joined BHP in 1995, later BHP Billiton, as the global head of external affairs group until 2003 and was on the company's management committee during a period of substantial structural change.

Mr Evans was the inaugural Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission chairman from 2004, overseeing a number of inquiries including transport congestion, environmental regulation and local government and planning.

During his career, Mr Evans also held a number of directorships including Fosters Brewing, Australia Post and Telecom, and served on a government advisory bodies, more recently, the councils of Leadership Victoria and Reconciliation Victoria.

University of the Third Age Port Fairy president Kate Donelan said the first session of the occasional lecture series was almost sold out and aimed to provoke thoughtful conversation and a social outlet for the town's residents.  

"Graham should be really interesting, he's had such an amazing career," Dr Donelan said. 

"We're going to have at least four, maybe five, significant people from the community speak about different topics in the coming months," Dr Donelan said. "They're really interesting and quite intentionally different people."

Speakers to feature in the occasional series include Florey Institute professorial fellow Dr Phil Beart who will explore the links between diet and brain health in May, while historian Heather Sheard will speak in July about the forgotten Australian female doctors of the great war.

September's guest speaker is Port Fairy Spring Music Festival classical music and community engagement co-ordinator Monica Curro.

Dr Donelan said each session would include a lecture, Q&As and discussion and would be followed by afternoon tea.

"We've had a great response, it's really pleasing," she said. 

"It's part of what we want to do with U3A so that it gives an opportunity for more people to come together," Dr Donelan said. "To highlight the range of interesting and significant people in the community, provoke discussion on topical issues and have a chance for people to come together socially."

The Port Fairy University of the Third Age, began offering classes in the town this year.

Dr Donelan said a few places remained for Friday's session which was open to the public at a cost of $10 per person. Entry is free for Port Fairy U3A  and Port Fairy Community House members. The lecture is on at the Port Fairy Community Services Centre in Atkinson Street.

For more information or to RSVP email U3APortFairy@gmail.com or call Maggie Currie on 0419 290 232.