{"help": "https://discover.data.vic.gov.au/en_AU/api/3/action/help_show?name=datastore_search", "success": true, "result": {"include_total": true, "limit": 100, "records_format": "objects", "resource_id": "4bd21299-6f59-5de7-836a-4368f530894a", "total_estimation_threshold": null, "records": [{"_id":1,"title":"MKW 2017 lunchtimes: Burning Man is Silicon Valley","date_venue":"Tuesday 2 May, 2017","venue":"MKW Festival Hub (Experimedia), State Library of Victoria","attendance_est":"130","speakers":"HOST Angus Hervey - Future Crunch\nJodi York - Melburners Inc, Melbourne Business School\nTamara di Mattina - The New Joneses\nMichael Scarlett - Culture Jam/ The Town festival","partners_sponsors":"Melburners Inc","overview":null},{"_id":2,"title":"Melbourne global Univer-city: Educating our future","date_venue":"Monday\n28 November 2016","venue":"Swanston Hall","attendance_est":"230","speakers":null,"partners_sponsors":"University of Melbourne","overview":null},{"_id":3,"title":"Recognition, Treaty, Sovereignty and \u000bSelf-determination – Facts and Ambitions","date_venue":"Wednesday 1 June 2016 Swanston Hall, Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"300","speakers":"Dr Gary Foley - Professor in History, Moondani Balluk, Victoria University Aunty Margaret Gardiner – Wurundjeri, Wamba Wamba, Barapa Barapa, Dja Dja Wurrung,  Waywurru  Ms Shireen Morris - Lawyer and Senior Policy Advisor, Cape York Institute Uncle Gary Murray - Victorian Traditional Owner Land Justice Group, Dhudhuroa, Barapa Barapa, Djupagalk, Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Dja Dja Wurrung ncle Larry Walsh - Taungurung Elder, Story Teller and Cultural Educator MC - Professor  Cheryl Saunders  - Melbourne Law School, the University of Melbourne","partners_sponsors":"Social Investment /Indigenous Melbourne","overview":"National Reconcilliation Week discussion on consititutional recognition, treaties and self-determiniation."},{"_id":4,"title":"Climate Action: Cities and citizens - the new leaders","date_venue":"Thursday 17 March 2016 Deakin Edge, Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"230","speakers":"Mark Watts – Executive Director, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Professor Kate Auty – Ambassador Future Melbourne, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, University of Melbourne, Professor John Thwaites – Professorial Fellow, Monash University, Chair of ClimateWorks Australia and the Monash Sustainability Institute, MC Kate Vinot – Group Director City Strategy and Place, City of Melbourne","partners_sponsors":"Future Melbourne","overview":"Post Paris C40 what have we learned about the role of cities and citizens and how they can activly reduce the impacts of global warming."},{"_id":5,"title":"After Russel Brand - Rethinging democracy in Melbourne","date_venue":"Wednesday 17 February 2016 Deaking Edge, Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"280","speakers":"Maria Katsonis - Future Melbourne 2026 Ambassador; Director Equality, Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet Ms Samah Hadid - Human rights and humanitarian campaigner (via skype) Mr Nicholas Reece - Principal Fellow, University of Melbourne Dr Travers McLeod - CEO Centre for Policy Development, Melbourne Host/MC Dr Leslie Cannold - Ethicist and public educator","partners_sponsors":"Future Melbourne","overview":"Globally, democracies are under pressure and local government is no exception. A crucial factor for citizens is real power and influence over the decisions that affect their lives. State and local governments are implementing new measures to enable more direct and meaningful citizen participation but it's rare for real power to be given freely. So what’s the catch? Who supports true citizen-empowerment and why? What power-sharing arrangements are on the table, and on what issues? What can you do to make sure democratic innovations like citizens juries and participatory budgeting aren't a passing fad, but the new way your city, your state and the nation do business? This is one where you must have your say!"},{"_id":6,"title":"UN World Peace Day:  Building a safer and more peaceful city","date_venue":"Monday 21 September 2015, Swanston Room, Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"180","speakers":"Prof Megan Davis – Director UNSW Indigenous Law Centre, Chair United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues\nMs Laura John – 2014 UN Australian Youth Ambassador\nDr Dina McMillan – Social Psychologist and Consultant\nActing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir – Victorian Police\nHOST Michael Short – Journalist and Editor of The Zone Fairfax Media\n\nSupported by Australians for Peace and Future Leaders","partners_sponsors":"Australians for Peace External / Future Leaders","overview":"Most of us enjoy our liveable city, yet we continue to grapple with unacceptable domestic and street violence. What can everyday Melburnians do about this? What’s going right and what isn’t and why? Hear from the panel, celebrate UN World Peace Day and discuss the issues around securing greater peace in the home and the street."},{"_id":7,"title":"Service Before Self: Stories that bind our communities","date_venue":"Tuesday 23 June, 2015, Deakin Edge - Federations Square, Melbourne","venue":null,"attendance_est":"150","speakers":"Host | Hon. Robert Doyle – Melbourne Lord Mayor\nDanielle Thomas – Park Ranger Co-ordinator, City of Melbourne\nTara Piazza – Program Director for Public Transport Victoria Marketing and Product Development\nTerry Moran AC – National President of Institute of Public Administration Australia and former Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet\nBarrie Cassidy – Presenter Insiders ABC TV, political journalist, radio and television host, writer and commentator\nPhilippa Hall – Acting Nurse Unit Manager, Intensive Care Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital","partners_sponsors":"IPAA/CEO Office / LM Office","overview":"Public sector workers connect with most Melburnians daily but we rarely celebrate their work or hear their stories. Teachers, nurses, emergency workers, rangers, scientists and public servants are among those who make a lasting difference to our lives, towns and cities. What motivates them? What is it like working for politicians? Is it really 'a calling'?\nCelebrate United Nations Public Service Day and join host Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and his guests to hear how and why they make a difference and share your stories through an extended Q&A session."},{"_id":8,"title":"Personalised Medicine: Me and My Genome","date_venue":"Wednesday 18 February 2015\nDeakin Edge, Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"610","speakers":"Professor Michael Snyder – Stanford Ascherman Professor and Chair of Genetics, Director of the Center of Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Stanford University, USA\nProfessor Andrew Sinclair – Associate Director, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne and Professor, Dept. of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne\nProfessor Loane Skene – Professor of Law in the Faculty of Law and an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences,  University of Melbourne\nMC Natasha Mitchell – Presenter Life Matters ABC RN","partners_sponsors":"University of Melbourne\nFed Square \nFuture Leaders","overview":"Global genomics expert Professor Michael Snyder from Stanford University sequenced his genome and got a shock! Hear his story, get the latest on the work around personalised medicine and join in as the panel considers the ethics, legal issues and the potential of realising the best possible health for you, your family and friends."},{"_id":9,"title":"Libraries and Learning: Borrowing from digital","date_venue":"Wednesday 19 November 2014, Dock Library","venue":null,"attendance_est":"70","speakers":"Professor Stephen Heppell, educator, academic and CEO of Heppell.net, UK\nBrad Hammond, Creative Technologist and Director of Ethno Tekh, Melbourne\nPaula Kelly, Library Services Manager, City of Melbourne\nMC Peter Mares – writer, journalist, researcher and academic","partners_sponsors":"Community Strengthening","overview":"The growth of mobile and informal learning has meant that libraries and community spaces are changing and stepping up. Through new approaches to learning and creative digital technology, libraries are cultivating and employing 'digital literacy', imperative for lifelong learning, work and civic belonging.\n\nFamous educator, ICT expert and advocate of fun and games, Professor Stephen Heppell will join with local creative technologist Brad Hammond and City Of Melbourne Library Services Manager Paula Kelly, to discuss what learning and libraries look like today and what they might look like tomorrow. (P.S. They still have books!)"},{"_id":10,"title":"An Evening with David Malouf","date_venue":"Wednesday 23 April 2014, Deakin Edge","venue":null,"attendance_est":"450","speakers":"Australian author and poet David Malouf \naward-winning poet Lisa Gorton \nand Australian Book Review Editor Peter Rose","partners_sponsors":"Australian Book Review","overview":"In April, we continue the celebration of the 80th birthday of legendary Australian author and poet David Malouf in conversation about his poetry with award-winning poet Lisa Gorton and Australian Book Review Editor Peter Rose.