About

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.

Confirmed Distinguished Speakers include:

Gillian Trigg, Marcia Langton, and John Keane will be attending in-person. Yanis Varoufakis will be joining us online.
Additional guests will be announced shortly.

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.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Venue: Melbourne Town Hall

NOTE: Early Bird Ticket Pricing until April 11th

A note on accessibility: The town hall has confirmed that the ground floor of the Main Hall is accessible via wheelchair. Guests requiring an accessible entrance will be directed through the side doors from Swanston Street (rather than using the Main Hall stairs, which are adjacent), and will gain access to the Main Hall via a lift from the ground floor. The floorplan can accommodate wheelchair access, however, we request you contact us via email (contact@crossroadsconversation.com.au) so we can ensure sufficient spacing is allocated. Accessible amenities are located on the ground floor and third floor and are accessible via a lift.

This is a Moment to Be Present. This will not be an ordinary public forum. The event will be held at the Melbourne Town Hall, a heritage building of unique historical significance. We expect a great many to attend in person from every corner of Victoria, as well as elsewhere in Australia and beyond.

We strongly encourage in-person attendance. A limited online option may be released later depending on demand — to join the online interest list to be notified should streaming become available, complete this expression of interest from: Register your interest to attend online

It will be an occasion of seriousness, reflection and possibility. In years to come, some may say with pride: “I was there.”

Reclaiming Democracy Together is convened by Conversation at the Crossroads, in partnership with a diverse national and international advisory network.

Conversation at the Crossroads is a civic initiative dedicated to fostering thoughtful public dialogue on the foundational challenges of our time. Through public forums, research and sustained engagement, we seek to create spaces for serious reflection, democratic renewal and collaborative action.

Date

Location

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

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