News Updates
It only seems like yesterday that the 52 Future Focus Group participants were gathering for their February induction weekend, yet we have already had three monthly meetings in 2010!
There are seven projects groups in the 2010-2011 program and all are in the process of clarifying the scope of the project, drafting their first business plan and thinking about the Project Review Panel in July.
Clayton Utz hosted the March event and Kate Brennan, CEO of Fed Square, and Committee Board Member, gave an inspiring speech on her vision for Fed Square and how it fits with the Committee for Melbourne’s direction.
The April meeting was hosted by Macquarie and heard a very informative and frank speech from the Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle on leadership from the view of those holding public office.
The May meeting, hosted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, was a special joint event with the Institute of Public Administration Australia, the Victorian Leadership Development Centre and the Future Focus Group. It aimed to dispel myths and share experiences from the public and private sectors’.
Ms Fran Thorn, Secretary Department of Health, was interviewed ‘on the couch’, followed by an interactive workshop. The after-dinner address on ‘Leadership in the Public and Private sector’ was given by Mr George Pappas, Chairman, Committee for Melbourne. Feedback on the evening indicated that George’s insights and delivery were much appreciated.
The Alumni Association continues to build on its aim of connecting Alumni into the activities of the Committee. Forty-five Alumni attended this year’s first event on 6 May, hosted by Sustainability Victoria. The guest speaker, Professor Rob Adams, Director City Design, at the City of Melbourne expertly outlined the challenges and possible solutions around the pressures of Melbourne’s increased population density.
The 2008-2009 program may have finished but the projects continue! The CityTram group, which has produced an extensive report on the costs and benefits of free tram travel in the CBD, met with the Lord Mayor in April to get his feedback on its project and will meet with the Minister for Transport, Martin Pakula in mid June for the same reason.
The Growing Up garden rooftop project at 131 Queen Street is now scheduled for its grand opening by the end of June.
Melbourne Open House is a free of charge event giving Melburnians and visitors to the city a rare opportunity to discover the often hidden and hard to access public and private buildings and spaces nestled in and around the city. It is now a not-for-profit organisation, and has hired a PR consultant and a project manager. The third annual event will run from 24-25 July 2010.
Information on Melbourne Open House can be found at, melbourneopenhouse.com.au
The Westwood Place Rejuvenation project is well underway, with an artist-in-residence creating mosaics with clients of the Salvation Army drop-in centre to assist them to develop a sense of community, to build new skills and to develop new and helpful relationships. The finished mosaics reflect aspects of the work the Salvos play in the lives of participants and will be permanent displays on the exterior walls of the drop-in centre.
2010 promises to be a year of high achievement for the Future Focus Group program as it works together with member companies and their representatives to make Melbourne a better place.
On 25 May Committee for Melbourne members and their guests enjoyed a uniquely intimate and inspiring evening with 11 players from the Orchestra Victoria brass section at their practice venue in Albert Park.
After being welcomed by the Orchestra’s newly appointed Chair, The Hon Mary Delahunty and its Director of Development Hillary Hastings, the audience was treated to a stirring performance of William Byrd’s ‘The Earl of Oxford’s March’, followed by selections from Bizet’s Carmen Suite.
Whilst playing, the Orchestra members encouraged guests to stand next to their instruments or to gather within the semi-circle of players to experience the full stereo sound of the instruments – an extraordinary opportunity indeed.
After an interval of wine, food and networking, the audience was further educated about aspects of the orchestra, including the new sound and light screens, made in New Zealand. Interestingly, the clear ‘windows’ at the top of the screens are not for sound reflection but rather to ensure the light is appropriate for players to read the notes on their music scores.
In addition to its ongoing work with the Australian Ballet, Opera Australia and the Victorian Opera, Orchestra Victoria is also the first orchestra to take its music out into the community through regional tours and education programs that give incredible opportunities for students in isolated regions – something that can be a life-changing experience for those involved.
