Melissa Wharton

The Canadian-Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is thrilled to announce the establishment of its new Québec Committee, a landmark initiative aimed at fostering the dynamic relationship between Canada and Australia. As we edge closer to celebrating two decades of bilateral excellence in 2025, the CACC continues to stand as the only trade organisation operating in both nations, with a network of over 30 sponsors, including Air Canada and CDPQ, many of whom are headquartered in the heart of Québec. Our community has flourished to encompass more than 4,200 engaged members and over 70 dedicated volunteers, a testament to the vibrant collaboration that defines our collective journey. The Commercial and Cultural Bridge The commercial relationship between Canada, with Québec as a pivotal contributor, and Australia is built on a foundation of strong and mutually beneficial trade links. Key sectors driving this bilateral trade include aerospace, education, and renewable energy, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and sustainable development. These sectors not only contribute significantly to our economies but also offer a canvas for collaboration and growth. Beyond commerce, our countries share deep-rooted cultural ties that date back to the 19th century, when John Short Larke became Canada's first trade commissioner in Australia in 1895. As members of the Commonwealth and the Five Eyes alliance, Canada and Australia cherish a legacy of cooperation and shared values. Our love for sports transcends borders, with AFL Canada and “ice hockey” in Australia brings our communities together. Moreover, our affection for iconic foods like vegemite and maple syrup, and our experiences of extreme weather and vast landscapes, mutually defines our societies. Volunteers and Sponsorship Opportunities Becoming a volunteer at the CACC is an opportunity to be at the forefront of fostering international relationships. Our volunteers gain invaluable experience in international trade and commerce, network with...

Ahead of International Women’s Day, the Canadian-Australian Chamber of Commerce hosted a breakfast at Minter Ellison’s Melbourne office for a discussion on driving progress on gender equality. Leading the discussion were TransGrid Executive General Manager People, Culture and Safety (Acting) - Stephen McSweeney, Hatch Managing Director Australia and Asia - Jan Kwak, Minter Ellison Senior Associate - Jennifer Bourke and Monash University Research Fellow – Dr. Erik Denison. Ms Bourke said the landscape was changing as the laws changed, particularly in relation to new guidelines on ‘positive duty’ under the sex discrimination act, which refers to a duty by employers to reduce sexual harassment and related harmful behaviours, as well as changes to occupational health and safety, with the introduction of new regulations about managing psychosocial hazards such as bullying and harassment. “Gender equality represents a psychosocial safety issue,” she said. “We know gender inequality is a key driver for sexual harassment and those types of behaviours, so in workplaces without gender equality those behaviours are more likely to occur.” “One of the ways workplaces are trying to address this is through gender targets, which are designed to create gender balance in the workforce. Targets are a tool, but they won’t work alone.” Mr Kwak said it was important to have difficult discussions about gender equity. “People, especially men, may be unaware of their unconscious gender bias until you point it out to them,” he said. “We need to encourage men to be the champions for change.” He said Hatch had aspirational targets for gender diversity to ensure the organisation remained competitive. “We pride ourselves in being innovative and creative thinkers, which is only possible when you have gender diversity,” he said. Dr. Denison said it wasn’t natural to segregate men and women, either in the workplace or socially. “In...

The Canadian-Australian Chamber of Commerce hosted a private luncheon at Clayton Utz's Perth Office, with the honored presence of Invest Alberta's CEO Rick Christiaanse and Managing Director for Asia, Adeel Ahmad. Rick Christiaanse dove into a rich discussion, starting with the recognition of our unique positions in the world—how Alberta and Western Australia, with their stunning landscapes and resilient communities, share similar challenges and mutual opportunities. We discussed how Alberta is transitioning its oil and gas sector, a bold step towards decarbonisation that both regions can draw lessons from. PICTURED (left to right): Jackie Leggett, CACC Western Australia Committee's Secretary and Kirsty Moore, CEO of Indigenous Business Australia The integration of First Nations into economic projects in Alberta emerged as a beacon of progress, highlighting the importance of respecting and including indigenous communities in our journey towards economic advancement. Technology's transformative power was another point of discussion. Both regions are leveraging technological advancements in natural resources, especially in areas like carbon capture and clean energy. PICTURED (left to right): Rick Christiaanse (CEO - Invest Alberta), Tara Roy (Co-Chair of CACC Western Australia Committee) and H.E. Mark Glauser (High Commissioner for Canada to Australia) With agriculture, a vital sector for both economies, we examined how we can use new technologies to enhance productivity and address decarbonisation. A heartwarming aspect of the dialogue was the focus on building stronger indigenous-to-indigenous trade relationships. It's an area with plenty of potential for economic development and cultural exchange. Attendees shared insights into fostering partnerships that are built on respect, understanding, and mutual benefits. PICTURED (left to right): Juli Bellinge (CACC Western Australia Committee Member) and Mel Wharton (CEO - Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce) In essence, the boardroom luncheon wasn't just a celebration of shared challenges and achievements; it was a beacon for Australian investors...

Cracking the Code: Reaching the New Consumer - Insights from the CACC Vancouver Roundtable Discussion, Sponsored by Akcelo The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) hosted a roundtable breakfast discussion that brought together over 30 business leaders throughout the province of British Columbia. The event, titled "Cracking the Code: Reaching the New Consumer," delved into the evolving landscape of consumer behavior in a fast-moving, globalized world driven by new technologies. This event was generously sponsored by Akcelo, who were well represented and engaged throughout the event. Exploring the 'New Consumer' The central theme of the discussion revolved around how brands can effectively connect with the next generation of consumers. This 'new consumer,' experiencing an increase in personal wealth through generational transfers, exhibits distinctive habits in engaging with brands and navigating emerging media platforms. Their media consumption and brand expectations markedly differ from those of their parents, posing unique challenges for businesses. They demand readily available and hyper-personalized communication and products. The panel of experts leading the discussion included Shayna Wenger (Creative Lead North America, TikTok), Allison Butula (Chief Marketing Officer, Kit and Ace), and Aaron Gillespie (President, COBS Bread). Lauren Shelly from Akcelo did a superb job moderating the session and challenging the audience to think about the future of consumer behaviour. PICTURED (left to right): Mel Wharton (CEO, CACC), Lauren Shelly (Moderator, Akcelo), Allison Butula (Chief Marketing Officer, Kit and Ace), Greg McNab (CACC Director), Shayna Wenger (Creative Lead North America, TikTok) and Aaron Gillespie (President, COBS Bread). Key Insights from the Discussion One of the pivotal takeaways from the event centered on the distinction between entertainment and social media. Shayna Wenger provided an illuminating overview of TikTok's positioning as an entertainment company rather than a traditional social media platform. The statement "Social media is dead, entertainment is king"...