With the festive season almost upon us, it is an important time to reflect on what it means to be part of a healthy, happy and cohesive community. Community plays a vital role in our wellbeing, providing a sense of place, purpose and belonging.

Last Thursday the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, gave the oration at the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation's annual Inspiring Philanthropy Celebration.

It was a remarkable address and resonated with one of our findings in our recent Greater Melbourne Vital Signs report and my own reflections on the major transitions.