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
February 2024
Islamic Museum Tour
Melbourne - Every bit different. The Islamic Museum of Australia, highlights the arts, culture and contributions of Muslims in Australia and abroad through the display of art and historical objects. We have arranged a private members and guests tour, at the Islamic Museum, to explore…
Find out more »Dangerous Dinner: Nymbyism and the Housing Crisis
At a time when the housing shortage poses the greatest problem for both State and Federal Governments, it has been realised that we can’t simply expand our major cities into hitherto farming country. At the same time, many residents in established areas express opposition to…
Find out more »Connections
This is an evening of unparalleled camaraderie and exchange as we come together for drinks at an enchanting city location. Cultivating Community As members of the Melbourne Forum, you have been pivotal in shaping our community's civic engagement landscape. This special event offers a unique…
Find out more »March 2024
Indigenous Business Leadership
Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership, is a centre of engagement, research and teaching focused on Indigenous economic empowerment. Dr Michelle Evans is the inaugural Director. She holds a joint appointment of Associate Professorship of Leadership and Associate Dean, Indigenous, at the University of…
Find out more »Is The Energy Future Renewables?
Widely considered one of the Australian renewable energy industry’s strongest advocates, Miles George, will lead a conversation helping us to explore the state of play and the many future opportunities. Miles has more than 30 years’ experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors, with a…
Find out more »Garma Festival 2024
Expressions of Interest are now closed. Melbourne Forum member, Sally Baillieu, remains very happy to talk to members who might be interested in attending the Festival on their own accord, and provide some insights into this extraordinary experience. ______ The 23rd annual Garma Festival will…
Find out more »The Body: A Guide for Occupants
Bill Bryson sets off to explore the human body, how it functions and its remarkable ability to heal itself. Full of extraordinary facts and astonishing stories The Body: A Guide for Occupants is a brilliant, often very funny attempt to understand the miracle of our…
Find out more »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 »