I was fortunate to catch up this week with an extremely impressive woman in Freda Miriklis, Chair of the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBWN). The Victorian Chamber first cemented our connection with the CWBN in Geneva at the World Chambers Congress, where our Chamber Change program was a finalist in the Best Gender Equity Project category in the World Chambers Competition. It was great to discuss how we are going to collaborate with the CWBN to continue our work to help empower women in business.

Retail tenants need to take important steps to prepare for the end of their lease to meet responsibilities and avoid issues.

I hope this finds you well. I, for one, am still buzzing from last night’s Victorian Chamber President’s Dinner – our night of nights where we get to celebrate our members and the contribution that business makes to our great state.

According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, “any market economy will function much more effectively if the population is knowledgeable, forward-looking and financially literate”.

In another busy week for the Victorian Chamber, the hallways of our Collins St headquarters on Tuesday best demonstrated the role we play across all levels and sides of government.

A new discussion paper launched by the Victorian Opposition encourages people to have their say on Victoria’s tax system – which has introduced 50 new or increased taxes since 2014 and is described as “discouraging investment and job creation in our State”.

Financial support is available for businesses affected by the ending of native timber harvesting.

Melbourne has been crowned Australia’s top city for international students and moved up one spot in the world rankings to fourth place behind London, Tokyo and Seoul.

While we usually open with a positive message, there is no way to sugarcoat the blow of the news that Victoria will no longer be hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The Victorian Government will not proceed with hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026, advising the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) that it will be terminating the Host Agreement.

Victorian businesses to equip workers with cutting-edge digital skills for the future through Digital Jobs for Manufacturing

Applications are open to offer hands-on experience for hundreds of technology students and recent graduates, in turn helping ease the skills shortage in Victoria.

I want to kick this week’s message off by extending my heartfelt congratulations to Travis Auld on behalf of the Victorian and Melbourne Chambers, on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of the Australian Grand Prix.

A new research and development (R&D) fund has been established to help Victorian industry innovate, create new products and compete internationally.

I hope this update finds you well. It’s a privilege to be Acting Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber as we’re in the midst of NAIDOC Week celebration, and I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work, live, and operate our businesses. It is a time to reflect on the rich history, culture, and achievements of our First Nations people, and to renew our commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity.

Victoria’s visitor economy celebrated a momentous occasion recently, with the latest figures showing tourism spending in our state surged to a record-breaking $35 billion.