Melbourne School Economy Tour – Walking Tours of Melbourne

OUR two-hour school tour explores places in the city centre that tell historic and contemporary economic stories showing how Melbourne’s residents and the physical city have responded to ever-changing local and global economic events over time. They tell the economic journey from our traditional owners to colonisation to gold rush to war and affluence to today’s global economy.
WE aim to make students excited about studies of economic and business by experiencing its affects in daily life.
MELBOURNE contributes over 28 percent of Australian GDP growth. Key assets include the lanes system, fine arts, sport, food, and entertainment venues, medical facilities, construction, financial services, tourism and international education services. It ranks 24 in the top world cities in the Global Financial Centres Index.
WHAT makes a city economically and globally successful? How has the physical city responded to people’s economic and social needs? How do small businesses prosper? What are the City’s global economic threats and challenges including climate change?
STUDENTS assume an historic identity for the duration of the tour. See historic identity

ROUTE
Our tours normally start and finish at Federation Square www.fedsquare.com Locations we visit can vary with weather, time and construction but may include Federation Square (carbon neutral, cultural hub), Hosier Lane ( tourism, social enterprises), Flinders Lane (textiles and globalisation), Hosier (Street Art, Wellbeing) Cathedral Arcade (Bohemian Index), BHP Billiton (mining) 260 Collins (retail), 333 Collins (banking), Royal Arcade (small business), Swanston Mall, Town Square (Melbourne Metro) and other key locations in the CBD that tell the economic story.

SEE: Our other SCHOOL PROGRAMS

SEE: BOOKINGS AND PRICES – FOR INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS AND SCHOOLS

‘The Economic tour was extremely educational and engaging. A great experience for students and teachers. Both students and teachers gained a lot of knowledge. Will definitely be back again. Many thanks for the amazing tour guides.’
Mt Hira College

The students were thrilled with the tour and the depth of material provided during our walk through the CBD. The variety of stops, sites and activities were diverse and engaging. The social enterprises contrasted with profit enterprises were a fantastic contrast for the students to observe different views on wealth and opportunities for growth.
SOSE Coordinator, Year 12, St Mary MacKillop College.

On behalf of my team and students, I would like to say a huge thank you for providing us with such a fantastic experience walking around Melbourne and learning about the economy and business in relation to the formation of our great city. You made learning about this topic engaging and entertaining, pitching the information to our 5/6 students in a way that they could understand and make connections with.
St Joseph’s, Mernda.

PLACES:

The transforming city:
Only 30 years ago there were 400 residents in the city centre. Today 150,000 an increase of 300 times. Voted seven times the world’s most liveable city. What is going on here?

Federation Square:
a. Meeting place hub. The piazza Nearamnew celebrates two nations Australian and Kulin. One founded on a global sheep trade and global movements of people. The other a single ancient nation with internal trade. One founded on industrial revolution and individual acquisition. The other on communalism and self sufficiency.
b. Cultural and communications hub. Institutions of the square include NGV, ACMI, SBS , Atrium, Koorie Heritage Trust, BMW Edge, The plaza screen, Visitors Centre, Birrarung Marr. It also links to the MCG. Tourism and arts are huge economic drivers.
c. Climate change is a major challenge to Melbourne’s econdomic future with the city population doubling in the next 20 years. Federation Square is leading the way, it became carbon neutral in 2016.

Flinders Street Station:
First steam train 1854. Communications hubs are economic drivers in a vast country and small population. 800,000 visitors a day. Public transport crisis due to lack of past investment.

Port Phillip Arcade:
Will be destroyed by 2018 for a massive $9b underground metro 2018-26. Cities need continual reinvestment of infrastructure.

St Pauls Cathedral:
Eureka demonstrations. Gold as a driver of immigration and wealth acquisition. Movements of people and capital. The Churches have huge economic holdings in property and shares used to deliver social services across Australia including nursing homes and schools. The value of volunteers in Victoria is equivalent to to 400,000 jobs and over 17b dollars.

Young and Jackson/Batmans home:
Melbourne Treaty. Land as individual property vs land as communal and sacred. Immigration as a driver of construction and property values.

