Join us online or in-person for an Afternoon Light Live with Michael Gawenda and Georgina Downer. Michael, the former editor of The Age (1997-2004) and a prominent Jewish intellectual, will discuss Jewish history and life in Australia and the nature, causes and impact of the current rise in antisemitism in the country.

We invite you to join us online OR attend in person (if you are in Melbourne) at the Robert Menzies Institute by registering via Eventbrite.

Event Details

Date: Monday 16 March 2026
Time: 3 – 4pm (AEDT)
Venue: Live Online over Zoom/ Robert Menzies Institute, Old Quad, East Wing, University of Melbourne, Parkville (for live audience). Register HERE
Tickets: FREE registration to join online available HERE / To attend in person, register HERE (limited seating)

This is a non-catered event.

Michael and Georgina will talk for the first 30 min, and the next 30 min will be audience Q&A.

Michael Gawenda is one of Australia’s most respected journalists and public commentators. He was Editor and Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne from 1997 to 2004, leading the paper during a period of major political and media change. Across a career spanning decades, he has written extensively on politics, media, civil society, and international affairs.

He is also the author of several books and a regular columnist and commentator in national publications. As a Jewish Australian, he has spoken publicly and thoughtfully about Jewish identity, Israel, liberal democracy, and rising antisemitism.

As former Editor-in-Chief of The Age, he understands how public debate shapes social cohesion — and how prejudice takes root. Few people are better placed to speak about the contemporary resurgence of antisemitism and what it means for Australia’s civic culture.