While each region of the state is different, we are hearing about similar issues impacting business. The chronic worker shortage is by far the major concern. This was reinforced this week when Crown Melbourne announced it would reduce its operating hours across many of its hospitality venues because of staff shortages.

With Spring just around the corner it’s an issue we need to address for both the immediate and the long-term needs of our country. We will have more to say about this ahead of the Federal Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra on 1 and 2 September.

The insights gleaned from our roundtables across Victoria have been invaluable and will help shape our advocacy for the State Election in November. You can help us too, and if you haven’t done so already, please complete our Election Survey. It takes 5 minutes and can be found here.

As well as meeting with members, one of the others pleasures of this role is celebrating your success. In every corner of our state, business is making a difference to the community and this week we heard the news that Monash University will establish the first mRNA manufacturing facility in the southern hemisphere at their Clayton Campus.

This new entity will produce up to 100 million vaccine doses a year for COVID-19, flu and other respiratory conditions and they will also be establishing a headquarters and Regional Research Centre in Victoria.

The Victorian Chamber has consistently advocated for a world-leading mRNA facility to be located here, and this addition will not only boost Monash University’s medical research and development capabilities, but it will also attract new talent, investment, and jobs to the state and region. Congratulations Monash University!

I would also like to acknowledge the recent appointment of my predecessor Mark Stone as Chairman of Youth Activating Youth (YAY), a position he will take on alongside chairing SCT Logistics and Goulburn Valley Water. The Victorian Chamber works closely with YAY to improve outcomes for multicultural youth so this is a great development.

Yesterday, we held the opening session of the first program of Chamber Change. Participants heard from two of our Chamber Change Champions: VCCI President Karyn Sobels and the CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau Julia Swanson. We hope even more women in business will become involved in future programs and you can find out more about Chamber Change here.

Finally, the Swinburne I4.0 Hub (a Victorian Government funded entity) which works closely with manufacturing SMEs is delivering a highly topical webinar on energy management towards higher efficiency, cost reduction and reduced energy consumption, to help manufacturing businesses. It will be delivered virtually by energy transition expert Dr Mirek Piechowski on Thursday 25 August 2022 from 11am – 12pm and you can register your interest here.

Have a fantastic rest of the week and enjoy what promises to be an exciting final round of the AFL season before the finals. Go the Bombers!