We are a community of curious, connected and interested Melburnians contributing to and engaging on the important issues of today and tomorrow.
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 new experiences) there are multiple ways to participate.
Explore our upcoming program of events and forums.
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February 2025
Transforming the Housing Sector: Building for a Better Future
Victoria is in the grip of a housing crisis that has reached critical proportions, driven by soaring property prices, a shortage of affordable homes, and rising rental costs. Rapid population growth, coupled with insufficient housing supply, has left many people struggling to find secure and…
Find out more »Humankind: A Hopeful History
Are humans innately good? The instinct to cooperate rather than compete, trust rather than distrust, has an evolutionary basis going right back to the beginning of Homo sapiens. When thinking the worst of others, we bring out the worst in our politics and economics too.…
Find out more »The Promise of Fusion Energy
Nuclear fusion or nuclear fission? Do you know the difference? Is nuclear fusion the holy grail of clean energy? This is what Melbourne Forum does best: insightful discussions on the important issues of today and tomorrow. Join us at this exclusive event to discover all…
Find out more »Connections
Join like-minded members at this first Connections event for 2025. Melbourne Forum is a rich part of our city's intellectual and cultural life by exploring the important issues of today and tomorrow. Our community of curious, connected and interested Melburnians come together for knowledge-sharing and…
Find out more »The 4B Movement: Challenging Traditional Gender Norms
In recent years, the landscape of feminist movements has seen a dynamic shift, with various groups emerging to challenge traditional gender norms and expectations. One such movement that has gained attention is the 4B Movement, purportedly originating in South Korea in 2019. Advocating for a…
Find out more »Australia’s National Science Agency
The CSIRO works with industry, government and the research community to turn science into solutions to address Australia's greatest challenges, including food security and quality; sustainable energy and resources; health and wellbeing; resilient and valuable environments; future industries; and a secure Australia and region. Dr…
Find out more »POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying To Keep Him Alive
A Play by Selina Fillinger Presented by Lightning Jar Theatre in association with fortyfivedownstairs Dedicated to any woman who’s ever found herself the secondary character in a male farce. When a White House PR nightmare spins into a full blown shitshow, seven brilliant and beleaguered…
Find out more »March 2025
Growing The Conversation: How our evidence-based journalism is read by the world
The Conversation Media Group is an independent, non-profit media organisation that aims to democratise knowledge by publishing evidence-based news and analysis authored by academics and researchers. It bridges the gap between academia and the public by ensuring the knowledge created in universities has a broader societal…
Find out more »Sustaining one of Australia’s Great Newspapers
In 2024 The Age celebrated its 170th Anniversary. Upon its launch on 17 October 1854 it was deigned to be "a publication dedicated to the record of great movements, advocacy of free institutions, diffusion of truth, advancement of man." As further explained in an article…
Find out more »Planes, trains & automobiles – the intersection of transport, competition & investment incentives in Australia
Suffering from the ‘tyranny of distance’, we all know how important the airline industry is to Australia for both internal and international transport. In the past twelve months, we have seen yet more examples of airline failures, reduced service levels, restrictions on competition and higher…
Find out more »An Evening With The ABC Chair
With a long involvement in the arts, entertainment and media industries, here and overseas, Kim Williams AM has held various executive leadership positions since the late 1970s including as Chief Executive at each of News Corp Australia, FOXTEL, Fox Studios Australia, the Australian Film Commission,…
Find out more »The Elements of Marie Curie
Chronicles the life and work of the most famous woman in the history of science – and the untold story of the young women who trained in her laboratory. In The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women…
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