According to LaunchVic CEO Kate Cornick, the average business founder is 42 years old, “so it's never too late to start a startup”.

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.

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.

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

How to take your ’side hustle’ and forge a lasting business commitment

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.

Yesterday the Victorian Chamber proudly released our Regulatory Reform Policy Paper. This paper provides the pragmatic next steps for Victoria’s Regulatory Reform Agenda through four significant policy reform recommendations. Adoption of these recommendations would enhance productivity, competitiveness and the overall business environment in the state.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry today released its Regulatory Reform Policy Paper, which puts forward the next pragmatic steps for Victoria’s Regulatory Reform Agenda. It provides a summary of the broad implications of regulatory burden in Victoria, and four significant policy reform recommendations that, if implemented, would enhance productivity, competitiveness, and the overall business environment in the state.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released a Regulatory Reform Policy Paper to drive the next steps of regulatory reform in the state and grow business confidence and investment.

CSIRO is boosting Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability through free research and development support to businesses developing new products or services.

It is with deep sadness that the Victorian Chamber of Commerce pays tribute to esteemed former politician, the Hon. Simon Crean. A highly respected figure in Australian politics, Mr Crean made significant contributions to the nation, leaving an indelible mark on the economic landscape of Victoria and the entire country.

I hope this update finds you all in good spirits despite the icy winds pushing through the state! It is a privilege to be filling in for Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra. Our CEO is currently with a small contingent in Geneva for the 2023 World Chambers Congress, as Melbourne prepares to host the WCC in 2025.