SWEDELINK Newsletter Spring 2024

We are excited to present the latest edition of the SACC newsletter with exciting updates from the Chamber of Commerce and our members.

We thank you for your continued support and participation in the SACC and hope you enjoy reading this edition SWEDELINK!

Read the newsletter with links here or click on image below: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=30

 

Introducing the new SACC Young Professional President and Board

As the newly appointed SACC YP Board Member: President, I’m thrilled to announce the new SACC Young Professionals (YP) Board for the upcoming year. We’re excited to continue fostering connections within the Swedish-Australian community, helping young professionals in Sydney and Melbourne build their networks, develop professionally, and feel more at home in our vibrant community.
The 2024 SACC YP Board members are as follows:
  • Jasmine – SACC YP Board Member: President
  • Henric – SACC YP Board Member: Vice President
  • Michaela – SACC YP Board Member: Marketing & Communications
  • Matthew – SACC YP Board Member: Memberships & Events
  • Johanna – SACC YP Board Member: Memberships & Events
We are excited to announce our upcoming events, starting with an After Work (AW) gathering in collaboration with SACC, which will provide excellent opportunities to connect and engage with our professional network. Additionally, we are planning a Christmas lunch in early December, with further details to be announced.
We welcome all young professionals and students to join us at our events and feel free to reach out to any of us directly or connect with us on LinkedIn if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our initiatives.
Best wishes,
Jasmine Wiklander
President, SACC YP Board

Meet the SACC YP Board: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/young-professionals/

Contact: YP@swedishchamber.com.au

Upcoming Events SACC Melbourne VIC Chapter

Upcoming events at the SACC Melbourne VIC Chapter

How Australian Business is Tracking on Sustainability

Through the SACC collaboration with Premium Member ABB in partnership with Engineers Australia, we invite members and guests to join us in Melbourne to discuss the challenges and opportunities identified in ABB’s latest research report ‘Progressing Sustainability in Australian Business‘. The research focuses on sustainability in Australian business, based on 350+ responses from leaders around the country.

Date: Wednesday 25 September
Time: 5.30–8.00 pm AEST
Location: Engineers Australia Melbourne, Level 31/600 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/06146fd3-0e6b-45e0-b594-848878b75444/regProcessStep1

SACC Melbourne Lång Lunch, 26 October

More details to come.

Swedish-Australian Entrepreneurs’ Event 28 November

More details to come.

Nordic Christmas Party, Denmark House, 13 December

More details to come.

Meet the SACC Melbourne VIC Chapter Board: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/melbourne-chapter/

Contact: Melbourne@swedishchamber.com.au

Upcoming Events SACC Perth WA Chapter

Upcoming events at the SACC Perth WA Chapter

Afterwork at Skål in Scarborough

Date: Thursday November 21st

More details to be announced.

Christmas Event at Moose Restaurant and Café

Date: Early to Mid December TBC

 

Meet the SACC Perth WA Chapter Board: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/perth-wa-chapter/

Contact: Perth@swedishchamber.com.au

SACC Sustainability Committee Update

Moving to a circular economy is increasingly being recognised as vital to reduce waste, emissions, pollution, and ensure resource efficiency as well as competitiveness. The Australian government is working towards developing ambitious national targets to protect nature, critical next steps to transition Australia to a circular economy, and practical on-ground actions to boost conservation and leave nature better off for the future.

At the last Sustainability Committee quarterly, we were privileged to have Paul Klymenko, the Chief Sustainability Advisor and Executive Director at Planet Ark who sits on the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group (CEMAG). The Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group was established to advise government on the opportunities and challenges to transition to a circular economy by 2030. The group consists of 15 of Australia’s most prominent circular economy experts and will be led by inaugural Chair Professor John Thwaites AM from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute.

