A small crowd in Warrnambool heard from two former staffers about the behind-the-scenes business of politics. The forum was organised by the Good Company Collective, a south-west Victorian women-led networking group. Former Labor staffers Bindi Gove and Sean Sammon took audience questions on why parties release policies gradually and how much influence staffers have. Attendees also asked about preferential voting, the upper and lower houses, and postal voting. Organiser Gabrielle Toscan said the event aimed to give the community access to experts rather than promote party politics.
Wyndham council is holding a public forum on the proposed Outer Metropolitan Ring Road at Wyndham Civic Centre on Tuesday, October 27, from noon to 1.30pm. Panellists include acting chief executive Eric Braslis, former minister Luke Donnellan and Victorian Transport Association chief executive Peter Anderson. The road is proposed as a high-speed route linking Melbourne's north and west, with freeway and rail links for interstate freight and future passenger services. Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw says the forum will explore the project's opportunities.
Residents raised concerns about dropped phone calls, poor reception and emergency access at a telecommunications forum in Medowie last week. Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson hosted the event, with representatives from Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom and NBN taking questions. One Sunrise resident said she often could not reach her husband, who is in assisted care at Shoal Bay. Optus representative Glenn Hamilton said he would investigate reception problems raised by residents of The Cove but could not promise a new tower straight away.
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Patrick Leonard, a retired public servant and vice president of the Queensland Mycological Society, will speak at a Friday forum on October 23. He will discuss the challenges of naming Queensland's diverse fungi and their importance to the environment. The forum is held at the Noosa Parks Association Environment Centre in Noosaville. Morning tea is available from 10.00 am, and the forum begins at 10.30 am. Entry costs $5, while current Noosa Parks Association members attend free.
Voters in the Williamstown electorate will get the chance to question candidates for the state seat at a Meet the Candidates event. The panel will be held at Newport Bowls Club on Sunday 18 October, with six candidates invited, including incumbent Labor MP Melissa Horne. Questions may cover local issues such as crime, traffic, housing and infrastructure, but must relate to the electorate and be directed to the whole panel. Doors open at 12pm and the discussion begins at 1pm. Attendees must register beforehand.
Older people in Ballina and the Northern Rivers are invited to a free seniors forum on Thursday, 22 October, hosted by National Seniors Australia at the Riverside Function Centre. The morning forum runs from 9am to 11:30am and covers advocacy, savings tips and government services. A regional consultation follows from 11:30am to 1pm, limited to 20 people, focusing on later-life housing in regional communities. Karen Furnivall says cost-of-living pressures and housing insecurity are weighing on older residents. Everyone who registers receives a free goodie bag.
A morning forum in Armidale on Friday, 16 October, will ask how academic research can better prepare regional, rural and remote Australia for disruptive futures. The event was initiated by Warwick student Elizabeth Ure and is hosted by The Australian Sociological Association and the University of New England. Ms Ure said research often fails to reach the places it is needed. The forum runs from 9:30am to 1:30pm at the UNE SMART Region Incubator and online, and is moderated by Rev. Simon Hansford.
AgForce South-East Queensland will hold its annual biosecurity forum on October 30 at Bethany, just outside Kingaroy. The all-day event brings together producers, researchers, contractors and government agencies. Topics include invasive weeds, wild dogs, feral pigs, deer, cattle ticks and buffalo flies. Speakers include national wild dog management coordinator Greg Mifsud and feral pig coordinator John Scriven. Tickets are free for AgForce members and can be booked online.
Victoria's Minister for Consumer Affairs and Renters, Tim Richardson, and Greens renters' rights spokesperson Gabrielle de Vietri will outline their renting policies ahead of the state election. The forum, held on International Tenants Day, is hosted by Tenants Victoria and focuses on dignity for almost 2 million Victorians who rent. Tenants Victoria CEO Jennifer Beveridge will also take part. The event runs from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Monday 5 October at Fed Square in Melbourne.
A Parkinson’s community forum in Newport will offer insights and support for those affected by the disease. Scheduled for 17 October, the event features experts like Professor David Finkelstein and Emma Collin, alongside personal experiences from a long-term Parkinson’s patient. Organised by ParKanDo, the forum aims to educate attendees, challenge stigma, and provide practical management tips. The free event is open to individuals with Parkinson’s, their families, and carers. For details, visit the ParKanDo website or register via the provided link.
Business leaders, investors and industry representatives will meet in Narrabri on 22 October to explore investment opportunities and economic growth in the New England North West. The forum, hosted by Business NSW New England North West and Narrabri Shire Council, will focus on turning regional innovation into jobs and long-term economic opportunities. Speakers include Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development investment manager Karina Tyler and National Australia Bank small business banker Brendon Grosse.
Monash Council and Sustain: The Australian Food Network are collaborating to address food security through a stakeholder forum. Scheduled for 18 November at the Mulgrave Community Centre, the free event invites local organisations, community groups, and food relief providers to discuss challenges and solutions. Participants will share insights, map existing supports, and identify gaps to strengthen the local food system. The forum aims to foster connections and develop practical strategies for improving access to affordable, nutritious food in the community. This initiative seeks to build a collective understanding of food security in Monash and guide future collaborative efforts.
