Being a woman in trades can offer exciting opportunities and a rewarding career – just ask 2022 Victorian Apprentice of the year Chhunly Taing.

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day, a global event that recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, raises awareness about discrimination and drives gender parity.

There goes summer for another year. Not quite the warm weather we had hoped for, but we look ahead to what autumn brings, particularly with the Moomba Festival, AFL Season, Grand Prix, and the highly anticipated opening of “& Juliet” not far away.

As a registered training organisation and respected short course provider to members, the Victorian Chamber helps businesses looking to upskill their workforce or professionals looking to take the next step in their careers.

I’ve been asked to address a number of different forums in recent weeks to give the Chamber’s view on the outlook for business for 2023 and the role of business in driving economic growth.

The Victorian Chamber welcomes Federal Government changes to boost the international education sector and address skills shortages in key industries.

One in five Australians suffer mental illness each year. Running for just 15 minutes a day can reduce the risk of major depression by 26 per cent.

I’ve spent a large part of the last week engaging with various stakeholders including Victorian Government Ministers and our members about the rising costs involved with running a business, escalating electricity and gas prices, and what the road to net zero looks like.

The Victorian Chamber and Youth Activating Youth (YAY) are enjoying strong demand for our placement program that offers multicultural and disadvantaged youth an opportunity of meaningful employment.

Employers are currently presented with a rare opportunity to re-evaluate the value of the employee experience and the impact it has on overall business performance.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched a suite of products that drive safety and wellbeing outcomes for businesses of all sizes and safety needs.

Well, it seems we are going to have to get used to interest rates continuing to rise if this weeks commentary is anything to go by. I’m sure you all felt the impact of the latest interest rate rise in some way. It’s another cost increase that will hit most businesses either directly or indirectly via the potential decline in consumer spending.

The Australian Apprenticeships Priority List has been expanded, adding occupations eligible for financial support.

It’s great to be back after a break enjoying Regional Victoria and thank you to Chanelle, Scott and the team for doing such a fantastic job while I was away. It has already been a big week as school holidays finish and students head back to the classroom. No doubt there’s been a few tears shed by parents of those children starting school and even some tears of joy for parents of those returning!

As Acting Chief Executive, it’s exciting to see so many people getting out and about across Victoria as the summer weather provides the perfect conditions for lapping up what we love about this great state. Many Victorians are returning to work while others are taking an extended break at our tourist hot spots, enjoying the Australian Open, the Lunar New Year and a myriad of other events.

The Victorian Chamber is partnering with Run the Tan to raise awareness for mental health and fundraise for local charities while promoting an active team culture in the workplace.