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 2022
Art as a weapon in the battle for the Australian imagination
Daniel, a Wiradjuri man with cultural connections throughout western NSW, commenced his role as the Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) in January 2022. He is the 6th Artistic Director in ADT’s 57-year history and the first First Nations person to be appointed. His…
Find out more »November 2022
Twilight Tour at Walsh Street
Robin Boyd is arguably the most influential architect there has been in Australia. Boyd was a renowned Victorian architect, author, critic, and public educator in the 50s and 60s, a leader in Melbourne’s Modern Architecture movement, a visionary in urban design, and outspoken on the…
Find out more »MF Study Tour: Victorian “On Country” Aboriginal Immersion
UPDATED: Connecting with the land connects us with our most true nature. We are very proud to be working with one of our members, Gareth Andrews, to bring you this exclusive Victorian "On Country" Aboriginal Immersion study tour on December 5 through to December 8,…
Find out more »Talking about Julian Assange – Should the Government Act?
An informal discussion with somewhat differing views!!! Many in our divergent community have a variety of opinions. Some regard Julian Assange as a hero, a journalist who exposed appalling practices within the intelligence community. Others are concerned that his revelations put many lives at risk…
Find out more »Dispatches from the Frontline
Excerpts from the diary of a young Victorian nurse, Sister Nan Reay who served on the battlefields of the first world war in France, are brought to life in an illuminating and engaging performed reading, by Geraldine Cook-Dafner. Sister Reay’s dispatches vividly portray the trials…
Find out more »Economic Growth and Sustainability – Which Metrics?
GDP is the common measure of growth, but as World Economic Forum’s former chief economist Jennifer Blanke pointed out “there are three key questions that GDP overlooks: is growth fair, is it green and is it improving our lives?” As the business and economic landscape…
Find out more »Is the November State election ‘in the bag’?
As we approach the State Election there is continuing debate about the standing of Premier Andrews. Some believe he steered Victoria through the pandemic very effectively. Others consider that the government failed its constituents by imposing unnecessarily long lockdowns and other measures. Then, there is…
Find out more »Victoria’s Health System – The Prognosis
Health is shaping up as a key issue in the lead up to the State Election. The adequacy of our GP services, the stresses on our ambulance services, stories of exhausted professional and support staff in hospitals, diverse promised locations for new hospitals, the need…
Find out more »Cyberweapons Arms Race
Filled with spies, hackers, arms dealers, and a few unsung heroes, written like a thriller and a reference, This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends is an astonishing feat of journalism. This will be another stimulating and enlightening Melbourne Forum book group discussion. Based on years…
Find out more »Melbourne Forum 2022 AGM
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Melbourne Forum Limited will be held at 5.30pm sharp on Wednesday 16 November 2022 at The Kelvin Club, Melbourne Lane, Melbourne. The business of the AGM and additional key documents can be accessed via the following links: …
Find out more »Beauty can be fleeting
Finding the friction point between beauty and decay is a thread that runs through much of Rone’s work. As a street artist best known for his haunting, stylised images of women’s faces, he understands better than most that beauty can be fleeting. Seeing his artworks…
Find out more »The contested idea of Australia
Melbourne Forum is honoured to have Julianne Schultz AM lead discussion at a most important event. Julianne Schultz has had an extraordinary career. Most recently she was founding director and editor of Griffith Review. She is a Professor at Griffith University’s Centre for Social and…
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