After a second set of music from Gershwin and Franck, the Orchestra members took questions from the audience. This was an education in itself and a rare opportunity for guests to learn about the inner workings of an orchestra.
The Committee for Melbourne is proud to have Orchestra Victoria as a member and looks forward to further collaboration in the future.
Orchestra Victoria is an independent, not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to “Inspire All Victorians Through Music”. The orchestra travels throughout the State presenting free concerts and education programs. It wouldn’t be able to do so without the generousity of philanthropic donations and coporate sponsorship.
For further information please visit orchestravictoria.com.au
A new initiative to enhance the experiences of international students in Melbourne, the Culture Card, was jointly launched today (Sunday May 23) by the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation, Bronwyn Pike and the Committee for Melbourne’s CEO, Andrew MacLeod.
Images from the launch can be seen here.
The Culture Card, an initiative of the Committee for Melbourne, will welcome students into Melbourne’s many great attractions, building their understanding of our Victorian culture, sports and way of life.
Speaking at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Ms Pike said we need to make sure the 165,000 international students living in Victoria get the most out of their study experience.
But where did this idea come from?
The Committee for Melbourne recognized a number of years ago that International education is the most valuable industry export for Victoria and established a Higher Education Task Force.
CfM Higher Education Taskforce looked at a number of important issues impacting our education sector and business community, and the economic contribution of education to our state. The task force created the VC/CEO forum, and the Airport Welcome Desk now run by OKC with Government support.
The CfM Higher Education Taskforce also conceived the idea of Culture Card Victoria to be developed in partnership with Government, cultural and education partners.
“ A positive cultural experience by international students is vital for Australia and Melbourne’s long term interests” Andrew MacLeod, CEO of the Committee for Melbourne said today.
“Culture Card is about giving that positive experience.”
This is not the only work Committee for Melbourne is doing in this ‘cultural space’.
“Having worked in many foreign cultures I know of the problems and opportunities of working in foreign lands” MacLeod said.
“We now have began with VECCI a program with employers aimed at ensuring safe access to and from part time places of employment.”
Now through the Culture Card, their key to Victoria, students can also discover and enjoy more of our many great attractions and events.
Organisations providing special offers through the Culture Card include the MCG and the National Sports Museum, the Melbourne Aquarium, the Arts Centre, the Shrine of Remembrance, Museums Victoria and Zoos Victoria, and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Upcoming Culture Card events will include foodie tours of Queen Victoria Market and guided tours of the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Melbourne Golden Mile.
And many more venues and attractions will continue to be made available through the Culture Card Victoria Program.
Mr MacLeod, said the Culture Cards would be distributed through universities and other education providers at orientation weeks or from student services. More than 45,000 cards have already been ordered.
“International students can also register directly for the Card and keep up to date with special offers at www.culturecardvictoria.com.au”, he said.
“The Culture Card is an example of how the Victorian Community can work together to ensure a high quality experience for international students in Victoria. We thank the Brumby Government for their support in funding this initiative,” Mr MacLeod said.
Melbourne’s business and education community will form a working party to develop standards and an employer pledge to assist employers to provide cultural and safety information to shift workers new to Melbourne.
“There is growing concern among the community about violence against international students. Together the Committee for Melbourne and VECCI believe that employers of students may assist in provision of cultural norms, advice and strategies on how to stay safe,” says Committee for Melbourne CEO, Mr Andrew MacLeod.
The voluntary program, to be developed by the Committee for Melbourne and VECCI, will be focused on employers of international students working to address safety issues in employees’ travel to and from work. The program aims to ensure that new arrivals minimise their inadvertent exposure to risk through lack of knowledge around safety and security norms in Australia.
“Employers want their employees to be safe and are looking for ways to implement cultural awareness training as part of their induction activities for employees who are not familiar with Melbourne,” says VECCI CEO, Mr Wayne Kayler-Thomson.
A workshop for key employers and education providers was held on 5 May 2010 to discuss the framework for the program, and identify ways for business to incorporate it into induction strategies at little or no cost.
