Australia's city of culture and thought.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Melbourne, Australia — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: September 24, 2026
Fiona Hall; Simon Maidment (curator) · National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) · September 25, 2026
Artist Fiona Hall and NGV curators discuss contemporary artistic responses to ecological crisis and the role of public institutions in exhibiting environmental art. The talk will b…
Robert Manne · The Wheeler Centre — Ethics Room · September 25, 2026
Public intellectual Robert Manne examines contemporary challenges to Australian democracy, including media concentration and civic discourse. He proposes reforms to strengthen demo…
Helen Garner · State Library of Victoria · September 25, 2026
Renowned novelist and essayist Helen Garner presents readings from her recent work and discusses craft, memory, and the ethics of writing about real lives. The event includes a sho…
Richard Flanagan · National Gallery of Victoria · September 25, 2026
Pulitzer-shortlisted novelist Richard Flanagan joins NGV curators to discuss how literature and visual art confront moral complexity. The panel explores narrative responsibilities …
David Marr · Wheeler Centre (Swanston St) · September 25, 2026
Veteran investigative journalist David Marr discusses the state of long-form reporting, the pressures of digital attention economics, and the role of trust in public life. The even…
Sharon Lewin · Melbourne Museum · September 25, 2026
Infectious diseases researcher Professor Sharon Lewin presents on advances in viral science, pandemic preparedness and the future of global health systems. The talk includes time f…
Helen Garner · State Library of Victoria · September 25, 2026
Helen Garner discusses her new work and reflects on a lifetime of writing about domestic life, justice and memory. The event includes a moderated conversation followed by audience …
Peter Singer · Melbourne Museum · September 25, 2026
Philosopher Peter Singer examines moral questions raised by artificial intelligence, from algorithmic bias to obligations toward future generations. The lecture will pair philosoph…
Kate Grenville · State Library Victoria · September 25, 2026
Kate Grenville reads from her new novel and discusses how landscape and history shape narrative voice. The session includes a short audience Q&A and book signing opportunity.
Tim Flannery · Melbourne Museum (Museums Victoria) · September 25, 2026
Palaeontologist and climate scientist Tim Flannery discusses the latest climate science and practical paths for urban resilience in Melbourne and beyond. The talk will include a Q&…
David Marr · Wheeler Centre · September 25, 2026
Veteran journalist David Marr discusses the state of investigative reporting, media accountability and the pressures facing public-interest journalism in Australia. A moderated con…
Leigh Sales · Wheeler Centre · September 25, 2026
Leigh Sales discusses the changing responsibilities of journalists in a rapidly shifting political landscape and shares insights drawn from two decades in Australian broadcast jour…
Professor Emma L. Johnston · Melbourne Museum · September 25, 2026
Marine biologist Emma Johnston presents on ocean health, past extinctions and strategies for biodiversity recovery. She highlights practical conservation projects and community sci…
Michelle Arrow · Melbourne Museum — Hayward Theatre · September 25, 2026
Historian Michelle Arrow explores how twentieth-century narratives shape contemporary Australian identity. This lecture will trace key cultural shifts and their implications for pu…
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki · Melbourne Museum · September 25, 2026
Popular science communicator Dr Karl explores the surprising physics behind everyday objects and phenomena. Expect lively demonstrations, audience participation and myth-busting fa…
Dr Toby Walsh · University of Melbourne · September 28, 2026
AI researcher Dr Toby Walsh presents a clear-eyed overview of how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, politics and personal privacy. He outlines practical policy recommendat…
Dr Hannah Fry · Melbourne Museum (IMAX Lecture Hall) · September 28, 2026
Mathematician and broadcaster Dr Hannah Fry demonstrates how mathematical ideas illuminate patterns in traffic, relationships, epidemics and online systems. Her engaging talk will …
Professor Peter Singer · University of Melbourne · September 28, 2026
Philosopher Peter Singer addresses the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, focusing on fairness, responsibility and global impact. This free public lecture will includ…
Brian Cox · University of Melbourne · September 28, 2026
Physicist and broadcaster Professor Brian Cox presents an accessible lecture on the latest discoveries in astrophysics and what they tell us about our place in the universe. The ev…
Peter Singer · University of Melbourne (Melbourne School of Design Lecture Theatre) · September 28, 2026
Moral philosopher Peter Singer explores ethical dilemmas raised by AI, automation and emerging technologies. The public lecture addresses questions of responsibility, inequality an…