CEMAG is currently working on the National Circular Economy Framework which will be finalised in December and strongly welcomes views from the member organization in the Sustainability Committee to inform their understanding of challenges and opportunities. If you would like to share your position on potential ways forward to accelerate to a low-carbon circular economy and net-zero society, please reach out to Isabel Wagner at sacc@swedishchamber.com.au by September 30, 2024.

As the appetite for sustainability has never been greater, ABB has recently released a report titled, Progressing Sustainability in Australian Business, which explores the challenges holding Australian businesses back from achieving their sustainability goals.

Following the successful Circular Economy workshop in Brisbane, planning is currently underway for a Melbourne workshop. More details on this will be shared shortly.

The SACC Sustainability Committee welcomes interest from other SACC member companies to join the Committee.

Contact:

Flavia Vaz, Chair of the SACC Sustainability Committee at Flavia.Vaz@tetrapak.com or Camilla Jennings, General Manager SACC at sacc@swedishchamber.com.au

Upcoming Events SACC Brisbane QLD Chapter

Upcoming events at the SACC Brisbane QLD Chapter

How Australian Business is tracking on Sustainability

Through the SACC collaboration with Premium Member ABB in partnership with Engineers Australia, we invite members and guests to join us in Brisbane to discuss the challenges and opportunities identified in ABB’s latest research report ‘Progressing Sustainability in Australian Business‘. The research focuses on sustainability in Australian business, based on 350+ responses from leaders around the country.

When: Thursday 19 September, 5.30–8.00 pm AEST
Where: Engineers Australia Brisbane, Level 9/340 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/7304ea5c-e981-4b46-8ec8-c584e601ea74/regProcessStep1

Networking Borrel – Networking Drinks!
The after work drinks take place on the first Thursday of the month and is a great opportunity to expand your network with other European Chambers in Brisbane. Join us on Thursday 3 October for networking, good laughs and refreshments in a relaxing environment. And of course, there will be some famous Dutch “bitterballen” (Dutch meatballs).

When: Thursday, 3 October. 5:30 – 7.30 pm
Where: Riverland, 167 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD

Brisbane European End of Year Celebration

Meet us and our European partners on the rooftop of Flight Centre’s HQ in South Bank. The annual European End of Year event (Tchin Tchin) offers a relaxed, informal setting for you to expand your network and socialise. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the strong bond between Australia and the European Union.

When: 28 November, time to be confirmed

Where: Flight Centre’s HQ, 275 Grey Street, South Brisbane

Swedish Christmas Lunch

Brisbane Chapter is welcoming members and guests to a Swedish Christmas Lunch at Hundred Acre, St Lucia Golf Links. The event offers a great opportunity to meet with SACC members and other contacts from the Swedish-Australian business network in Queensland. There will be a Swedish inspired 2 course lunch served with coffee and something sweet to finish.

When: Date and time to be confirmed

Where: Hundred Acre, St Lucia Golf Links

Meet the SACC Brisbane QLD Chapter Board: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/brisbane-qld-chapter/

Contact: Brisbane@swedishchamber.com.au

SACC Digital Committee Taking Shape

Following the success of the SACC Sustainability Committee and also based on feedback from the SACC Innovation, Technology and Design Summit that was held at UTS in Sydney in 2022, a new SACC Digital Committee was formed in early 2024. Swedish companies have long been recognised as leaders in the digitalisation of industries. The purpose of the Committee is to promote the digital capabilities of the SACC member companies to industry, government and tertiary education.

As a first step, all SACC company members were invited to join the Committee, with the first meeting of the 9 founding companies taking place in February. The founding member companies include ABB, Axelent, Berkely Communications, Consat Telematics, Electrolux, Elekta, Kinghill, IKEA and Hexagon.

