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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March 2022
Religious and Other Discrimination — What Happened?
Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO is an Australian Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer and academic. He is known for his 1998 involvement in the Wik debate when Paul Keating called him "the meddling priest" and the National Trust classified him as a Living National Treasure.…
Find out more »The Remarkable Odyssey Of Angela Merkel
The definitive account of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, detailing the remarkable rise and political brilliance of the most powerful—and elusive—woman in the world. The book we are reading and discussing is The Chancellor: The Remarkable Odyssey Of Angela Merkel (Simon & Schuster, October 2021) by Kati…
Find out more »But what will happen to Australian television history now?
Keeping a 1.5m distance from everyone over the past two years has been a challenge for most of us; imagine how difficult it has been to crate screen magic! Throw in the challenges of new digital technologies in television and communications more broadly; the failure…
Find out more »Sutainable Development: What does it mean and how are we doing?
Infrastructure is no longer keeping up with our basic needs. Quality of life in cities and regions is being challenged and reflected in the growing disenchantment for increased levels of immigration in Australia. How we manage sustainable development is being addressed in a range of…
Find out more »Independents’ Day: The rise of a new political paradigm?
Dr Monique Ryan, Independent Candidate for Kooyong and Simon Holmes à Court, Convenor of Climate 200, will speak to us about the reasons for the emergence of a number of independents who will be standing against sitting members in the forthcoming Federal Election. Around the…
Find out more »What Sustainability Legacy Will We Leave Future Leaders?
Many believe our planet is at a tipping point – discussions on how to create a sustainable future are happening from boardrooms to conference rooms to dining rooms. This Melbourne Forum Sustainability Leadership Interest Group will bring together members who are interested in sharing perspectives…
Find out more »Implications for Australia of the challenges from China and Russia and a distracted US
The war in Ukraine, the increasing tensions from China in our region, the uncertainty of the role of US in global conflicts and the changing nature of war, pose critical questions about our defence capability now and in the future. We are delighted that Paul…
Find out more »Reinvention and Reimagining – what next for Victoria’s Arts Centre and the sector it serves
What’s next for our major public cultural institutions as they emerge from a COVID-19 pandemic? How can performing arts sector continue to serve its community? As Victoria continues to awaken from a two-year-long COVID hibernation, hear from Art Centre Melbourne’s CEO, Claire Spencer AM, on…
Find out more »Digging Beneath the ‘Big Build’
Victoria is in the midst of a ‘Big Build’ including the new Melbourne Metro, 85 Level Crossing Removals, North East Link, the West Gate Tunnel, and the Suburban Rail Loop. This unprecedented program of major infrastructure projects will cost more than $100 billion and…
Find out more »America, the midterms and Trump: Live from Boston
MF is very fortunate to have David Rosenbloom 'our man on the ground' available again to talk to us about US politics at this super critical juncture. President Biden today faces one of the most difficult situations any President has encountered: ...Mid term elections rapidly…
Find out more »April 2022
How DO we Achieve Greater Integrity
The Honourable Stephen Charles AO QC had been one of Australia’s most respected judges until he retired from the Victorian Court of Appeal in 2016. Before his appointment, he had been a much sought after silk at the Victorian Bar. He was often briefed in…
Find out more »What Next For Russia?
Russia is a major global force, demanding rigorous and clear-minded analysis. In this book group discussion, we examine recent and current events, including the geopolitical landscape and the implications for the Indo-Pacific region. The book we are reading and discussing is Putin’s Playbook: Russia’s Secret Plan to Defeat…
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