Join us for the Leadership Oration 2026 to hear from outstanding leaders from the Victorian community as they share their leadership experiences and insights.

This year, we are honoured to welcome Ian Bird, CEO of Community Foundations Australia, who will be delivering the Oration on the topic: “On the rise of Australian communities, and what that means for contemporary leadership”.

As communities increasingly shape solutions to complex social challenges, this Oration will reflect on what leaders are being called to do differently; from place based leadership and trust building, to collaboration across sectors and networks.

He will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Ben Rodgers and including Giselle Pinto, Andrew Eales, and Ian Bird.

Speakers:

Ian Bird, CEO, Community Foundations Australia
Andrew Eales (LBWR '12), CEO, Ballarat Foundation
Giselle Pinto (WCLP ’21), General Manager, Engagement, Greater Melbourne Foundation
Moderated by Ben Rodgers (WCLP ’22), Executive Officer, Inner North Foundation

We encourage you to bring your family, friends and colleagues to hear these outstanding leaders speak, and to participate in an interactive Q&A. Light canapés and beverages will be available during networking time.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday 19 March 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Venue: Speakers Corner at Gate 8, 88 Jolimont Street, East Melbourne

Registration Information:
Please select your ticket category when registering for the event on Humanitix. Spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration.

Concession and Alumni Ticket Details:

Students: Full-time students with a valid student concession card.
Seniors: People who are 65 years old or older and have a senior card.
Pensioners: People with a valid pension card.
Health Care Card Holders: People with a health care card.
Leadership Victoria Alumni: Members of the Leadership Victoria Alumni network.
Victorian Regional Leadership Alumni: Graduates of leadership programs delivered by nine place-based organisations across regional Victoria.

Join us to hear from leaders at the forefront of community-led philanthropy and place-based change, and reflect on what the rise of Australian communities means for contemporary leadership. Places are limited, so register early!

Contact the host of Leadership Oration 2026 | Leadership Victoria