AIIA Victoria Events
Future International Careers Conference
To be announced soon.
International Careers Conference
The International Careers Conference (ICC) is one of AIIA Victoria’s major annual events. It is designed to give students and recent graduates access to information and advice that will help them build their own international careers.
The ICC aims to:
• Inspire students to consider a variety of international careers;
• Assist students working towards an international career; and
• Encourage students to engage with international affairs
Sir Zelman Cowen Oration and Dinner
Once a year AIIA Victoria holds an Oration and dinner, honouring former Governor-General and legal expert Sir Zelman Cowen. Sir Zelman’s storied career of academia and public service was one dedicated to international affairs and the people of his home country, Australia. In keeping with his legacy of engagement and curiosity in world affairs, AIIA Victoria’s annual Sir Zelman Cowen Oration features an eminent speaker discussing a topical issue that affects Australia’s role in the world.
The evening is an opportunity to meet old and new friends, to mingle with diplomats, academics, foreign correspondents and members of the international community in Melbourne, continuing the tradition of acknowledging the contribution of Sir Zelman Cowen.
Previous Orations
2025 Amanda Lacaze
CEO and Managing Director, Lynas Rare Earths
Critical Minerals, Renewable Energy Transition and Global Security
2024 Professor Sharon Lewin AO, FRACP, PHD, FAHMS
Director of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
From HIV to COVID and Beyond: How can we be better prepared for the inevitable next global pandemic?
2023 The Hon. Mark Weinberg AO KC
Special Investigator – Office of the Special Investigator
The Impact of Domestic and International Law on Australian Forces Overseas
2022 Dr Alan Finkel AC
Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Low Emissions Technology
Getting to Zero – Pathways, Policies and Partnerships
2019 The Hon. Margaret Stone AO FAAL
Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security
Ethical Problems in Intelligence Collection
2018 The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson AO
Director of the Australian War Memorial
Centenary of Armistice: Honouring Service and Leadership
2017 Professor Margaret Gardner AO
President and Vice-Chancellor of Monash University
International Education for Australia: From the Colombo Plan to the Asian Century
2016 The Hon Andrew Robb AO
Former Minister for Trade and Investment
Australia’s Asian Future Unlocked: Seizing the Opportunities of the Asian Century
2015 Ahmed Fahour
MD & CEO, Australia Post. Patron, Islamic Museum of Australia
I’ll Ride with You: Social inclusion and resilience in an era of violent extremism
2014 Peter Varghese AO
Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australia’s National Interest in a Challenging World
2013 David Irvine AO
Director General, ASIO
Protecting Secrets, Protecting People: The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation in a Democracy
2012 Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC
Author, former Professor of Economic History and subsequently History, University
of Melbourne; Chair in Australian Studies at Harvard; Chair of the Australia Council,
the Australia China Council and National Council for the Centenary of Federation
The State of the World: is the ‘Good Cheer Barometer’ Rising or Falling?
2011 Dennis Richardson AO
Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Foreign Policy in a Changing World
2010 Michael Smith CBE
CEO, ANZ Banking Group
The Global Recovery: New Opportunities, New Risks
2009 Professor the Hon Robert Hill
Former Ambassador to the United Nations, and former Minister for Defence and
former Environment Minister
Australia’s Role in a World of Challenges
2007 The Hon Gareth Evans AC QC
Director, International Crisis Group; former Minister for Foreign Affairs
Ending Deadly Conflict –Dream or Delusion?
2006 Professor Victor Bulmer-Thomas OBE
Director-General, Chatham House, London
Living with Two Mega Powers: The World in 2020
Study Tours
Study tours are conducted periodically and present a rare opportunity for members to visit fascinating areas of the globe, and to meet local dignitaries and representatives along the way.
The objectives of our Study Tours are:
1. To broaden Australia’s understanding of the international affairs of other countries
2. To develop lasting relationships with think tanks in the countries we visit
3. To encourage a better understanding of Australia’s foreign affairs and international outlook
4. To foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture, history, politics, art, architecture, and natural beauty of a region
Please email admin.vic@internationalaffairs.org.au if you would like to go on the AIIA Victoria
mailing list for future tours and follow us on social media.
Future Study Tours
To be announced soon.
Previous Study Tours
- 12 April – 22 April 2024
- 11 November – 16 November 2023
- 3-17 Nov 2019
- 10-20 Oct 2018
- 04-21 Apr 2018
- 08-25 Apr 2017
- 09-22 Jul 2016
- 24 Oct – 04 Nov 2014
- 20 Apr – 04 May 2013
- 05 -19 May 2012
- 07 – 19 Apr 2011
- 26 Apr – 07 May 2010
East Timor – A tour of East Timor including visits to Dili, Maubisse, Baucau, Los Palmos and Com.
- 23 May – 06 Jun 2009
Indonesia – A tour of Indonesia including visits to Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Bali.
