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

Jack Cowin

Jack 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

Melissa Wharton

Melissa Wharton is the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC), the peak bilateral business body advancing trade, capital flows and strategic partnerships between Canada and Australia.

She is widely recognised as a leading advocate for deeper economic integration between the two countries, working at the intersection of government, institutional investors and industry. Under her leadership, the CACC convenes senior ministers, pension funds, superannuation leaders and global corporates across priority sectors including institutional investment, critical minerals, infrastructure, energy transition, defence and advanced manufacturing. The Chamber is the only bilateral organisation with active operations and governance presence in both countries.

Melissa is a dual citizen and a recognised advocate for strengthening economic ties between Canada and Australia.

© Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce 2026 | Legal & Privacy Discalimer | Sitemap