Victoria

AIIA Victoria Events

'Life as a Diplomat' - U.S. Consul General
Jun, 17, 2025 - Jun, 17, 2025
Level 13, 356 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
AIIA VIC in-person only event, 356 Collins Street
From Engagement to Disengagement: America’s evolving relations with China
Jun, 20, 2025 - Jun, 20, 2025
Level 13, 356 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
AIIA VIC hybrid event, 356 Collins Street
Closing Down Hong Kong: 5 Years of the National Security Law
Jun, 24, 2025 - Jun, 24, 2025
AIIA VIC hybrid event, 356 Collins Street
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

Taiwan – AIIA VIC resumed our overseas Study Tours in 2024. This tour was led by Rowan Callick OBE FAIIA and followed the election of a new president and parliament.

  • 11 November – 16 November 2023

Canberra – AIIA VIC organised a study tour to Canberra, where a delegation of 15 young professionals participated in different activities inclusive of AIIA’s National Conference, exclusive visits to the Embassy of Japan and the Embassy of Spain, and foreign policy roundtables.

  • 3-17 Nov 2019

Taiwan – AIIA Victoria organised a study tour to Taiwan, where a delegation of  14 participated in different activities and official meetings.

  • 10-20 Oct 2018

Timor-Leste –  AIIA Victoria has previously organised study tours to Timor-Leste in 2010 and 2014. With the recent signing of the Maritime Boundary Treaty with Australia, as well as Timor-Leste’s recent snap parliamentary elections following months of political wrangling, 2018 represented an opportune time for the Institute to run a third study tour to the country. The aim of the trip was to garner a firsthand understanding of Timor-Leste’s political, economic, cultural and natural landscapes.

  • 04-21 Apr 2018

Iran – In April eighteen AIIA Study Tour members travelled to Iran to meet with institutions and to explore sites of cultural and historical significance. In Tehran the delegates met with the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), which sponsored the Study Tour group’s business visas. At this meeting, the AIIA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IPIS. This will facilitate further joint ventures between the two institutions. The group also met with non-governmental organisations, think tanks and universities to discuss Australia-Iran bilateral relations, Iranian domestic politics, refugees, the fate of the JCPOA and the effects of sanctions on the country. Additionally, the Australian Embassy in Iran welcomed the AIIA delegates to a dinner at the residence following an informative briefing. The Study Tour group visited numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites around the country. Some of these included Iran’s famed Persian gardens, the Golestan Palace, the Lut desert, and Persepolis. AIIA delegates were welcomed into Iranian families’ homes to dine with them in Kerman and Yazd. The group was touched by the Iranian people’s warmth and hospitality which could be felt across the country.

  • 08-25 Apr 2017

Iran – The Study Tour commenced in Tehran. Discussions with the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), who sponsored the trip, and other think tanks and organisations, covered Iran’s foreign policy objectives including its role in the Syrian and Yemen conflicts, the May 2017 Iranian Presidential elections, Iranian civil society, the effects of sanctions on the Iranian economy, and the Australian-Iranian bilateral relationship.

  • 09-22 Jul 2016

Sri Lanka – a country of great beauty and abundant natural resources.  It now finds itself well placed geographically to benefit from India’s growth and the dynamism of the broader Asian region.  Despite Sri Lanka’s rich history and enduring promise, it was hit hard by the devastating 2004 tsunami and is only now emerging from decades of civil conflict. The purpose of the study tour was to gauge the extent to which Sri Lanka has been able to recover and rebuild after the civil conflict, and advance socially, politically and economically.  More broadly, delegates sought to understand the country’s extraordinary history and experience the rich culture and hospitality of the Sri Lankan people.  The group was given privileged access to leading figures in politics and civil society, and to institutions and sites throughout the country.  Thanks to the generous support received from the Sri Lankan Government, the Australian High Commission and various prominent NGOs, that exposure allowed delegates to explore the key issues facing the country.

  • 24 Oct – 04 Nov 2014

Timor Leste – The Tour began in Dili, and travelled to Baucau, Tutuala/Jaco Island, Maubisse, Balibo, Atauro and completed the journey in Dili.  The study tour was designed to engage participants in a comprehensive program of activities ensuring first hand, in-depth insights into Timor-Leste’s political history, culture and economy. Briefings included meetings with the nation’s leaders and representatives of many not-for-profit organisations that have contributed to the nation’s development.

  • 20 Apr – 04 May 2013

Myanmar    The itinerary was designed to provide participants with an introduction to Myanmar’s cultural treasures as well as an overview of the remarkable changes that have occurred in the country since the opening up of the political system (and indeed of the whole economy and society) over the last few years.The briefing program included meetings with politicians from government and opposition parties, diplomats, economists and business people, journalists, representatives of human rights and humanitarian organisations and cultural figures.  It provided an opportunity to see how government is conducted at the local, regional and national levels.

  • 05 -19 May 2012

China – The tour provided participants with a sense of Beijing and Shanghai, as well as a look at two very different parts of the country – Pingyao, an extremely well preserved traditional Han Chinese city dating back to the 14th century (which is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list) and Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province.  The tour also included briefing programs in Beijing and Shanghai, providing contact with embassy and consular officials, business people, media, academics, economists and bankers, politicians and representatives of humanitarian organisations and NGOs.

  • 07 – 19 Apr 2011

Vietnam – The tour included visits to Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An, Dalat, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekon River Delta, providing participants with an insight into some of the cultural and touristic highlights of Vietnam.  There also were diplomatic, political, commercial and academic briefings in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

  • 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

Russian Federation – A tour of the Russian Federation including visits to Moscow, Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Sergiev Posad and St. Petersburg.

  • 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:

  • 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

 

$320
Individual Member
  • 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)
$190
Corporate
  • 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

 

$3300
Young Professionals

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
$95
Student

Ideal for tertiary students. Free entry to regular events at 356 Collins Street and webinars. Member rate entry to special events.

$75
Retired/Concession

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
$140
Premium Retired/Concession

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
$240
Digital Member

Digital Membership offers online access to all AIIA VIC webinars and hybrid events.

$75
Membership Tier
Premium Member $320

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

 

Individual Member $190
  • 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)
Corporate $3300
  • 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 $95

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
Student $75

Ideal for tertiary students. Free entry to regular events at 356 Collins Street and webinars. Member rate entry to special events.

Retired/Concession $140

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 Retired/Concession $240

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 Member $75

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.

Contact AIIA Victoria

Address

Level 13, 356 Collins St. Melbourne VIC 3000 I Office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5.30pm.

Phone Number

(03) 9654 7271

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

Donate here

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.

JOIN NOW

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
BECOME A MEMBER VIC

Know more. Understand more. Engage more.

Join Australia's largest open conversation on international affairs.