Skip to main content

The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is a not-for-profit organisation whose focus is to build and strengthen trade and business connections between Australia and Canada. The Chamber is pleased to present the volunteer members of the CACC Queensland Committee.

To contact please email: [email protected]

Introducing the Queensland Committee

Elli Hanson

CO-CHAIR

As Co-Founder of Flaus, Elli led the design and market launch of the world’s first patented electric flosser, a newly invented CPG product that filled a clear gap in the oral hygiene category and created access to a ~$31.2B total addressable market in the US and exponential opportunity globally. Elli drove product, brand, and strategy at Flaus — led product design and engineering, created operational infrastructure; sourced and directed vendor partners; built robust and cost-effective supply chain; and partnered with the CFO in developing financial models, budgets and forecasts. Under Elli’s stewardship, Flaus has been named one of Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas of 2023, was listed in TIME Magazine Inventions of the Year 2023, and has been published in Forbes, GQ and Oprah Daily.

Prior to co-founding Flaus, Elli was Global Director of Design Strategy at Ogilvy Worldwide, where she sat within the C-Suite team and Ogilvy Consulting; leading organizational and systems design mandates and working alongside the global Chief Strategy Officer to design and deploy Ogilvy's transformative OS. At Ogilvy Elli won 27 Cannes Lion Awards (amongst others) and was named Forbes 30 Under 30 Marketing & Advertising List Runner-Up (US).

Deep Kaur

CO-CHAIR

Deep Kaur is the director and founder of Patshahi HR Solutions, a global HR consultancy serving clients in Australia and Canada. As a dual resident of both countries, Deep is passionate about helping global companies learn from HR best practices in both regions.
With a wealth of experience working with prominent Canadian and Australian government and private organizations, including Bombardier Canada, Woolworths Group, Sydney Opera House, Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, The Evergreens Foundation, etc., Deep brings extensive expertise in HR strategy and implementation. Deep works closely with clients to support their HR objectives, providing services such as HR policy development, leadership training, recruitment, bespoke HR projects, ensuring compliance with ER/IR regulations, and change management. As a member of CACC's Queensland committee, Deep is dedicated to supporting the organization's mission of enhancing connections between Australia and Canada through her HR expertise.

Nitin Rikhi

DEPUTY CHAIR

Nitin is the Founder of NORPAC Immigration. As a distinguished member of an exclusive cohort of dual immigration practitioners between Australia and Canada, Nitin possesses a distinctive skill set focused on navigating intricate areas of immigration law and delivering specialised immigration counsel.

Previously holding the position of Vice President at the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) QLD Chapter and currently serving as a QLD/NT Committee Member, Nitin further augments his expertise as an appointed expert on the MIA’s Special Interest - Health and Disability Advisory Panel. He also contributes to the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants.

In addition to his advisory roles, Nitin actively contributes to submissions on diverse immigration matters and regularly assumes leadership in the organisation of prominent immigration events involving member groups, prospective applicants, and governmental bodies.

Furthermore, Nitin is actively engaged in delivering continuing professional development units and provides mentorship and informational sessions on a spectrum of immigration topics for fellow practitioners in the profession.

Brandon Roy

SECRETARY

Brandon Roy is a risk and internal audit professional who has more than 15 years of work experience spanning the public sector, professional services, and financial services spaces. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Brandon currently resides in Auckland, New Zealand and has been involved with the CACC dating back to March 2019 when he resided in Canada.
Brandon prides himself on learning and continuous improvement. He views the CACC as a wonderful opportunity to expand professional networks, learn about various companies that operate in Canada and Australia, and learn about the micro and macro economic challenges facing companies today.

Denny Surjaatmadja

HONOURARY MEMBER

Denny has more than a decade’s experience in trade between Queensland and global markets. He represents Trade and Investment Queensland as Principal Trade & Investment Officer - International Markets. Denny is currently responsible for market development in the Americas. He works, develops, and implements business plans for these territories with the relevant TIQ teams, conducts research on international business opportunities, and maintains productive partnerships with government, peak bodies, and commercial clients and investors. Denny is passionate about international collaboration & relations, and technology & innovation. He is fluent in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

John Williams

HONOURARY MEMBER

John Williams was appointed Trade Commissioner for Canada in Queensland in July 2013, the first time the Canadian government has had someone based north of the Tweed. John works with his colleagues in Sydney and Canberra, supporting Canadian companies to develop business in Australia, and increasingly supporting Australian companies seeking to establish a presence in Canada.

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps companies navigate the complexities of international markets.

Tanya Hatchman

ENVIRONMENTAL LIAISON

Tanya Hatchman is an Executive Leader at EMM Consulting, a leading multi-disciplinary environmental and advisory consultancy with operations spanning Australia and Canada. Founded in 2010, EMM combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of big picture sustainable business strategy to deliver solutions that drive positive environmental, economic, and social impact while creating long-term value for clients.
In her global capacity, Tanya leads initiatives aimed at amplifying the company's footprint through strategic market expansion and comprehensive marketing strategies. She is passionate about developing initiatives and roadmaps to deliver opportunities aligned with the business vision and purpose. With her strong communication skills and ability to actively listen, she encourages open dialogue and constructive feedback, which helps to foster creativity and innovation.

Liz Tomkins

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES LIAISON

Liz Tomkins, a production accountant and producer from regional Australia, began her career at Briz 31 community television network, before honing her production skills on premium series for Twentieth Century Fox, Disney, and HBO.
In 2012 after production managing Australian action horror feature Outback Revenge, Liz moved to Canada. During that time Liz volunteered with the influential Canadian Film Centre building several key relationships that would lead her to establish Middle8 Marketing, where with a small team she handled PR and representation for filmmakers at major film festivals such as Cannes, Sundance and TIFF. Whilst building her business Liz trained in accounting and gained experience working with renowned entities such as Seeds Accounting, Taqqut Productions, and E-One.
Returning to Australia in 2020 to join longtime business partner, Judd Tilyard, at Dicentium films as its newly appointed CFO Liz was recognized shortly after as one of the Screen Producers Association's 2020 ONES TO WATCH. As Dicentium the pair would drive development on several productions receiving funding from Screen Australia, Screen Queensland and Screen West for various projects on their slate including "The Red" starring Michael Biehn (Terminator, Aliens) and Tess Haubrich (Alien Covenant) which was shot in 2022. In addition to her professional work, Liz is Chair of the Board at WIFT Australia.

Lesley Rogan

Visa Application Australia

Lesley is the founder of Visa Application Australia, an international student agency specialising in study placements, and student & graduate visa services.

Shauna Fjaagesund

LIFE SCIENCES LIAISON

Shauna Fjaagesund is a Research and Special Projects Manager for Health Developments Corporation, which supports the design, building and operation of large-scale integrated primary care facilities across Queensland. Shauna leads initiatives dedicated to enhancing healthcare delivery, with a specific interest in the integration of research and development, to develop novel services, diagnostics, and treatments.
Prior to entering the healthcare sector in Australia, she had over a decade of experience in trade and investment experience, notably within the Canadian agriculture sector, including serving as a director of Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation (now Innovation Saskatchewan) and providing support to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Minister of the Canadian Wheat Board, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

OPEN POSITION

VARIOUS ROLES

The CACC is looking for a data analyst and marketing/communications professionals for the Queensland Committee. If you are seeking to volunteer please submit your expression of interest to [email protected].

© Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce 2024 | Legal & Privacy Discalimer | Sitemap