Hosier/Flinders Lane:
Demise of textile industry due to globalisation and tarrif removal. Old industries replacing new industries. The Arts industry. Art as promoter of safety and industry in the lanes. Homelessness services: social services are 19% of the economy. How can disparities of wealth affect social conflict and the economy? The economic value of walking cities and connectivity.

BHP, Collins Street:
First six-star Green office building in Victoria. Based in Melbourne BHP is the worlds largest miner and has operated in England, Colombia, South America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Suriname and New Guinea. Its Charter includes sustainability and environmental responsiveness.

Melbourne Town Hall:
The City of Melbourne is home to Australia’s most culturally diverse communities – 140. It attracts the largest proportion of international overseas immigrants (48,000) since 2006. How is Immigration an economic driver? How do migrants foster global relations? The City of Melbourne has an area of 36 square km with 130,000 residents. How do democracies foster economies? The City Crest: the economic city founding.

Nicholas building:
Bohemian Index theory Richard Florida. Art as an economic driver.

Degraves and Centre Place:
Restructuring the lanes system for to promote venues or ‘piazzas’ for pedestrians accessing small businesses such as food, culture, retail, tourism. Walking is a key to economically successful cities.

271 Collins St/333 Collins:
Melbourne is home to two of Aust biggest four banks ie NAB and ANZ. The Great Crash 1893 . Depressions are a severe downtown in the economy. Responsible banks are essential. They loan money for businesses and individuals to buy goods such as cars and homes which grows the economy.

St Collins Lane:
Retail businesses of the future. How does a 21 millennium building compare to the 19thC Block Arcade.

Block and Royal Arcade:
Role of citizen meeting places in successful cities. Fashion and food as economic drivers. Gold diverted into property. The scales: changes from Imperial systems. What makes a small business successful?

GPO:
Communication systems in an economy. H & M – a global youth market.

Bourke Street Mall/Hoddle Street Grid:
Walkability is a key feature of liveable and viable cities. There is a a direct link between a city’s economic prosperity and a safe convenient pedestrian experience. View: Melbourne has an automated pedestrian counting system in real-time. People who walk buy from local businesses. Citizens who give back – Sidney Myer.

Trams:
Say hello to electric cars – the world’s largest urban tram network. 203.8 million passenger trips in 2015-16. How can old technologies foster new economies?

Coles Book Arcade:
Reading and education foster skills. 30,000 International students contribute to the economy. Melbourne in 2015-16 was ranked 2nd best city in the world for International students after Paris. There are at least 3 universities in the heart of the CBD.

Manchester Unity:
The citizens’ response to depressions. Corporate citizenship.

ANZ Gothic Bank/Stock Exchange/Banking Museum:First stock exchange in Australia 1852.

WHO ARE THE INNOVATIVE BUSINESSES AND ENTREPENEURS TRANSFORMING MELBOURNE IN 2025?

Jo Horgan, founder of Mecca Brands at 299 Bourke Street. I created Mecca to celebrate beauty as empowerment—fueling creativity, confidence, and community. Today, we’re worth over $1.5 billion.

Simon Beard, co-founder of Culture Kings with Tahnee. From Emporium Melbourne and Hosier Lane, we built a streetwear empire that blends fashion, music, and culture. We’re now valued at $600 million.

Jack Zhang, CEO of Airwallex at 15 William Street. I’m passionate about reshaping global finance—making cross-border payments seamless for businesses. Our valuation has soared to $5.5 billion and rising.

David Hornery, co-founder of Judo Bank at 525 Collins Street. We’re reviving relationship banking for SMEs—backing real businesses with real people. Listed on the ASX, we’re worth around $1.6 billion.

Paul Perreault, CEO of CSL Limited at 655 Elizabeth Street. We innovate to save lives—developing vaccines and therapies that protect millions. Our market cap now exceeds $130 billion.

I’m Nick Molnar, co-founder of Afterpay, now part of Block Inc. From 800 Collins Street, we reimagined consumer finance—giving people control and flexibility. Our acquisition was valued at $39 billion.

