Round Table Dinners

For our final Round Table Dinner for 2023 we were joined by comedian, writer and co-host of The Imperfects podcast, Ryan Shelton. Ryan shared with us his approach to vulnerability and his life-changing journey to redefine what success really meant We were also proud...

With the announcement of the Commonwealth Games cancellation just 2 days prior, we were grateful to Harriet Shing, Minister for Regional Development, Water, Equality, and formerly Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, for upholding her commitment to attend our Round...

For our first event of 2023, we broke the mold of our traditional Round Table Dinner and instead held a full-day Corporate Citizenship Conference with international speaker, Bea Boccalandro. Author of "Do Good at Work - How Simple Acts of Social Purpose Drive Success...

For our final Round Table Dinner for 2022, we were joined by Holly Ransom. Holly's impressive career has seen her interview Barack Obama, deliver a Peace Charter to the Dalai Lama, and was awarded the US Embassy's Elanor Roosevelt Award for Leadership Excellence. If...

A week after retiring from the ABC's 7.30 report, Leigh Sales joined us to discuss her insights from covering the biggest stories and most pressing social issues in the world. Leigh spoke of the importance of challenging yourself, appreciating what you have, and above...

Our February Round Table Dinner - Cocktail Gala was the first major event held at the recently opened Goods Shed. We enjoyed an inspiring evening with a presentation from Damon Gameau, including a preview of his new film, Regenerating Australia. Followed by a Q &...

Keynote speaker Rachael Robertson lead the Australian expedition to Davis Station, Antarctica. Rachael spoke of the challenges of leading in an extreme environment and her approach of "respect trumps harmony". We were also lucky enough to be joined by the Pierce...

Through his collaborative approach and sheer will, this global leader shares how he pulled off the impossible in the 2021 Australian Open. Craig is recognised as one of Australia's most innovative and forward-thinking executives. His charismatic and passionate nature,...

Carly Findlay’s keynote address shared her wisdom to inspire inclusive community leadership for our region now and into the future. She took us through her many life experiences that have shaped her journey to activism and advocacy.  A great prelude to our 2019...

Kevin Sheedy’s interview by our CEO Michael Poulton provided us with a great opportunity and insight into innovation, leadership and working together as a community.  He highlighted that opportunities abound with people and hard work. We need to look at the...

Sir Bob Geldof, Global Philanthropist and Activist was given an experiential tour of Ballarat preceding his address.  Sir Bob’s address transfixed the audience with his wisdom, truth, knowledge, incredible social conscience and his deep, astute understanding of...

Rosie Batty, 2015 Australian of the Year’s address focussed on "Reluctant Leadership: Effecting Change".  She gave a very poignant account of how the tragedy of her son Luke's death in horrific circumstances led to her assuming the reluctant mantle of being a...

Matthew Guy, Leader of the State Opposition shared the priorities of the State Opposition for the upcoming election for Ballarat during his address.  Placing particular emphasis on population growth, the need for decentralisation and that Ballarat must prepare for the...

Elizabeth Proust, Chair, Australian Institute of Company Directors address was "Diversity at the Table – Is It Time for Quotas?”.  Elizabeth spoke about gender diversity, authentically progressive boards, token quotas and a boards role in corporate culture.

Leadership at the Table with Annabel Crabb saw an evening filled with insights, stories, and bits of gold that Annabel has collected over the 20 years of her journalism career providing us with a great opportunity to learn how best to influence and embark on advocacy.

Global Futurist Chris Riddell’s thought-provoking keynote address covered the future trends and patterns that are beginning to emerge that will fundamentally transform our relationship with technology and the way we live in this new world of digital disruption.

Chief Economist for CommSec, Craig James keynote address was on "The Australian Economy in the Trump Era".  Craig's speech covered the state of the global economy, its predicted future and he concluded that Australia is faring reasonably well in these times and should...

Craig Lapsley, Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner was interviewed by LBWR Chair Scott Williams and graduate Keren Day for this Round Table Dinner.  He emphasised that leaders needed to be calm in stressful situations as well as possess personal qualities that...

Her Excellency The Hon Linda Dessau AM’s acknowledged the importance of sport and the arts to regional communities, the changing face of the Victorian economy, Ballarat's leadership in the health sector, the need for diversity and social harmony in our communities,...

Guest speaker The Hon John Fahey AC’s address focussed on business in regional communities.  John provided an important reminder of the values applied in organisations, are they just words or are they really applied and demonstrated by leaders?

Dr Susan Carland delivered a stirring keynote address, encouraging current and emerging community leaders to lead by example in their everyday lives.  She discussed leadership and the social challenges that leaders face in today’s society, a great topic for our 2015...

In recognition of the anniversary of 100 years since the Gallipoli landings on Anzac Day 2015, this Round Table Dinner commemorated and acknowledged those who served not only in WW1 but also in conflicts and operations throughout the last century.  Corporal Mark...

