The Australia-UK Chamber Newsletter

Note from the CEO

With the Australia-UK Chamber located within Australia House here in London, our close proximity to colleagues from the Australian High Commission, Austrade federal-level and State Trade & Investment groups, Tourism Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia and others remains central to our activities. All of these organisations are Chamber members, and we work alongside them on joint initiatives including supporting delegations, member connections, and events.

Our ability to connect our members with these organisations (and vice versa) continues to be an important part of our value proposition. Many of the Australia House teams regularly refer individuals and companies to the Chamber.

A number of key personnel changes over recent months are worth highlighting:

Australian High Commissioner – The Hon. Stephen Smith departed in December, with incoming High Commissioner Jay Weatherill commencing in January (see details in the previous newsletter). We look forward to welcoming the new High Commissioner as Patron of the Chamber, in line with long-standing tradition.

Deputy High Commissioner – Elisabeth Bowes PSM will continue in her role through 2026.

Austrade – Following the departure of David Camerlengo, an interim Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – UK & Ireland, Stuart Rees, commenced in November 2025.

Government of Western Australia – Rebecca Tomkinson has been appointed the new Agent General, commencing in October 2025.

Building strong relationships with all of these leaders is essential, and with government roles often changing on a three-year cycle, this remains an ongoing focus for the Chamber.

If you require introductions within Australia House, please let us know - we are the appropriate conduit for those connections.

I also encourage you to review the latest Chamber Board appointments (see summary below), who will bring fresh ideas, new business networks, and renewed energy to the Chamber.

Wishing all our members, and the broader Australia-UK business community, a happy and healthy festive season.

Best regards,
Richard Basil-Jones

Chamber News

Announcing New Chamber Board Members

Darsh Chapman

Darsh was appointed Regional General Manager for Qantas in August 2025. With over 20 years in aviation, she previously led operations across 50 airports worldwide. She serves on BAR UK and Western Australia's Logistics & Defence Skills Council boards, focusing on strengthening Qantas' regional presence and supporting Project Sunrise.

Mark Dooley

Mark leads Macquarie Asset Management Green Investments, having acquired the Green Investment Bank in 2017. With 25+ years in energy infrastructure, he focuses on offshore wind, solar, and transmission projects. He serves on Corio Generation and Eku Energy boards, bringing extensive structured finance expertise.

Aneka Manners

Aneka leads NAB Europe, overseeing UK and European operations. With 25+ years in banking, she previously served as Chief Risk Officer for NAB's largest business division. A Board Member of NAB Europe S.A., she brings multi-disciplinary experience across Property Finance, Corporate banking, and Risk Management.

Meet the Board

Renewing Members

Member's News

Aussies in London | Expat Weekender - Jan 23 - 25

The Australian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the Aussies in London Expat Weekender, a three-day celebration of Australian culture featuring five events across London. Highlights include The Great Australian Quiz Night, the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown, an All Aussie Artist Showcase, the Annual Expat Party at Electric Brixton, and a screening of The Castle. The weekend commences Friday, January 23rd. Tickets are available now and expected to sell out.

RSVP Here

Member Offers

✔️ Exclusive Qantas Airfare Discount for Chamber Members ✈️
Chamber members can now access discounted Qantas airfares for travel between the UK and Australia.

For more information, contact the Chamber team at [email protected].

Proudly sponsored by Platinum Partner

With thanks to our Gold Partners

www.australiachamber.co.uk
Australia-United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce
Australia Centre | Strand | London | WC2B 4LG
020 7099 8444 | [email protected]
Registered in England & Wales. Company Number. 1974245

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