Mayors Institute Annual Oration with Ms Patricia Karvelas

With the Victorian State Election set for November 2026, this year’s Mayors Institute Oration comes at a critical moment for local government leadership. Join Ms Patricia Karvelas, one of Australia’s most respected political journalists, as she examines the forces shaping the state's political future—and what that means for councils, communities and the sector.

The Oration: The Future is Local: How your leadership shapes the State Agenda

In this address, Ms Karvelas will explore how local issues are increasingly shaping the state election narrative, with community expectations and place-based challenges playing a more prominent role than ever before. She will examine the policy areas most likely to influence voters—such as housing, natural disaster recovery, and the delivery of local infrastructure and services—while reflecting on what the election outcome could mean for council leadership and decision-making.
The Oration will also highlight the critical role Mayors and local leaders play in shaping Victoria’s future, offering a clear and compelling view of the influence local government brings to the state agenda.

Ms Patricia Karvelas 

Ms Karvelas is a prominent Australian journalist, beginning her professional career at the ABC and SBS more than 20 years ago.
She presents the agenda-setting Afternoon Briefing on ABC News TV and hosts the Politics Now daily podcast. She co-hosts the ABC's popular weekly political podcast The Party Room with Fran Kelly. She previously hosted and produced the program Karvelas on Sky News, as well as National Wrap on ABC news weekly programs which focused on federal affairs and policy.

Ms Karvelas has also worked in several senior roles in print media, working for The Australian newspaper as political correspondent in the Canberra press gallery, Victorian Bureau Chief and Editor, and Senior National Affairs Journalist.
Ms Patricia Karvelas appears by arrangement with Claxton Speakers International.

Registration Cost: $145 ex gst

This event is open to: Victorian Mayors and Deputy Mayors, Councillors, Council CEOs and Executives and sector partners. 

Event Highlights:

• Arrival & networking (from 12:00pm)
• MAV campaign updates
• The Oration by Ms Patricia Karvelas
• Mayors Institute Panel with Q&A, hosted by Libby Mears

About the Mayors Institute Annual Oration

Held annually, the Mayors Institute Oration brings together civic leaders to celebrate mayoral leadership and explore the contemporary challenges shaping local government. This prestigious event provides a forum for reflection, inspiration and connection.

This year, for the first time, we are presenting the Oration as a luncheon event. Bringing together the senior leaders of Victorian local government ahead of the State Election, this event provides an important forum to reflect on the sector’s priorities and discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead. 

• Gain a credible view of the 2026 State Election landscape
• Hear how local priorities are driving state-level decisions
• Understand what’s at stake for metropolitan, regional and rural councils
• Engage with peers and sector leaders during a pivotal period

Capacity is strictly limited, so we encourage early registration.

Continue the conversation at the MAVLab Innovation Awards (6:00pm 17 September, Fitzroy Town Hall). Discounted tickets available to purchase for those attending both events; email sedev@mav.asn.au for further information.