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.
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October 2023
Private Tour of Swinburne University’s Faculty of Astronomy and Super-Computing
This visit is a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain to see the latest science and research in astronomy and the space industry at Swinburne. Swinburne University holds a preeminent place in space research as the only University with remote access to the KECK…
Find out more »November 2023
MF Directors Alumni Dinner – 2023
Directors past and present, We are delighted to confirm our annual directors alumni dinner on Wednesday 1 November 2023. Please join us for a dinner at Tazio at 6:00pm. Rather than pay separately at Tazio, I am happy to make the one payment and cash…
Find out more »Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma
A passionate, provocative and blisteringly smart interrogation of how we experience art in the age of #MeToo, and whether we can separate an artist's work from their biography. What do we do with the art of monstrous men? Can we love the work of Roman…
Find out more »Israel, Palestinians and Hamas— is civil discourse possible?
A series of coordinated attacks, conducted by the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas, from the Gaza Strip onto bordering areas in Israel, commenced on Saturday 7 October 2023, a Sabbath day and date of several Jewish holidays. The attacks initiated the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, almost exactly fifty years after the Yom Kippur War began on 6 October 1973. Tunnels,…
Find out more »Reforming The Regulator To Protect The Environment
How do a Chair and CEO work together to bring about change? What better example of two changemakers than Cheryl Batagol PSM and John Merritt. Discussing the first stage of reform at EPA Victoria during 2009 – 2004, they will take us through their process…
Find out more »Fixing Australia’s Housing Crisis
What caused Australia's housing crisis – and how we might fix it. In the upcoming ‘On the Great Housing Divide' (Quarterly Essay 92) Alan Kohler examines one of the great mysteries of Australian life in that a country with the lowest population densities on the…
Find out more »The Possibility of a Democratic Russia
What are the prospects for democracy in Russia? Will pro-democracy movements make a difference? "The eventual collapse of Putin's regime under the pressure of internal problems and external challenges is inevitable. While it's difficult to predict when Putin's rule will be over, his fall will…
Find out more »Sammy at Six
Wow! It's finally here. The last major event for the year is where we come together for an evening of celebration, the company of fellow members and some great fun as Sammy J drops in for the early part of the evening - at six…
Find out more »February 2024
Energy Innovation And Power Moonshots
Audrey Zibelman is a VP at X, the Moonshot Factory and Industry Advisory Council member of Monash Energy Institute. She has deep experience working with power systems in America, Europe and Australia. She was the chair of the New York State Public Service Commission in…
Find out more »Australia’s Regional Security: Keeping our Balance
Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC KC FASSA FAIIA is Distinguished Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, where he was Chancellor from 2010-19 and President Emeritus of the International Crisis Group, the Brussels-based independent global conflict prevention and resolution organisation which he led from…
Find out more »Social Cohesion: A tear in the fabric?
Social cohesion in Australia has been remarkably resilient through the challenges of recent years. However, we continue to face difficult national and global circumstances, global conflict, economic pressures and uncertainty and division over issues such as the Voice referendum. As a result – and while…
Find out more »A Special Tour of Parliament House
Facing the intersection of Spring and Bourke streets, the facade of Parliament House, with its sweeping steps, elegant lamps and grand colonnade, suggests solidity and strength. A tour of the inside of Parliament House is a delight for anyone with an interest in architecture (new…
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