Nordic Open Golf Day The First Tee Off in Melbourne
📅 8 May 2026
📍 Eynesbury Golf Course, Victoria
The Nordic Chambers of Commerce in Australia proudly celebrated the first-ever Nordic Open Golf Day in Melbourne, bringing together members of the Nordic–Australian business community for a memorable day of sport, networking, and connection at the beautiful Eynesbury Golf Course.
While the day delivered a touch of “Nordic weather,” participants were also treated to blue skies and sunshine—creating the perfect setting for a successful debut event.
Building on the strong legacy of the Nordic Open Golf Day in Sydney, now in its 10th year, the Melbourne launch delivered an engaging and inclusive program, welcoming golfers of all levels as well as guests who joined for the awards lunch.
A Day of Competition, Connection and Community
The day was officially opened by Joona Puhakka President, Finland Australian Chamber of Commerce, who reflected on the history and success of the Nordic Open Golf Day in Sydney. Jaakko Männistö, Finland Australian Chamber of Commerce also welcomed players to the course.
Participants competed in a friendly 18-hole Ambrose tournament, with seven teams of four players representing a mix of skill levels. The format encouraged teamwork, camaraderie, and plenty of on-course interaction.
Throughout the day, players also enjoyed novelty holes and the always popular Nordic Putting Competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from both players and lunch guests.
Celebrating at the 19th Hole
The day concluded with the “19th Hole Celebration” awards lunch, where participants gathered to unwind, share stories, and continue building connections across the Nordic and Australian business communities.
During the lunch special guests, Honorary Consul to Norway for Victoria Matthew Forwood and Honorary Consul to Sweden for Victoria Benjamin Sandqvist highlighted the importance of Nordic collaboration—both globally and within Melbourne.
Awards were presented by John Rieusset, Chair of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce Melbourne Chapter, together with Jaakko Männistö, Finland Australia Chamber of Commerce.
Prize Winners 🏆
Winning Team – Norway and Sweden Mixed Team
Matthew Forwood
Adam Larsson
Øystein Bæko
Anton Edlund
Runner-Up Team – Mixed Team
Mark Pomeroy
Christer Olofsson
Paul Walwisch
John Nielsen
Second Runner-Up Team – Sweden
Simon Childs
Erik Södergren
Carl Hempel
Daniel Sjöberg
Special Mention and the Winner of the Nordic Putting Competition
Steven Murphy – Hole in One
Novelty Holes Winners
- Nearest to Pin: Niklas Saari
- Longest Drive: Jaakko Männistö
A Promising New Tradition
With a strong turnout, excellent engagement, and overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Nordic Open Golf Day in Melbourne has firmly established itself as a new annual highlight on the Nordic–Australian business calendar.
The Nordic Chambers look forward to building on this success and welcoming even more participants in the years to come.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A special thank you to our event sponsor William Buck, represented by Paul Walwisch and Erik Solum.
We also thank our prize sponsors:
Carman’s, Denmark House, Eynesbury Golf Course, Green Acres Golf Club Kew, Helly Hansen, KOJA Health, Northern Golf Club, The Rosanna Golf Club, Tetra Pak, and William Buck.
See list of all sponsors below.
Thank You to Organisers and Volunteers
A big thank you to all who contributed to making the day a success, including representatives from Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Norway, and Sweden.
A special thank you to Camilla Jennings, General Manager of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce, for her guidance and support in delivering the event.
With strong engagement and excellent feedback, the Nordic Open Golf Day in Melbourne has firmly established itself as a new annual highlight on the Nordic–Australian business calendar.
We look forward to seeing you at the next tee-off!
CORPORATE TEAM SPONSOR
PRIZE SPONSORS
Business Climate Survey Australia Launch Event I 26 May 2026
Key Insights & Event Summary
On 26 May 2026, Team Sweden in Australia — the Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden and the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) — welcomed members of the Swedish-Australian business community to the launch of the Business Climate Survey Australia 2026 at Business Sweden’s Sydney office.