\n\nA collaboration between Australian Book Review and City Of Melbourne"},{"_id":11,"title":"What is the future of music and sound?","date_venue":"Monday 24 March 2014, 6pm - 7:30pm Deakin Edge Fed Sq","venue":null,"attendance_est":"120","speakers":"Phil Brophy – Artist, Curator, Filmmaker, Composer and Theorist\nDr Hamish Innes-Browne - Pitch Perception Project, Bionics Institute (Melb) \nResearch Fellow, Bionics Institute\nGail Priest - Sound Artist, Writer and Curator, Sydney\nDanni Zuvela - Co-Director Liquid Architecture festival\nMC Robin  Fox – Audio Visual Artists, Composer and Musician","partners_sponsors":null,"overview":"Sound is ubiquitous, especially in cities. The auditory cocktail we are exposed to everyday ranges from the sound we control in headphones to the often unwanted and unnecessary ‘vibe’ creation of myriad marketing machines, construction, traffic, and human babble. As we narrow the focus of our sense perception to our immediate and controllable environment (headphones and small screens) we shrink from a world called ‘real’ and enter a meta-state of mediated vibration."},{"_id":12,"title":"Imagining the emergent city: A lecture by CJ Lim","date_venue":"20 August 2012, RMIT Storey Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"570","speakers":"CJ Lim is Professor and Vice-Dean at the Bartlett, University College London and the founding director of the multi-disciplinary and international award-winning Studio 8 Architects","partners_sponsors":"RMIT University","overview":"Internationally renowned and celebrated architect and urban visionary, Professor CJ Lim, will be presenting a lecture on Imagining the Emergent City with Professor Richard Blythe, Head of the School of Architecture and Design at RMIT University. \n\nJoin CJ as he shares inspired thinking about the use of architectural story telling and an embrace of the fantastic as a critical part of designing healthy, sustainable, and equitable urban environments that are a pleasure to behold."},{"_id":13,"title":"\"Toff Talks\": Sampling Remixing! How much of someone else’s sound can you really use?","date_venue":"Monday 30 April 2012\nToff in Town","venue":null,"attendance_est":"27","speakers":"DJ Phil Ransom \nKirsty Rivers \nJulian Hewitt \nBen Birchall","partners_sponsors":"The Toff in Town","overview":"Sampling and remixing is now part of the main stream of music, so what does Intellectual Property really mean for today’s musicians? How can you share and protect our creations and manage any tensions? Join our expert panel to get the latest information on copyright the ‘what to do’s’ if you want to use someone else’s work, whether you can use it and what happens if someone uses your work without your permission and more."},{"_id":14,"title":"You Look at things differently by hearing things differently – Susan Philipsz Lecture","date_venue":"18 August 2011, Lower Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"280","speakers":"Susan Philipsz\nHost and MC: Juliana Engberg is the Artistic Director for the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art","partners_sponsors":"ACCA","overview":"In 2010, Glasgow native Susan Philipsz, was the first ever person to win the Turner Prize for a sound installation for her piece Lowlands Away, a Scottish lament sung by the artist. Join us for this rare and intimate treat as she shares her experiences revealing poignancy in public forgotten spaces, sound, and the untrained human voice."},{"_id":15,"title":"Greening a changing city: Green infrastructure, liveability, health and climate change","date_venue":"28 July 2011, Swanston Hall, Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"250","speakers":"Dr Cecil C. Konijnendijk, Dr Kate Auty, Rod Marsh, Dr Dimity Williams GP, \nModerator: Natasha Mitchell","partners_sponsors":"Parks and Leisure Australia","overview":"Urban growth and climate change will need well informed management as cities  strive for environmental and economic sustainability. The benefits of an enhanced green infrastructure and high quality open spaces will be part of the solution.\nCommentators will discuss how a future urban forest might evolve, better places and spaces, healthy trees and water storage and the combined contribution they would make to human health, wellbeing and economic sustainability."},{"_id":16,"title":"Women Kicking Goals – No 3 HWC 2008","date_venue":"5 December 2008, BMW Edge","venue":null,"attendance_est":"200","speakers":"Tracee Hutchison, Aretha Briggs Anne Hooker Cindy Coltman Marion Webster OAM","partners_sponsors":"Homeless World Cup, Big Issue, Future Leaders","overview":"Committed women from Australia and overseas share their stories, experiences, visions and skills related to the concerns of poverty and social disadvantage."},{"_id":17,"title":"Sustainable and Smart City? How does Melbourne compare and perform?","date_venue":"18 November 2010, BMW Edge Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"200","speakers":"Moderator Damien Carrick  Ms Jodi Newcombe Dan Hill Dr Marcus Spiller, Dr Cathy Oke","partners_sponsors":"Future leaders Melbourne Knowledge week","overview":"Melbourne lays claim to being a smart, savvy and sustainable global city ,but how can we use our knowledge and communities to improve, affect behaviour change, decision making and planning? Hear the latest on achievements, trends and comparisons and join the conversation."},{"_id":18,"title":"Knowledge in your Pocket! The impact of social media","date_venue":"17 November 2010, BMW Edge Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"400","speakers":"Dr James Bradfield Moody Professor Julian Thomas Professor Sean Cubitt Baroness Susan Greenfield Moderator Adam Turner","partners_sponsors":null,"overview":"Smartphones and devices are the new black – they are part of our life and we love them!!  They are changing the way we live and learn but are the impacts all good; is anyone at risk; what are the ethics? Contribute to the discussion on the contested cyber space of social networking"},{"_id":19,"title":"Will Melbourne still be Marvellous in 2050? Conversations about population growth","date_venue":"22 April 2010, BMW Edge, Federation Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"375","speakers":"Moderator: Mr Peter Mares Charles Berger Saul Eslake Maurene Horder Mark OConnor Dr Marcus Spiller","partners_sponsors":"Future leaders Radio National","overview":"Australia’s population growth will mainly be in urban areas with Melbourne estimated at seven to eight million by 2050.  Many argue it’s sustainable, desirable and inevitable, many disagree. Prominent commentators will discuss the numerous pros and cons of predicted population growth."},{"_id":20,"title":"Sustaining a healthy body and mind: Keeping in shape for the future","date_venue":"18 February 2010, BMW Edge, Federation Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"400","speakers":"Moderator Peter Mares - Dr Richard Denniss - Dr Olivia Carter  – Professor Rob Moodie","partners_sponsors":"Future leader Sustainable living festival","overview":"Can our bodies cope? The speakers will discuss how we will deal with the changing world with respect to disease management, environmental health and the role of pharmacology."},{"_id":21,"title":"What Will We Leave Behind? - Sustainable Living Now and Forever","date_venue":"17 November 2009, BMW Edge Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"400","speakers":"Professor Larissa Behrendt, Ms Larissa Brown, Professor Peter Doherty, Professor Spencer Zifcak","partners_sponsors":"Future leaders","overview":"The speakers will discuss the many challenges in managing the crisis we are facing with our water supplies, potential fires and heat this summer. The first half of 2009 was the driest on record for Melbourne."},{"_id":22,"title":"Salon Conversations: Challenges of Collaboration – Crooked Rib & Aerosol Arabic – by invitation","date_venue":"23 October 2008, City Library – invite only","venue":null,"attendance_est":"40","speakers":"Ian Pidd, Amanda King, Reeham Hakem, Lauren Thomas, Mohammed Ali, Aerosol Arabic","partners_sponsors":"Muslim Women's Council Victoria and the British Council.","overview":null},{"_id":23,"title":"The Urgent Design Challenge - Case studies from Australian and International metropolises","date_venue":"14 February 2008, BMW Edge Fed Sq.","venue":null,"attendance_est":"700","speakers":"Moderator: Jill Singer – Journalist and Writer\nNorman Day: Architect and Adjunct Professor of Architecture, RMIT University, Melbourne\nEnrique Penalosa:  Former Mayor, Bogota, Columbia\nJohn Denton: Victorian government Architect, Melbourne\nPeter Mould: New South Wales Government Architect, Sydney\nSantha Sheela Nair: Secretary, Department of Drinking Water Supply, Government of India, New Delhi\nBernard Khoury:  Architect, Beirut, Lebanon","partners_sponsors":"part of the 2008 Sustainable Living Festival","overview":"For the first time in human history more than half of the world’s population lives in cities. As Australia and the globe experience rapid climate change, the design industry faces an urgent challenge on how better urban planning and densification of our cities can significantly reduce our impact on the environment."},{"_id":24,"title":"Art, Migration and Indigeneity: What happens when cultures meet?","date_venue":"14 January 2008, Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"1400","speakers":"Dr Gerard Vaughan, Howard Morphy, Jaynie Anderson","partners_sponsors":"British Council","overview":"Australian and international art experts will explore the conference theme through a variety of art history case studies and reflections from Australia, Canada, Holland and America"},{"_id":25,"title":"Housing the Arts: Appropriate and affordable \nplaces for artists in the city – the way forward","date_venue":"22 August 2007, Supper Room Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"75","speakers":"Morris Bellamy\nSimon Maidment \nTai Snaith \nRick Berry \nRosslynd Piggott \nDr Kate Shaw \nDavid Napier","partners_sponsors":"Future Melbourne","overview":"Many large western cities across the world are experiencing\nthe exodus of artists and their studios to the suburbs.  