It was our sixth year of hosting this hugely popular event and it sold out in record time which tells me that F1 is continuing to grow in popularity.

The crowd loved hearing from multiple race winner, podium finisher, consultant, commentator and analyst Karun Chandhok who, as one of only two Indian Formula 1 drivers, shared a wealth of amazing insights and knowledge with the audience. Our other special guest speaker was Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott, who will oversee his final race in 2023 after 11 years in the role. Andrew leaves an impressive legacy, having helped to secure the future of motorsport in Victoria which also has valuable flow on effects for our tourism, hospitality and events sectors.

Karun and Andrew were certainly well received by the 450 members, clients and stakeholders who braved the early morning to mark this fabulous event with us in style. It was certainly worth the earlier-than-usual alarm!

It was also an honour to host Stefan Romaniw OAM, Co-chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations and the First Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress, who I also met earlier in the week as he accompanied Ukraine Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko to a number of government and minister meetings with his political delegation.

We now look ahead to a couple of other exciting events on the calendar, including a very topical lunch event with Minister for Climate Action, Energy, Resources and State Electricity Commission, Lily D’Ambrosio. Minister D’Ambrosio will share her insights on the challenges and opportunities involved in the transition to a net-zero economy and discuss the road forward for Victorian businesses in this not-to-be-missed event. It’s clear following a remarkable turnout for our recent ESG breakfast that there is a huge appetite from business wanting to learn more about how to transition to more sustainable practices, creating more long-term value for their business. Book your seat now.

We are also proud to be hosting our inaugural Chamber Change networking event for women in business on Tuesday 18 April at Crown Melbourne’s Evergreen event space. In addition to meeting and connecting with like-minded professionals, you will hear from one of our Chamber Change Champions, Crown Resorts Head of Public Relations, Victoria Loughnan, who will share her career journey. You can secure your ticket here.

The expression of interest process to be a participant in our Chamber Change programs three and four is now open. Participants will gain invaluable career insights, advice on skills and expertise, and a chance to grow their networks. Register your interest here.

As we get closer to the end of the financial year, it’s time to start thinking about staff development for your employees before the year gets away. Please make sure you connect with our training team either directly or via the website because we have all your upskilling needs covered through our programs at the Victorian Chamber.

Finally, I had the pleasure of attending the official opening of Melbourne’s Ritz Carlton hotel last week. It’s everything you would expect in a Ritz Carlton and will enhance our city’s offering as a premium tourism destination.

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the Grand Prix!