The first task of the founding member companies was to define the focus of the Committee. Povel Torudd, Managing Director of leading communications firm Berkeley Communications, sought input from the company representatives to formulate a draft of a focus, mission, audience and articulate why the voice of the member companies matters. To further sharpen the industry focus of the Committee, a survey of the 9 founding companies was conducted. As the founding companies have the ability to address the digital needs of a very broad range of industries, it was therefore important to home in on particular industries. The key findings, among others, included:

  • The top 3 industry sectors/themes to focus on, as prioritized by the SACC Digital Committee members includes: 1. Manufacturing, including food and beverage manufacturing., 2. Smart Cities, with a focus on public transportation, particularly rail, also including healthcare. 3. Electric Vehicles, including electric vehicle charging and telematics solutions.
  • Two further industry segments offer strong synergies with other SACC member companies: 1. Smart Home, 2. Healthcare.

The identified industry segments will now form the focus of various initiatives to be planned and implemented by the Committee. The initiatives might take the form of social media marketing campaigns, webinars or in-person events.

The Committee was officially launched at a SACC event titled ‘AI Key Trends and How to Stay Competitive’ that was hosted at the Sydney office of Hexagon on 1 May. Mattias Tidebrink SVP APAC Hexagon Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial, provided an overview of Hexagon, including digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. Dr Sandra Peter, Director of Sydney Executive Plus and Associate Professor at the University of Sydney spoke about how AI has moved beyond the hype. The Committee looks forward to showcasing the digital capabilities of the member companies at events in the future.

The SACC Digitalisation Committee welcomes interest from other SACC member companies to join the Committee. Please contact John Rieusset, Chair of the SACC Digitalisation Committee for further information via melbourne@swedishchamber.com.au

Read more about the Digitalisation Committee here.

Volvo Construction Equipment and CJD Equipment: Leading the Electric Machinery Revolution

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) and CJD Equipment have forged a remarkable 32-year partnership that has significantly shaped the Australian construction equipment landscape. This long-standing collaboration has been instrumental in bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to the Australian market.

A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

The partnership between CJD Equipment and Volvo CE began in 1992 when CJD was awarded the Volvo earthmoving franchise for Western Australia. This initial venture marked the beginning of a period of expansion for CJD Equipment. In 2001, the company’s commitment and hard work were recognized when it became the National Volvo Distributor.

Milestones and Growth

Over the past three decades, the partnership has gone from strength to strength:

  • National Expansion: CJD Equipment’s role as the National Volvo Distributor has allowed it to expand its reach across Australia, providing comprehensive coverage for Volvo CE products.
  • Product Range: The partnership has enabled CJD to offer a wide range of Volvo’s state-of-the-art construction equipment to Australian customers.
  • Customer Support: CJD Equipment has developed an extensive national product support network, ensuring timely and reliable service for Volvo CE machines.

Trends Towards Electrification in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is experiencing a significant shift towards sustainability, with electric machinery emerging as a key player in this transformation.

Stricter emissions regulations and high fuel costs are driving the demand for electric construction equipment. This trend is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing more stringent emission standards for non-road diesel engines used in construction.

Additionally, many governments, down to the local level, are introducing low-noise requirements, especially in residential areas.

The high cost of diesel fuel is a significant factor driving the trend toward electric solutions. As fuel prices continue to rise, OEMs are looking for ways to reduce costs and stay competitive. Electric construction equipment offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution, consuming less energy and having lower operating costs.

While environmental regulations and requirements are more prevalent in Europe, they are gaining traction in Australia. Significant businesses, mining companies, and local governments increasingly embrace sustainable objectives. However, the absence of clear federal regulations on emission standards and incentives to promote the uptake of electric construction equipment in Australia means that the transformation must currently come from the industry itself [3].

Despite this, the Australian construction industry is making strides towards sustainability by leveraging advanced technologies, new building materials, and a commitment to embracing electric powered equipment. The adoption of compact excavators, and compact loaders is gaining momentum in the country, reflecting the industry’s proactive approach to environmental responsibility [3].