Artists,\nhaving tilled the inner city soil, are now not able to afford the\nrent as once neglected areas become gentrified with \napartments and fashionable stores, bars and eateries. What\ncan be done to continue to house the arts in the city?"},{"_id":26,"title":"Places for artists in the city – the way forward","date_venue":"21 August 2007, BMW Edge, Fed Sq","venue":null,"attendance_est":"150","speakers":"Morris Bellamy Simon Maidment Tai Snaith Rick Berry Rosslynd Piggott Dr Kate Shaw David Napier","partners_sponsors":null,"overview":"Many large western cities across the world are experiencing the exodus of artists and their studios to the suburbs.  Artists, having tilled the inner city soil, are now not able to afford the rent as once neglected areas become gentrified with apartments and fashionable stores, bars and eateries. What can be done to continue to house the arts in the city?"},{"_id":27,"title":"An Evening with the artist Matej Vogrincic","date_venue":"17 March 2005 RMIT Capitol","venue":null,"attendance_est":"100","speakers":"Matej Andraz Vogrincic","partners_sponsors":"L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival Arts Program, MINI, GPO Melbourne","overview":"A conversation with internationally renowned Slovenian artist: Matej Andraz Vogrincic"},{"_id":28,"title":"Tram Overheard – Suzie Attiwill & Nusra Latif Qureshi","date_venue":"9 March 2007, W11 Tram City Circle","venue":null,"attendance_est":"100","speakers":"Suzie Attiwill & Nusra Latif Qureshi","partners_sponsors":"tramtactics and Mick Douglas","overview":"Two special strangers meet on a tram. They talk, feeling their way, whilst their conversation makes a tram-load of passengers all ears. Each week two guests come aboard to discuss personal journeys, mobility, transportation, hospitality and the urban public realm. With conversationalists including known voices and people less heard, each conversation unfolds a unique encounter with civic Melbourne here and now. The program aims to create conditions for conversation that are non-threatening and highly personal – as might be normally undertaken by two people on a tram – yet of public interest, hence worthy of overhearing."},{"_id":29,"title":"W11 Tram Overheard Series","date_venue":"Karachi' Tram Friday 3 November 2006","venue":null,"attendance_est":"200","speakers":"Lord Mayor John So and Wurrundjeri Elder Joy Murphy-Wandin talk about Melbourne and hospitality","partners_sponsors":"tramtactics and Mick Douglas","overview":"Two special strangers meet on a tram. They talk, feeling their way, whilst their conversation makes a tram-load of passengers all ears. Each week two guests come aboard to discuss personal journeys, mobility, transportation, hospitality and the urban public realm. With conversationalists including known voices and people less heard, each conversation unfolds a unique encounter with civic Melbourne here and now. The program aims to create conditions for conversation that are non-threatening and highly personal – as might be normally undertaken by two people on a tram – yet of public interest, hence worthy of overhearing."},{"_id":30,"title":"Talk Blak Series 3 : Remembering Batman – Treaties and Justice","date_venue":"15 June 2005 BMW Edge","venue":null,"attendance_est":"175","speakers":"Alexis Wright, Ian Hunter, Geoff Clark, Sean Brennan, Michael Mansell, Marji Thorpe","partners_sponsors":"Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation","overview":"A timely discussion on treaties and justice to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the infamous Batman Treaty.  This is the third and final free talk of the Talk Blak series on human rights, reconciliation and justice."},{"_id":31,"title":"Ivan Hutchinson’s Melbourne: 30 Years of Melbourne Filmmaking","date_venue":"1 August 2004 - Forum Theatre","venue":null,"attendance_est":"300","speakers":"Paul Harris, Alan Finney, Daniel Scharf , Aleksi Vellis, Melanie Coombes","partners_sponsors":"Melbourne Film Festival","overview":"Paul Harris (Triple R) recaps three decades of Melbourne filmmaking, beginning in the 70s with the work of the late Tim Burstall, through to the Oscar success of Harvie Krumpet.  Join Alan Finney (associate producer, Petersen) and currently Managing Director, Buena Vista International Australia; producer Daniel Scharf (producer Romper Stomper, Tom White) Aleksi Vellis (director The Wog Boy, Nirvana Street Murder) and Melanie Coombes (producer Harvie Krumpet).  Humorous and revealing anecdotes from the front line!"},{"_id":32,"title":"World Health on the Edge: A conversation with three global leaders in health and habitat","date_venue":"29 April 2004 – BMW Edge","venue":null,"attendance_est":"200","speakers":"Professor Rob Moodie, Lynne Haultain,, Rev. Andrew Mawson, David Tipping, Sheela Patel","partners_sponsors":"18th World Conference on Health Promotion and Heath Education","overview":"A unique conversation with leaders in health and habitat"},{"_id":33,"title":"Funny Business: Can you laugh all the way to the bank?","date_venue":"8 April 2003 - Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"400","speakers":"Red Symons (MC) , Jodie J Hill , Kevin Whyte , Rachel Berger , Dave O’Neil","partners_sponsors":"774 ABC Melbourne, Melbourne International Comedy festival","overview":"Beneath all the laughter, comedy is a pretty serious business. Some comedians will risk six months rent to put on a show; others have become household names. Gain some insights into how the art and business of comedy are balanced and hear how comedians blend their passion for getting up on stage with the demands of the entertainment business"},{"_id":34,"title":"Sanity Clause - A survival plan for the Festive Season","date_venue":"9 December 2002 - Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"230","speakers":"Jane Clifton  Professor Ian Hickie, Dr Francis Macnab AM, Denise Scott","partners_sponsors":"774 ABC Melbourne","overview":"Office parties, presents, stress, families, overindulgence, happiness for many - depression for some, trashed credit cards ... but not enough sanity! Love it or hate it, whether you’re in the \"party hard\" or \"parent hard\" set, the festive season is upon us. Join our seasoned panel in the final Melbourne Conversation for 2003. Have a laugh, get some survival tips and share your stories"},{"_id":35,"title":"No 1 Death - Life everlasting or damn well nothing? - The Minister, The Atheist and The Nun, – Conversations that wrestle  with the big questions of life","date_venue":"30 October 2002 - Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"200","speakers":"Terry Lane (MC), Rev Tim Costello, Cr Dick Gross, Dr Maryanne Confoy","partners_sponsors":"774 ABC Melbourne","overview":"Death - Life everlasting or damn well nothing?How do non-religious people cope with death? Does faith help or hinder?  Why are rituals so important to us? We crave meaning and purpose in our lives but does religion provide the only answer? Do we need a contemporary \"godless gospel\" - to live, cope with despair and enjoy our lives?"},{"_id":36,"title":"The Persistence of Gardening in the Inner City","date_venue":"28 November 2001 - Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"220","speakers":"Tonya Roberts,(MC) Richard Heathcote, Perri Cutten , Sean Godsell, Carolyn Blackman","partners_sponsors":"ABC 774","overview":"Despite lack of space, gardening in inner Melbourne persists and is indeed growing and changing the way we live, entertain and sustain our spirit. Why are we so committed to gardening?  Why ‘must’ we grow that Gardenia or Daphne? What would it be like without private gardens? Will we move to introduce more greening of our inner city? Why does private gardening persist so strongly?"},{"_id":37,"title":"Built on Gold","date_venue":"30 October 2001 - Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"150","speakers":"Prof. Graeme Davison, Rev Tim Costello, Dennis O'Hoy, Robyn Annear","partners_sponsors":"No partners","overview":"Speakers will discuss Melbourne’s architectural heritage, important public institutions, our history of great wealth and immigration and ask “Are we a generous, multicultural and tolerant community 150 years on?”"},{"_id":38,"title":"MKW 2017 lunchtimes: Bespoke at scale","date_venue":"Thursday 4 May, 2017","venue":"MKW Festival Hub (Experimedia), State Library of Victoria","attendance_est":"110","speakers":"HOST Vanessa Murray - author of forthcoming book on bespoke making in Australia, to be published by Hardie Grant\nMarcus Westbury - Renew Australia, Collingwood Arts Precinct\nSusannah Bradley - ETSY Australia\nOrion Chibnall - Orion Joel Custom Jewellery","partners_sponsors":"Etsy Australia","overview":null},{"_id":39,"title":"Stompin’ Ground: A talk about dance land and culture","date_venue":"18 March 2013, Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"125","speakers":"Alan Brown\nJida Gulpilil \nMarilyn Miller \nClinton Nain\n Nikki Ashby","partners_sponsors":"Arts House through Dance Massive 2013","overview":"Why dance if you don’t have land?\n\nJoin the panel of experts as they consider this political question and tell stories about Indigenous dance and its connections to cultural continuity, health, identity, community and land."},{"_id":40,"title":"\"Toff Talks\" Urban Melbourne = Mega Melbourne: Where is it headed?","date_venue":"Toff in Town\n25 June, 7.30pm","venue":null,"attendance_est":"80","speakers":"Eyal Halamish\nEllen Sandell  \nJaddan Comerford\nProf Rob Adams AM","partners_sponsors":"The Toff in Town","overview":"We’re bursting with energy and innovation. Growth, green culture, cultural diversity, digital spaces, art, music, bikes, students, lanes, bars, fashion, sport – you name it, Melbourne’s famous for it! Join our talk about the merits, limits and consequences of rapid changes."