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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November 2024
On The US Election
A report of America that catches the madness and the politics of an election like no other. Trump, Harris and America on the Brink In his Quarterly Essay (September 2024) Don Watson offers a report from the United States that catches the madness and theatre…
Find out more »A Visit to the Australian Tapestry Workshop
The Australian Tapestry Workshop in South Melbourne is a hidden gem where art, history, and craftsmanship intertwine. A visit to this vibrant space offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of large-scale, hand-woven tapestries that adorn public buildings and galleries worldwide. You’ll witness skilled artisans…
Find out more »2024 Closing Event Celebration
It's the end of yet another wonderful year at Melbourne Forum! And what a year it's been, celebrating our 15th Anniversary. We warmly invite members, potential members and guests to mark this milestone with us. The night will feature a special guest appearance by distinguished…
Find out more »February 2025
Humankind: A Hopeful History
This inspiring book makes a new argument: that it is realistic, as well as revolutionary, to assume that people are 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.…
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 individuals committed to knowledge-sharing and civic betterment at this first Connections event for 2025. There's no set agenda or a conversation leader as the aim is to create a space where ideas flow freely, fostering new partnerships, collaborations and friendships among Melbourne Forum's…
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 »March 2025
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…
Find out more »May 2025
The Contest For Central Asia
Great Game On: The Contest For Central Asia and Global Supremacy by Geoff Raby explores the Eurasian power shift and the remaking of the world order. Historically, China has sought its security by building dominant relationships with pliant states that accept its pre-eminence. Its expanding…
Find out more »July 2025
Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place
What does it mean to be on land taken from others? This is the key question that underpins Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place. Now that we know how the taking was done, what do we do with that knowledge? Kate Grenville is no…
Find out more »August 2025
How Ancient India Transformed The World
India is the forgotten heart of the ancient world. The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World by William Dalrymple is a revolutionary new history of the diffusion of Indian ideas. For a millennium and a half, India was a confident exporter of its diverse civilisation,…
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