Earlier this year the Victorian Chamber launched Chamber Change to help women in business mentor, network, empower and grow alongside each other.

The Victorian Chamber recognised a need to create a bespoke initiative for our members to celebrate and nurture female representation and leadership in business. 

Program attendees had the opportunity to hear from and engage with Chamber Change Champions, some of our state’s most prominent women in business, as well as subject matter experts from the Chamber.

In sessions held over three months, the Chamber Change Champions explored themes of balance, empower and career journey, while our subject matter experts imparted their knowledge on media and communications, workplace relations, finance, strategy, policy and advocacy, people and culture.

Participant Cheryl Gaston from Bendigo Bank said: “The program offered an opportunity for successful women in their own industries to share their career journey, the ups and downs, the challenges both in an outside of work and how they managed to create a mark on their workplace.

“It was a time for the participants to reflect on their own careers so far, ask questions of experts and build confidence in their own endeavours.

“It was energising and informative to receive words of encouragement, build connections across various industries with many strong, intelligent and successful women in Victorian business.”

Victoria Racing Club’s Bree Jardine added: “It was brilliant to be in a room filled with intelligent and hard-working women and I know that I will apply a lot of the wisdom and learnings from the presenters for the next stage of my career and on a day-to-day basis. Being part of the Chamber Change Program has made me braver to take on new opportunities and encourage others to do the same.”

Future of the program

The Victorian Chamber continues to be informed by external and internal research that identifies a broad appetite for greater networking and role models to assist with career opportunities.

It also supports the long-term benefits of having men as allies in male-dominated workplaces. Victorian Chamber Chief of Staff Chanelle Pearson said: “We are proud of this program which is making a real difference in empowering, celebrating and elevating women in business.”

Based on the initial success and feedback of the first program, the Victorian Chamber has planned an exciting itinerary for 2023, with increased networking opportunities for participants and sponsorship opportunities for business.

Participating in Chamber Change also earns a participant a Digital Credential. These badges help you manage, share and verify learning achievements and connect your skills with active job opportunities.

Enthusiasm for Chamber Change has been growing with our programs currently at full capacity until April 2023.

The Chamber will be launching another two programs for 2023. Keep an eye out via our Victorian Chamber communications channels as to when expressions of interest will be open again.