The Urban Collective

Join us on Wednesday, 26 August at 1PM in the Student Pavillion for our next edition in the Coffee with... series to learn more about internships and vocational placements!

This time, we’ll be chatting with Maria Lodola-Price and Dr. Sareh Moosavi about how ABP Internships and MSD Vocational Placements can help you get ahead. Come get insider access into the placement process and the value of connecting professional practice with your studies. Please arrive 15 minutes ahead of the session at 12:45PM to register so we can start on time.

Have questions you’d like to us to ask? DM them to us in advance of the session and we’ll make sure your voice is heard. Register now via the link in our bio!

A huge thanks to Tract for welcoming the Urban Collective to their Southbank office this week!

Students were given the opportunity to hear directly from members of the Tract team. Highlights included insight into the day-to-day professional practice, such as the interconnectedness of urban planning, design, landscape, and architecture in real projects, as well as advice on career pathways, including the importance of staying curious, learning new things, and being open to unexpected opportunities.

Thank you again to team at Tract for such an incredible experience. Looking forward to collaborating again soon!

Miss out on the Tract office tour but keen to build your industry connections? Keep an eye out for a big announcement in the next few days 👀

Hear ye, hear ye - the Urban Collective is back with another edition of the Urban Report!

Make sure to swing by the MSD Atrium on Monday, 10 August between 11:00AM-12:00PM to grab a limited-edition print copy from our Editor & Publications Officer, Colin! Otherwise, keep an eye on your email, or feel free to send us a DM if you’re not subscribed & we’ll get you signed up.

Want to contribute to future editions of the Urban Report? Email [email protected] to share your ideas!

Join The Urban Collective for an exclusive visit to Tract Southbank office on Wednesday, 12 August to gain an inside look at professional practice in the built-environment industry.

Tract is a multidisciplinary consultancy working across urban planning, urban design, landscape architecture and media. During the session, students will hear from members of the Tract team about the studio, its projects, day-to-day professional practice and career pathways. The visit will include a presentation, Q&A and tour of the Tract office.

This is a valuable opportunity to connect directly with industry professionals, learn more about working in a multidisciplinary consultancy and explore potential career directions beyond university.

🗓️ Wednesday, 12 August 2026
⏰ 11:00 am–12:00 pm (meet at 10:45 am)
📍 Outside 6 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006

Places are strictly limited to 16 attendees and registration is exclusive to Urban Collective members at the University of Melbourne. Please only register if you are able to attend & arrive at the meeting point on time (our apologies as no late arrivals will be permitted). Register quickly to secure your spot!

Join The Urban Collective and Urban Design Forum Australia, for Pivots: Career Trajectories in Urban Design, an evening of conversations with leading urban designers whose careers have taken unexpected and interdisciplinary paths across ecology, placemaking, sustainability, consultancy, government and academia.

This panel will explore career development, pathways into urban design, and the many directions a career in the industry can take. From study and early career decisions to leadership and specialisation, our speakers will share insights and experiences from across the sector.

📅 Monday, 3rd August
🕕 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm AEST
📍 The Malaysian Theatre (Level B1), Glyn Davis Building (MSD), Parkville

Speakers:

✨ Carlos Reyes - Senior Associate Urban Designer, MGS
With a career spanning industrial design, architecture, heritage, urban planning and city design, Carlos brings experience across urban renewal, precinct strategies, masterplans and place-based policy.

✨ Cristina Hernández Santín - RMIT Educator and Sole Practitioner
With a background in ecology, regenerative placemaking and biodiversity-inclusive design, Cristina explores the relationship between nature, people and the future of city making.

✨ Mitra Anderson-Oliver - Senior Manager, Urban Waterways, DEECA
Mitra’s diverse career across infrastructure, strategic planning, urban design and government policy reflects the evolving pathways into shaping resilient and inclusive cities.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to hear from industry leaders, expand your network, and meet other passionate professionals shaping our cities and communities.

Click on the link in our bio to secure your tickets! 🔗

Urban Design Forum Australia
Melbourne School of Design

Semester 2 is here, so come join us for our Winter Social next Friday, 31 July from 5-7pm at 1888 Courtyard ❄️☕

Whether you’re new to MSD, returning for another semester, or just looking to catch up with friends, come by for a hot chocolate, some free food, and a chat with the Urban Collective committee about everything we’ve got planned this semester.

📅 Friday, 31 July
🕔 5:00–7:00 pm AEST
📍 1888 Courtyard, Parkville

Our events are free for members, and it’s only $5 to join for the year. Head to the link in our bio to join the Urban Collective & register for the Start of Sem Social!

See you next Friday! 🥳

With the end of the semester in sight, we’ve got one more event you won’t want to miss: the Urban Collective’s blowout End-of-Sem Party! Come celebrate the start of winter break with us on Friday, June 19 from 6:30-8:30PM at Market Hall, with a kick on at the Clyde Hotel.

Featuring UC’s own Event Officer DJ Daddy Dono on the decks, you just know it’s going to be a good time. Expect snacks, drinks (alc + non-alc), and absolutely immaculate vibes. This event is open to & free for ALL students, so rally the troops & get ready to party with the Urban Collective - just make sure to register at the link in our bio!

If you’re feeling stressed about the upcoming Planning Law exam, look no further! Next Friday, June 12, the Urban Collective will be hosting a study session on campus from 2-6PM, with a kick on at the Clyde - because nothing helps all that learning sink in like a cheeky pint or two.

We want to give you the chance to get together with your peers to go over aaaaaallllll that material (looking at you, Planning & Environment Act) so you’re set up for success come exam time. You’ll also get the chance to chat with UC Committee Members who have taken the course before, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Feel free to show up any time for the event, but don’t forget your study materials, questions, and a good attitude 💖 no worries if you’re not in Planning Law as this event is open to everyone, and don’t stress about registration. Feel free to send us a message if you’ve got any questions or can’t find us on the day 🌟

We can’t wait to see you next Friday, and stay tuned for the drop of our end-of-semester blowout - details coming soon!

The Urban Collective is delighted to announce as an annual sponsor for 2026, and would like to extend a huge thank you for their support over the coming year!

An urban consultancy tackling the most urgent liveability challenges, Urbis is a visionary collective that’s transforming cities and communities around the world. Urbis’ Student Internship Program has been running successfully for over 20 years, providing a fantastic opportunity for students to gain real-life experience in their chosen field while completing their coursework.

Expressions of Interest for the Urbis 2027 Student Internship Program are now open! Head to the link in our bio to submit yours before June 30, 2026.