A group of Zontians, representing a number of clubs in Area 1, had met weekly for a period of 15 weeks prior to the meeting on 1st February 2000 at which the Zonta Club of Melbourne CBD was formed.

The group had conducted information sessions for prospective members on a regular basis until such time as it was considered that there was enough interest to form a club. In the Zonta world, each new club has a sponsoring club – Melbourne CBD's is the Zonta Club of Waverley. Two significant people involved in the formation of the club were Janine Saunders, then Area Director, and Irena Kaluski, then Chair of the Organisation and Extension Committee in Area 1, and District Centurion.

The club commenced with twenty charter members. As a result of work and other commitments, some charter members have resigned, but the club has seven of its original members left:

The club was officially chartered on 25th April 2000, and held its charter dinner on 3rd June 2000.