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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December 2022
End of year celebration
Announcing the final major event for the year (our Interest Group activity continues until later in the year). A Cocktail Party at fortyfivedownstairs on Thursday December 1 for all members, at which we farewell some retired Board Members and welcome new ones. Most importantly we…
Find out more »US Election Review with Prof Dr David Rosenbloom
The US Mid Term Elections are (almost) over but what do the results mean for the future? Will Biden run again? If not, who are likely nominees? Will Trump be the Republican candidate? If not, then who? How will Biden manage having lost the Democrat…
Find out more »February 2023
Wittenoom
Be transported from Victoria's St Kilda to WA's Pilbara, a blue asbestos mining town where Dot and Pearl live. So begin glorious days, when the Pilbara’s stunning landscapes, magnificent wildlife and close-knit community shaped an idyllic lifestyle; wild-natured Dot making the most of every second,…
Find out more »Improving Public Governance in Victoria
Join Melbourne Forum members and friends to our first cocktail party style event for 2023, with special speaker, John Pesutto. John Pesutto knows well what losing feels like – in November 2018, he found out he had lost his seat (Hawthorn) while discussing the election…
Find out more »The Climate Book
You might think it's an impossible task - secure a safe future for life on Earth, at a scale and speed never seen, against all the odds. There is hope - but only if we listen to the science before it's too late. In The Climate…
Find out more »The Non-Binary dilemma, is it? Or are we resistant to change?
Dangerous Dinners continue and with them the opportunity to fearlessly discuss contemporary, challenging and interesting ideas, themes and points of view. The theme of our first 2023 Dinner is: 'The Non-Binary dilemma, is it? Or are we resistant to change?' Dangerous Dinners are member-only events…
Find out more »Researchers Behaving Badly
Australia (and Melbourne in particular) seeks to hold itself up as a global heavyweight in the fields of scientific and medical research. But what if that position is undermined by questions raised regarding the integrity of the research being reported? Science is knowledge gained through…
Find out more »A Greater Focus on the ‘S’ in ESG?
The ‘S’ in ESG is high on the corporate agenda and as the focus grows, companies are shifting from a reactive to a proactive position. While there are many examples of ‘E’ and ‘G’ concerns to point at - environmental disasters and failings of governance…
Find out more »March 2023
Improving Female Participation and the Economy
Female participation boosts economic growth, but Australia’s participation rate remains well below comparable countries. "Halving the employment gap between men and women would add 500,000 full-time skilled workers with post school qualifications." -A report for Chief Executive Women The financial and non-financial barriers to female…
Find out more »Australia’s Energy Transformation
Moving towards a clean energy system will see Australia go through a massive energy transition. “We know that clean, low-cost renewable energy and storage is the answer to Australia’s energy supply concerns.” This is the view of Kane Thornton, Chief Executive of the Clean Energy…
Find out more »International Women’s Day Lunch
We are proud to partner with The Kelvin Club to Embrace Equity - the theme for this year's International Women's Day. The Kelvin Club have lined up a terrific day with special guests, a delicious two course lunch and delightful wines to match. All this…
Find out more »Governance, Transparency and Accountability in Australian Corporate Boardrooms today
Media coverage of the challenge to the board of AGL last year highlighted how little general media coverage there is of corporate board behaviour. The health of corporate boards directly affects us as tax paying citizens, consumers, and shareholders. Stephen Mayne is uniquely positioned to…
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