We are certainly doing that in what is a big week for the Victorian Chamber and our members, culminating in our Melbourne Cup Carnival Lunch at the Victoria Racing Club tomorrow. I’m loving the mounting excitement of the Spring carnival and I can’t wait to hear from Damien Oliver, Emma Freedman and VRC CEO Steve Rosich as we gear up for the big race.

Yesterday we hosted a lunch at Crown Melbourne with the Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, featuring a timely discussion following the Federal Government’s recent Jobs and Skills Summit.

Skills and labour shortages continue to be a huge issue for our members and one that we are continuing to work on alleviating with all levels of government and other important stakeholders and groups.

That’s why yesterday’s Victorian Government announcement launching Made in Victoria 2030: Manufacturing Statement is such a welcome initiative that will boost the manufacturing sector and subsequently drive economic growth and create high-skilled jobs in Victoria.

This vision will ensure Victoria leads the rest of the country across all areas of advanced manufacturing by adopting new technology, increasing industry engagement, strengthening local supply chains, upskilling the future workforce, creating thriving hubs and precincts and boosting exports.

The launch event on Tuesday night was brilliant, and it was good to see so many members there too.

Earlier this week we released our Victorian Chamber Federal Budget 2022-23 submission, with 24 recommendations and priorities captured under the themes of Activating Victorian Businesses and Building for our Future. This is going to be a critical budget for Victoria as we continue turbocharging our economic recovery.

Our submission looks at ways to increase access to a competitive international skilled labour force, addresses the acute cost of living constraints and taxation relief, and our recommendations are all based on direct feedback from businesses who are the heart of our communities.

The initiatives we have identified will help to future-proof Victoria and provide the opportunity to restore Victoria’s status as an economic powerhouse and Melbourne’s mantle as the world’s most liveable city.

To this end, I’m pleased to announce that we have collaborated with the Herald Sun to stage a special event, Future Victoria, at Zinc at Federation Square on November 4. Treasurer Tim Pallas and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy will take the stage along with a panel of business leaders to share their perspectives and insights as we consider what Victoria might look like in 2030.

This is an important event as we count down to the State Election on November 26. You can book your seats now and if you haven’t had a chance already, please make sure you also check out our State Election Platform, Powering Victoria’s Future.

With the festive season not far away, I’m certain that everyone’s calendars, like mine, are quickly filling up. Make sure you don’t miss our events coming up whether it’s our Business After Dark networking events, opportunities like When Buyer Met Seller or our webinar with Olympic swimming champion Libby Tricket.

Each of these events create unique opportunities to interact with like-minded professionals, grow your networks and establish new business and personal relationships.

Finally, I’d like to encourage all our regional members to complete a Business Environment Survey by the Victorian Government, which will give them a better understanding of the needs of regional businesses and what can be done to improve the business environment across the state: https://connect.lva.vic.gov.au/ords/r/lva_adw_bes/vic-business-environment-survey/

Have a fantastic rest of the week and stay dry and safe.