- 06 – 19 Jul 2008
- 11 – 27 Nov 2007
India – A tour of India including visits to Delhi, Agra, Bangelore, Mysore, Madumalai, Coimbatore, Cochin, Alleppey, Chennai and the Mahabalipuram.
- 07 – 22 May 2006
Turkey – AIIAV Study Tour – Turkey, May 2006A tour of Turkey including visits to Ankara, Cappadocia, Egirdir, Kusadasi, Izmir, Istanbul and the Gallipoli Battlefields.
- 31 Jan – 14 Feb 2005
Cambodia and Laos – Locations visited included Phnom Penh, the Siem Reap, the ancient city of Angkor, Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
- 09 – 22 Apr 2003
Sri Lanka – Locations visited included Kandalama, Kandy, Wadduwa and Colombo.
- 03 – 16 Apr 2000
South America – Chile: 3-6 April; Argentina: 7-9 April; Brazil: 9-16 April
- 10 – 27 Sep 1998
People’s Republic of China
- 14 – 28 Nov 1996
South Africa – Locations visited included Johannesburg, Sun City, Swellendam and Cape Town.
- 29 Mar – 09 Apr 1987
People’s Republic of China – Locations visited included Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen
Membership
Victorian Branch Membership
AIIA Victoria is a membership-based organisation which brings together people and organisations with an interest in international affairs. Members have the opportunity to interact in an open and impartial environment with leading business figures, academics, diplomats, the media, non-governmental organisations, policymakers and researchers.
Your membership makes it possible to organise more than 50 public programs every year, with individual members enjoying special reduced rates to events.
Memberships are for 12 months, starting from date of joining.
Membership Rates effective 1st October 2024
| Membership Tier | Details | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
Premium Member
|
Member benefits include:
|
$320 | Join Now |
|
Individual Member
|
|
$190 | Join Now |
Corporate
|
|
$3300 | Join Now |
Young Professionals
|
Young Professionals membership is ideal for early-career professionals (up to 35 years). Membership benefits include:
|
$95 | Join Now |
Student
|
Ideal for tertiary students. Free entry to regular events at 356 Collins Street and webinars. Member rate entry to special events. |
$75 | Join Now |
Retired/Concession
|
Retired/Concession membership is valid for retirees, individuals living overseas, and residents outside metropolitan Melbourne. Member benefits include:
|
$140 | Join Now |
|
Premium Retired/Concession
|
Premium Concession membership is valid for retirees, individuals living overseas, residents living outside metropolitan Melbourne. Premium membership benefits include:
|
$240 | Join Now |
Digital Member
|
Digital Membership offers online access to all AIIA VIC webinars and hybrid events. |
$75 | Join Now |
Member benefits include:
- Free entry to all regular events at 356 Collins St (NOT included: free entry to special events such as dinners at external locations)
- Free access to all AIIA VIC webinars
- Participation in all AIIA VIC events at reduced rates
- Regular Newsletter
- Receipt of print copy of the Australian Journal of International Affairs (AJIA) five times per year
- Discounted entry to standard AIIA VIC events at 356 Collins Street
- Complimentary print subscription to the bi-monthly Australian Journal of International Affairs (AJIA)
- Member-only invites to partner events, roundtable forums, and overseas study tours
- Free access to webinars run by AIIA VIC
- Automatic membership of AIIA VIC Young Professionals Network (35 years and under)
- Priority invitations to Special Events
- Professional development through attending events and networking
- Co-branding of events
- Exclusive access to roundtable discussions
- Subscription to bi-monthly Australian Journal of International Affairs
- Unlimited access to standard events at 356 Collins Street
Young Professionals membership is ideal for early-career professionals (up to 35 years).
Membership benefits include:
- Free entry to regular events at 356 Collins St
- Free access to all AIIA VIC webinars
- Member-rate entry to special and external events
- Access to member-only events and Study Tours
- Complimentary membership of the Young Professionals Network
Ideal for tertiary students. Free entry to regular events at 356 Collins Street and webinars. Member rate entry to special events.
Retired/Concession membership is valid for retirees, individuals living overseas, and residents outside metropolitan Melbourne.
Member benefits include:
- Participation in all AIIA VIC events at reduced rates (at 356 Collins St, $20 per head)
- Free access to all AIIA VIC webinars
- Regular newsletter
- Print copy of the Australian Journal of International Affairs (AJIA) five times per year
Premium Concession membership is valid for retirees, individuals living overseas, residents living outside metropolitan Melbourne.
Premium membership benefits include:
- Free entry to all regular events at 356 Collins St (NOT included: free entry to special events such as dinners at external locations)
- Free access to all AIIA VIC webinars
- Participation in all special events at reduced rates
- Regular newsletter
- Receipt of print copy of the Australian Journal of International Affairs (AJIA) five times per year
Digital Membership offers online access to all AIIA VIC webinars and hybrid events.