Melanie Perkins, co-founder of Canva. Though our Melbourne team is remote, our mission is global: to make design accessible to everyone. We’re now valued at $26 billion.

Andrew Bassat, co-founder of Seek. We help people find purpose through meaningful work—connecting talent with opportunity. Our company is worth over $7 billion.

Owen Wilson, CEO of REA Group at 511 Church Street. We help Australians find homes and investment dreams—driving innovation in property tech. Our market cap is around $18 billion.

I’m Cameron McIntyre, CEO of Carsales.com.au at 449 Punt Road. We transformed how Australians buy and sell vehicles—making it smarter, faster, and easier. Our valuation sits near $7 billion.

Collis Ta’eed, co-founder of Envato at 121 King Street. We empower creatives with digital tools—from templates to music—fueling global innovation. Our business is valued at over $100 million.

Leigh Jasper, co-founder of Aconex. Born in Melbourne, we built a platform that revolutionized construction collaboration. Oracle acquired us for $1.6 billion—but our impact continues to build.

Ben Trinh, co-founder of Edrolo. We’re transforming education with interactive learning—giving students and teachers tools to thrive. Our valuation is over $50 million.

I’m Riley Pateras, co-founder of Heidi Health. From Melbourne’s startup scene, we use AI to support doctors—freeing time for care, not paperwork. We’ve raised over $5 million.

Robert Giles, CEO of SPC at 171 Collins Street. We’re reimagining food manufacturing—combining tradition with innovation and sustainability. Our worth exceeds $100 million.

Bennett Merriman, co-founder of Rosterfy at 10 Queen Street. We streamline volunteer management for global events—empowering communities through smart tech. We’ve raised $8.5 million to date.

Tom Hain, co-founder of Marqo. From Melbourne’s tech precinct, we’re building smarter search powered by AI—making information more intuitive. We’ve raised $18.4 million.

James Nguyen, founder of InfinityStakeChain. From Melbourne’s crypto hubs, we’re unlocking decentralized finance—giving users control and yield. Our valuation is $12 million.

I’m Daniel Pilbrow, CEO of Kismet in Carlton. We simplify aged care and NDIS access—making support systems more human. We’ve raised $16.5 million to serve those who need it most.

Alex Lee, founder of VaultEscrow. From Melbourne’s blockchain incubators, we’re bridging fragmented crypto ecosystems—building trust in decentralized finance. We’ve raised $8 million.

Nick Hinsley, co-founder of Zitcha at 101 Collins Street. We help retailers monetize their media—turning digital channels into revenue engines. Our valuation is nearing $10 million.

James Campbell, founder of Firmable in Cremorne. We deliver B2B intelligence that drives growth—helping businesses understand and connect with each other. We’ve raised $9 million.

Joel Latham, CEO of Incannex Healthcare at 100 Collins Street. We’re pioneering psychedelic therapies for mental health—bringing science and hope together. Our market cap is $100 million.

Arthur Naoumidis, founder of DomaCom at 446 Collins Street. We make property investment accessible—fractionalizing ownership for everyday Australians. We’ve raised $4 million.

Dr. Christophe Demaison, co-founder of Ena Respiratory. From Melbourne’s biomedical precinct, we’re developing nasal sprays to prevent viral infections—protecting public health globally. We’ve raised $4.4 million.

Ron Barassi AFL legend and entrepreneur, Ron Barassi contributed to Melbourne’s sports culture and youth development through leadership programs and community engagement.

Jan Owen A social entrepreneur. Jan Owen has led initiatives in Melbourne’s CBD supporting youth innovation, education, and social enterprise.

Naomi Milgrom Fashion entrepreneur and arts patron, Milgrom funds the MPavilion in Queen Victoria Gardens, enriching Melbourne’s public art and architecture.

Eddie McGuire Media entrepreneur Eddie McGuire has boosted Melbourne’s media and sports profile through ventures based in Docklands and the CBD.

Susan Alberti Philanthropist and businesswoman, Alberti supports diabetes research and women’s sport. Her contributions are celebrated through events and foundations in Melbourne.

Tan Le Founder of Emotiv, Tan Le has participated in Melbourne’s tech ecosystem through neurotechnology innovation and public speaking.