Case Study: Whitman Park Tramway Extension with Allworks

The Whiteman Park Tramway Extension Project represents a significant milestone in Western Australia’s commitment to preserving rail history while enhancing tourism infrastructure. This initiative aims to extend the heritage tramline, providing a unique and convenient access point for visitors to Whiteman Park’s numerous attractions.

Project Overview

The project involves the construction of a new tram platform just south of the METRONET Whiteman Park Station and extending the line eastward from the existing heritage line within the park [19]. This extension will add 1.3 kilometres of new tram line, utilising recycled materials for approximately 85% of the project.

The tramway extension offers local and international tourists a distinctive way to access Whiteman Park’s attractions. By connecting directly to the new Whiteman Park Train Station, the project aims to enhance the overall visitor experience and make the park more accessible. This integration of heritage and modern transport systems showcases a forward-thinking approach to urban planning and tourism development.

The project has garnered support from numerous industry partners, including Acciona Construction, Allworks WA, Alstom, Arc Infrastructure, BMD Constructions, Georgiou Group, Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction, North Metropolitan TAFE, and WA Limestone Contracting. These partners have contributed through funding, material donations, and labour, demonstrating a collaborative effort towards sustainable development.

Electric Loader’s Impact

Allworks has made a groundbreaking purchase, becoming the first company in Australia to acquire Volvo’s electric construction machine, the L25 Electric Wheel Loader. This innovative equipment will be deployed at the Whiteman Park section of the Metronet tram extension project, where its quiet, emission-free operation is perfectly suited for the park’s sensitive environment, ensuring minimal disruption to both tourists and wildlife. The loader’s electric powertrain also eliminates idle time between material handling tasks, boosting operational efficiency. Additionally, the maintenance-free battery system reduces downtime, offering a significant advantage over traditional diesel machinery.

Projects like the Whiteman Park Tramway Extension serve as important case studies as the construction industry continues to evolve towards more sustainable practices. They demonstrate how heritage preservation can be combined with modern, environmentally conscious construction techniques, setting a precedent for future developments in the sector.

Economic Benefits of Electric Machinery

The adoption of electric construction equipment offers numerous economic advantages, making it an increasingly attractive option for industry businesses. These benefits extend beyond environmental considerations, providing tangible financial incentives for companies to switch.

Lower Operational Costs

One of the primary economic benefits of electric machinery is the significant reduction in operational costs. This cost-saving is primarily due to eliminating diesel fuel bills, which can be substantial for construction companies. The substantial difference in energy costs can lead to significant savings over time.

Moreover, electric machines have lower maintenance requirements, further reducing operational costs. With fewer components needing regular maintenance, these machines typically have longer service intervals. This translates to:

  1. Reduced downtime for servicing
  2. Decreased labour costs throughout the equipment’s lifespan.
  3. Elimination of expenses related to oil changes and fuel filter replacements.

The absence of idling in electric machines also contributes to cost savings. Unlike diesel engines that require idle periods to warm up and maintain performance, electric machines provide instant power when needed and shut off quickly when not in use. This feature can result in significant energy savings, especially considering that on many job sites, machines may idle for 25% to 50% of their operational time.

Expanded Working Hours

Due to its unique operational characteristics, electric construction equipment opens new possibilities for extended work hours. The near-silent operation of these machines allows for work during night hours or in noise-sensitive areas without causing disturbances. This capability enables operators to work with continuous productivity on job sites without impacting nearby residents or businesses.

Furthermore, electric machines’ zero-emission nature permits their use in environments where diesel equipment is prohibited or restricted. This includes indoor spaces, underground locations, and densely populated areas. The ability to work in these environments not only enhances the work experience for operators but also expands the potential for project scheduling and completion.

New Business Opportunities

Adopting electric construction equipment has resulted in innovative business opportunities for companies willing to invest in this technology. Electric machines’ unique capabilities allow businesses to access new markets and take on projects that were previously challenging or impossible with traditional diesel equipment.