The event brought together business leaders, government representatives and industry stakeholders to explore the latest insights from Swedish companies operating in Australia, while also discussing the broader economic outlook, regional trends across APAC and the opportunities emerging from the recently finalised EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement.
The evening commenced with a welcome and introduction by Camilla Jennings, General Manager of SACC, followed by an official welcome from H.E. Klas Molin, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia and New Zealand. Ambassador Molin highlighted the importance of the Business Climate Survey as a valuable tool for both companies and policymakers in understanding market conditions, opportunities and challenges facing Swedish businesses in Australia. The Ambassador encouraged companies to actively participate in future surveys, noting the importance of increasing participation from the Australian market to strengthen the quality of insights, benchmarking and visibility of the Swedish business presence in Australia within the broader global survey framework. He also highlighted the strong and growing relationship between Sweden and Australia and the opportunities for further growth and collaboration through the recently signed EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Tommie Åkesson, Acting Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands at Business Sweden, introduced the survey and its role in providing valuable market intelligence and benchmarking insights for Swedish companies across global markets.
The survey presentation, delivered by Malin Bååt and Karin Ericsson from Business Sweden, provided a comprehensive overview of business sentiment, market performance and future expectations among Swedish companies in Australia.
See key survey takeaways below and view the presentation here: BCS 2026 Presentation
Panel Discussion & Industry Perspectives
The panel discussion was moderated by Penny George, Vice President SACC and Corporate Affairs Director, AstraZeneca, and featured:
The discussion provided valuable perspectives from industry and government on the current business climate, future opportunities and key challenges for Swedish companies operating in Australia.
Main Discussion Points Included
The panel also highlighted the importance of maintaining long-term investment confidence, fostering innovation partnerships and continuing to strengthen bilateral ties between Sweden and Australia.
Key Survey Takeaways
Continued Confidence in Australia
The survey confirmed that Swedish companies continue to view Australia as an attractive and stable long-term market with strong growth potential. Many businesses reported positive performance and an optimistic outlook for the years ahead.
Sustainability as a Business Strength
Swedish companies continue to leverage sustainability as a key competitive advantage in Australia. Significant opportunities were identified within clean energy, electrification, sustainable infrastructure, circular economy initiatives and advanced manufacturing.
Innovation & Technology Opportunities
Respondents highlighted continued opportunities linked to digitalisation, AI, automation and smart technologies. Collaboration between business, academia and government was recognised as increasingly important for driving innovation and competitiveness.
Skills & Workforce Challenges
Access to skilled talent remains a key challenge for many companies. Businesses noted the ongoing importance of attracting international talent, developing future workforce capabilities and addressing skills shortages in technical and specialised fields.
Regional & APAC Perspectives
The presentation also included comparisons with selected APAC markets and previous survey results, providing valuable insights into how business sentiment and market conditions are evolving across the region.
EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement
The recently finalised EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement was signed post the survey and will be a major positive development for Swedish and European businesses operating in Australia. The agreement is expected to strengthen trade, investment and market access opportunities while supporting closer long-term collaboration between Europe and Australia.
View the full survey here: BCS Report Australia 2026
The event concluded with audience Q&A and networking, providing valuable opportunities for continued discussion and connection.
A special thank you to H.E. Klas Molin, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia, to Business Sweden for hosting the event, to the panel moderator, speakers and presenters for sharing valuable insights and perspectives, and to all participants who contributed to an engaging and insightful evening.
Event Summary | Why 80%+ of AI Projects Fail – and What Organisations Need to Do Differently
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an insightful online event exploring one of the most pressing challenges facing organisations today: Why do so many AI projects fail despite rapid technological advancement and growing investment?
The session featured AI and analytics expert Evan Shellshear, who shared insights from extensive research conducted together with co-author Doug Gray for their recent book examining the success and failure of AI initiatives across industries.
Drawing on more than 1,000 peer-reviewed articles, industry interviews, and real-world case studies, the presentation highlighted a sobering reality: over 80% of AI, analytics, and data science projects fail — and organisations are not significantly improving over time.
