20 Years Stronger Together - CACC Melbourne Celebrates

Two decades of trade. One growing partnership.

In 2025, Australia and Canada traded $12.4 billion in goods and services and momentum is building fast, with Australian exports to Canada up 44.7% year-on-year in February 2026 alone. Investment ties run deeper still: Australian capital in Canada now stands at $131 billion, Canadian investment in Australia at $111 billion, spanning critical minerals, clean energy, defence and AI. In June 2026, the two countries sealed a $2.5 billion defence radar deal, the first overseas sale of its kind.

This year, the Canada Australia Chamber of Commerce marks 20 years at the centre of that relationship. Join industry leaders, government and investors in Melbourne to celebrate two decades of partnership and look ahead to what's next for Australia-Canada trade and investment.

Dress Code: Business casual with a touch of red  

With thanks to CACC Corporate Partner, MinterEllison, for hosting this milestone celebration.

NOTE: This is a private invite-only gathering. If you'd like to attend a CACC event become a member. Reach out to our team at globalengagement@cacc.com.au.

Her Excellency Dr. Julie Sunday

High Commissioner for Canada to Australia

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

Julie Sunday (BSc Hons [Integrated Science], Carleton University, 1996; MA [Geography], McMaster University, 1999; PhD [Political Anthropology], McMaster University’s Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition, 2005) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2005. She has served at 2 of Canada’s central agencies—the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the Privy Council Office—and was director general of Clean Technology Innovation at Natural Resources Canada.

At Global Affairs Canada, she has served as director for science, technology and innovation; director general and adviser to the chief financial officer; director general, security and emergency management, and chief security officer; and director general for pandemic response, a role in which she led the department’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution campaign.

Most recently, she served as assistant deputy minister for the Consular, Security and Emergency Management Branch and led Canada’s consular policy and operations; travel advice; and international emergency policy, operations and response. She also spearheaded efforts to advance the Canada-led Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. Julie was named Canada’s first senior official for hostage affairs in October 2023 and has led diplomatic engagement to support the release of hostages abroad.

Danni Jarrett

Deputy Secretary, Industry, Trade and Investment

Chief Executive Officer

INVEST VICTORIA & GLOBAL VICTORIA

Danni has held leadership roles in the Victorian Government shaping its current priorities and initiatives to achieve sustained economic growth by supporting Victorian companies to export to the world and securing investment into the State from both multinationals and high growth startups.

Danni has deep government experience with a focus on industry development – across innovation and technology, manufacturing and defence – and connections with the university and research sector, particularly in life sciences and medical research.

Danni takes pride in leading a team of high performing people committed to delivering on complex projects that shape our State and add value and colour to our lives.

Elissa Romanin

Managing Partner, Melbourne

MINTERELLISON

Elissa Romanin is the Managing Partner, Melbourne and a corporate tax partner at MinterEllison.  She specialises in providing tax structuring, tax due diligence, contract drafting and general income tax advice. Many of the matters she works on involve corporate income tax issues related to mergers and acquisitions, divestments and capital reorganisations.  Elissa is the current Vice Chair of the International Bar Association Taxes Committee. 

Melissa Wharton

Chief Executive Officer

CANADIAN AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CACC)

Melissa Wharton is the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC), the peak bilateral business body advancing trade, capital flows and strategic partnerships between Canada and Australia.

She is widely recognised as a leading advocate for deeper economic integration between the two countries, working at the intersection of government, institutional investors and industry. Under her leadership, the CACC convenes senior ministers, pension funds, superannuation leaders and global corporates across priority sectors including institutional investment, critical minerals, infrastructure, energy transition, defence and advanced manufacturing. The Chamber is the only bilateral organisation with active operations and governance presence in both countries.

Melissa is a dual citizen and a recognised advocate for strengthening economic ties between Canada and Australia.

Ben Quirin

Head of Asia Pacific

INVERT INC.

Ben Quirin is a seasoned global business leader with over two decades of experience across multinational corporations and start-ups, spanning industries such as Telecommunications, Technology, Pharmaceuticals, and Climate Change. Ben's career includes working with some of the world’s most recognised brands and pioneering disruptors that have reshaped industries. Having lived and worked across the UK/Europe, Middle East Africa, Asia, and Australia, Ben brings a truly global perspective and exceptional cross-cultural expertise.

Renowned for his ability to establish and grow new industries and businesses, Ben excels in navigating challenges with a results-driven, authentic, and innovative approach. He thrives in high-impact roles, where he leverages his expertise in strategic leadership, partnership building, and execution to deliver sustainable success. Driven by his passion for sustainability and climate action, Ben actively contributes to advancing solutions for a sustainable future. His involvement with Invert highlights his commitment to tackling climate change, complemented by his participation in transformative initiatives like Work for Climate.

Ben's commitment extends beyond corporate success; he is deeply passionate about promoting well-being. His dedication to this cause reflects his compassionate leadership style and his belief in the holistic welfare of individuals within the corporate sphere.

Mark Stoffberg

Strategic Pursuits Lead ANZ / ASIA

SMARTSHEET

Mark Stoffberg has over 30 years in sales leadership, primarily focused on retail supply chain management, He has contributed to the growth of software companies across the Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. Beginning in tech-centric roles, Mark combines innovative solutions with strategic business goals, resulting in market reach and revenue growth.

Mark’s sales approach emphasises strategic insight, cross-cultural communication, and creative problem-solving, fostering meaningful connections across diverse backgrounds. Committed to supporting innovation and increasing customer value, Mark seeks to sustain business growth in the region, embracing continuous improvement and forward-thinking strategies.