},{"_id":41,"title":"Creative Cities, Regions and Communities: Why local art is so important","date_venue":"4 October 2011, BMW Edge, Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"230","speakers":"Caroline Martin, Pooja Sood, Professor Vilsoni Hereniko, Eduard Miralles, David Young","partners_sponsors":"Future Leaders\n5th World Summit on Arts & Culture Melbourne 2011\nIFACCA\nOZCO\nABC Radio National 621","overview":"The global mobility and practice of many artists and producers across the world  is now common place. But the work of diverse, locally based artists - often less well celebrated - is critical to the maturation of communities that nurture the  growth of creative cities, towns and regions.  Hear the stories about the centrality of the work of local artists to their communities, join in and have your say."},{"_id":42,"title":"The Low-Rise High Density Housing Challenge:  New Materials, New Methods ... but will it really be cheaper, quicker and greener?","date_venue":"19 October 2009, BMW Edge Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"400","speakers":"Tony Arnel Shelley Penn Shane Murray Tom Jordon Joost Bakker Andrew Waugh","partners_sponsors":"Wood Naturally Better BEDP","overview":"The Low-Rise High Density Housing Challenge: New Materials, New Methods ... but will it really be cheaper,quicker and greener?"},{"_id":43,"title":"The Universal Access Challenge:  Access for everyone, everywhere","date_venue":"27 April 2011, BMW Edge, Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"100","speakers":"Moderator: Stella Young, Janice Florence, Dr George Taleporos, Jonothan Cowle, Senator Jan McLucas","partners_sponsors":"Future Leaders","overview":"A stimulating and important discussion around changing attitudes to universal access and the practical challenges and barriers associated with improving the design of the built environment with accessibility in mind for everyone regardless of ability."},{"_id":44,"title":"From Melbourne to Copenhagen: What’s our responsibility for climate change? Included live cross to Dr Cathy Oke and Tim Costello in Copenhagen","date_venue":"9 December 2009, BMW Edge Federation Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"400","speakers":"Moderator Peter Mares - Introduction: Dr Kathy Alexander - Mr Guy Abrahams - Dr Kate Auty - Ms Liz Minchin - Lord Mayor Robert Doyle","partners_sponsors":"Future leaders","overview":"A Copenhagen agreement looks unlikely to produce binding agreements on lower emission targets. Urgent local action on the impact of climate change is even more important. Hear what is being done by local organisations, governments and individuals, what needs to be done and what you can do to help."},{"_id":45,"title":"2040 City - Future Visions","date_venue":"22 July 2009, BMW Edge Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"400","speakers":"Moderator: Peter Mares \nBrent Alpress \nProf Lyndon Anderson \nDr. Michael Trudgeon \nProf. Chris Ryan","partners_sponsors":"Design Laboratory","overview":"An exploration of the future of the city presenting a series of compelling and confronting ‘visions’ as provocations or considerations.  What will shape and define the nature of and livability of the future city?  What are the pressures and circumstances- imminent or distant- that will shape the social fabric of the city in 2040 and the subsequent spatial, physical and ecological realm that 2040 citizens will occupy?"},{"_id":46,"title":"World AIDS Day Forum 2007","date_venue":"27 November 2007, Supper Room, Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"200","speakers":"Moderator: Anton Enus – Broadcaster and Journalist SBS \nProfessor Dennis Altman – Politics Program, LaTrobe University\nAssociate Professor Bebe Loff - Head Human Rights and Bioethics Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University\nDr Anne Mitchell - Director, Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria","partners_sponsors":"Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men’s Health Centre","overview":"The World AIDS Day 2007 Forum features three distinct perspectives on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights. \n\nA Melbourne Conversations presented by the Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men’s Health Centre in partnership with the City of Melbourne."},{"_id":47,"title":"Making & Talking about Art:  Politics, Risk and Responsibility","date_venue":"29 August 2007, City Library, Melbourne","venue":null,"attendance_est":"60","speakers":"Danielle Freakley, Dr Kate MacNeill, Robert Mangion, Kim Kruger, Julie Edwards","partners_sponsors":"future melboourne","overview":"Deliberately controversial and politically charged art works, when presented to the public or funded from the public purse, are often cause for shock media responses but artists and funding bodies usually deal with the issues fairly easily.  Council has a useful protocol for dealing with issues associated with controversial art works."},{"_id":48,"title":"W11 Tram Overheard Series","date_venue":"Karachi' Tram Friday 1 December 2006","venue":null,"attendance_est":"200","speakers":"NEIL THOMAS & DAVID WELLS\nPerformance artists Neil Thomas and David Wells have lived many weeks of their lives enclosed together behind glass shop windows in 'Urban Dream Capsule', and recently performed 'Mantalk'.","partners_sponsors":"tramtactics and Mick Douglas","overview":"Two special strangers meet on a tram. They talk, feeling their way, whilst their conversation makes a tram-load of passengers all ears. Each week two guests come aboard to discuss personal journeys, mobility, transportation, hospitality and the urban public realm. With conversationalists including known voices and people less heard, each conversation unfolds a unique encounter with civic Melbourne here and now. The program aims to create conditions for conversation that are non-threatening and highly personal – as might be normally undertaken by two people on a tram – yet of public interest, hence worthy of overhearing."},{"_id":49,"title":"Outside Voices 1: History - Stranger than Fiction  - a Eureka 150 event","date_venue":"22 November 2004 RMIT Capitol Theatre","venue":null,"attendance_est":"250","speakers":"Virginia Trioli (Moderator), Professor Geoffrey Blainey, Dr. Anne Beggs Sunter, Dr Weston Bate, Dr Clare Wright","partners_sponsors":"Eureka150","overview":"A discussion on the differing historical views of Eureka and the role of historians in creating and maintaining history. Was Eureka an inspired revolution or just a complaint against taxation? You decide."},{"_id":50,"title":"Peak Oil, Permaculture and Sustainability: Future options for local communities.","date_venue":"BMW Edge Fed Square 6 September 2006","venue":null,"attendance_est":"350","speakers":"Richard Heinberg - Journalist, author and peak oil educator, David Holmgren – Author and co-orginator of Permaculture, MC - Peter Mares - Journalist and Broadcaster, ABC Radio National, Discussion Panel includes: Ken Davidson – Age Columnist, Dr Elizabeth Heij- Facilitator of \"CSIRO Sustainability Network\" and Philip Sutton founder and Director-Strategy for Green Innovations","partners_sponsors":"David Holmgren and Su Dennett and the Sustainable Living Foundation","overview":"Perspectives on the threats that we face from the depletion of conventional oil supplies, resource wars, terrorism and economic and social collapse and ideas on a framework for re-designing the way we think and act to resolve the energy crises."},{"_id":51,"title":"Talk Blak2: The politics of Australian Identity: Recent Stories","date_venue":"BMW Edge Fed Sq 1 June 2006","venue":null,"attendance_est":"250","speakers":"Ms Lisa Bellear, Poet, Writer and Performer,  Ms Cathy Craigie, Past Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council, Ms Sherene Hassan, Executive Committee Member, Islamic Council of Victoria, Dr Maree Pardy, Gender Studies Program The University of Melbourne, Dr Di Sisely, Co-Chair Reconciliation Victoria.","partners_sponsors":"N/A","overview":"Panellists will tell their stories and discuss the complexities of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous identity and reflect on what constitutes an “Australian identity” in the wake of the Cronulla and Maroubra beach race riots."},{"_id":52,"title":"Getting Physical in Melbourne - Obesity, fitness, health and well-being","date_venue":"11 October 2005 Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"100","speakers":"MC Jo Salmon, Speakers Roald Bahr ,Kylie Ball, Shona Bass, Wendy Brown, Bilie Giles-Corti , Tim Olds, Willem van Mechelen","partners_sponsors":"Sports Medicine Australia","overview":"Sports mad, obsessed with dieting and constantly seeking alternative Health answers, Australia is still one of the most obese societies in the world. How do affluent, western societies try to keep healthy, and to what extent are we succeeding? How do we move beyond fitness to well-being?"},{"_id":53,"title":"MKW 2017 Keynote: Katherine Maher on \"The democratisation of knowledge\"","date_venue":"Monday 1 May, 2017","venue":"Kathleen Fitzpatrick Lecture Theatre, University of Melbourne","attendance_est":"400","speakers":"Katherine Maher - Executive Director, Wikimedia Foundation\nBjorn Nansen - Lecturer, Media & Communications, University of Melbourne","partners_sponsors":"University of Melbourne\nMKW 2017","overview":null},{"_id":54,"title":"Alain de Botton in conversation with Michael Leunig","date_venue":"23 April 2009 RMIT Storey Auditorium","venue":null,"attendance_est":"800","speakers":"Alain de Botton\nMichael Leunig","partners_sponsors":null,"overview":"Renowned philosopher, best-selling author and TV presenter, will discuss his latest book, The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work.   