A central theme throughout the discussion was that AI failure is rarely caused by the technology itself. Instead, the biggest barriers are often organisational and human factors, including poor strategic alignment, lack of leadership buy-in, weak data quality, unrealistic expectations, and resistance to organisational change.
Key Takeaways from the Session
The session highlighted that culture, leadership, governance, and organisational readiness are far more important than the AI tools themselves.
Organisations with clear AI strategies, leadership support, strong data culture, and the right processes significantly outperform less mature organisations.
Successful organisations focus on AI initiatives that solve real business problems and directly support strategic priorities — rather than launching AI projects simply because of market hype.
Poor-quality or inaccessible data continues to be one of the most common reasons AI initiatives fail across industries.
Implementing AI successfully often requires organisations to rethink workflows, operating models, and decision-making processes — not simply introduce new tools.
Organisations were encouraged to begin with achievable AI projects that demonstrate measurable value and support longer-term transformation.
Executive and board-level support is critical to ensure AI projects receive the necessary funding, strategic alignment, and organisational backing.
The discussion also explored the growing impact of “Agentic AI” in areas such as finance, administration, HR, and back-office operations, where organisations are already seeing significant productivity gains.
The session concluded with a strong reminder that while AI technologies continue to evolve rapidly, long-term success will depend on organisations’ ability to combine technology with strong leadership, culture, governance, and people capability.
Thank you to Evan Shellshear for sharing his expertise and research, to moderator Aldo Gutierrez for leading the discussion, and to everyone who joined the session and contributed to the conversation.
About the speakers:
Dr Evan Shellshear is currently a Principal at BCG X (Boston Consulting Group’s AI and Data Science division). He has a BA and BSc from the University of Queensland, a Masters and PhD from the Nobel Prize winning Institute of Mathematical Economics at the University of Bielefeld in Germany and over fifteen years of experience in building global AI and statistical algorithms for industries from manufacturing to retail, HR to supply chain, oil and gas to energy. He has published or co-published four books on topics ranging from the Amazon Best Seller Innovation Tools to AI in Medicine as well as the Wiley best seller Why Data Science Projects Fail: The Harsh Realities of Analytics and AI, without the Hype. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology, having taught topics from business analytics to AI strategy.
He guides organisations to become AI and analytics-driven enterprises through tailored strategies, governance and transformation programs. Author of the upcoming Move or Be Moved: Institutional Redesign in the Age of Acceleration, he outlines the organisational requirements to succeed at AI. He also serves as independent advisor and non-executive board member on AI governance and ethical AI practices, and is a sought-after keynote speaker at international conferences.
Summary SACC Melbourne Event 21 May | Exclusive Digital Lab Tour at the University of Melbourne
Exploring the Future of Digital Innovation at Melbourne Connect
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce recently partnered with Ericsson and the University of Melbourne to host an exclusive visit to the Digital Lab at Melbourne Connect, bringing together members and guests for an engaging exploration of the latest developments in digital technologies.
Attendees were introduced to cutting-edge developments in the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced connectivity and data-driven solutions. Through demonstrations and discussions, the speakers highlighted how these technologies are enabling smarter infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and creating new opportunities for businesses across a wide range of sectors.
A key takeaway from the session was the rapid pace of technological change. As digital innovation continues to accelerate, organisations must continually adapt, embrace new technologies and develop the capabilities needed to remain competitive in an increasingly connected world.
The Chamber extends its sincere thanks to Ericsson, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Connect, and our expert hosts for sharing their knowledge and showcasing the impressive work taking place at the Digital Lab. We also thank everyone who joined us for an inspiring afternoon of learning, collaboration and networking.
We look forward to welcoming members to our upcoming events as we continue to explore innovation, technology and the opportunities strengthening collaboration between Sweden and Australia.
