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1850

Formation and early days

12 March 1851: Creation

The Melbourne Chamber of Commerce (MCC) was created following a private meeting in the counting house of Octavius Brown, a lead merchant in Melbourne. It was the same year gold was found in Ballarat and Bendigo.
Hall of Commerce, Melbourne, 1855 S.T.G. - Looking across unmade street towards buildings on the other side of street: Hall of Commerce, Imperial Hotel, J. James Blundell & Co. Horse drawn wagon and pedestrians in street.
"A page from the original book of nominations for membership of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce", 100 Years of Service Booklet
PORT PHILLIP GAZETTE, 13 March 1851: First mention of Melbourne Chamber of Commerce
Flinders Street Station

1853: Flinders Street Station opened

MCC began campaigning for the revision of the decrepit thoroughfare we now know as Flinders Street Station. Trade ships were pulling up to a muddy riverbank, meaning carts collecting goods were often bogged requiring a timely process of getting them out. This created a costly and timely turnover of goods, disrupting the flow of trade. MCC’s influence was successful, and the Victorian Government demolished and levelled Batman’s Hill on the west end of Collins Street to slope down Spencer Street towards the river. Flinders Street Station was opened in 1854

1853: Early shipping

MCC worked with the Victorian Government to station a two-masted sailing ship called “Boomerang” at the Heads. It was the first of 56 pilot vessels that cruised regularly outside the Heads and placed pilots aboard foreign ships to safely navigate the entrance to Port Phillip Bay.
State Library Victoria
State Library Victoria - Alvina, Pilot Steamer passing through port phillip heads to her outside station
State Library Victoria
State Library Victoria - Wreck at Port Phillip Heads from Point Lonsdale, George Roper
1860

Early advocacy

1866: Unauthorised customs petition

MCC petitioned Queen Victoria after the Victorian Government was haphazardly collecting customs without authority of Parliament. The Governor of the time, Sir Charles Darling, openly supported the act and appeals against the unconstitutional collection failed. MCC sent its petition to the Queen, which resulted in the early recall of Governor Darling.

1869: Federation advocacy

MCC began advocating for Federation, making them one of the earliest supporters. The Chamber pushed for unified commercial relations in the form of a federal tariff for the colonies. Federation was achieved in 1901 and Federal Parliament was formally opened in Melbourne’s Exhibition building (pictured).
Historical document
28 Apr 1866 - Recall of the Governor. - Trove
The Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, 1851-1951 : one hundred years of service.
Glass Stereograph Negative - Federation Celebrations, Crowd Scene, by G.H. Myers, Melbourne, Victoria, 1901
Glass Stereograph Negative - Federation Celebrations, Seamen's Union Float, by G.H. Myers, Melbourne, Victoria, 1901
1870

Improving Melbourne port facilities

1877: Melbourne Harbor Trust formed

The Melbourne Harbor Trust was established after years of campaigning from the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce to improve and manage the Port of Melbourne. The Harbor Trust was formed with 15 members. Five nominated by the Governor in Council, four by the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, two by the City Council, one each by the Councils of Sandridge, Williamstown and Geelong, and one by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce.
Melbourne Harbour Trust launch
Melbourne Harbour Trust works - Fisherman's Bend cutting
1880

Financial and industrial change

1892: Manufacturing growth

The colony of Melbourne suffered through a huge depression that saw GDP fall 17 per cent over 1892-1893 – the most severe in Australia’s history until the Great Depression. Melbourne emerged from this Depression as the manufacturing city with the main source of employment for men and women being industrial. Many political and industrial institutions emerged during this time, reflecting the conflicting interests of employer and workers.
"HEYMANSONS CLOTHING FACTORY, MELBOURNE Author / Creator: Grosse, Frederick, 1828-1894, engraver. Date: May 20, 1867. Identifier(s): IAN20/05/67/8"
Negative - Brunswick (?), Victoria, circa 1880
Digital Photograph - View of BH Altson Tobacconist, Corner of Collins & Elizabeth Streets, Melbourne, 1890s
1900

National Chamber formation

1902: Victorian Employer’s Federation formed

The Victorian Employer’s Federation was formed from the Victorian Employer’s Union with the intention of becoming more involved with political matters. In 1991, the Federation merged with the State Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

1901: General Council of Chambers established

MCC invited Chambers of Commerce from around the country to meet at its boardroom in Melbourne, where the General Council of Chambers of Commerce of the Commonwealth was established. This served as the very first Australia-wide chamber of commerce association, now known as the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
1920

