But some participants in the 2018 program were shocked to discover the mid-winter gala dinner would be held at the Athenaeum Club, a men-only members club. Women can go to the 150-year-old Athenaeum Club only if they are invited by a member, and they cannot use all areas of the club. Only men can become members. On its website it states: "For gentlemen of good character, it upholds the core principles of courtesy and consideration for others, formality, impeccable values and behavior, together with total respect for fellow members’ privacy." One course participant said they were “dumbfounded” when they were notified about the venue, just two weeks before the dinner was to be held. “I was thought it was a test to see if we would recognise an exercise in leadership to protest against it,” they said. “When I realised it wasn’t I was disgusted. It’s 2018, no one should be subjected to a sexist club.”

More than half - about 60 per cent - of the approximately 70 participants enrolled in the 2018 Williamson course were women. After participants raised concerns with Leadership Victoria chief executive Richard Dent, the charity said those who didn't want to attend the club would not be penalised. The dinner was held at the Athenaeum Club. One participant who did not support the venue reluctantly went to the dinner because they and their employer had substantially invested in the leadership course, they said. They said it cost about $16,000 per person, plus an individual contribution of about $1500. Gender equality was not discussed during the dinner speaking program, they said. A number of participants refused to attend and organised an alternative dinner at a Melbourne restaurant.

Not all participants had an issue with the dinner venue. One described it as a “storm in a teacup”, and said the dissent fractured any sense of collegiality in the wider group. After the gala dinner more than 30 people signed a letter of concern, sent to the Leadership Victoria council, including chair Geoff Cosgriff. “LV’s choice to host the dinner at an exclusive male-only members’ club sends the message that women's presence in positions of leadership is conditional upon an invitation from men,” the letter said. In response, Mr Cosgriff noted the dissenters had “lived the LV message of exercising leadership on issues” by "mobilising" part of the group to sign the email. Victoria’s Minister for Women, Gabrielle Williams, has directed the Department of Premier and Cabinet to review its funding of Leadership Victoria to ensure it aligns with what the community expects.

“This is an appalling, backwards move,” Ms Williams said. “It’s just more proof that there’s so much more to do to end the scourge of gender inequality.” In a statement, Leadership Victoria said it regularly challenged its participants about their views of the world by choosing a wide range of venues that supported “different beliefs and practices”. These have included disability services, Aboriginal organisations and Victorian correctional facilities, it said. Holding an event at these venues was not an endorsement of their beliefs or policies. Leadership Victoria said it would not use the club again as a venue after the criticisms from some program participants. When The Age rang the Athenaeum Club it was told that the Athena dining room, the club's accommodation and the business centre was available for “lady guests” (Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage and inspiration).