Ms Janine Kirk, Executive Director of the Committee for Melbourne, tells how a miniature bronze of Norman Lindsay's classic children's story The Magic Pudding embodies creative leadership.
The first edition of the Australian Cities Global Relevance Index 2005 is shared at a Committee for Melbourne hosted event.
Committee for Melbourne's Executive Director Janine Kirk said Melbourne needed more freight to be transported by rail, but that a low bridge across the Yarra was not the answer.
Bus Association Victoria and the Committee for Melbourne suggest benefits from a major upgrade program will be worth about three times the costs involved.
The desire to give something back to the community was instilled in Highpoint property group director Ms Carol Shwartz and helped put her among the 662 people recognised in the Australia Day Honours.
The council has backed away from its previous interest in a multi-billion dollar road and rail link, proposed by the influential Committee for Melbourne that would have connected the Eastern Freeway to the Western Ring Road at Deer Park.
Committee for Melbourne works behind the scenes of the Geelong's think tank.
Mr Jack Smorgon AO, Chairman of the Future Focus Group, turns 70 this year but shows no sign of easing his work rate.
When the father of the Committee's Chairman arrived in Australia in 1950 an immigration official suggested, "Papageorgiou is very long; you should call yourself 'Pappas'".
Wave machines on Port Phillip Bay, water buses on the Yarra and giant tubs of lollies lining the footpaths. Executive Director, Ms Janine Kirk shares her big ideas for Melbourne.