CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS FOR
THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY.
19 - 21 October 2026.
The Edge, Fed Square.
PROGRAM
*Subject to change
Day 1
Monday 19 October
6:00pm
-
8:00pm
IN CONVERSATION
Join two of the world’s most influential leaders – former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio and urbanist Professor Carlos Moreno – for a headline In Conversation session hosted by The Age to launch the inaugural Melbourne Assembly. Adding a major local milestone to the stage, the session will also feature Professor Carolyn Evans delivering one of her first speaking engagements as
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.
Day 2
Tuesday 20 October
9:00am
-
12:30pm
SHAPING THE CITY
Once a certified ‘doughnut city’ – that hollowed out when workers left the CBD for the night – Melbourne is now a cultural and connective hub, thanks to great urban design with deep, creative foresight. As we get used to being Australia’s biggest city, what thinking and which moves will see us live up to our potential?
Welcome
Patrick Elligett & Neary Ty
Opening address
Introduction to theme
Cara Waters
Keynote
Bill de Blasio
In conversation
Cara Waters & Bill de Blasio
MORNING BREAK
Panel
-
Cara Waters (moderator)
-
Aruna Sathanapally
-
Claire Johnston
-
Professor Dan Hill
-
Sarah Lynn Reese
-
Steve Bracks AC
Audience Q&A
LUNCH
1:30pm
-
5:00pm
INNOVATION & EDUCATION
Melbourne’s intellectual economy relies heavily on knowledge precincts such as universities, Parkville Biomedical and the tech start-ups making use of Cremorne’s idle warehouses. What innovation might flourish in Melbourne if we give our biggest ideas the room and infrastructure that feeds them?
Welcome
Neary Ty
Opening address with Q&A
The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece & Cara Waters
Introduction to theme & keynote
Alex Crowe ​​
​
Keynote
​Professor Sharon Lewin & Professor Marek Tesar
Panel
-
Supratim Adhikari (moderator)
-
Petra Andrén
-
Professor Sharon Lewin
-
Leigh Jasper
-
Rohan Silva
-
Professor Marek Tesar
Audience Q&A
AFTERNOON TEA
5:00pm - 6:30pm
NETWORKING DRINKS
Melbourne Assembly Networking Drinks presented by Committee for Melbourne.
Join fellow attendees and speakers for an evening of drinks, light canapés, and valuable networking.
Day 3
Wednesday 21 October
9:00am
-
12:30pm
HEALTHY PLACES & PEOPLE
A divide is widening between Melbourne’s shaded, walkable neighbourhoods and the hot, hostile concrete developments that compromise the wellbeing of generations of future residents. From socially-motivated housing models such as Nightingale, to the mini-parks being carved out of railway underpasses, how do we ensure these generative spaces aren’t the exception?
Welcome
Alicia Loxley
​
Opening address with Q&A
The Hon. Ben Carroll MP, Premier of Victoria & Chip Le Grand
Introduction to theme & keynote speaker
Cara Waters
Keynote
Professor Carlos Moreno
In conversation
Cara Waters & Professor Carlos Moreno
​
​​
Panel​
-
Alicia Loxley (moderator)
-
Kelvyn Lavelle ​​
-
Liam Wallis
-
Jess Miller
-
Dr Nicholas Woods
-
Alison Leighton
​​​
Audience Q&A
​
MORNING BREAK
LUNCH
1:30pm
-
5:00pm
SPORT & THE ARTS
From monolithic stadiums and galleries, to independent creative and sporting endeavours, Melbourne's reputation as Australia's cultural capital has been forged through culture, sport and the arts. What do these assets mean for brand Melbourne as it grows?
Welcome
Waleed Aly
​
Opening address with Q&A
Jess Wilson MP, Leader of the Opposition & Chip Le Grand
Introduction to theme & keynote
Waleed Aly
Keynote
Kelli Underwood & Karl Quinn
In conversation
Waleed Aly, Kelli Underwood & Karl Quinn
AFTERNOON TEA
Panel
-
Kieren Perkins, OAM
-
Dr Tiriki Onus
-
Katrina Sedgwick, OAM
-
John Harnden
-
Kylie Rogers
​
Audience Q&A
Closing session