IABC Victoria is delighted to present its annual Deb Ganderton Oration on 15 October 2025 in Melbourne’s CBD. This evening is a highlight of IABC Victoria’s event calendar.
The fourth annual Deb Ganderton Oration will celebrate communicators who have a passion for speaking up, changing lives and sharing great stories with the world. The Oration commemorates Deb Ganderton, a former President of IABC Victoria and an inspiring industry leader who went from communications adviser to CEO, and who sadly passed away in 2022.
It will feature an oration by Former Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne Sally Capp AO – an outstanding leader and exemplar communicator who has influenced the lives of many in Melbourne and far beyond.
Following her oration, Sally will be joined for a panel discussion with some of her most trusted advisors, including:
Rebecca Skelton, Chief Customer Experience and Communications Officer, City of Melbourne
Ben Hart, Founder and Managing Director, Fireside
Stephanie Waters, Founder & Director, Mulberry Marketing.
Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and a night of networking with Melbourne’s city skyline as the backdrop, the perfect opportunity to connect with peers, leaders, and industry colleagues.
Places are strictly limited so secure your tickets now!
Event details
🗓️ Wednesday 15 October 2025
⌚️ 5.30pm to 8.30pm
📍 JLL - Level 33, 101 Collins Street, Melbourne
🎟️ IABC Victoria members: free (enter your email address that you use for your IABC membership as the promotion code)
🎟️ Non-members: $90 plus booking fee - Oration only; $115 plus booking fee - Event Pass (includes ticket to IABC Victoria's End-of-Year Mingle, to be held in Melbourne CBD on Wednesday 19 November 2025 in the evening)
This event is made possible with thanks to our generous partners:
Orator: Sally Capp AO
Sally Capp AO was the first woman to be directly elected as the Lord Mayor of Melbourne. Sally served for 6 years between 2018-2024 and led the city through the pandemic period.
Prior to being Lord Mayor, she was the CEO for the Committee for Melbourne and the Victorian Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia. Sally began her career as a Solicitor, after completing Law (Hons) and Commerce degrees at the University of Melbourne. She has held senior roles at both KPMG and ANZ and co-founded a small business which she took to the ASX.
She has been involved in a number of charities, currently sitting on the board of the Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute and is a Patron of the Lighthouse Foundation and the Royal Women’s Hospital Foundation.
Sally received the award of Officer of the Order of Australia in 2023 in the King’s Birthday honours and won the McKinnon Prize for emerging political leadership in 2019.
About the Deb Ganderton Oration
The IABC Victoria Deb Ganderton Oration is an annual event founded in 2022 honouring the legacy of Deb Ganderton, a respected leader in public communication, former CEO and former President of IABC Victoria.
Known for her commitment to excellence and integrity, Deb's work inspired many in the communications field. This oration brings together leaders to explore the vital role of communication in leadership, fostering unity, authenticity, and positive social impact.
Whether you knew Deb or not, this event is open to everyone. Come along on your own or as part of a group - we look forward to welcoming you.
Try IABC Victoria with our end of year event pass!
Curious about joining IABC Victoria? Here’s your chance to experience our community before becoming a member in 2026.
For just $115, our End of Year Event Pass gives you discounted access to our final two in-person events of 2025 (valued at $140 non-member price).
With your pass, you’ll enjoy:
IABC 2025 Deb Ganderton Oration - Wednesday, 15 October
Featuring Sally Capp AO, Former Lord Mayor of Melbourne - an inspiring leader and communicator whose impact extends far beyond our city.End of Year Mingle - Wednesday, 19 November
Wrap up the year with our final networking event - the perfect place to make new connections and celebrate with fellow communicators.
This is a perfect way to experience IABC Victoria’s events and community before joining as a full member in the new year.