The Inaugural Basil Varghese Oration: featuring Sharan Burrow AC

888 Co-operative Causeway Presents:

The Inaugural Basil Varghese Oration

Featuring Sharan Burrow AC

Basil’s Table: Social Justice Oration

• Speaker: Sharan Burrow – the global trade union movement and a co-operative future.

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Venue: The Kelvin Club (14-30 Melbourne Place, Melbourne, Victoria 3000)

Event Overview:

Join us for the first Basil Varghese Social Justice Oration presented by 888 Co-operative Causeway – Victoria's first co-operative co-working space. We are honoured to host Sharan Burrow AC, a global advocate for human rights, climate action, and a co-operative future. Sharan will share insights from her extensive global work in the trade union movement, focusing on building a more equitable society and shaping the future of work.

This evening will explore Sharan’s life, her contributions, and her vision for the future of co-operatives and trade unions. The event will include opportunities for audience engagement and discussion.

About Sharan Burrow AC:

Sharan Burrow is a global advocate for human rights, climate action, and Just Transition. She served as the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (2010–2022) and was President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (2000–2010). Renowned for her international advocacy on employment, human rights, industrial relations, and corporate responsibility, Sharan has represented workers in global policy discussions, including at the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. Currently, she holds multiple roles, including Visiting Professor at the LSE-Grantham Institute and Chair of the Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE.

Basil Varghese

Basil Varghese is a prominent Melbourne-based community builder and advocate for social justice. Born in Dar-es-salaam, East Africa, and later migrating to Australia, he has dedicated his career to working with those experiencing disadvantage and addressing systemic injustices like poverty, racism, and cultural exclusion. Basil has held leadership roles in organisations such as the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and the Ecumenical Migration Centre. As the Patron of 888 Co-operative Causeway, he continues to champion initiatives that ‘bridge the gap between those that have and have not.’

About 888 Co-operative Causeway:

The 888 Co-operative Causeway is a Victorian-based social economy member network, offering a community of mutual support. Our members, both individuals and enterprises, are focused on creating social, cultural, and economic value for each other and the wider Victorian community. Our city HQ provides members with co-working space in the heart of the CBD and access to the Kelvin Club. Regular events, like this oration and our podcast, aim to develop and support the social and solidarity economy in Victoria.

Ticketing:

• Free for fully paid-up financial 888 Co-operative Causeway Members
• $20 for co-operative, union, Kelvin Club, and RSA members
• $25 for the passionate.

Concession ($15) also available but if you are experiencing financial hardship, we will entirely waive the entry fee – simply email coopcauseway@gmail.com, no questions asked.

Join us for an inspiring evening of conversation, new connections, and insights into building a co-operative future.

Thanks to RSA for support!