As we wrap up what has been an immensely challenging year for people around the world, on behalf of myself and the Australian Chamber of Commerce Board Directors, I would like to thank all our members, family and friends for being part of our Chamber in 2022.
Many of us would agree that 2022 was another tough year for everyone particularly those who have lost relatives and friends or have struggled with the continued impact of COVID-19. The Board has worked throughout the year to pull together and support our members and the community in which we live and work to help each other by offering interesting topics and events through, mass testing, lockdowns and an environment of uncertainty.
Our year kicked off with our Australia Day Celebrations, followed by interesting and diverse speakers at Power Hours such as Paul Chong Founder of Weetalk, Michelle Garnaut from M on the Bund, and our BCM lunch in May. International Women’s day raised 130,000MOP for the Good Shepherd Sisters in March, Anzac Day on April, 25 was so beautiful to be part of and great to see many of our younger members attend so that they can learn about their history and we hope they will continue the tradition. Movember which has just finished on the 30th November was a great initiative and one that we will continue to bring into Macao. The monies that were raised from the Fun Run on the 9th October, the Movember Men’s Health Lunch in October with Dr Brian Tomlinson, and our Trivia Night together with private donations totaled 40,000MOP.
The good thing about International Women’s day and Movember is that there is a clear focus on the well-being of Women and Men’s health which in today’s times and with what has been happening needs to be at the top of all of our Agendas.
The joint chamber Christmas party is coming up on the 2nd of December and is always a success and great to see all the Chambers working together bringing Christmas to our members.
On the 14th December we will be showcasing “Macau in a Bottle” Macao’s first craft gin and we hope that you come along and enjoy meeting the founders in a relaxed and casual environment.
2022 has seen many of our friends leave and move on to other roles and repatriate back to their home countries making the Macao of old fast a memory and the New Macao becoming the future.
In our own Austcham Board we farewell Vince Leat and thank him dearly for his support and contribution to our Chamber.
Australia Day in 2023 will be on the 15th January and we look forward to locking arms with you again and to celebrating the start of a new year. It will be here before you know it.
The Chamber looks forward to a lot more opportunities to work with the Consular General in Hong Kong and related organisations, as well as having joint events to benefit members.
For 2023 we must continue to be optimistic and face the challenges ahead with good cheer, spreading joy, love, kindness and extending a helping hand together. I wish you all a happy, peaceful, safe and prosperous New Year!
“Coming together is a beginning, Staying together is progress, and working together is success.”
Stay safe & stay healthy always!
Janet McNab
Chair AustCham Macau