Reclaiming Democracy Together · National Launch

On the afternoon of 9 May 1901, Australia’s first Parliament was opened in Melbourne before 12,000 invited guests — a defining moment in the birth of a democratic nation. On the 125th anniversary of that historic occasion, it is time to take stock, assess Australia's current predicament, place it in the deeply troubling global context, and reimagine and plan for a promising future.

Across the Western world, democratic institutions face deep strain. Public trust is fragile. Civic life is unsettled. On 9 May 2026, Reclaiming Democracy Together is launched — a seven-year national initiative dedicated to rethinking and revitalising democratic life in Australia and beyond. This launch marks the beginning of that long-term work. 

Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026 Time: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Venue: Melbourne Town Hall, 90–130 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Early Bird pricing is available until 11 April.
Places for afternoon tea have now sold out.

Confirmed Distinguished Speakers include:

Gillian Trigg, Marcia Langton, and John Keane will be attending in-person.
Francesca Albanese and Yanis Varoufakis will be joining us online.

Musical Performances

Playing for us will be the Tarab Ensemble made up of accomplished musicians from Syria, Australia, Japan, Palestine, Iran and Egypt. Drawing inspiration from the captivating traditions of classical Arabic music, they blend Arabic instruments such as the oud (lute) and nay with western instruments such as saxophone, flute and double bass, the result is hypnotic and blissful. As if this was not enough, the music will be accompanied by the rich voices of the legendary Victorian Trade Union Choir.

Accessibility Melbourne Town Hall's Main Hall is accessible by wheelchair. Guests requiring step-free access are welcomed through the side entrance on Swanston Street, with lift access to the Main Hall from the ground floor. Accessible amenities are available on the ground and third floors. To ensure we allocate sufficient space for your needs, please contact us in advance at contact@crossroadsconversation.com.au.

Pricing Ticket prices are set to cover the core costs of the event — venue, logistics and accessibility. Any profit will be redirected into the seven year project. Concession rates, bursaries, MobTix tickets, and complimentary places for young people are all available. We are committed to ensuring cost is never a barrier to participation. Reach us at connect@crossroadsconversation.com.au if you need support.

We are committed to making participation possible wherever we can.

A Moment That Will Be Remembered

Melbourne Town Hall is one of Australia's great civic buildings — a fitting setting for an occasion of genuine historical significance. We anticipate attendees travelling from across Australia, and guests joining us online from abroad, united by a shared concern for the health of democracy.

This will be an afternoon of seriousness, reflection, and possibility — a genuine gathering of citizens. The kind of occasion that, in years to come, people may say with pride: “I was there.”

A Conversation at the Crossroads Event

Reclaiming Democracy Together is convened by Conversation at the Crossroads, in partnership with a diverse national and international advisory network. Sponsors for the launch include Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN), PEN Melbourne, and Australian Anti-AUKUS Coalition (AAAC).

Find out more about the project →
Read our recent discussion paper →
Get involved →

Date

Location

Get directions

Melbourne Town Hall
90/130 Swanston Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000

Contact Event Organiser