This talk will “amount to a celebration and investigation of an activity as central to a good life as love – but which we often find remarkably hard to reflect on properly. Most of us are still working at jobs chosen for us by our sixteen-year-old selves.”"},{"_id":55,"title":"Cultivating Green Art: Ideas and solutions for environmental sustainability","date_venue":"24 November 2011, Supper Room, Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"200","speakers":"Karen Blincoe, Martin Mulligan, Katrine Vejby, Miyuki Jokiranta and Angharad Wynne-Jones","partners_sponsors":"Tipping Point Australia\nStatens Kunstrad, Danish Arts Council\nFuture Leaders","overview":"City of Melbourne, TippingPoint Australia and the Danish Arts Agency have combined to bring you some of Melbourne and Copenhagen’s most exciting cultural innovators as they discuss how they see the artists in their cities respond to the challenge of environmental sustainability. Contribute to the Café Conversations style evening and have interactive creative conversations on the issues they raise."},{"_id":56,"title":"Melbourne - A City with a Healthy Heart? A talk about growth and density","date_venue":"Tuesday 27 October 2015","venue":null,"attendance_est":"280","speakers":"Panelists:\n- Kate Roffey, CEO, Committee for Melbourne \n- Professor Jago Dodson, Professor of Urban Policy and Director of the Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University\n- Dr Andrea Sharam, Research Fellow, Swinburne Institute for Social Research, Swinburne University\n- Ivan Motley, Founding Director of .id Consulting (informed decisions)","partners_sponsors":"Future Melbourne","overview":"Inner Melbourne is already a compact, densely populated place to live, work and learn and urban renewal will attract more people to the heart of the city. \n\nHow do we accommodate more residents and maintain liveability? What trade-offs might we have to make? Is the central city friendly for raising children, for being a student, for growing old? How will climate change and the digital economy affect the inner city? What kind of planning and design rules will foster a vibrant urban economy, quality dwellings at affordable prices, welcoming, walkable streets and enjoyable open spaces?"},{"_id":57,"title":"New Learning: spaces, tech & pedagogies","date_venue":"Thursday 17 March, 2015,  Library at the Dock, Docklands","venue":null,"attendance_est":"120","speakers":"Panellists:\nProfessor Stephen Heppell – Educator, Teacher, Academic and CEO of Heppell.net, UK\nLeone Lorrimer - CEO, dwp suters Architecture + Interior design, Sydney\nDr Gary Stager – Progressive Educator, Journalist and Consultant\nShirley Tan - President, Robogals, Melbourne\nMC/Host  Michael Short – Journalist and Editor of The Zone, The Age","partners_sponsors":"Library at The Dock, Docklands","overview":"While digital technologies enhance and complicate our lives, they give us better access to vital knowledge and enable most people and communities to prosper and thrive. Hear the latest on how innovative design solutions for formal and informal learning spaces, new digital technologies and evolving pedagogies shape where, when, how and what we learn. Join expert practitioners and knowledge leaders and contribute. Decision makers in the school and public learning programs arena cannot afford to miss this important discussion and networking opportunity."},{"_id":58,"title":"Is Out the new In: What’s Up with Outsider Art","date_venue":"Wednesday 22 October 2014, Swanston Hall, Melbourne Town","venue":null,"attendance_est":"270","speakers":"James Brett - Founder, Museum of Everything, United Kingdom\nProfessor Lynne Cooke - Andrew W. Mellon Professor at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA\nProfessor Colin Rhodes - Dean, School of Fine Arts, The University of Sydney. \nFounder of the Self-Taught and Outsider Art Collection at the University of Sydney and editor of Elsewhere, the International Journal of Self-Taught and Outsider Art. \nMC - Dr Christopher McAuliffe – Curator, Writer and Art Historian","partners_sponsors":"Part of Contemporary Outsider Art - A Global Context/ Arts Projects Aust","overview":"Outsider Art – does it still deserve the name, or is it now an integral part of contemporary art? Hear from a group of world authorities on the subject. Join us for a stimulating discussion as we celebrate the opening of Contemporary Outsider Art – A Global Context, an international conference mounted by Arts Project Australia and the University of Melbourne."},{"_id":59,"title":"Urban Heritage/New Architecture:  Where to now?","date_venue":"Monday 29 September 2014, Capitol Theatre","venue":null,"attendance_est":"550","speakers":"Rob Moore –City Design, City Of Melbourne\nMr David Rolls – Group Executive, Commercial Development, Mirvac \nDr Kate Shaw – ARC Future Fellow, The University of Melbourne \nMC: Professor Kate Darian-Smith – Professor of Cultural Heritage, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, The University of Melbourne","partners_sponsors":"Presented in conjunction with  Urban Built Heritage International Conference  - UoM","overview":"Local commentators talk of the ambition of a sustainable “20 minute city” and argue that well planned growth and densification of inner Melbourne will improve prosperity and liveability. Because many value both urban heritage and exciting new architecture is there a conflict? Have the planners got it right? Hear from our panel of experience commentators, join in and have your say."},{"_id":60,"title":"Arts strategy – artists, arts orgs – invite only","date_venue":"Wednesday 13 November 2013 Arts House North Melb Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"110","speakers":"No document exists","partners_sponsors":null,"overview":"This was a planning workshop with artists @ NM Town Hall  to assist in research for development of CoM Arts Strategy published in June 2014"},{"_id":61,"title":"Women and Work: Who Pays?","date_venue":"Thursday 19 September 2013, 6pm - 7:30pm. Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"85","speakers":"Ms Clementine Ford - Writer and Broadcaster\nMs Michele ONeil - National Secretary Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia \nDr Clare Wright - Historian, Writer and Activist\nCurator and MC: Ms Sophie Cunningham - Writer, Chair of Literature Australia Council, Founding Member Stella Prize","partners_sponsors":null,"overview":"Melbourne writer and literary luminary Sophie Cunningham chairs this conversation on women and work that asks: who pays in the world of work?  As well as providing a historical perspective, issues up for discussion include freelance work, equal pay, and the place of women on corporate boards. We will consider what conditions are likely to be cast aside as governments change and economies shift, and look at the globalisation of the workforce. We will remember the women who are paying the price for the ever increasing drive towards consumerism."},{"_id":62,"title":"Constitutional Recognition of Australia's first people","date_venue":"Thursday 30 May 2013\n6.30pm - 7.30pm Swanston Hall, Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"143","speakers":"Prof. Kerry Arabena\nProf. George Williams AO\nChris Graham \nMelissa Castan","partners_sponsors":"Reconciliation Victoria, ANTAR, Federation Square, Future leaders","overview":"The Constitution is considered out of date with the modern reality of Australia; it doesn’t recognise Indigenous peoples and it’s discriminatory.  In the spirit of reconciliation, leading Indigenous and non-Indigenous public commentators discuss the suggested constitutional changes recommended by the “Expert Panel” and the related issues of land rights and sovereignty."},{"_id":63,"title":"Feeding a Growing Melbourne: Issue and Opportunities","date_venue":"14 February 2013, The Edge, Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"250","speakers":"Kate Auty\nMiranda Sharp \nMartin Caraher\nDavid Wallace  \nRob Gell","partners_sponsors":"Sustainable Living Festival, Federation Square and Future Leaders","overview":"Growth, land use competition, water costs, extreme weather, peak oil and farm viability are food security threats. Join the conversation on our food future, listen to stories on resilience, where our food comes from, health and nutrition, get some ideas on growing and buying locally and share your urban food story."},{"_id":64,"title":"Indigenous Writers Talks\nMelbourne Indigenous Arts Festival","date_venue":"11 February 2012,\nBMW Edge, Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"166","speakers":"Poetry Readings (50): Kylie Belling, \nJohn Harding, Tony Birch, \nKym Walker \nWriting for Rap (55): Kylie Belling \nTjimba Possum-Burns & Patrick Mau \nWriters Panel (61):  John Harding, Richard Frankland, Tony Briggs & Jane Harrison","partners_sponsors":"Future Leaders \nMelbourne Indigenous Arts Festival","overview":"Melbourne’s own Yorta Yorta woman, Kylie Belling, hosts some of Australia’s most talented storytellers at this session. Contemporary poets, songwriters, rappers, playwrights, scriptwriters and novelists will read, perform and talk about their work. The talks celebrate Indigenous writing and the legacy and tradition of David Unaipon, Kevin Gilbert and Oodgeroo Noonuccal. Writers will discuss the topics, “Who do Indigenous writers write for?\" and \"How do contemporary Indigenous writers move between the oral tradition and the written word?”"