At this year’s Member Cocktail Evening we were proud to welcome all new members and acknowledge the long-standing members who have been with the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce (MCC) for over 5 years. Thank you to all who joined us at the Mercedes me Store Melbourne to celebrate.

Most recently, we welcome the following new members, Davidson in July, Chisholm Institute in August, BGIS in November.

The Chamber continues to engage with the Attorney General on the development of new workplace manslaughter laws. You can read our latest media release on the matter here.

Members will likely be aware that after eight years as Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber, Mark Stone AM will step down at the end of 2019. The MCC team has valued Mark’s involvement in our program hugely, and we thank him sincerely for his support to members and significant contribution to our success.

Paul Guerra will assume the role as the new Chief Executive from February 2020. Paul will be known to most MCC members as the current CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, and formerly as Chairman of Queen Victoria Market. Paul also has strong links to international business via the health and telecommunications sectors across Asia Pacific. Welcome, Paul!

We are also delighted to announce Hugh Congleton joining our team as Membership Services Officer.

We encourage you to stay in touch with us via your Relationship Manager, and by joining our social media conversations via Twitter @Melb_Chamb and LinkedIn.

Regards,

Dianne Smith

POLICY NEWS

Nationally, parts of our economy continue to show signs of slowing down, with the Australian Chamber-Westpac Survey of Industrial Trends showing a decline in manufacturing business growth.

However, there are some positive signs for business, with the survey also indicating an expected rebound in business profits. It’s pleasing to see that businesses are remaining profitable and planning to take on new workers. A lower Australian dollar also supported a rise in exports.

MCC hosted a leadership Luncheon with the Treasurer, Tim Pallas and, while he noted economic challenges, he was cautiously optimistic about the future.

The Victorian Government is proposing environmental protection regulations be developed as new laws applying to all businesses come into effect on 1 July 2020. The proposed regulations address multiple risks and environmental management issues and set out a new framework for licences, permits and registrations.

MCC recently hosted Austrade Deputy CEO, Tim Beresford and new State Director, Emma McDonald at a member roundtable. We heard about emerging global trade issues including the need for city-level market strategies in large, populous countries like China and Indonesia as well as growth opportunities for Education, Agribusiness, Energy, Resources and Tourism in India.

Thanks to members who contributed to Indeed’s research on the experiences of expatriates returning to Australia seeking employment. The report highlights the struggle expats face to gain work when they return and the missed opportunity for corporate Australia to gain a competitive edge. You can download the report here.

The Chamber’s Health Taskforce report has been released this morning. You can read it here. 

MEMBER NEWS

• Dr Patrick Greene OBE takes on a new role as CEO and Museum Director of EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin after 17 years at Melbourne Museum.
• Alan Dixon stepped aside from his role as CEO of Evans Dixon’s US Masters Residential Property Fund making way for the appointment of Non-Executive Director, Peter Anderson.
• Victorian Universities have improved their international ranking on the QS Ranking system. Congratulations to University of Melbourne – 38^th and Monash University– 60^th
• University of Melbourne won the Governor’s Victorian Exporter of the Year award.
• Pfizer Global purchases new Bio Science Firm, BioPharma, to further cancer drug research.
• Justin Hanney commenced the role of CEO at the City of Melbourne.
• Scott Cameron (formerly of Computer Share) commenced as the new head of Equip Super.
• Gallagher Insurance has recently acquired P2.
• First State Super and VicSuper advance discussions to merge the funds creating a $125b fund from July 2020, the second largest in Australia.
• RASV hosted the Australian Food Awards and the inaugural Global Table Sustainable Food Conference and delivered the largest community event in Victoria: The Royal Melbourne Show.
• Yarra Trams announced recipients of the 2020 Yarra Trams Community Partners program for which $1m of free tram advertising will be provided for eight charity and community organisations.
• genU opened a new office in Belmont, Geelong on the site of the former Belmont pool.
• ACU began construction of the Saint Teresa of Kolkata Building to boost teaching facilities and enhance the student experience.
• La Trobe University celebrated signing major industry partnerships in Cyber and IT with National Australia Bank and Cisco.
• The Royal Flying Doctor Service was announced as part of Australia Post’s new collection of $1 coins representing A-Z of all things Australian. RFDS is also being brought to life in a new Channel 7 TV drama featuring actress, Justine Clarke.
• Holmesglen Institute is constructing an Australian-first, tunnelling training centre and will be ready to train students in April 2020.
• Dimension Data will retire its current brand to trade as NTT Australia Pty Ltd, as part of the Japanese NTT Group.

