When: Thursday, 22 October 2026
Where: The Union Club, 805 Gordon Street
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (registration desk opens at 11:25 am)
Speaker: International journalist Sally Hayden

We live in an era defined by crisis, whether it be war and displacement, climate collapse, or growing inequality, and in which the powerful profit from violence and exploitation. Celebrated foreign correspondent Sally Hayden has spent her career on the frontlines, uncovering some of the darkest moments of our time. Yet even in the face of unimaginable adversity, she has witnessed the incredible goodness of regular people. In her talk, Sally will take us on a tour of the places and people she has met over many years of reporting, from the shocking experiences of refugees seeking sanctuary to how innate generosity and self-sacrifice can be found in even the most difficult of times, and what might be needed to create a better world.

Sally Hayden is an award-winning Irish journalist, photographer and author whose reporting has taken her across the world, covering conflict, migration and humanitarian crises. Her work has appeared in leading international publications including The New York Times, The Guardian, TIME, The Washington Post, Financial Times and The Irish Times. Her acclaimed first book, My Fourth Time, We Drowned: Seeking Refuge on the World’s Deadliest Migration Route, was published in 2022. Her second book, This Is Also a Love Story: Searching for Good in a Divided World, was published in 2026 and explores love, solidarity and our capacity for connection amid conflict and division. Sally is also an adjunct professor at UCD Sutherland School of Law and has spoken and lectured at universities and institutions around the world.

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This is a CIC Victoria member event only. Registration details will be sent to our members via email.

When registering you will be asked about dietary restrictions. At our lunches, shellfish and beef are not served. Our standard meal is either fish or chicken.

You can request, when registering, a vegetarian meal, pescetarian meal, dairy free or gluten free. You may also indicate any food allergies (but not preferences please).

The cost to attend this lunch is $46 for CIC members, $35 for CIC young professional members and $20 for CIC student members. Please note that to keep our ticket prices as low as possible desserts will not be served.

The last day to register for, or withdraw from, this event is Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at midnight. No refunds are possible after this date and time unless we can fill the cancellation from a wait list.