SACC Perth Afterwork 20 May
EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement – Business consultation on impacts and priorities
Online Event | Tuesday 9 June 2026 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm (AEST)
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC), in collaboration with the French Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FACCI) and the European Australian Business Council (EABC), is pleased to invite members to an important online discussion exploring the practical business implications of the EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
This webinar is being shaped directly by the European business community. FACCI and EABC are currently gathering input through a short survey to ensure the session addresses the questions and priorities most relevant to business operations and future planning. We encourage members to have their say before 29 May.
Based on the survey responses, speakers and moderators will provide practical and targeted insights into how businesses can navigate and leverage the Agreement as it moves into its ratification and implementation phase.
Whether you are seeking to better understand how the FTA may impact your current operations or identify new opportunities arising from the Agreement, this session will provide valuable clarity and strategic insights.
What you will gain:
Webinar Details
📅 Date: Tuesday 9 June 2026
⏰ Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm (AEST)
💻 Format: Online webinar
Register here: EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement – Business consultation on impacts and priorities | French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Glue Up
Registrants will receive the webinar access link by email approximately 30 minutes prior to the event.
We encourage SACC members to take part in this timely discussion on one of the most significant trade developments for European businesses operating in Australia.
A Critical Moment for European Businesses
The EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement represents a landmark development in trade relations between Europe and Australia. Following the conclusion of negotiations, announced during European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Australia, the process is now entering its critical ratification and implementation phase. For European businesses operating in Australia, this Agreement carries significant practical implications from market access and regulatory alignment to customs, workforce mobility, and broader operational conditions. Understanding how to navigate and leverage the FTA effectively will be essential to capturing its commercial benefits.
Shape the Webinar — Tell Us What Matters to You
Before we finalise the programme, we want to hear from you. The content of this webinar will be directly informed by the priorities, questions, and challenges raised by industry ahead of the event. We invite you to complete a short survey before 29 May to share the operational and regulatory questions you would like addressed, the sector-specific issues most relevant to your business, and any areas where you need greater clarity on how the FTA may help. Your input will ensure the session is practical, targeted, and genuinely useful.
Link to survey: https://forms.facci.com.au/fta-webinar
SACC Sydney After Work Networking during Vivid 3 June 2026
After Work Networking during Vivid Sydney
Join the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce and our Young Professionals network for a vibrant evening of networking during the spectacular Vivid Sydney light festival.
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, enjoy one of Sydney’s most iconic events, and take in the stunning views of the Vivid-lit Sydney Opera House – all from the waterfront setting of Cruise Bar at Circular Quay.
Highlights:
Date: Wednesday 3 June
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Venue: Cruise Bar and Restaurant, The Rocks NSW 2000
This is a free event open to SACC members, Young Professionals and guests. Feel free to bring along colleagues or friends – we just ask that you RSVP via the event page so we can reserve enough space. Food and drinks at bar prices.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Warm regards,
SACC and YP Sydney
European Aussie Networking Drinks – Special Latin America Edition | Sydney
European Aussie Drinks – Special Latin America Edition | Sydney
📅 Date: Thursday, 28 May 2026
⏰ Time: From 5.30 pm
📍 Venue: Cocos Space at Cabana Bar, 25 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Register here: Click Here
We are delighted to invite you to the next European Aussie Drinks – Special Latin America Edition—an evening set to bring together a truly diverse and dynamic international community in Sydney.
For this special edition, we are proud to partner with the Australian Latin America Business Council (ALABC), creating a unique opportunity to connect European, Australian, and Latin American professionals under one roof.
This is more than just a networking event—it is about building bridges across continents, celebrating cultural diversity, and fostering meaningful connections that extend beyond borders.
Whether you are from Europe, Latin America, Australia—or simply looking to expand your network—this event offers a welcoming and engaging environment to connect with like-minded professionals.
We look forward to seeing you there!
