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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October 2024
Countdown To America’s Presidential Election
The US Presidential Elections are fast approaching. On 5 November Americans will go to the polls. With a month to go, what can we expect? What were the critical turning points in each campaign? What are the polls showing? Will domestic challenges rather than global…
Find out more »Ethics In The Modern World
Is our evolved sense of right and wrong out of step with the modern world? How do we separate what's natural from what's right? How can we reshape our thinking to thrive in the world? To guide us through this conversation is Dr. Tim Dean…
Find out more »Scaling a Global Agricultural Manufacturing Business
Rob McGavin is the co-founder, Chair and Non-Executive Director of Cobram Estate Olives. Cobram Estate Olives was founded by Rob and Paul Riordan in 1998. Over more than 20 years the Company has grown to become the market leader in the Australian olive industry and…
Find out more »Docklands Film Studios
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION – A SPECIAL TOUR OF DOCKLANDS FILM STUDIOS How lucky are we? This is a rare opportunity to tour the Docklands Film Studios. Melbourne has long been the creative capital of Australia and is a global destination for film production. Docklands Film…
Find out more »The Men Who Killed the News
Join author Eric Beecher in conversation on his new book, The Men Who Killed the News: The inside story of how media moguls abused their power, manipulated the truth and distorted democracy (Simon & Schuster 2024). The Crikey owner and ex-News Corp and Fairfax editor lifts…
Find out more »Where Are the Men Standing Up Against Domestic Violence?
With an Australian woman being killed every 4 days by her current or former male partner, where is the outrage from men? Do we need men to stand up, and use their voices and wisdom to solve this epidemic of domestic and intimate partner violence…
Find out more »How Corrupt is Australia?
The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Australia at 14th place with 75 points on the 100-point scale. This compares to a score of 85/100 just a decade ago. Tackling public sector corruption will require significant efforts by successive Australian governments. The Albanese Government has implemented…
Find out more »Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Melbourne Forum Limited will be held at 5.30pm sharp on Tuesday 29th October 2024 at Mister Munro, 215 Little Collins Street Melbourne. The AGM agenda and additional documents will be emailed to members directly and may…
Find out more »November 2024
Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent
Britain's greatest Shakespearean actor reveals her secrets in a series of intimate conversations. Taking a curtain call with a live snake in her wig; cavorting naked through the countryside painted green; acting opposite a child with a pumpkin on his head... these are just a…
Find out more »Redefining Public Sector Leadership
Governments and public services across Australia are being challenged in unprecedented ways. Wicked problems abound, from climate change to artificial intelligence, from Closing the Gap to tectonic shifts in the geopolitical plates. What will be required to ensure public services are fit for purpose, and ready…
Find out more »MF Directors Alumni Dinner 2024
Melbourne Forum Directors past and present, We are delighted to confirm our annual directors Alumni Dinner will be held on Tuesday 19 November 2024 at Tazio at 6:00pm. Rather than pay separately at Tazio, one payment will be made on the night. Current members have…
Find out more »A Way Forward Through Indigenous Art
Explore how the success of Indigenous art may indicate a way forward in improving black-white relations. Discover how copyright law is empowering Indigenous creatives. These are the two themes of this insightful, stimulating and highly interesting discussion by Melbourne Forum member and leading intellectual property…
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