Skip to main content

About the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce

The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is a not-for-profit volunteer based organisation whose focus is to build and strengthen trade, investment and business connections between Australia and Canada. The Chamber hosts and co-sponsor functions, events, cocktail receptions, trade delegations and presentations from business leaders and politicians from all major parties. The CACC maintains relationships with senior and operational level resources of Government in both Canada and Australia as well as providing members with access to an extensive and growing network of individuals and organisations with an interest in the Canada-Australia business relationship

Australia and Canada’s trade relationship extends back to 1895 when John S Larke was appointed Canada’s First Trade commissioner in Sydney. The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce was established in 2005.

PATRON

Bringing Canada and Australia Closer Together

Jack Cowin was born July 13th 1942 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and has been an Australian citizen since 1981.  He graduated in 1964 from the University of Western Ontario (London, Canada) and in 2000 received an Honorary Degree – LLD from the University. In 2011 he received the University Alumni Professional Achievement Award.

Jack started out in Toronto, Canada selling insurance but always had a clear desire to get into his own business, to have control over his own destiny. Jack moved to Australia at the age of 26 and opened his first KFC store in 1969 Jack is now the chairman and managing director of the CFAL group of companies which has sales revenue of $1.4 billion and net shareholders funds of $600 million. Jack is also the owner of Hungry Jacks, the Burger King master franchise holder for Australia, with 360 restaurants and five manufacturing plants which produce frozen meat products and processed vegetables for the supermarket and food service industry and exports to 26 countries for which it has won several Australian Export Awards.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Helping Businesses Succeed Across Canada & Australia

As CEO for a not-for-profit volunteer-based organisation, Mel leads the mission to promote trade and investment between Canada & Australia. The CACC is the only bilateral international chamber that has a presence and operations in both countries with nearly 6,000 members across both regions and nearly one hundred volunteers across eight Committees.

The CACC is celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2025 with a focus on priority sectors including defence, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, infrastructure, emerging technology and resources & energy.

Originally from Vancouver, Mel started her career in 1996 with Toronto Dominion Bank before relocating to Toronto and working in FMCG with Swiss Chocolatier, Lindt & Sprüngli prior to moving to Melbourne, Australia in 2007 and becoming an Australian citizen soon after.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGER

Fostering Opportunities between Canadian & Australian Markets

Originally from Ontario, Ava graduated from the University of Guelph in 2022, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in international development with an emphasis in political economy and administrative change, alongside a minor in business. Following graduation, Ava joined the international law firm Dentons in Toronto as a Marketing Assistant. Throughout her time at Dentons, Ava played a key role in supporting the firm’s Profile and Client Development team on a wide range of client-facing initiatives, including events and communications. In 2024, Ava moved to Melbourne to pursue her dream of living in Australia. Ava joined the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce in 2025, bringing a fresh perspective to the Chamber as a young Canadian living abroad.

© Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce 2025 | Legal & Privacy Discalimer | Sitemap