Businesses and organisations that participated on the day include: 7-Eleven, 13 CABS, Hungry Jacks, Woolworths, University of Melbourne, Yarra Trams, Swinburne University and Holmes Colleges. The Victorian Taxi Directorate was also represented.
“The key to the success of this project is encouraging businesses to take up such a program in a voluntary capacity rather than hitting business with more regulation and red tape. In an era of persistent skills shortages and a strong desire for many businesses to be seen as an employer of choice, we believe that a voluntary program would be popular among business,” says Mr Kayler-Thomson.
The working party will convene in the coming weeks, and from there, seek to create practical measures to assist employers and education providers better inform international students of safety and cultural awareness issues.
The Royal Children’s Hospital won the Committee for Melbourne’s 2010 Melbourne Achiever Award on Thursday evening for the hospital’s outstanding contributions to the Melbourne community.
Announced at the Committee for Melbourne’s 25th anniversary dinner, Committee Chairman Mr George Pappas said The Royal Children’s hospital is recognised as the best in Victoria and has a long-standing history of significant contributions to health with Melbourne’s children.
“Not only is there a focus providing outstanding clinical care for patients, The Royal Children’s Hospital also advances research and education with its partners the Murdoch Childrens Institute and the University of Melbourne,” Mr Pappas said.
“The Royal Children’s Hospital has provide leadership in paediatrics in its 140 year history, not only in Victoria but across Australia and internationally.”
Past recipients of the Melbourne Achiever Award have included: former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Ms Christine Nixon; the award winning architect and urban designer, Professor Rob Adams AM; research biologist, Sir. Gustav Nossal; well-known philanthropist, Dame Elizabeth Murdoch AC; renowned Melbourne businessman, Mr. Ron Walker AC; and sporting greats, the Oarsome Foursome.
Mr Pappas said the Committee for Melbourne congratulated the Royal Children’s Hospital on being the sole recipient of the Committee for Melbourne 2010 Melbourne Achiever Award and wished the hospital well in future developments.
The Committee for Melbourne has partnered with the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Business and Economics, to launch the first Melbourne Business Practicum today at 11am on Monday 15 February, 2010, at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The Committee for Melbourne has been instrumental in locating appropriate organisations requiring high-level research.
“An initiative of the Committee’s Higher Education Taskforce, the practicum projects allow both high-achieving local and international graduate students to work on real projects in conjunction with local businesses to develop their skills and knowledge base,” Higher Education Taskforce’s Co-Chair and Innovation Australia’s Chairman, Mr David Miles AM said.
Teams of post graduate students will undertake two-week projects designed by participating Melbourne-based organisations.
“A priority identified by the Committee’s Higher Education Taskforce is the need for greater integration between our university and business sectors,” Mr Miles said.
“The Melbourne Business Practicum allows universities and business to work together on meaningful projects thus better utilising our valuable resource of highly skilled postgraduate students in Victoria,” he said.
“The practicum also provides an opportunity for highly skilled international students to gain greater exposure to Australian business culture which is especially important if they are considering making Australia their permanent home,” Mr Miles said.
During the inaugural project this month, students of the Graduate School of Business and Economics will produce a cutting-edge and invaluable tool for all gardens across Australia and overseas to ascertain their carbon footprint.
The team of four international and local students working on the Royal Botanic Gardens project will ascertain the value of their carbon footprint by creating an Environmental Accounting model. This model will involve accounting and environmental practice and has the potential to assist gardens throughout the world.
The next practicum to commence in 2010 will be an examination of the regulation, taxation, cost frameworks and other incentives facing commercial and housing developers in Australia’s cities. This project is hosted by the Grattan Institute, a think tank focused on Australian domestic public policy.
The students’ findings will be used to make policy recommendations on how market design can encourage commercial and housing development that matches housing and employment needs.
Industry partners for other projects in 2010 include the eab group, a local IT company, and the Faculty of Business and Economics.
