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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May 2024
Corporate Governance: Australian and Overseas trends and issues
What are the pressing governance issues and future trends facing Australian and International boards? We are privileged to have two Melbourne Forum members lead a conversation on corporate governance. Dr Nora Scheinkestel is an experienced company director having served as a non-executive chairman and director…
Find out more »Indonesia’s Unlikely New President: Implications for Australia and the West
About 205 million people are eligible to vote in Indonesia, making it one of the world’s biggest election days. During 2024 there will be a range of significant elections around the world. These elections will involve more than 40% of the world's population. What are…
Find out more »Dangerous Dinner: Is Public Protesting always a fundamental democratic right?
Is Public Protesting always a fundamental democratic right? How do we marry that with amenity and liveability for all? Israel/Palestine, Exctinction Rebellion, Climate Change...every day our city seems to be impacted by some form of protest. There is no more topical conversation! Come and tell us…
Find out more »The Nixon Review on migrant worker exploitation, and Australia’s domestic violence crisis
The Nixon Review was established by the Department of Home Affairs to addresses migrant worker exploitation, and aimed to more effectively prevent, deter and sanction abuse of Australia's visa framework. In this highly informative Melbourne Forum lunch, Dr. Christine Nixon AO, APM will help us…
Find out more »June 2024
Adriatic: A Geopolitical and Cultural Exploration
Robert D. Kaplan, a geopolitical expert turns his perceptive eye to a region that for centuries has been a meeting point of cultures, trade, and ideas. He undertakes a journey around the Adriatic Sea, through Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece, to reveal that…
Find out more »WEHI Parkville Precinct Tour
This is our second visit to the Parkville Precinct – a powerhouse of public and private institutions and businesses of national and global significance. WEHI is an extremely significant and prestigious institution in Parkville. Previously known as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, it is…
Find out more »Ovarian Cancer: Searching For A Cure
Every year over 300,000 people hear the words “you have ovarian cancer”. It is the least survivable gynaecological cancer, but it often misses out on the big campaigns, donations, and research grants. As with any type of cancer, earlier diagnosis and treatment can make a…
Find out more »*CANCELLED* Things can only get better, right?!
War in the Middle East and Ukraine, a possible Trump Presidency, New Delhi hits 50 degrees Celsius, and meanwhile people are struggling with cost of living pressures. Has it ever been worse? And individually, what can we do in order to keep our heads up?…
Find out more »July 2024
Indigenous Leadership
Ganbina is Australia’s most successful Indigenous school to work transition program. Based in Shepparton, Ganbina empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to successfully overcome the disadvantages they face so that they can achieve their full potential and go on to live fulfilling, independent lives.…
Find out more »*Event postponed until further notice* The Bracks Timor-Leste Governance Project
The Honourable Steve Bracks AC has made over fifty visits to Timor-Leste. His interest in Timor-Leste began during his tenure as Premier of Victoria when he visited the new nation in 2002 and 2003. The Bracks Timor-Leste Governance Project was later formed and has helped…
Find out more »Sustainability, Business And Leadership
We continue to explore Sustainability Leadership and warmly welcome Dr Gary Veale to lead a conversation for members, potential members and guests on gaining advantage through sustainability. Dr Gary Veale is Executive Director of the Centre for Sustainability and Business at the Melbourne Business School.…
Find out more »Defamation: what do we learn from the Roberts-Smith and Lehrmann cases?
Last year Melbourne Forum members were privileged to hear from lawyer Peter Bartlett who led the defence team for Nine in their recent defamation case brought by former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith. The case was one of the world's largest, most complex, and costly defamation…
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