Taking the temperature of the Victorian business community over the past few weeks, there is a distinctive chill in the confidence barometer. 

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.

Workers and employers continue to navigate the balance of working from home and in the office.

As a former international student, Jackson Yin knows the difficulties of finding employment in an overseas country. It’s why his business is giving back to multicultural youth in Australia through the Victorian Chamber’s internship program with Youth Activating Youth (YAY) and Jobs Victoria.

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.

Revamped Melbourne Chamber of Commerce (MCC) member categories enable businesses to gain maximum value from targeted networking and corporate entertaining, policy shaping, business advising and support, and brand building.

Employees have access to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave in a 12-month period under new laws.

Ethnic name discrimination highlights glass ceilings do exist in the workplace, according to a Monash Business School study.

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.

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.

In 2023, one thing is undeniable: the future is digital. Right now, research shows that 64 per cent of all Australians use digital skills in their jobs. Within the next five years, that number is expected to grow to 90 per cent.  

Employers to partner with National Affordable Housing (NAH) to deliver affordable housing options for employees in Victoria – and reap the benefits from it.

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.

Mandatory climate reporting is coming. Almost every Australian business, no matter its size, will be impacted by these changes.

Yarra Valley Water (YVW) is undertaking key energy initiatives to prepare for the future and become net-zero.

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.