Coal power generation

1923: Yallourn power centre

MCC gave early support to the development of the La Trobe Valley and Yallourn power centre. On the 14th of February, Chairman of the State Electricity Commission spoke at an MCC luncheon. The Chamber organised for 120 merchants and members to travel from Melbourne to Yallourn to assess the works in Morwell. On the 24th of June 1924, power from Yallourn was first transmitted on a commercial basis to the metro area.
Yallourn Power Station
Yallourn P/S [i.e. Power Station] "A" across weir, viewede from the road to Yallourn North | Dat [ca. 1925-ca. 1950] | Identifier(s) H2009.18/654
1930

War-time business

1939: Sir Robert Menzies address
In June, Prime Minister Robert Menzies delivered a powerful speech at a luncheon hosted by the MCC. He told businessmen in the crowd, “don’t get the jitters”, particularly after impending news of a second world war. He called for calm in the business community, for it could contribute to the wellbeing of Australia as a whole.
Appeal document
20 Jun 1939 - ELOQUENT APPEAL FOR CO-OPERATION - Trove
Menzies addressing crowd
Photograph - Nurses Marching, 7th Australian General Hospital, Sister Isabel Erskine Plante, World War II, circa 1942
Hospital staff
Photograph - Nurses Marching, 7th Australian General Hospital, Sister Isabel Erskine Plante, World War II, circa 1942
1940

Post-war recovery

1945: Return to normal business

A legacy following the Second World War included an enormously inflated public service. The MCC led to abandon all unnecessary controls with considerable measures of success. Mr A R Gordon, President of the Melbourne Chamber publicly supported a reduction in taxation, hoping it would lead to increased production.

After the war, the Melbourne Chamber played a key role in managing the disposal of surplus goods worth hundreds of millions of pounds. As businesses struggled to return to normal trading, the Chamber worked with the Government and the Disposals Commission through a special advisory panel to ensure excess stock was released strategically, protecting markets and supporting business stability.
1948: Government control referendum
During World War II, the Federal Government controlled almost every aspect of Australian life including wages, employment, manufacturing and prices. A referendum was put to Australians – whether the Federal Government should continue to control the prices for rents, food and other commodities.

The Melbourne Chamber of Commerce embarked on a vigorous campaign, warning the public about the danger of handing over permanent controls of prices to Canberra. In the ultimate defeat of the proposal, the Chamber was credited with playing an important part in securing a decisive 'NO'.
Fodder consignment being unloaded at Victoria Dock, Melbourne| Stamped/inscribed on verso. Shows men loading bags of fodder from ship to truck. | Date: [ca. 1945] | Identifier(s): H2002.199/1377
MANUFACTURE OF MILITARY BOOTS AT PEATE'S BOOT FACTORY. MELBOURNE. (NEGATIVE BY BOTTOMLEY). | Australian War Memorial
ALFRED GRAVING DOCK, WILLIAMSTOWN, VICTORIA, 1910-12-10. THE ARRIVAL FROM ENGLAND OF THE FIRST ... | Australian War Memorial
15 May 1947 - DISAPPOINTED BY DECISION ON TAX CUTS - Trove
1950

Centenary

1951: Anniversary celebrations
The Melbourne Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 100th anniversary. Its objectives at the time were: "return to a 44-hour week, total abolition of price control, and faster turnaround of shipping".
Negative - Harston Sensitizing Co, Exhibition Stand, Melbourne, 12 Aug 1959
The Age, 26 November 1958
1959: International Trade Fair debut
The Melbourne Chamber of Commerce held Australia's first International Trade Fair, right here in Melbourne at the Exhibition Building. Australian manufacturing was promoted alongside other countries. An example of Australia's manufacturing capabilities included the Australian Paper Manufacturer, a £17 million company subscribed by 27,000 stockholders. Chamber president Mr Nave said the fair would earn Melbourne the title "Window Shop of the Pacific".
1960

International trade growth

1963: Foreign markets
The second International Trade Fair was hosted again by the MCC. More than 500,000 people attended the event, and President of the Chamber Mr James P Macneil “emphasised the necessity for Australia to develop its overseas trade on a multilateral basis”. It was also the launch of an 18-month British promotion of goods in Commonwealth and foreign markets.
International Motor Show
Negative - Laurie Richards, Holden Car Display, International Motor Show, Exhibition Buildings, Carlton, Victoria, circa 1963
Booklet - Melbourne International Trade Fair, Feb-Mar 1963
1966: Currency transition
Australia’s currency transitioned from the Australian pound to a decimal currency, giving Australia the ability to assert itself as a forward-thinking nation. The Melbourne Chamber of Commerce offered vital training to its members and beyond, offering various levels of training courses on the conversion of currency.
The Age, 25 February 1966
1980

Broader representation

1986: Melbourne to State rebrand
MCC changed its name to the State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Victoria). This aligned the Chamber to grow and reflect the broader state and also with other Chambers of Commerce throughout Australia.
1990

