MELBOURNE has been described as a founding heartland of Australian democracy and diversity. Australia played a key role in the founding of the United Nations in 1945 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 which enshrines the rights and freedoms of all human beings and inspired over 80 international human rights treaties and declarations that protect us today.

EXPLORE iconic places in the City of Melbourne that tell important stories of events, people and protests that have influenced Australian social justice, civil rights and freedoms.
INVESTIGATE how campaigns for social justice in Melbourne have taken different forms such as petitions, elections, marches, moratoriums, strikes, referendums, architecture, postal surveys, public art, sport, street art even armed rebellion (Eureka) and insurrection (Ned Kelly).
FIND OUT issues that have spurred Melburnians to campaign for justice such as the women’s vote, equal pay, climate, detention, eight-hour day, homelessness, racism, disability, gender equality, crime,  transportation, reconciliation, taxation, war, and artistic freedom.
AN IDENTITY of a Melburnian that has influenced social justice is provided to each student during the tour.

ROUTE
We travel from Federation Square through the central city over a two-hour (students) or 2.5 hour (adults) period or any time period requested. Tours normally start from Federation Square.  Locations may include St Pauls, Flinders Station, Federation Square, Koorie Heritage Trust, Nicholas building, Hosier Lane, Manchester Unity, Ross House, Womens Centre, Melbourne Town Hall, Howie Place, Lt Bourke Street, 50 Lonsdale, Athenaeum Theatre, and others depending on the day and times.

‘Melbourne Walks offers a superb introduction to the history of protest and justice issues in the City of Melbourne. Our school tour was characterised by impressive and comprehensive knowledge, high levels of student engagement, good humour and practical concern for our students on a warmish afternoon. I am very comfortable in giving Melbourne Walks my unreserved endorsement.’    Sacred Heart College, Geelong.

Government of the people, by the people and for the people and not one half the people. The  ‘Monster’ suffragette petition 1891.

We swear under the banner of the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties. Peter Lalor adminstering the Miners Oath, 1854.

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