History of the Lectures

More than ever before, Australia’s prosperity depends on original thinkers; people who are prepared to take risks, people who challenge the norms. Named in honour of Australia’s second Prime Minister, Alfred Deakin (1856-1919), the Alfred Deakin Lectures are intended to inform, provoke and stimulate debate, ideas and conversations about the role of innovation across the economy, society and the environment. A free public lecture program first held in Melbourne in 2001, and now including regional Victoria, ‘The Deakins’ are a celebration of big ideas and brilliant minds; bringing renowned thinkers and innovators to Victoria from throughout Australia and around the world.