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Audacious Bid to make Melbourne the Most Optimistic City
A Vision of Melbourne, the Most Optimistic City?
A commentary by Victor Perton, "That Optimism Man"
Seven hundred leaders filled the Melbourne Town Hall with energy, ideas, and bold imagination as they co-created the Melbourne 2050 Vision, our shared blueprint for the city's future.
As you can imagine, I was thrilled when “Melbourne, the Most Optimistic City” emerged from the passionate discussions of the Democracy and Leadership stream and was amplified by the voices of the Youth Roundtable. The final plenary session sealed it. Of all the ideas, visions, and strategies, one was voted number one:
“Melbourne, the Most Optimistic City.”
This was not mere applause-line rhetoric. It was a collective call to action, grounded in research, lived experience, and the urgent need for optimistic leadership in complex times.
Three Months Later...
You can imagine my surprise on Tuesday morning when the phone rang early.
It was a producer from 3AW, asking me to go live and comment on a newspaper article that savaged the idea of Melbourne becoming the most optimistic city. The final M2050 report had been released the day before, and it seemed the pessimists and cynics were given full voice in the paper.
The article was dripping with sarcasm. The writer dismissed optimism as fluff, equating it with naïveté or escapism.
How revealing.
Well, our arguments proved stronger than the cynics.
Later that day, the Lord Mayor and I appeared on several radio and television channels, putting forward a clear, confident case for optimism as a civic virtue, a strategic advantage, and a public good.
We did not flinch. We shared the research. We told the stories. And we reminded Melbourne that the most visionary cities in history have always been led by those who dared to believe in something better.
Mike Amos on Channel 7: The Interview That Helped Turn the Tide
Later that day, I appeared on Channel 7 News with journalist Mike Amos, who brought his usual sharp eye and honest curiosity.
Mike opened with a jab about "KPIs for happiness" and doubts about whether such a plan had substance. I responded with evidence from the University of Sydney’s Optimism Effect, which shows that optimism drives innovation, economic growth, and national wellbeing. I encouraged viewers to try one simple shift and spend a week asking, “What has been the best thing in your day?” instead of the usual "How are you?"
I spoke of unlocking optimism in teams, of Melbourne’s historic boldness, and of infectiously optimistic leadership as a catalyst for business, creativity, and connection.
Mike closed the interview with a line I will not forget:
“I tell you what, you are the perfect person for the Centre of Optimism, Victor Perton.”
I was chuffed. Not because it was flattery, but because it recognised that optimism, when lived fully and courageously, speaks for itself.
Why Optimism? Why Now?
Because optimism is not wishful thinking. It is strategic, productive, and transformational.
The University of Sydney’s landmark study, The Optimism Effect, confirms that optimism is the essential driver of national innovation and productivity.
The World Happiness Report 2025 shows clearly that communities with higher expected kindness and prosocial behaviour are not only happier they are more stable, more trusting, and more creative.
And let us not forget: the pessimist and the cynic is rarely the one building the future. Cynics comment. Optimists create.
Optimism: A Proven Pathway to Better Lives
A growing body of international research, including studies from Harvard, Boston University, and the American Heart Association, links optimism to healthy ageing, cardiovascular wellbeing, and greater life satisfaction.
In addition, the OECD’s research into social and emotional skills found that optimism is the strongest predictor of mental health and life satisfaction.
“Optimism underpins Australia’s national character , the belief that ‘she’ll be right’ , and is essential to fostering social cohesion and innovation.”
“Melbourne has the talent, the institutions, and now the vision to lead the nation and the world in this space.”
What Are Our Chances of Becoming the Most Optimistic City?
They are strong and growing stronger.
Melbourne has a natural head start because of our:
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Gold Rush legacy of bold optimism and global aspiration
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Tradition of civic beauty and design excellence
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Reputation for world-class education, sport, culture, and innovation
We are not beginning from scratch; we are building on brilliance.
Melbourne proudly held the title of World’s Most Liveable City for seven consecutive years, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, thanks to our blend of safety, culture, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. We are still consistently ranked among the top cities globally.
And let us not forget, we are cool.
From laneway galleries and artisan coffee to the Australian Open and cutting-edge science precincts, Melbourne has earned global recognition as one of the coolest cities on the planet. A city of thinkers, creators, performers, innovators.
A Hidden Superpower: Our Migrant Optimism
Perhaps our most significant and most under-celebrated advantage is this: our vibrant migrant population.
As revealed in the NAB Australian Wellbeing Survey Q2‑2025, authored by Dean Pearson, Robert De Iure, and Brien McDonald, migrant Australians are, on average, much more optimistic than the Australian-born. This is not just a fact, it is a force.
In Melbourne, where migrants form a rich and growing part of our community, this optimism is a comparative advantage.
New arrivals come with hope, resilience, and a readiness to build.
They see Melbourne with grateful, determined eyes.
They bring energy, ideas, and belief in possibility.
This is the fuel of an optimistic city.
We must nurture it, amplify it, and let it lead.
What Do We Need to Do?
1. Start Where Optimism Begins: With the People
Let us ask a simple but profound question—everywhere:
“What makes you optimistic?”
From students to seniors, new migrants to native-born Melburnians—let them speak. Let their answers shape policy, media, and public space.
2. Develop and Share an Optimistic City Narrative
Let us tell the world that Melbourne is:
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A city that dares to believe
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A city that welcomes the world with optimism and hope
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A city that rises from struggle with generosity and spirit
We can bring this to life through murals, media, and civic storytelling.
3. Tell the Stories: Success, Struggle, and Giving It a Go
We must celebrate:
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Small business resilience
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Migrant entrepreneurship
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Youth leadership
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Everyday kindness
Let Melbourne be the city that says: “We see you. We celebrate you.”
Each of Us Can Foster and Model Optimism
The dream of Melbourne as the most optimistic city depends on you and me.
😊 Real Smile
A genuine smile
changes the streetscape. It changes your neighbour’s day.
👋 Change the Greeting
Try this in your greeting: “What has been the best thing in your day?”
It shifts the mood. It opens possibility.
💫 My Best Self Becomes Melbourne’s Best Self
When I lead with optimism, I permit others to do the same.
🦸 Your Optimism Is a Superpower
It influences your team. It lifts your community. It changes culture.
Try out "My Optimism Superpower"
📖 Tell the Story of What Is Good
Be the voice that highlights what is working. In doing so, you become the story of optimism itself.
Optimism is Our Inheritance. Now It Must Become Our Legacy.
What would it mean for our children to grow up in a place where optimism is not rare, but expected?
Where public service is guided by optimism and hope, not fear and crisis?
Where the city brand is not only liveability but also leadability, inspiring cities across the globe?
This is the future we are choosing to shape.
What does optimism mean to you as a Melburnian?
What makes your suburb or workplace a spark of optimism, hope and joy?
What could Melbourne look like if optimism were our civic compass?
What action will you take to lead with optimism?
Who will you ask today, “What makes you optimistic?”
Melbourne is ready. The world is watching. Shall we lead with optimism?
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