It was certainly an experience to get ‘robed up’ for the honour of delivering the Occasional Address at Deakin University’s Graduation Ceremony. I am always a bit more optimistic and a lot more energised when I spend time with business people and up and coming leaders of the future. Best of luck to all the graduates on the career that awaits!

We enjoyed meeting with a variety of members and stakeholders in Geelong, including a State Budget Submission briefing and roundtable for members at the Chamber’s Geelong office, as well as meetings with the CEOs of Cotton On, Avalon Airport and WorkSafe. For members who couldn’t make it to Geelong, we are hosting a free webinar tomorrow at 10am – to register visit our website

We were also delighted to partner with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce to present our largest Chamber Change (Women in Business) Program yet – for more than 115 attendees - at GMHBA Stadium in partnership with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce.

Our inspiring keynote speaker, Rosie King OAM, shared valuable insights about what she has learned throughout her successful career in sport and leadership, while our Champions; Victorian Chamber Board Member and Brand Bureau Founder Kylie Warne and National Managing Partner of Davidson Search and Advisory Clare McCartin also delivered inspirational presentations. We are incredibly fortunate to have such formidable female leaders – and up and coming leaders – in our Chamber Change network.

I am also delighted to announce that the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has approved a Chamber Change ASEAN Collaboration Forum as one of the ASEAN-Australia Week events to complement the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne from 4 to 6 March. I also look forward to moderating the Digital Transformation panel at the SME Conference on 4 March as part of the official Summit program. The Summit celebrates 50 years since Australia became ASEAN’s first dialogue partner.

Back to more local matters, last week half a million Victorians were left in the dark after a storm brought our aging energy infrastructure to its knees – today thousands are still not connected. I was invited to speak on Sunrise this week after the State Government announcement an inquiry into the major power failure. The Chamber has been calling for urgent action and investment in our energy sector as we head to net zero. These events again highlight the fragility of our network.

As many of you will know, hosting the Business Voice podcast has been a great way to amplify the voice of our members and to speak with inspiring leaders. So, it was fun to be on the other side of the microphone, answering questions on Tuesday when I was a guest of 3AW’s ‘Neil Mitchell Asks Why?’ podcast alongside former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration, Abul Rizvi.

We tackled the challenge of balancing the crippling skills shortages in construction, agriculture and aged care with Victoria’s housing crisis and unpacked universities fears of the economic impact of reduced student visa approvals.

Listen via Apple: http://tinyurl.com/yesks3vy or Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/mry4u5rh

And finally, Moomba is fast approaching, I’m looking forward to the always-entertaining Birdman Rally – this year British Consul General Steph Lysaght is hoping to take flight to raise money for the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation.

I urge you to get behind this good cause as I’m sure Steph will make a big splash!

Have a great weekend.