Jane Martino Co-founder of Smiling Mind, Martino runs mental health programs in Melbourne schools and workplaces, promoting mindfulness and wellbeing.

Steve Vallas Blockchain entrepreneur, Vallas founded the Blockchain Centre on Queen Street, advancing Australia’s crypto and fintech sectors.

Kylie Kwong Chef and sustainability advocate, Kwong contributes to Melbourne’s culinary scene through events promoting Indigenous ingredients and ethical sourcing.

Simon Holmes à Court Clean energy entrepreneur Holmes à Court engages in climate innovation and policy advocacy through forums held at Melbourne Town Hall.

Gerry Ryan Founder of Jayco, Ryan supports Melbourne’s cycling events and tourism, contributing to sport and manufacturing industries.

Carol Schwartz Chair of the Trawalla Foundation, Schwartz hosts philanthropy forums in Melbourne’s CBD, promoting gender equity and civic leadership.

Andrew Bassat Co-founder of SEEK, Bassat operates from Cremorne near the CBD. He revolutionized job search platforms and supports tech startups.

Paul Little Former CEO of Toll Group, Little has invested in logistics infrastructure and arts patronage in Melbourne.

RMIT Entrepreneurs Based at RMIT University on Swanston Street, these innovators incubate startups in tech, fashion, and design, fueling Melbourne’s innovation economy.

Christine Holgate Former CEO of Australia Post, Holgate led major reforms and digital transformation from Melbourne’s headquarters.

Alan Finkel Former Chief Scientist, Finkel has contributed to Melbourne’s science and innovation policy through advisory roles and public engagement.

Elaine Canty Broadcaster and advocate, Canty has supported Melbourne’s arts and media landscape through leadership and mentorship.

Vida Goldstein A pioneering suffragist and reformer, Vida Goldstein campaigned in Melbourne and laid the groundwork for gender equality. She is commemorated through educational programs and public memorials.

Sidney Myer Founder of Myer department stores, Sidney Myer’s flagship store at 314–336 Bourke Street remains iconic. His foundation supports arts, education,

CSL (Commonwealth Serum Laboratories) Located at 655 Elizabeth Street, Parkville, CSL is a global biotech leader. It has invested heavily in R&D and infrastructure, producing vaccines and treatments that benefit Australians and the world.

We’re Alex and Georgie Cleary, who launched Alpha60 to bring avant-garde fashion to Melbourne’s streets. From our headquarters at 201 Flinders Lane, we’ve built a brand that champions sustainability and supports local artists. Our financial investment in the creative economy has helped shape Melbourne’s identity as a fashion-forward city.

Macpherson Robertson – MacRobertson’s Chocolates
I’m Macpherson Robertson, born in 1859. My creations—Freddo Frog, Cherry Ripe—became household names. But my legacy goes beyond sweets: I funded MacRobertson High School, MacRobertson bridge and even Antarctic expeditions. I believed in reinvesting wealth into the nation’s future. Born: 6 September 1859 – Died: 20 August 1945

Mary Reibey – Woman on the $20 note
I was a former cross-dressing horse thief convict turned merchant, I helped lay the foundations for Australian banking and commerce. My financial acumen and resilience paved the way for women in business, and I’m proud to be remembered as a pioneer. Born: 12 May 1777 – Died: 30 May 1855

Axil Coffee Roasters, 76 Flinders – David Makin
I’m David Makin, and I founded Axi Coffee Roasters at 76 Flinders Lane to elevate Melbourne’s coffee scene. We’ve created jobs, supported ethical sourcing, and built a loyal community around quality coffee. Our financial success has fueled local employment and helped define Melbourne’s café culture.

Ned Kelly – Cultural Icon, Forum, Athenaeum theatres
My story lives on in Melbourne’s tourism economy. The Old Melbourne Gaol, where I was held and executed, draws thousands of visitors each year. My mythologized legacy contributes to the city’s cultural narrative and economic vitality through tourism. Born: June 1855 – Died: 11 November 1880

The Big Issue – Steven Persson. I’m Steven Persson, and I brought The Big Issue to Australia to create employment opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. From our Melbourne office we’ve generated millions in income for vendors and raised awareness about poverty and social exclusion.

