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Talk It Up: Disinformation & Misinformation

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion

Talk It Up is a series of thought provoking and real conversations with different voices, with this year's session focused on misinformation and disinformation.

What does disinformation look like in our community, what are its impacts and how do we respond when we see it? Join community leaders plus experts from the Municipal Association of Victoria to discuss this important topic as we discuss solutions to global problems, to apply on a local level.

Panellists include:

Ika Trijsburg leads the Disinformation in the City project across five Australian universities, and was lead author of the world first Disinformation in the City Response Playbook in 2024. Ika is Director of Urban Analytics at the ANU Institute for Infrastructure in Society in the Crawford School for Public Policy and Head of Democracy and Diplomacy at Municipal Association of Victoria. She has provided guidance on disinformation response to key actors globally including cities, national governments, international networks and UN agencies. 

Simon Young is a dynamic educational leader who believes in the power of education to bring people together, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for every student. Simon holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Western Australia and a Master of Business Administration with Deakin University. He also holds a Bachelor of Education with Griffith University and a Bachelor of Physical Education with the Australian College of Physical Education in Sydney.  In 2021, Simon was appointed to the role of Deputy Principal at The Geelong College, and in 2025 as Principal of the College.

Dr Michael Thomas is the Manager of Research at Barwon Water, Victoria's largest regional water corporation. Barwon Water has a portfolio of more than thirty innovation projects focused on the circular economy, emerging contaminants, and smart water networks. Michael previously served for twenty years as an officer in the Australian Army, including operational service in Signals Intelligence in Timor-Leste, and Combat Engineering. He holds a PhD in International Relations, and a Master(s) of Project Management.

Peter Vuillermin is a paediatrician, the Clinical Director of Research at Barwon Health, and the Chair in Medicine at Deakin University. Peter leads a program research designed to create new knowledge regarding the early-life origins of health in the modern environment, test new interventions in large-scale clinical trials, and translate robust evidence into improved clinical and public health outcomes. 

Facilitated by Col Duthie.  Col works to help leaders of social change feel supported, connected and energised. He is a convenor and facilitator interested in patterns and connections.  Col is also a coach and mentor to business and civil society leaders and contributes as a board member and Chair of social purpose organisations.  This has included as Chair of the Give Where you Live Foundation and currently as the Chair of Neighbourhood Economics. 

This is a free event, but registrations required.

Presented in partnership with

If you need any assistance in order to participate in this event, please contact events@grlc.vic.gov.au at least two weeks prior to the event date.

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