},{"_id":65,"title":"Cool It! Tackling Climate Change","date_venue":"17 February 2011, BMW Edge Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"450","speakers":"Moderator Peter Mares, Don Henry, Cathy Oke, Izabela Ratajczak-Juszko, John Daley","partners_sponsors":"Future Leaders\nSustainable Living Festival","overview":"Recent natural disasters are again putting the focus on the impact of climate change. Join experts in the area as they comment on zero net emissions, the issue of carbon pricing and budgeting, and what transition  initiatives and community resilience means for you. They will offer a first  hand experience of achievements and outcomes from the 2010 Mexico  Cancun Summit and comment on future global climate change challenges."},{"_id":66,"title":"Dancing on Country: Indigenous Dance Culture","date_venue":"29 September 2010, BMW Edge Federation Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"120","speakers":"Marilyn Miller Stephen Page Carolyn Briggs Jacob Boehme Moderator Kylie Belling","partners_sponsors":"Future Leaders","overview":"A discussion on the growth and diversity of Indigenous dance, the vital connections between traditional and contemporary forms, new research that documents bay area pre-European settlement gatherings, the importance of place and meaning and the cultural need for a local contemporary Indigenous dance theatre."},{"_id":67,"title":"Salon Conv. Communicating Architecture","date_venue":"1 October 2009, City Library","venue":null,"attendance_est":"50","speakers":"MC Martyn Hook  \nTania Davidge and Christine Phillips - Architects, Directors, OpenHAUS\nAlex Selenitsch - Architect and Poet and Senior Lecturer, Architecture, University of Melbourne\nHamish Lyon - Principal NH Architecture\nKaren Burns - Architectural Historian and Theorist Lecturer, Monash University Architecture\nStuart Harrison - Architect, Director HAW and Lecturer, Architecture, RMIT University","partners_sponsors":null,"overview":"A unique opportunity for architects and designers to hear from an impressive panel of peers responding to the topic and joining in conversation on the ways that architecture and the architectural idea or concept can be communicated to the public.  Panellists will discuss the relationship between media and architecture, how architectural practitioners, academics, theorists, historians and writers can foster a broader understanding of architectural practice in the community and how innovative architectural ideas and concepts can be better communicated."},{"_id":68,"title":"Kicking Goals – Changing Lives – No1 HWC 2008","date_venue":"3 December 2008, BMW Edge","venue":null,"attendance_est":"300","speakers":"Tracee Hutchison, Sarah McLardy, Emmanuel Bismyf, Tom Hurley, Dan Adams","partners_sponsors":"Homeless World Cup, Big Issue, Future Leaders","overview":"A discussion with young people about street soccer, crime, homelessness, poverty, achievement against the odds and how young people can make a difference in the world."},{"_id":69,"title":"In Praise of Impurity: Beyond Geo-Aesthetics in Contemporary Art","date_venue":"28 July 2008, BMW Edge Fed Sq","venue":null,"attendance_est":"350","speakers":"Moderator - Ms Louise Adler - CEO and Publisher-in-Chief, Melbourne University Publishing.\nGuest Lecturer: Director 2010 Biennale of Sydney","partners_sponsors":"Melbourne Art Fair 2008 Lecture","overview":"Be the first in Australia to hear from the yet to be announced Director of the 2010 Biennale of Sydney.  All will be revealed on the night.  The presentation will build on the highly successful Melbourne Art Fair 2006 lecture LIVE IN YOUR HEAD: Places of art, when young Italian born curator Massimiliano Gioni thrilled the audience with his take on innovative forms of curatorial practice for contemporary visual arts across Europe and North America"},{"_id":70,"title":"Places in the heart – Fed Sq’s 5th B/day forum","date_venue":"11 October 2007, BMW Edge, Fed Sq.","venue":null,"attendance_est":"230","speakers":"Rob Adams, Kate Brennan, Conrad Bodman, Paul Carter, Peter Davidson","partners_sponsors":"Fed Square","overview":"“The planners have successfully recreated the dynamism that has taken centuries to develop in civic squares in the Old World. This addition has created a new cultural centre for the city, fulfilling a long held ambition to provide an authentic civic destination.” Sara Gaventa , ‘New Public Spaces” 2006."},{"_id":71,"title":"Art in the Park – Getting Under the city’s skin","date_venue":"16 November 2004 BMW Edge Fed Sq","venue":null,"attendance_est":"200","speakers":"MC - Andrew Mackenzie, Dianne Beevers, Dr Tony Birch, Dr Megan Evans, Sean Godsell","partners_sponsors":null,"overview":"Nine artists have developed temporary works for installation in Melbourne's new park - Birrarung Marr. Join a diverse panel as they discuss the art works and how artists contribute to our understanding of this important site and its relationship with the city. Developed in conjunction with Yarra arraY 2004 - Skinned, a current exhibition of outdoor art in Birrarung Marr until 5 December 2004."},{"_id":72,"title":"Political Accountability: What is really going on?","date_venue":"27 June 2007, BMW Edge, Fed Sq.","venue":null,"attendance_est":"750","speakers":"MC - Dr Zoe Wainer \nDr Helen Szoke - CEO, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.\nMr Lex Lasry QC \nMr David Marr - Author, Patrick White","partners_sponsors":"A partnership with Afred Deakin Lectures 2007","overview":"You are invited to a panel discussion about political accountability.  Come along and hear the views of this diverse group of people and have your own say on the night."},{"_id":73,"title":"Science, Politics, Philanthropy and Money:  Building community consensus for controversial medical research and difficult decisions","date_venue":"25 June 2007, BMW Edge, Fed Sq.","venue":null,"attendance_est":"250","speakers":"Robert Klein","partners_sponsors":"A Melbourne Conversations supported event presented by Alfred Deakin Lectures","overview":"Building community consensus for controversial research and projects is hard work. Robert Klein should know. This committed Californian has negotiated billions of dollars of support for research into stem cells and diabetes as well as public housing projects and campaigns to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons. In this talk Robert Klein looks at the need for further stem cell work, and the role of the public and business in directly supporting medical research."},{"_id":74,"title":"The Place of Students in Central Melbourne: Cash Cows or Community Members?","date_venue":"10 May 2007, Supper Room, Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"350","speakers":"Ruth Fincher, Professor of Geography, University of Melbourne\nJoyce Kirk, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students), RMIT University \nPeter McPhee, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of Melbourne\nJanice Lo, Student, University of Melbourne\nAdrian Burrage, Student Housing Services Manager, University of Melbourne\nKate Shaw, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, University of Melbourne\nPeter Elliot, Architect, Adjunct Professor of Architecture, RMIT University\nPaul Carter, Professorial Research Fellow, University of Melbourne\nPaolo Tombesi, Associate Professor of Architecture, University of Melbourne","partners_sponsors":"University of Melbourne","overview":"A discussion about the place of students in central Melbourne—about\nthe communities they form, and the housing and public spaces available to them."},{"_id":75,"title":"W11 Tram Overheard Series -Marie Sierra & Lawrence Harvey","date_venue":"16 February 2007, W11 Tram City Circle","venue":null,"attendance_est":"100","speakers":"Marie Sierra & Lawrence Harvey","partners_sponsors":"tramtactics and Mick Douglas","overview":"Two special strangers meet on a tram. They talk, feeling their way, whilst their conversation makes a tram-load of passengers all ears. Each week two guests come aboard to discuss personal journeys, mobility, transportation, hospitality and the urban public realm. With conversationalists including known voices and people less heard, each conversation unfolds a unique encounter with civic Melbourne here and now. The program aims to create conditions for conversation that are non-threatening and highly personal – as might be normally undertaken by two people on a tram – yet of public interest, hence worthy of overhearing."},{"_id":76,"title":"W11 Tram Overheard Series","date_venue":"Karachi' Tram Friday 10 November 2006","venue":null,"attendance_est":"200","speakers":"WALEED ALY, writer, lawyer & executive member of Islamic Council of Victoria, & TONY BIRCH, writer and lecturer, Department of English & Cultural","partners_sponsors":"tramtactics and Mick Douglas","overview":"Two special strangers meet on a tram. They talk, feeling their way, whilst their conversation makes a tram-load of passengers all ears. Each week two guests come aboard to discuss personal journeys, mobility, transportation, hospitality and the urban public realm. With conversationalists including known voices and people less heard, each conversation unfolds a unique encounter with civic Melbourne here and now. The program aims to create conditions for conversation that are non-threatening and highly personal – as might be normally undertaken by two people on a tram – yet of public interest, hence worthy of overhearing."},{"_id":77,"title":"Fashion is more Melbourne than footy - the MMSFW Debate","date_venue":"Melbourne Town Hall 8 September 2006","venue":null,"attendance_est":"100","speakers":"Annette Alison - Fashion Commentator; Dermot Brereton - Media Personality, Melissa Jackson - Milliner, Ron Barassi - Media Personality, Lee Lin Chin","partners_sponsors":"Melbourne Spring Fashion Week '06","overview":"Famous fashionistas and tragic footy fans will flood the stage as they debate and struggle for possession of Melbourne's  hearts and minds.  Bring your lunch and support the celebrity panel as they take a light-hearted look at what makes Melbourne great in Spring."