I am thrilled to be a part of the Committee for Melbourne. In the weeks since joining in January this year, I have enjoyed the opportunity to build my relationships with our members, participate in activities in our Higher Education and Shaping Melbourne taskforces, and partner with Board members on our vision for the future shape of the Committee and our city.
The collaborative effort by 160 members of our Shaping Melbourne Taskforce is impressive and the work produced highlights the quality and significance of the contributions our members give to our community.
As you may know, it is our 25th Anniversary this year and we have much to acknowledge and be proud of. Our Annual Dinner themed ‘Melbourne After Dark’ on Thursday 25 March, 2010, will be very special and is our opportunity to join you in celebrating this important milestone and look towards our focus for the next 25 years.
Our committed Executive Board and Secretariat are working hard to ensure that our members concerns and views are heard, explored and given a voice that will encourage an innovative business culture in our city, enhance Melbourne’s liveability and ensure Melbourne’s global relevance.
I look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary with 600 of Melbourne’s thinkers and doers and engaging with more of our valued members in the coming months.
Andrew MacLeod
With a diverse background and experiences in world events, Andrew is happy to be available as a speaker on global issues or the interesting aspects of his previous work should members be interested. If so, please contact our Executive Assistant, Ms Karen Browne on (61 3) 9650 8800 or at kbrowne@melbourne.org.au
View Andrew's biography
View Andrew's Wikipedia page
The Committee is pleased to announce Professor David de Kretser, AC, Governor of Victoria, recently accepted an invitation to be the Patron of the Melbourne Transformation Cluster, an initiative of the Committee’s Higher Education and Climate Change Taskforces.
The Cluster will provide a mechanism to create action for major projects to transform greater Melbourne into a more sustainable city. Members will be drawn from the business, academic and government sectors. They will work together to identify key project proposals, apply best practice and ideas, identify and address barriers and thereby clear the path to the delivery of actual projects.
Through the Cluster, opportunities will evolve to demonstrate our R&D and delivery capabilities, to try out new ideas for a sustainable Melbourne and to create new opportunities to export services and expertise to other projects in Australia or overseas.
For more information about the Melbourne Transformation Cluster, please contact the Committee’s Policy Director, Ms Susan Vale on (03) 9667 8141.
A report by the members of the Committee’s Shaping Melbourne Taskforce exploring the impact of population growth on Melbourne’s future is taking form with sections having been submitted by all drafting groups prior to Christmas last year.
The draft is undergoing a technical edit under the guidance of the Taskforce’s co-chairs, Ms Pru Sanderson, Chief Executive Officer, VicUrban, Mr Roger Poole, Executive Chairman, Bates Smart and Mr Tom Fricke, Executive Manager, GHD.
At this stage, the Co-Chairs are planning a short video presentation of the reports key messages to be presented at the Committee’s Annual Dinner on 25 March, 2010.
February will be an exciting time for the Future Focus Group as the 55 participants (26 women and 29 men) meet for the first time as an entire group at the Induction Weekend on 19-21 February, 2010. The weekend will again take place at RACV’s Cape Schanck Resort.
Workshop sessions will include:
• Getting to know the Committee for Melbourne and its vision
• Getting to know the other participants
• Leadership within groups
• Project presentations
• Alumni small group presentations
The weekend will again include sessions with Leading Teams, a leadership development organisation, and Troupe du Jour, an interactive troupe of actors who help clients to open themselves to learning in different ways.
The Alumni Association will again be active this year and will hold its first event on Thursday 6 May, 2010 with the guest speaker being Professor Rob Adams AM from the City of Melbourne. Prof. Adams will present on the challenges created by Melbourne’s expanding population.
Seven Alumni from the 2008-2009 program will also generously give up their time to present at the Induction Weekend.
The 2010-2011 program presents an opportunity to refine and expand on the program that has been developed over the past two years.
The Future Focus Group is the Committee’s business leadership program and is in its 15th year of operation.