Melbourne Forum gives you access to the highest level of expertise and real-world lessons that our conversation leaders – all with a reputation for excellence – bring to the table under the Chatham House rule.
We are committed to providing a platform for, and the increased visibility of, diverse voices.
With varied formats (in-person or virtual; conversation leader or members engaging with each other; learning from experts or exploring viewpoints) there are multiple ways to participate.
Explore our upcoming program of events and forums.
Events Search and Views Navigation
March 2024
Boardroom Passions and Challenges
At the cutting edge of change and competition, David Thodey AO is a global business leader focused on innovation, technology and telecommunications with more than forty years of experience creating brand and shareholder value. He is interested in customer centred transformation of businesses. “The best organisations put…
Find out more »The Parkville Precinct Open Door Series
Melbourne’s Parkville Precinct is a powerhouse of public and private institutions and businesses of national and global significance. This year we will open the door to some of these places. The first visit will be to the University of Melbourne’s centre for the research and…
Find out more »April 2024
Question 7
Beginning at a love hotel by Japan's Inland Sea and ending by a river in Tasmania, Question 7 is about the choices we make about love and the chain reaction that follows. By way of H. G. Wells and Rebecca West's affair through 1930s nuclear physics to…
Find out more »Depth and Impact of the Advisory Board Sector
Louise Broekman, Founder of the Advisory Board Centre, is an award-winning entrepreneur, researcher and business advisor with industry and government recognition at a local and national level for her contribution to the Australian business sector. Louise has the unique advantage of having been on both…
Find out more »Democratic Resilience
According to the Australian Parliamentary Education Office, a democratic country has a system of government in which the people have the power to participate in decision-making. Such a country also has four key components: Active and engaged citizens An inclusive and equitable society Free and…
Find out more »Dangerous Dinner
In a relaxed, intimate dinner party format, we draw on the diverse expertise of our members sharing their ideas and experiences on complex or controversial topics; to learn from others, challenge assumptions, spark new ideas or point the way for potential actions. Dangerous because the…
Find out more »May 2024
Contemporary Non-Profits: Challenges and Opportunities
If you are on a Board, an Executive, or interested in leadership in the NFP sector this ZOOM event will provide an opportunity to discuss issues with a panel of four members with extensive and diverse experience in Governance and Leadership in NFPs. NFPs positively…
Find out more »Observations of a Journalist
One of Australia’s best-known journalists and authors, Michael Gawenda AM, has a career that spans four decades with roles that included a political reporter, a foreign correspondent based in London and in Washington, a columnist, a feature writer, and a senior editor at Time Magazine.…
Find out more »Corporate Governance: Australian and Overseas trends and issues
What are the pressing governance issues and future trends facing Australian and International boards? We are privileged to have two Melbourne Forum members lead a conversation on corporate governance. Dr Nora Scheinkestel is an experienced company director having served as a non-executive chairman and director…
Find out more »Indonesia’s Unlikely New President: Implications for Australia and the West
2024 will see a range of significant elections around the world. These elections will involve more than 40% of the world's population. In Indonesia, about 205 million people are eligible to vote, making it one of the world’s biggest election days. What are the implications…
Find out more »Dangerous Dinner
In a relaxed, intimate dinner party format, we draw on the diverse expertise of our members sharing their ideas and experiences on complex or controversial topics; to learn from others, challenge assumptions, spark new ideas or point the way for potential actions. Dangerous because the…
Find out more »The Nixon Review: addressing migrant worker exploitation
The Nixon Review was established by the Department of Home Affairs to addresses migrant worker exploitation, and aimed to more effectively prevent, deter and sanction abuse of Australia's visa framework. In this highly informative Melbourne Forum lunch, Christine Nixon AO, APM will help us understand…
Find out more »