Organisational and leadership progress

1991: VECCI name established
The State Chamber of Commerce and Industry changed its name to the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) following the merger with the Victorian Employer’s Federation. This established an all-encompassing peak employer body within Victoria, bringing total members at the time to a total of 10,000. Under the VECCI banner, the Chamber became the peak body representing employers and small-to-medium enterprises. It deepened its services in industrial relations and employer support, solidifying its role as the go-to organisation for Victorian businesses.
VECCI Building modern facade with evening lighting
1998: Restructure and apprentice support
VECCI became the first employer association to separate membership dues from consulting and training fees, restructuring its membership division. Part of the plan was to focus on establishing industry relationships with members to create more commercial opportunities During this time, VECCI established a quarterly survey that assed the confidence of business in Victoria. VECCI committed to becoming a Service Provider for Apprenticeship Support Australia.
1999: First female CEO
The Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry appointed its first female CEO, Nicole Feely.
Nicole Feely to run ACT Health | Canberra CityNews
2000

Financial upheaval

2000: GST introduction
The new millennium brought in the beginning of Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST). VECCI surveyed 326 of its members to estimate the implementation cost of the Australian GST, in the largest and most comprehensive set of data on the GST compliance burden. The survey showed substantial compliance costs borne by Australian businesses and the results brought about the lowest business confidence figures for Australia and the lowest general business conditions figures since the GST was introduced (VECCI's March Quarter 2001 Survey). Only six per cent of businesses surveyed expected improvements on the state's economic outlook.
May 1, 2000 (Page 29 of 61) - ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Australian Collection - ProQuest
May 29, 2000 (Page 66 of 67) - ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Australian Collection - ProQuest
2007-8: Global Financial Crisis
The Global Financial Crisis brought the “gloomiest look” for Victorian businesses in more than a decade. VECCI surveyed 500 small, medium and large businesses and the results brought about the lowest business confidence figures for Australia and the lowest general business conditions figures since the GST was introduced (VECCI’s March Quarter 2001 Survey). Only six per cent of businesses surveyed expected improvements on the state’s economic outlook.
PM Rudd
The PM examines a pamhplet on how to shop with the GST on July 1, 2000 Brendan Espositio, The Age
2010

Modernisation

2015: Rebrand to align national branding
The Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry changed its name to the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), aligning with the national branding of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). It was a symbolic move that unified a voice for business at both state and federal levels.

2017: Victoria Summit
VCCI continued to be a significant force for business in Victoria, hosting the flagship policy event called the 'Victoria Summit' in 2017. The summit looked at energy and resources, liveability and the visitor economy, small business and jobs, and the regional agenda to develop an agenda and recommendations to spur economic growth
Roundtables from the 2017 Victoria Summit
The Summit was a key forum to chart Victoria’s economic growth
2020

Expanding remit

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic hit Victoria in 2020, taking a massive toll on Victoria's business community. VCCI was instrumental in providing a strong voice for business striving through one of the world's longest lockdown. VCCI successfully campaigned for business grants and JobKeeper payments, with 85 per cent of VCCI members accessing government support.
Then Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra during Victoria’s COVID-19 advocacy
The Victorian Chamber provided a strong voice for business during lockdowns
The COVID-19 advocacy continued throughout all stages of the pandemic
2023: Chamber Change Program
VCCI's Chamber Change program won Gold at the 13th World Chambers Congress (WCC) 2023 Competition in the Best Gender Equity Project category. Chamber Change was developed in 2022, providing women in business the opportunity to mentor, network, and develop. Since launching women in leadership program designed to support aspiring female leaders and business owners, it has reached over 2000 participants in the diverse program. It provides equal opportunity for women to access the same leadership and gender equity training opportunities as men.
Sally Curtain (second from right) was a Chamber Change Champion who would go on to lead the Victorian Chamber
Then Victorian Chamber Chief of Staff Chanelle Pearson speaking at Chamber Change
The program attracted thousands of participants and leaders and expanded throughout Australia
2024: Committee for Melbourne merger
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry merged with the Committee for Melbourne. The merger between the organisations created a unified voice dedicated to government advocacy body for Greater Melbourne, allowing for deeper collaboration on priority policy areas including housing, infrastructure, and economic development.
From 2024: CfM Chair Scott Tanner, CfM Board Member Jacqui Savage, and Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra
2025: 14th World Chambers Congress
The 14th World Chambers Congress was hosted by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to participate with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and World Chambers Federation (WCF). Leaders in chambers and international private sector community from 130+ countries participated to collaborate and strengthen networks through chamber community's leading organizations.
The 14th World Chambers Congress was a major business event for Melbourne
From left: Emily Rice, Sally Curtain, Paul Guerra, Chanelle Pearson and Alicia Loxley
The event attracted delegates from around the world

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