Humans are social animals: relationships are critical to our wellbeing. Grattan’s new report, Social Cities, argues that the way we build and organise our cities is crucial to the quantity and quality of social connection, which in turn is critical to our psychological and physical health. Of course many other factors also influence our levels of connectedness - from individual disposition to family situation - but some kinds of urban design can encourage social connection, while others may ‘build in’ isolation.

The capacity of growing Australian cities to absorb larger populations and improve quality of life for all residents will depend to a considerable degree on the extent to which the urban environment promotes or hinders social connection. Our report, due for release late March, aims to put social connection firmly on the agenda for decision making about cities at every level - from the overall shape of the city, to neighbourhoods, streets and buildings.

Report author Jane-Frances Kelly will discuss the report and its recommendations with leading economist Professor Ian Harper in a conversation chaired by Peter Mares.

About the speakers:

	Jane-Frances Kelly, Grattan’s Cities Program Director, spent three years in the British Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit. She has led strategy work for the UK, Queensland, Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. She also worked for The University of Melbourne, the Chief Commisioner for Victoria Police, Noel Pearson at the Cape York Institute, and the Boston Consulting Group.
	Emeritus Professor Ian Harper is one of Australia’s best-known economists. He has worked at the highest level with governments, banks, corporations and leading professional services firms. He was at the forefront of financial market reform in Australia as a member of the celebrated Wallis Inquiry and was inaugural Chairman of the Australian Fair Pay Commission. After a 25-year career in academic life, Ian left the Melbourne Business School in 2008 to become a Director of Access Economics When Deloitte acquired Access in March 2011 Ian joined Deloitte Access Economics as a Partner.
	Peter Mares joined Grattan Institute as Cities Program Fellow in early 2012 after a career as a reporter and presenter with the ABC.

Wednesday 28 March 2012

Registration at 5.45 pm

Seminar 6 – 7 pm

BMW Edge
Federation Square
Swanston Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000

The event will also be streamed live