About Us
The Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) is an independent non-partisan, non-profit organisation devoted to the promotion and discussion of international affairs and global issues. Its mission is to help Australians know more, understand more and engage more in International Affairs.
Established in New South Wales in 1924, and in Victoria in 1925 as overseas branches of London’s Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), the AIIA was created as an Australian entity in its own right in 1933, and today has branches in all states and territories. The AIIA nationally publishes the Australian Journal of International Affairs, Australia’s premier academic journal in the field and Australian Outlook, a weekly online publication featuring short articles and a summary of events in Australian foreign policy.
In Victoria, the AIIA was based since 1961 in Dyason House in East Melbourne, but in November 2023 moved to more modern premises at 356 Collins street in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. During its long history, AIIA Victoria has involved many notable authorities and leading figures within the international affairs sphere, including Sir John Latham, Sir Owen Dixon, Sir Ian Clunies Ross, Sir Robert Menzies, Professor Norman Harper and Professor William (‘Mac’) Macmahon Ball.
Key events held by AIIA Victoria include weekly lectures, with a focus on major international issues; the International Careers Conference, one of the largest international relations career events of its kind in Australia; and the annual Sir Zelman Cowen Oration and Dinner. During the year, the Institute conducts study tours abroad, as well as offering internships to students and volunteer positions throughout all areas of its operations. AIIA Victoria Young Professionals provides young people with an avid interest in the international affairs sphere an opportunity to network and discuss topical issues.
AIIA Victoria is governed by a Council comprised of members from a wide variety of backgrounds, all with a keen interest in international affairs, and is strongly supported by volunteers and interns, and by the generosity of its members. Membership is open to all Australian residents, corporate bodies, diplomatic representatives, schools and students. Tickets to AIIA Victoria events are also available to all members of the public.
Publications
Annual Reports
Financial Reports
Contact AIIA Victoria
Address
Level 13, 356 Collins St. Melbourne VIC 3000 I Office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5.30pm.
General Inquiries
Phone Number
Follow Us on Social Media
Council Leadership
Executive
Council Members
Patron
Life Members
AIIA VIC Office Team
Donate
Firstly, thank you to the many of you who have made donations to AIIA Victoria. Your donations go a long way in helping us in our aim to be a leader of well-informed debate about the important foreign policy issues of the day. We encourage involvement through a program of regular lectures, webinars, Study Tours, the annual International Careers Conference and Internships.
Your generosity makes an immediate difference by:
- Inspiring educational opportunities for students and young people
- Developing tomorrow’s leaders in international affairs
- Enabling personal interaction with authoritative voices on international issues
- Promoting international cooperation through an expanding program of Study Tours
AIIA is a registered charity with DGR status, thus all donations are tax-deductible.
Your support is invaluable, and very much appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Iron CMG OBE, President AIIA Victoria
Job Opportunity
Young Professionals
AIIA Victoria Young Professional’s (YP) are a group who bring together young professionals from a variety of background and disciplines to network and share ideas in a professional and social environment. Additionally, we act as a conduit for young people to gain access to experts in government, business, not-for-profits and other international industry groups. The YP encourage young professionals to engage with complex ideas and issues to develop a greater awareness of past and present international events that are shaping Australia’s position in the world.
We are dynamic, and respond to demand, hosting both individual and collaborative events specific to the interests of young professionals.
If you’d like to get involved, AIIA VIC has many volunteer and internship opportunities aimed at students and young professionals email us at admin.vic@internationalaffairs.org.au
Corporate Engagement
AIIA Victoria stands as Victoria’s oldest independent and non-partisan organisation, dedicated to fostering dialogue and debate on critical international matters. Through a robust program of seminars, webinars and conferences, it provides a premier platform for addressing economic, political, and social issues on the global stage. We have a dedicated Corporate Engagement Team to work along with our Corporate Members.
Corporate Membership Benefits
- Priority Invitations: Corporate members receive priority access to special events, including exclusive roundtable discussions and networking opportunities.
- Professional Development: Attending events and engaging with experts provides valuable insights and growth opportunities for staff.
- Co-Branding Opportunities: Corporate members can collaborate on events, enhancing visibility and reputation.
- Unlimited Access: Staff members enjoy unlimited access to regular events held at AIIA Victoria’s premises.
- Subscription to the Australian Journal of International Affairs: Members receive a bi-monthly subscription to stay informed on global issues.
Previous Corporate Events
- Advanced Digital Capabilities: Opportunities for Victorian Business within AUKUS Pillar II
- AUKUS Roundtable with Sophia Gaston
- Is Victoria’s Defence Manufacturing Sector prepared for AUKUS?
- AUKUS Roundtable with US Chargé d’Affaires Erika Olson
- Realising Victoria’s Potential in the Global Economy
- Supply Chain Resilience in a Globalised Victoria
Know more. Understand more. Engage more.
Join Australia's largest open conversation on international affairs.