Dear members and business community,
As we review the past month, I am filled with immense pride in what we have achieved together.
Our collective efforts have not only strengthened our business community but also positioned Geelong as a leading hub of innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. I’d like to take a moment to highlight key moments from the past month which have contributed significantly to our shared success.
Geelong Small Business Festival
Our strategic partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, now in it’s second year has delivered a highly successful festival. Businesses have been connecting, learning, and growing with almost 70 events delivered in just two weeks.
The launch event, proudly sponsored by Morris was officially opened by Natalie Suleyman MP, Minister for Small Business and attended by local, national, and international guests. A highlight on the night, with grateful support from Agriculture Victoria, was the showcasing of our local Agri-producers providing products, experiences, and fun on the night. A huge thank you to Nadia Lee, keynote speaker for a shocking and entertaining look into the future of AI.
Employer Complete Membership Growth
We’ve seen a strong uplift in our Employer Complete membership designed by employers, for employers.
This highly supportive membership option offers dual membership to both the Geelong Chamber of Commerce AND the Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry. You get access to workplace relations advice, hundreds of HR tools and templates, VCCI events, and all the inclusions from Geelong Chamber including events, education, training, advocacy, and expert support.
As we continue to drive business success this membership is a key catalyst to unlocking additional support for you and your business. Contact membership.team@geelongchamber.com.au to find out more on how you can join the wave of our fastest growing membership product delivering significant value.
Celebrating Business Excellence
Last week our August After 5 put our Geelong Business Excellence Awards Finalists in the spotlight. This year’s huge increase in nominations and uplift in entries, has seen a high quality field of leaders and businesses entering the judging phase for Geelong’s most prestigious business awards. A jovial crowd, I heard amazing stories first-hand from our finalists about their journey, their passions, and what the awards program means to them in learning more about their own business, due to the rigorous and extensive judging and review process.
We simply cannot wait for this year’s awards night, proudly sponsored by LBW Business + Wealth Advisers, to be held at The Pier on October 17th. The night will feature a full program of food, beverages, entertainment and celebration – don’t hesitate to secure your spot!
International Investment Matters
The Geelong Chamber has continued to facilitate international relations with recent visits from international parties exploring the region’s education, tourism, and strategic assets. We’ve collaborated with several local organisations and progressed facilitated discussions with additional local businesses interested in exploring similar opportunities. We are quickly growing strong networks and relationships, aligned with the City of Geelong’s International Engagement Strategy and through our connections throughout the ASEAN countries. If you or your business are keen to learn more, please reach out to me directly.
Looking Ahead
While we celebrate these accomplishments, we are also keenly focused on the future. Our commitment to supporting your businesses, driving economic development, and fostering a vibrant community remains as strong as ever. As we look forward to the coming months, we are focusing on membership value, business community networks, building further education and training offerings, and advancing our advocacy across key priorities. We’ll also continue to bring you relevant content for business, such as below:
Workplace Relations – Right to disconnect has commenced
*please note the following is for information purposes only and you should seek further advice before any decisions or actions are made.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is reminding employers and employees that the new right to disconnect began on August 26th 2024 for non-small businesses.
The right to disconnect is a change to the Fair Work Act as part of the new Closing Loopholes laws.
What is the right to disconnect?
This means that outside their working hours, employees can refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact or attempted contact from:
their employer, or
- another person if the contact is work-related (for example, work-related contact from clients or members of the public)
Who do the new laws apply to?
It applies to all Australian businesses with over 15 employees.
What about small businesses?
There is a little more time for small businesses in Australia. The laws for small businesses will come into effect August 26, 2025.
The official media release and further information can be found at fairwork.gov.au
August Action
I encourage each of you to stay engaged with the Chamber and utilise the benefits of membership. Participate in our upcoming events and take advantage of the opportunities we create for growth, learning and connection.
For new membership enquiries or to find out if one of our other membership products can help you better achieve business outcomes, contact membership.team@geelongchamber.com.au
Thank you for your continued support and partnership, our journey to drive more business success is only just beginning.
Warm regards,
Jeremy Crawford
CEO, Geelong Chamber of Commerce