},{"_id":78,"title":"Melbourne Art Fair 2006 Lecture","date_venue":"BMW Edge Fed Sq. 31 July 2006","venue":null,"attendance_est":null,"speakers":"Andrew Mackenzie, Massimiliano Gioni - Trusardi Foundation Milan","partners_sponsors":"Melbourne Art Fair Foundation, Monash University Art Museum","overview":"LIVE IN YOUR HEAD: Places of art. What is the location of art? Where does art happen? In white rooms that are exactly the same across the globe, in industrial ruins turned into secular cathedrals, or - more simply - in our heads, in that invisible and yet much more complex social space that tie us together with our beliefs, cultures, and emotions?"},{"_id":79,"title":"Working in Melbourne 1856-2056: Certainty and Uncertainty?","date_venue":"RMIT Capitol Theatre 22 June 2006","venue":null,"attendance_est":"100","speakers":"MC Peter Mares – Presenter The National Interest ABC Radio National, Dr Phil Burgess – Group Managing Director, Public Policy and Communication, Telstra, Richard Marles – Assistant Secretary ACTU, Dr Jill Murray – Senior Lecturer, La Trobe Law, La Trobe University, Professor Barbara Pocock -  Director of the Centre for Work and Life,University of South Australia.","partners_sponsors":"Eight Hour Day 150th Committee","overview":"Panellists will reflect on how, when and why we have worked over the past 150 years and a gaze into the work places and practices of the future. This event is being developed in partnership with the Eight Hour Day 150th Anniversary Project."},{"_id":80,"title":"Melbourne’s Built Environment: A reason to celebrate or a cause for concern?","date_venue":"24 June 2004 - Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"450","speakers":"MC - James Button, Roger Poole, Chris Gallagher, Jim Sinatra, Kerstin Thompson, Huston Eubank, Hamish Macdonald, Maria Sierra","partners_sponsors":"Year of the Built Environment 2004, Future leaders","overview":"Victorians are proud of many aspects of our built environment but damn others. How can environmental planning and sustainability policies and practices deliver a better future for our urban environment and increase the community’s quality of life?"},{"_id":81,"title":"Writing Melbourne - Understanding our city as a character and inspiration","date_venue":"3 September 2003 - BMW Edge Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"180","speakers":"Julie Copeland (MC)   Jane Clifton , Alex Selenitsch , Roger Simpson , Shane Maloney","partners_sponsors":"Australian Writers' Guild","overview":"What do the TV series  HALIFAX f.p. and Stingers and the novels The Big Ask and Half Past Dead have in common? Answer:Melbourne - a city at the centre of stories about ourselves. How does Melbourne shape the nature of story and influence the storytellers? Is it the geography, urban landscape, architecture and history? What sort of character is Melbourne and how is she changing? Join together with our panel of experts to help unravel these questions."},{"_id":82,"title":"An Indigenous History for Contemporary Melbourne Forum 3 Repatriation: Retrieving Heritage","date_venue":"18 June 2003 - BMW Edge Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"280","speakers":"Tony Birch (MC) Gary Murray, Dr Jane Lydon , John Harding - Curator Dr Clare Wright","partners_sponsors":"History Council of Victoria","overview":"Melbourne’s 21st century cultural institutions are world leaders in formulating strategies and policies for preserving indigenous heritage. What is the role of Indigenous historians in the controversial project of repatriating human remains? Do Indigenous artists and writers simply record or actively create culture? If material culture is the medium, what is the message?"},{"_id":83,"title":"Corporate Citizenship: Is business serious about being socially responsible or is it just window dressing","date_venue":"29 May 2003 - Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"220","speakers":"George Littlewood MC, Ian Head, Elaine Henry, Gerard Brown , Maria McCarthy","partners_sponsors":"Corporate Citizenship Research Unit","overview":"Business is under pressure to lift its game and show leadership on social, environmental and economic responsibilities. Talk is of codes of conduct, radical change, ethical investments, community engagement, sustainability and Triple Bottom Line reporting, but how 'real' is all of this? Is it just PR spin or is a new business ethic emerging? Do you have a voice?"},{"_id":84,"title":"An Indigenous History for Contemporary Melbourne Forum 1 Invasion: Contesting Colonialism","date_venue":"21 May 2003 - BMW Edge Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"400","speakers":"Michael Cathcart (Chair) Joy Murphy Wandin , Tony Birch, Paul Fox - Curator Dr Clare Wright","partners_sponsors":"History Council of Victoria","overview":"Do Melbourne’s 19th century foundation stories still influence our contemporary relationships? How can indigenous encounters with Batman and Buckley lead to an ethics for interaction today? Learn about the Koori inhabitants of the land now occupied by Federation Square"},{"_id":85,"title":"Ivan Hutchinson’s Melbourne: A Conversation with Rob Sitch","date_venue":"25 July 2002 - Melbourne Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"700","speakers":"Peter Krausz, Rob Sitch, Tony Martin, Leigh Paatsch","partners_sponsors":"Melbourne Film Critics Forum, Melbourne International Film Festival, Connoisseur, 774 ABC Melbourne","overview":"Celebrates the late Ivan Hutchinson’s contribution to film criticism and film culture in Melbourne. Our special guests will explore the fundamentals of film - be they fabulous or flawed"},{"_id":86,"title":"MKW 2017 Keynote: Jason Schupbach on \"The role of place in civic innovation\"","date_venue":"Tuesday 2 May, 2017","venue":"Deakin Edge","attendance_est":"160","speakers":"Keynote: Jason Schupbach – Director of Design and Creative Placemaking Programs – National Endowment for the Arts NEA \nHost: Jane Crawley - Creative Victoria","partners_sponsors":"MKW 2017","overview":null},{"_id":87,"title":"The Light and Dark Sides of Adolescence: Boosting Wellbeing and Reducing Risk \n\nWORLD CONGRESS ON PUBLIC HEALTH","date_venue":"Wednesday 5 April 2017","venue":"Plenary, MCEC","attendance_est":"450","speakers":"Panel\nCarmel Guerra OAM - Founder and CEO of the Centre for Multicultural Youth\nProfessor Alex Ezeh - Executive Director of The African Population and Health Research Center in Kenya\nTeresa Hall - Research Fellow and PhD student, Centre for Mental Health and The Nossal Institute, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health\nProfessor George Patton - Psychiatrist and epidemiologist at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute\nSpeaker TBC - Foundation for Young Australians\nMC Peter Mares - contributing editor to Inside Story magazine","partners_sponsors":"CoM Business Team sponsored the Congress \nWORLD CONGRESS ON PUBLIC HEALTH \nMCEC","overview":"Australian adolescents today are the best nourished, educated and interconnected generation ever - but they are also facing unprecedented cultural, economic and social change. \nAdolescence is a critical developmental phase for achieving human potential. It is a time of life characterised by dynamic brain development, when interaction with the social environment moulds the capabilities that an individual takes forward into later life.\nBut are we creating the conditions for adolescents and young adults to thrive?"},{"_id":88,"title":"Nature in our livable city: past, present and future","date_venue":"Thursday 25 February 2016 Swanston Room, Town Hall","venue":null,"attendance_est":"250","speakers":"A/Prof. Sarah Bekessy – Future Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University Prof. Tim Entwisle – Director and Chief Executive, Royal Botanic Gardens Dr Mark Norman – Head of Sciences, Museum Victoria A/Prof.  Kirsten Parris – Urban Ecology, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne Dr Gary Presland – Writer and historian  Host: Rob Gell AM – Consultant, environmentalist and media personality","partners_sponsors":"Urban Sustainability","overview":"While Melbourne is frequently awarded most liveable city status, what’s it like for all the little things, from miniscule plant life to the mighty powerful owl, that also call the city home?"},{"_id":89,"title":"Smart City Leadership","date_venue":"Monday 19 October 2015","venue":null,"attendance_est":"250","speakers":"Marita Cheng – CEO 2MarRobotics, Robogals Founder 2008, Young Australian of the Year 2012\nDr Nicholas Gruen – CEO Lateral Economics \nProf Sharon Lewin – Director, Doherty Institute, 2015 Melburnian of the Year and Club Melbourne Ambassador\nDarren Sharp – Sharing Economy Strategist, Director of Social Surplus\nHost: Peter Mares – Contributing editor Inside Story, Adjunct Fellow Swinburne Institute for Social Research, Writer and Journalist","partners_sponsors":"Future Melbourne/  MCEC External","overview":"Prominent thought leaders discuss the nature, shape and future of our rapidly changing city. What does Melbourne do best and what are the future opportunities? How can we manage rapid change and community expectations? Hear about the latest science, robotics, economics and digital opportunities and join in."},{"_id":90,"title":"Smart Cities with Digital Skins: What will this mean for you?","date_venue":"Tuesday 28 October 2014, Deakin Edge Fed Sq","venue":null,"attendance_est":"210","speakers":"MC: Antony Funnell – Presenter “Future Tense” ABC Radio National \nMr William Confalonieri – Chief Digital Officer Deakin University, Melbourne \nProf. Marimuthu (Palani)  Palaniswami - Director, Intelligent Sensors, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering The University of Melbourne \nMr Martin Janse van Rensburg - Alliance Manager, Industry Solutions Group Ecosystems, Cisco Systems\nMs Vanessa Toholka – Broadcaster with RRR Byte Into IT, Knowledge Management Consultant, Minter Ellison,Melbourne","partners_sponsors":"MKW/Deakin Uni","overview":"The internet of things and “smart” technology is already impacting the way we understand and use cities. Hear how sensors are changing our lives and how we use and manage metadata.  