Melbourne’s business leaders, Faculty alumni, and the wider community gathered for an evening of celebration inside the iconic NGV for the 16th annual Melbourne Foundation Dinner, to support the future of the Faculty of Business and Economics.
On Wednesday 25 February, attendees came together to support initiatives that increase student opportunities, advance world‑class research, and help secure a thriving future for the Faculty.
The event featured an insightful address from Michele Bullock, the ninth Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, along with an inspiring story from Sidney Myer Centennial Scholarship recipient, Esdras Assimadi.
Guests also enjoyed a private viewing of the world‑premiere exhibition Westwood and Kawakubo and a beautifully crafted three‑course meal, creating a memorable night of purpose, connection and impact.
Guest speaker – Michele Bullock, ninth governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
Guests were captivated by the fireside chat with Michele Bullock, the ninth Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, who shared thoughtful reflections on leadership and Australia’s economic landscape.
Governor Bullock joined AFR interviewer James Thomson on stage, opened the discussion with a glimpse into her early years. She described herself as a “country girl at heart,” having grown up in Armidale, NSW, and reflected on how the regional life never truly leaves you. She remained in Armidale to study economics at the University of New England (UNE), ultimately choosing this path over a potential future in medicine.
Turning to the national economic outlook, Governor Bullock noted that while inflation remains higher than ideal, it is no longer accelerating, making the path for interest rates less certain. With the economy gradually moving toward balance, she emphasised the need for patience as the RBA continues to make data‑driven, carefully calibrated decisions.
Governor Bullock also spoke about leadership, transparency and the importance of building economic literacy, especially for young women and students from culturally diverse backgrounds. As a female leader, she believes strongly that greater representation of women in senior roles plays a vital part in inspiring the next generation, demonstrating that anything is possible.
Her commitment to encouraging women in economics and supporting greater leadership participation resonated strongly with the room, echoing the Faculty’s values and ongoing work in this space.
You can watch the full interview here.
Student speaker – Esdras Assimadi
A highlight for many guests was hearing from current Bachelor of Commerce student and Sidney Myer Centennial Scholarship recipient, Esdras Assimadi. His story offered an inspiring glimpse into the impact of philanthropy for FBE students.
Established in 2024 to mark the Faculty’s centenary, the Sidney Myer Centennial Scholarship is one of the most significant scholarships offered at the University, providing full fee remission and a living allowance throughout a Commerce degree.
Esdras shared how growing up in a small regional town made university feel out of reach, and how receiving the scholarship reshaped what he believed was possible. Now studying Commerce, he hopes to one day build an agricultural business that supports the regional communities that has shaped him, and to be the best person he can be, to honour the resilience of his parents.
Watch Esdras Assimadi’s story.
Alumni of Distinction awards
The evening also included the presentation of the Faculty’s Alumni of Distinction Awards, recognising graduates who have made significant contributions in their fields and communities.
Award recipients are nominated by their peers and fellow alumni.
This year’s outstanding recipients were:
- Mr Alex Dekker (BCom 2025) founder of Alex Makes Meals, honoured with the Rising Star for Young Alumni Award for his leadership in addressing food insecurity.
- Dr Gordon de Brouwer (BCom (Hons) 1987, MCom 1992), recently the Australian Public Service Commissioner, recipient of the Leadership Award for his impact on public sector reform and long-standing service to national economic and environmental policy.
- The Hon. Mary Wooldridge (BCom (Hons) 1990), CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for her sustained leadership in advancing gender equality and social policy reform.
Read more about the remarkable impact of the 2026 Alumni of Distinction Awards.