The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) was honoured to host an exclusive reception welcoming Her Excellency Dr. Julie Sunday, the newly appointed High Commissioner for Canada in Australia, during her first official visit to Queensland. The event was hosted by Corporate Partner MinterEllison with welcome remarks by CACC CEO, Melissa Wharton.
Host Brendan Clark, is a leading advisor to the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors, with significant major project, M&A, regulatory and commercial transaction experience. As Managing Partner International, he oversees MinterEllison’s international markets strategy, its foreign offices and its engagement with foreign firms and networks.
PICTURED (left to right): CACC Corporate Members include Denny Surjaatmadja (Principle Trade & Investment Officer, International Market – Trade and Investment Queensland), Stephen Mannix (Managing Director –Loram Pty Ltd), Brendan Clark (Managing Partner, International – MinterEllison), H.E Dr. Julie Sunday (High Commissioner for Canada to Australia), Jessica Simpson (Head of Local and Indigenous Procurement – BHP), Rob Piper (Hatch) and Anthony Cicuttini (SVP and Head of Aviation Business Development – Brisbane Airport Corporation)
Despite the uncertainty of the event due to Cyclone Alfred, it turned out to be an incredible evening of insightful discussions, strategic connections, and exciting opportunities for strengthening Canada-Australia trade and investment ties. Dr. Sunday shared her perspectives on the evolving global landscape and the collaborative potential between our two nations, sparking meaningful conversations among senior leaders across industries.
Dr. Julie Sunday brings a distinguished career in diplomacy, policy, and global affairs to her new role as High Commissioner for Canada to Australia. With a strong academic foundation in science, geography, and political anthropology, she has dedicated nearly two decades to shaping Canada’s international strategy across multiple sectors.
PICTURED (left to right): Nicole Andronicus (General Manager – Brisbane City Council), Julie Sunday (Canada’s High Commissioner to Australia), Melissa O’Rourke (Director, Queensland State Office – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Throughout her career, Dr. Sunday has held key positions at Global Affairs Canada, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, and the Privy Council Office, demonstrating her expertise in foreign policy, security, innovation, and crisis management. Her leadership in areas such as clean technology innovation, security and emergency management, and global pandemic response underscores her ability to navigate complex challenges on the world stage.
Notably, she played a pivotal role in spearheading the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention, and serving as Canada’s first senior official for hostage affairs, leading diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages abroad.
Dr. Sunday’s strategic vision, diplomatic acumen, and deep commitment to global engagement make her exceptionally well-suited to strengthen Canada-Australia relations. Her expertise in trade, security, and innovation will be instrumental in fostering new opportunities for economic growth, investment, and collaboration between the two nations. As High Commissioner, she is poised to drive meaningful partnerships that will further enhance the strong ties between Canada and Australia.
PICTURED (left to right): CACC QLD Committee Co-Chairs with Her Excellency – Anthony Penney (Regional Manager, Queensland & Papua New Guinea – Qantas), Julie Sunday (Canada’s High Commissioner to Australia), Brendan Clark (CACC Director) and Deep Kaur (Director and Founder – Patshani HR Solutions)
The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce is excited to collaborate with Dr. Julie Sunday as she embarks on this new chapter in Canada-Australia relations. Her wealth of experience and strategic leadership align perfectly with the CACC’s mission to strengthen trade, investment, and innovation between our two nations. We look forward to working closely with Her Excellency and her team to explore new opportunities, foster meaningful partnerships, and build on the strong foundation of economic and diplomatic ties that unite Canada and Australia.
The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is a non-profit, volunteer based organisation that aims to bring businesses together to facilitate a strong environment for economic trade and investment between Canada and Australia.
Written by Ava Tunney