For instance, the zero-emission and low-noise characteristics of electric machines make them ideal for:

  1. Indoor construction and renovation projects
  2. Work in low or zero-emission zones.
  3. Projects near sensitive environments, such as hospitals or schools
  4. Landscaping and agricultural applications where minimal disturbance is crucial.

These capabilities open opportunities in various sectors, where companies that invest in electric equipment can position themselves as environmentally responsible contractors, potentially gaining a competitive edge in markets where sustainability is a priority.

Looking to the Future

As the partnership enters its fourth decade, both CJD Equipment and Volvo CE remain committed to innovation and sustainability. They continue to work together to meet the evolving needs of the Australian construction industry, with a strong focus on electromobility and reducing environmental impact.

The 32-year partnership between CJD Equipment and Volvo CE stands as a testament to the power of long-term collaboration in driving industry progress. As they continue to innovate and adapt to changing market needs, this partnership is well-positioned to shape the future of construction equipment in Australia for years to come.

Contact your local CJD branch to learn more about how electric machinery can transform your construction projects.

CJD Equipment Pty Ltd

Polestar expands with new Sydney flagship space

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, unveiled their new flagship space in Artarmon last Wednesday evening. Set on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, the space is Polestar’s largest in Australia and stands as a hub for customers to explore and experience Polestar’s latest innovations in luxury electric motoring.

The opening of the Artarmon space comes at a significant time for the company, as Polestar’s lineup of cars grows from a single model to three. Polestar 3, the performance SUV, has recently arrived and begun test drives locally, and Polestar 4, the SUV coupé, will be on Australian roads by the end of the year. They both join the existing Polestar 2 electric fastback, with all three currently on display at Artarmon.

Polestar Artarmon has been carefully crafted to embody the brand’s minimalist design philosophy, offering an experience that feels more like an art gallery. It allows for a calm and engaging environment where visitors can be curious, learn more about Polestar’s vehicles, interact with knowledgeable specialists, and test drive Polestar 2, Polestar 3, and later this year, Polestar 4.

As Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 arrive in Australia, Polestar’s presence in Artarmon makes a bold statement as the company positions itself as an industry leader in the highly popular electric SUV segment. With a commitment to luxurious design, sustainable motoring and innovative performance, this expansion is a significant step forward in Polestar’s mission to drive the global shift toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation.

The space is located at 291 Pacific Highway, Artarmon with onsite parking available.

Find out more at: https://www.polestar.com/au/spaces/sydney-artarmon/

 

AUTOMOTIVE – Polestar Artarmon official opening11/09/2024
Photography: Andrea Francolini/Polestar

NEW START UP MEMBER – OLX STUDIOS

OLX Studios is a marketing consultancy founded by Olivia Alexandersson.

Our core services focus on CRM and Email Marketing, where we assist clients in boosting revenue, engagement, and customer experience through strategic email marketing. Currently, OLX Studios consists of a small but dedicated team of two, working with clients across various B2C industries such as fashion retail, beauty, and homeware, as well as B2B sectors like tech and logistics.

Olivia founded OLX Studios in May 2023. After several years working in agency and eCommerce settings, she decided to take the leap and establish her own consultancy. With a well rounded skill set in digital design, strategy, data analysis, and technical implementation, Olivia is able to offer end-to-end services for businesses seeking to elevate their marketing efforts through automation and email campaigns.

After six months of operating, Olivia hired her first employee to help deliver successful marketing strategies for clients. OLX Studios works closely with a select group of clients, integrating with their internal teams to maximise outcomes. The vision is to remain a boutique consultancy, working with only a handful of clients to ensure a personalised and highly effective approach.

Australia presents great opportunities in the eCommerce sector, which has allowed us to collaborate with a variety of exciting businesses. While we are based in Melbourne, Australia, we work with clients globally and do not limit our focus to the Australian market alone.

CONTACT

Olivia Alexandersson

Founder & Lead Consultant

olivia@olxstudios.com

olxstudios.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-alexandersson-795359ab/