This is our time to forge a new path  for our great state in the aftermath of  COVID-19. A lot of work has gone into the Victoria Summit 2021 so far and I am excited to see where this process takes us. The Victoria Summit Vision Day is the first of a two-part public forum, with a Pathways Day to come in August before a final playbook in launched in December. Head to the official Victoria Summit 2021 website to find our more, and tickets for the Vision Day are available to purchase here. If you cannot attend in-person, we have a virtual option available. Also, keep your eye on the website in the coming weeks as we open up discussion boards for you to contribute your ideas.

Meanwhile, there is no doubt we all needed a laugh after enduring the past 12 months and it was fabulous to see the successful running of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) these past couple of weeks. The MICF is a fine example of how events at multiple locations can be run effectively in a COVIDSafe way without diminishing the atmosphere of the event itself. The flow-on effect to Melbourne’s economy was clear with foot traffic increasing and restaurants and bars buzzing with patrons.

However, as we begin to get accustomed to our old way of life again, it is important to remind ourselves and each other to remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19. Last Friday I met with Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll to discuss mask wearing and the complacency that has started to creep in. We’re continuing to open up and see the Victoria we all love return to life again, but it is vital that we all continue to follow the official advice from health authorities and wear masks while using public transport. Nobody wants to see another lockdown and we all need to do our bit.

Lastly, on Saturday the Herald Sun ran an important feature on sexual harassment, which I contributed to. I am proud the Victorian Chamber was given the opportunity to have a voice on this topic and I encourage you to read the full opinion piece. Sexual harassment is behaviour we should not ever accept, and I am committed to contributing to a better future for all of us in the workplace.

Victorian Chamber Events

The Victoria Summit Vision Day is just one of many events on our calendar. We have our regular Fast Forward Speed Networking and Business After Dark events this month, as well as our annual Post-Budget Lunch with Tim Pallas MP in conjunction with the Melbourne Press Club on 21 May at the Sofitel on Collins St. We are proud to be presenting this event for the fifth consecutive year, featuring an exclusive briefing and Q&A opportunities the day after the 2021-22 State Budget is handed down.

In early June, we have a special Victorian Chamber Presents: Alan Joyce, CEO of QANTAS Group lunch which is sure to be a fascinating insight into Alan’s leadership and what business challenges and lessons he has learned in his role over the last 12 months. For further information on our events and to register for tickets, head to our website.

Have a great week.

Regards,
Paul.