Sidney Myer – Myer Department Stores. I founded Myer with a vision to blend commerce and community. Our flagship store at 314 Bourke Street became a Melbourne icon. Through the Myer Foundation, our family supports the arts, education, and social equity. My financial success was always meant to uplift others. Born: 8 February 1878 – Died: 5 September 1934

Michael Long – Michael Long Foundation, Fed Square After helping Essendon acheve two premierships, I founded the Michael Long Foundation to empower Indigenous youth through education, sport and leadership. Through AFL events and advocacy, we’ve driven social change and reconciliation, while investing in future generations.

Vida Goldstein – Suffragist and Reformer 1869-1949, Fed Square campaigned in Melbourne for gender equality, and I’m proud of the reforms I helped ignite. My work laid the groundwork for women’s political participation and social reform. Today, my legacy lives on through educational programs and public memorials that continue to inspire change. Born: 13 April 1869 – Died: 15 August 1949

CSL – Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, Nicholas Building We’re CSL, founded in 1916 to serve Australia’s public health. From our headquarters at 655 Elizabeth Street, Parkville, we’ve grown into a global biotech leader with 25,000 employees Our investments in research, infrastructure, and vaccine development have saved lives and strengthened Australia’s medical capabilities. Organization-led; not tied to a single founder(Continued)

RMIT University – Francis Ormond I’m Francis Ormond, and I founded what would become RMIT University to provide practical education for working Australians. From our central campus at 124 La Trobe Street, we’ve educated generations of innovators and professionals. My financial contributions helped establish a legacy of accessible learning that continues to shape Melbourne’s workforce. Born: 23 November 1829 – Died: 5 May 1889

Melbourne City Mission – Hester Hornbrook I’m Hester Hornbrook, and I helped establish Melbourne City Mission to support vulnerable youth and families. Though not a traditional entrepreneur, my social enterprise laid the groundwork for community care in the CBD. Our programs have empowered thousands, and our presence in Melbourne continues to drive social equity. Born: 1820 – Died: 1875

I’m John Sumner who founded Melbourne Theatre Company to bring world-class drama to the city. From our home at Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Boulevard, we’ve enriched Melbourne’s cultural life and employed thousands of artists and technicians. Our financial impact on the arts sector is matched only by our social influence. Born: 27 December 1924 – Died: 24 May 2013

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – Alberto Zelman Jr. I’m Alberto Zelman Jr., and I helped establish the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to elevate Australia’s musical landscape. Our performances at Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Road have inspired generations and contributed significantly to Melbourne’s cultural economy. Born: 1874 – Died: 1927

Melbourne International Comedy Festival – Barry Humphries I’m Barry Humphries, and while I didn’t found the festival myself, my character Dame Edna helped shape its identity. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, headquartered at Level 3, 240 Exhibition Street, has become one of the largest in the world—boosting tourism and supporting countless performers. Born: 17 February 1934 – Died: 22 April 2023

I’m Lesley Dimmick, and I helped launch the Melbourne Fringe Festival to give independent artists a platform. Fom our base at Level 2, 10 Russell Street, we’ve supported thousands of creatives and contributed to Melbourne’s reputation as a global arts capital. Birth date not publicly available

Melbourne Writers Festival – Rosemary Cameron

I’m Rosemary Cameron who helped shape the Melbourne Writers Festival into a celebration of literature and ideas. Our events across the CBD have brought together authors, thinkers, and readers—fostering dialogue and cultural exchange while supporting the publishing industry.

Melbourne Fashion Festival – Graeme Lewsey who led the Melbourne Fashion Festival to showcase Australian design talent. From our headquarters at Level 1, 546 Collins Street, we’ve driven economic growth in fashion retail and promoted sustainability and innovation in the industry.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – Peter Clemenger helped establish the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival to celebrate Victoria’s culinary excellence. Our events across the CBD have boosted hospitality revenue and positioned Melbourne as a global food destination.

WHO ARE THE INNOVATIVE BUSINESSES AND ENTREPENEURS OF MELBOURNE?