Will ‘smart cities’ deliver greater economic and public good? What about liveability and privacy? Get the knowledge, join in and have your say."},{"_id":91,"title":"Smaller government, bigger economy? Untangling the issues of public sector deficits and private sector growth.","date_venue":"Wednesday 25 June, Deakin Edge, Fed Sq","venue":null,"attendance_est":"195","speakers":"John Brumby – former Premier and Treasurer of Victoria, Joint VC’s Fellow Monash and Melbourne University\nDr Tim Thornton - Lecturer Department of Education and Social Sciences, Swinburne University\nDr Cassandra Goldie - CEO Australian Council of Social Service\nProf Judith Sloan – Contributing Economics Editor, The Australia,  Economist, Business Woman, Fellow at Melbourne Institute, Melbourne University\nMC – Peter Mares – Writer and Contributing Editor Inside Story Swinburne University of Technology","partners_sponsors":null,"overview":"The federal budget is designed to tackle structural problems that could see mounting deficits. It is also framed on the theory that if government gets out of the way of business, then the market can deliver stronger economic growth and increased prosperity. How serious are the revenue problems at federal and state level? Do we need to cut spending, raise taxes or both? Does the economic evidence support the hypothesis that reducing the size of the public sector will lift economic growth? Will there be a price to pay in increased inequality? How should we drive the knowledge economy? Join in and debate the issues in a language we can all understand."},{"_id":92,"title":"Green Cities – Building a Sustainable Melbourne","date_venue":"Wednesday 19 March 2014, Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Room","venue":null,"attendance_est":"310","speakers":"Rit Aggarwalla (Special Advisor to C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group), Rob Bennett (Ecodistricts), Pascal Mittermaier(Director of Sustainability, Lend Lease Construction) and Jane Henley (CEO, World Green Building Council). Moderated by Cr Arron Wood (City of Melbourne)","partners_sponsors":null,"overview":"Melbourne is regularly rated as the most liveable city in the world. Yet as climate change impacts and the demands of urbanisation accelerate, we need solutions that deliver a sustainable city. What can we learn from the experience of other cities and how might we apply those solutions in the next seven years?"},{"_id":93,"title":"Employment, Mobility and Living in a growing city","date_venue":"30 March 2011, BMW Edge, Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"350","speakers":"Peter Mares, Halvard Dalheim, Graham Currie, Marcus Spiller, Moura Quayle","partners_sponsors":"Future Leaders","overview":"Melbourne is expanding to the inner north and west and the notion and dominance of a CBD is changing.  What type and proportions of living, working and playing places should be provided, and how will mobility in these renewed areas be facilitated? How\ndo comparable cities cope and thrive? Join the conversation about jobs, dwellings, services, planning, and improved public transport, walking and cycling."},{"_id":94,"title":"Guest Curator Series with Dr Leslie Cannold: Is it Treason to Have the Wrong Reason?","date_venue":"22 May 2013\nThe Edge, Federation Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"311","speakers":"Dr Leslie Cannold\nMaria Tumarkin \nJayne Josem \nProf. Tony Coady","partners_sponsors":"Federation Square and Future Leaders.","overview":"Melbourne Conversations Guest Curator Series with Dr Leslie Cannold. ‘Is it Treason to Have the Wrong Reason – A conversation about political and personal ethics.\n\nEthics matter to all of us, but how can we tell right from wrong in a complex world? Is ‘meaning well’ enough to make a decision the right one, or do actions speak louder than words? How do we judge the person who makes an evil choice for all the wrong reasons, but ends up doing good as a result? From adoption in the 1960s, to ‘people-smugglers’ and the individual decisions we make to give to charity, join a panel of distinguished guests to discuss why acts, intentions and consequences often don’t line up, and whether we should even dare to judge in a morally messy world."},{"_id":95,"title":"Talk Blak 2010 – Identity: Stories from Indigenous Australia","date_venue":"16 June 2010, BMW Edge, Federation Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"180","speakers":"Moderator: Waleed Ally Professor Mark Rose Anita Maynard Clinton Nain Nathan Lovett-Murray","partners_sponsors":null,"overview":"Identity will be discussed though the perspectives of art, politics, family history, family identity, cultural heritage, Indigenous knowledge and education, role models, identity theft, growing up Aboriginal and the Tasmanian Palawa phenomenon. Palawa kani is an ongoing reconstruction of a composite Tasmanian Aboriginal language in attempt to strengthen Tasmanian Aboriginal culture"},{"_id":96,"title":"Alive and Kicking: New horizons for positive ageing in Melbourne","date_venue":"28 September 2005 BMW Edge","venue":null,"attendance_est":"350","speakers":"MC - Dr Gael Jennings  Speakers-Alan Hopgood AM , Dur-e Dara OAM, Prof. John McCallum, Prue Acton OBE, Joan Kirner AM","partners_sponsors":"Department for Victorian Communities","overview":"What’s good about being older? Does wisdom come with age? Is there anything to fear from getting older? What are three things on your horizon that would make ageing in Melbourne a more positive experience?"},{"_id":97,"title":"Genes, Race, Money and the Law:  The Genetic Future Shock?","date_venue":"15 July 2004 - RMIT Capitol Theatre","venue":null,"attendance_est":"600","speakers":"Facilitator/MC Professor C.A.J. (Tony) Coady, Associate Professor Philip Batterham, Professor Peter Singer Pofessor Loane Skene","partners_sponsors":"International Society Of Business Economics And Ethics 2004 World Congress","overview":"Rapid advances in the science of genetics and its applications present new and complex ethical and policy issues for individuals and society. Tonight this eminent group of experts will touch on the ethical, philosophical, legal, commercial, social and political issues arising from the new genetics"},{"_id":98,"title":"NEW03: taking the pulse of contemporary art in Melbourne","date_venue":"2 April 2003 - BMW Edge Fed Square","venue":null,"attendance_est":"250","speakers":"Juliana Engberg, Emily Floyd, , Andrew McQualter , David Rosetzky, Louise Weaver","partners_sponsors":"Federation Square Management, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA","overview":"NEW03 is a series of major new commissions offering outstanding emerged Australian artists an opportunity to create new projects at ACCA.  This evening’s discussion will address what prompts us to talk about contemporary art, the ‘pressure points’ in contemporary art and the sense of collegiality/community amongst artists in Melbourne"},{"_id":99,"title":"MKW 2017 lunchtimes: What do grown ups do all day?","date_venue":"Friday 5 May, 2017","venue":"MKW Festival Hub (Experimedia), State Library of Victoria","attendance_est":"125","speakers":"Jan Owen AM - FYA\nTane Hunter - Future Crunch\nNada Kalam - Melbourne Knowledge Fellowship applicant/ Muslim leadership network\nAlly Watson - Code Like A Girl\nMadeleine Buchner - Little Dreamers\nBrodie Lancaster - freelance writer TBC\nGary Leung - IntimatAR\nHelen Evans - freelancer/ gig economy","partners_sponsors":"Foundation for Young Australians","overview":null},{"_id":100,"title":"World Rangers Day: A celebration of passion, courage and care","date_venue":"Monday 28 July 2014, Deakin Edge, Fed Sq","venue":null,"attendance_est":"185","speakers":"Sean Willmore - Park Ranger and Founder of Thin Green Line Dr Bill Jackson - Chief Executive Officer, Parks Victoria Danielle Thomas - Park Rangers Coordinator, City of Melbourne MC Brian Nankervis - Writer, performer and producer World famous primatologist Dame Jane Goodall DBE and His Royal Highness Prince William have recorded messages of support for Thin Green Line","partners_sponsors":"collabration with the Thin Green Line Foundation/Parks Vic","overview":"While local park rangers don’t risk being murdered each day unlike their counterparts in other countries, Melbourne based organisation the “Thin Green Line Foundation” quietly leads the world in the challenge to protect nature’s protectors.  Hear the astonishing story of local ranger and Foundation founder Sean Willmore, turned passionate international activist and supporter of the world’s green guardians of the wild and ask yourself the question ‘how far would you go to follow your passion- is it worth risking your life?\" Join Sean and our panel as they celebrate the often unsung and diverse work of rangers from Melbourne to Mozambique."}], "fields": [{"id": "_id", "type": "int"}, {"id": "title", "type": "text"}, {"id": "date_venue", "type": "text"}, {"id": "venue", "type": "text"}, {"id": "attendance_est", "type": "text"}, {"id": "speakers", "type": "text"}, {"id": "partners_sponsors", "type": "text"}, {"id": "overview", "type": "text"}], "_links": {"start": "/api/3/action/datastore_search?resource_id=4bd21299-6f59-5de7-836a-4368f530894a", "next": "/api/3/action/datastore_search?resource_id=4bd21299-6f59-5de7-836a-4368f530894a&offset=100"}, "total": 296, "total_was_estimated": false}}