This Round Table Dinner celebrated the region’s increasingly important equine industry.  This was a rare opportunity to hear from members of the iconic local racing family, the Paynes who have helped make racing what it is in our region.

Keynote speaker Hon Daniel Andrews, State Opposition Leader, shared his vision for regional Victoria.  This was in the lead-up to the state election, a great opportunity to welcome the Opposition Leader to speak to members and guests about the critical issues and...

A fresh Round Table Dinner format featuring a progressive-style dinner against a backdrop of Sovereign Hill streetscapes.  Guest speaker Andrew Prior of Queenie's Food Tours spoke about his passion for quality produce and shared with guests his plans to start a...

Janet Dore’s address shared her experiences on the benefits of decentralisation due to the relocation of the TAC to Geelong and the lessons Ballarat could draw from this to support the projected population growth in Ballarat.  Janet talked about making bold decisions...

David Smorgon Director with Smorgon Consolidated Industries and as former chairman of the Western Bulldogs Football Club presented an address with David Haymes.  They both shared their own personal journey and also key learnings with our members in transitioning their...

World Vision CEO Tim Costello’s keynote address highlighted how all of us can contribute to social capital in our own way, and how we all win if we build a strong community. This was the perfect introduction to celebrate the success of the YAE (Young Adult...

Guests were treated to an up close and personal look at General Peter Cosgrove at this Round Table Dinner.  Committee Chair Judy Verlin conducted an interview with General Cosgrove resulting in relaxed, comfortable and generous responses.

In a change to the regular RTD format, the September dinner featured an interactive forum "Imagine Ballarat 2030'. Facilitated by special guest presenter Jenny Brockie, members and their guests were asked to imagine what Ballarat and the region would look like in 2030.

Ita Buttrose gave a truly inspirational address, encouraging people to follow their passion and embrace change as an opportunity.  Her humorous anecdotes of her days with “Sir Frank” and Kerry Packer delighted the audience.

A different round table dinner where crowds were entertained by who they thought was an internationally renowned sports psychologist, Dr Bruno Pagano, who in the end turned out to be the Great Pretender, Homer Papantonio.  It was a very entertaining, light-hearted and...

Ted Baillieu, Premier of Victoria’s address reinforced that Ballarat and the region is in a great position for the future and has potential to be at the forefront, with growing manufacturing and agricultural industries, leading to a sound economy.

Brian Cook provided insight into the evolution of the Geelong Football Club through community involvement in his address.  He encouraged Ballarat to continue its bid to have a community sporting complex built that would put the city on the national map and provide...

Jane-Frances Kelly, the Cities Program Director at the Grattan Institute during her keynote address considered how to manage Ballarat’s growth while maintaining liveability, employment and investment options.

Jon Faine ABC broadcaster lead a panel discussion for the Round Table Dinner on a range of issues confronting the city and region.  An extensive panel discussion focussed on water, its security and sustainability.

Ms Nixon, former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, now the chair of the Victorian Bushfire Recovery and Reconstruction Authority covered many topics in her keynote address.  Leadership, respect, passion, capacity, commitment – all of these together, plus much...

Head of Access Economics, the macroeconomist group, Chris Richardson expounded his views on the current economic situation.  Chris gave a colourful address on the local economy, confirming that it was not all doom and gloom and that Ballarat was in fact in a strong...

IBM Australia’s global investment executive, Dr John Harvey AM, discussed the strong ties he has with Ballarat and his involvement in the construction of the IBM IT plant at Mt Helen, which is now a representation of a true success story for Ballarat and IBM.

Prof Ross Garnaut, one of Australia’s leading experts in the debate on climate change, discussed the merits and complexities of an emissions trading scheme in his address as well as Ballarat’s role and impact within the current economic and environmental climate.

Mrs Holmes à Court theme throughout her keynote address centred on that in life people needed to be participants, not spectators.  She discussed her passion for the arts, children’s programs, water, workplace safety and her successful resurrection of Heytesbury Pty...

Mr Rob Gell, an active environmental campaigner addressed the topic "Securing Our Water Future’ in his keynote address.  He highlighted the challenges faced by business and communities in the light of ongoing climate change and shifting weather patterns.

IBISWorld Founder and Chairman and business strategist Mr Phil Ruthven heralded Ballarat's approach to the "magic" population figure of 100,000.  He presented a detailed breakdown on Ballarat's economic base, living standards and growth – all of which will strongly...

Dr Ziggy Switkowski (former Telstra CEO and Chairman of former Prime Minister John Howard’s Review of Uranium Mining, Processing and Nuclear Energy Committee) keynote address focussed on the challenge of energy, sustainability and Australia’s climate change...

Ms Avril Henry’s keynote address emphasised the need to nurture and strengthen young leaders.  A great theme to lead in to the 2007 Leadership Ballarat & Western Region (LBWR) graduation.

Nobel Laureate Prof Peter Doherty’s keynote address centred on global health issues and associated challenges.