VCOSS Community Sector Summit 2026

Thank you for joining us at the VCOSS Community Sector Summit at RACV City Club, Melbourne. This page will help you with the logistics of the day.

Time Session Details
From 08.30am Registration, arrival, networking, tea and coffee
09.30am Essentials for Everyone campaign video
09.35am Introduction and welcome by VCOSS CEO, Juanita Pope
Welcome to Country with Wurundjeri Elder, Irene Morris
09.55am Introduction from our Summit MC, Patricia Karvelas
10.00am In conversation with the Premier of Victoria, Hon Ben Carroll MP
10.30am Video interviews with Georgie Purcell, Animal Justice Party and Rachel Payne, Legalise Cannabis Party
10.40am HESTA remarks
10.45am Morning tea
11.10am In conversation with the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberals, David Southwick MP
12.00pm In conversation with Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell
12.30pm Lunch
01.40pm Sector panel discussion with Kos Samaras (Co-founder, RedBridge Group), Dr Stephane Shepherd (Professor of Forensic Psychology, Deakin University), Dr Shelley Bowen (Founder, Health Futures Australia) and Amanda McKenzie (CEO, Climate Council)
02.55pm Performance from My Story
03.15pm Closing remarks by Juanita Pope

During parts of the event, you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions to some of our panelists. The links aren’t open now but we will activate them closer to the day.

Ask a question to Hon. Ben Carroll MP

Ask a question to David Southwick MP

Ask a question to Ellen Sandell MP

Ask a question to our sector panel

A quiet space is available with the RACV Club Library (situated on the first floor) to anyone who needs to step away from the Summit temporarily. Please ask a VCOSS staff member if you need help to access it.

VCOSS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country, and we pay respect to Elders and Ancestors. Our business is conducted on sovereign, unceded Aboriginal land. The VCOSS offices are located on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung land in central Naarm.