EVENTS

Alan Clayton recently featured at the Victorian Chamber Presents ‘Power of Purpose’ event and inspired guests with his experience and insight. The event was supported by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Victoria) and a link to the presentation can be found here.

At a HR breakfast event, Helen Fairclough skilfully explained how the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has been on a HR-led business journey, culminating in MCEC being recognised an Employer of Choice three years in a row. Thanks to VicSuper for being the major sponsor of this breakfast. Helen’s presentation can be found here.

At the annual Victorian Chamber Pitcher Partners Grand Final Lunch over 500 guests were privileged to hear AFL Captains Nathan Jones, Patrick Cripps and Dyson Heppell speak with Hamish McLachlan about leadership, both on and off the field. Guests at the iconic MCG were treated to a father-daughter chat between AFLW Carlton Football Club player Lauren Brazzale and John Brazzale, Partner and National Chairman of Pitcher Partners.

Footy fever continued throughout the AFL finals with up to 80 members and guests attending each week!

Three Leadership Luncheons were held including Minister Martin Pakula at First State Super and Minister Jacinta Allan at Dexus Place. At both events in August, members appreciated the opportunity to discuss the economy, innovation and transport infrastructure with these senior members of the Victorian Cabinet. In October we hosted Treasurer Pallas. Our final two Leadership Luncheons take place in November with the Lord Mayor, and December when we host Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

Lastly, a fascinating forum on Cyber Security was held this week where prominent cybersecurity expert, Alastair MacGibbon, joined us again as keynote speaker, followed by a panel of experts in cybersecurity that discussed how cyber threats can affect businesses.

BEST PRACTICE SERIES AND VISITS

Members were treated to the perfect showcase of best practice operations at behind-the-scenes tours of the Melbourne Museum and Flemington Racecourse.

At Museums Victoria’s Melbourne Museum, members visited behind-the-scenes from biodiversity research to live exhibits. Tours also included a visit to the First Peoples gallery as a model of best practice in community co-curation, and the award-winning Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery as best practice early learning.

At Flemington Racecourse it was fascinating to venture off-limits to the stables, weigh room and main straight, as well as to see the beautiful new Club Stand. A great insight for members to see the inner-workings and what goes into VRC’s fantastic events such as the Melbourne Cup.

The Best Practice Forum, Don’t Wait Until it’s Too Late highlighted proactive measures businesses can take to prevent mental health injury in the workplace. Presented by industry experts who are passionate about wellbeing, the forum delved into the significant impact mental health can have to the bottom-line as well as the latest research and practical strategies. Special thanks to St Vincent’s Hospital’s People and Culture Director, Rebecca Roberts, for her insight to managing employee wellbeing in a stressful environment.

Melbourne Airport’s CEO and MD, Lyell Strambi and Executive Corporate and Public Affairs, Jai McDermott, hosted a visit for our team updating us on critical projects such as the Third Runway, Airport Rail Link and Terminal upgrades. The Airport has reached its highest passenger milestone with 37.3 million travellers in FY19, which is 2 per cent higher than the record achieved last year. 

IGNITE

The sixth in the Victorian Chamber’s innovation event series, ignite was presented by Victoria University (VU) on Mental Health. VU’s leading mental health academics, Prof Alex Parker, Dr Sian McLean and Assoc. Prof Melinda Craike explored the interventions which can assist mental health outcomes through enhanced physical activity and social media management.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

• Talent Beyond Boundaries - Friday 15 November, VCCI Boardroom
• Leadership Luncheon with The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp – Friday 22 November 2019
• Victorian Chamber and CareSuper Present: Janine Allis - Thursday 5 December 2019

Plus, MCC member, TRANSEARCH Australia presents John Burdett, a prominent global authority on leadership and organisational development. Creator of the Orxestra Method®, John will address these themes with his engaging style in our practical seminar to assist you in tackling tomorrow.

When: Tuesday 26 November 2019: 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/tomorrow-will-be-different-will-you-john-o-burdett-transearch-australia-registration-77236110285

Enquiries & Registrations
Contact Rosie Vella
03 9285 5802
rosie.vella@transearch.com.au