About the event
Melbourne has long been at the forefront of social reform, from campaigns for workers' rights and women's equality to movements addressing poverty, housing, multiculturalism and social justice. This free one-day event brings together leading thinkers, researchers and practitioners to explore how social reform has shaped Melbourne's past, influenced its present, and may help guide its future.
Program
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Colonial Foundations (1850–1900)
Exploring the origins of social reform movements in Melbourne and their enduring legacy.
Then and Now: The Salvation Army and Social Reform
Examining the Salvation Army's role in responding to social need from the Federation era to today.
Industrial Society and the Quality of Life
Considering how reformers responded to poverty, housing, urban change and social inequality in twentieth-century Melbourne.
The Present and Future of Reform
Reflecting on contemporary challenges and opportunities for social change.
Convenors
- Professor The Honourable Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Canberra
- Major Brendan Nottle, The Salvation Army
- Professor Frank Bongiorno, Director, Vice-Chancellor's Centre of Public Ideas (CoPI)
Convenors
Bill Shorten
Brendan Nottle
Frank Bongiorno
Speakers
Andrew May
Mark Zirnsak
Zoe Smith
Nick Dyrenfurth
Graeme Davison
Kim Carr
Lynette Russell
Alexandra Dellios
Shurlee Swain
Sean Scalmer
John Cleary
Contact us
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