⛳ Nordic Open Golf Day – Melbourne Debut 8 May 2026
Nordic Open Golf Day The First Tee Off in Melbourne
📅 8 May 2026
📍 Eynesbury Golf Course, Victoria
The Nordic Chambers of Commerce in Australia proudly celebrated the first-ever Nordic Open Golf Day in Melbourne, bringing together members of the Nordic–Australian business community for a memorable day of sport, networking, and connection at the beautiful Eynesbury Golf Course.
While the day delivered a touch of “Nordic weather,” participants were also treated to blue skies and sunshine—creating the perfect setting for a successful debut event.
Building on the strong legacy of the Nordic Open Golf Day in Sydney, now in its 10th year, the Melbourne launch delivered an engaging and inclusive program, welcoming golfers of all levels as well as guests who joined for the awards lunch.
A Day of Competition, Connection and Community
The day was officially opened by Joona Puhakka President, Finland Australian Chamber of Commerce, who reflected on the history and success of the Nordic Open Golf Day in Sydney. Jaakko Männistö, Finland Australian Chamber of Commerce also welcomed players to the course.
Participants competed in a friendly 18-hole Ambrose tournament, with seven teams of four players representing a mix of skill levels. The format encouraged teamwork, camaraderie, and plenty of on-course interaction.
Throughout the day, players also enjoyed novelty holes and the always popular Nordic Putting Competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from both players and lunch guests.
Celebrating at the 19th Hole
The day concluded with the “19th Hole Celebration” awards lunch, where participants gathered to unwind, share stories, and continue building connections across the Nordic and Australian business communities.
During the lunch special guests, Honorary Consul to Norway for Victoria Matthew Forwood and Honorary Consul to Sweden for Victoria Benjamin Sandqvist highlighted the importance of Nordic collaboration—both globally and within Melbourne.
Awards were presented by John Rieusset, Chair of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce Melbourne Chapter, together with Jaakko Männistö, Finland Australia Chamber of Commerce.
Prize Winners 🏆
Winning Team – Norway and Sweden Mixed Team
Matthew Forwood
Adam Larsson
Øystein Bæko
Anton Edlund
Runner-Up Team – Mixed Team
Mark Pomeroy
Christer Olofsson
Paul Walwisch
John Nielsen
Second Runner-Up Team – Sweden
Simon Childs
Erik Södergren
Carl Hempel
Daniel Sjöberg
Special Mention and the Winner of the Nordic Putting Competition
Steven Murphy – Hole in One
Novelty Holes Winners
A Promising New Tradition
With a strong turnout, excellent engagement, and overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Nordic Open Golf Day in Melbourne has firmly established itself as a new annual highlight on the Nordic–Australian business calendar.
The Nordic Chambers look forward to building on this success and welcoming even more participants in the years to come.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A special thank you to our event sponsor William Buck, represented by Paul Walwisch and Erik Solum.
We also thank our prize sponsors:
Carman’s, Denmark House, Eynesbury Golf Course, Green Acres Golf Club Kew, Helly Hansen, KOJA Health, Northern Golf Club, The Rosanna Golf Club, Tetra Pak, and William Buck.
See list of all sponsors below.
Thank You to Organisers and Volunteers
A big thank you to all who contributed to making the day a success, including representatives from Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Norway, and Sweden.
A special thank you to Camilla Jennings, General Manager of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce, for her guidance and support in delivering the event.
With strong engagement and excellent feedback, the Nordic Open Golf Day in Melbourne has firmly established itself as a new annual highlight on the Nordic–Australian business calendar.
We look forward to seeing you at the next tee-off!
CORPORATE TEAM SPONSOR
PRIZE SPONSORS
Eurovision Viewing Brunch at Denmark House Melbourne 17 May
Join us at Denmark House on Sunday 17 May for a special ✨ Eurovision Viewing Brunch ✨
With the Eurovision Grand Final taking place in Europe on the evening of 16 May, we will be opening the doors the following morning so you can watch it with us before the results and highlights start appearing all over social media.
Settle in for a relaxed and lively morning with a brunch à la carte menu available to order as you please, along with bottomless brunch packages for those wanting to make a little more of the occasion. Whether you follow Eurovision closely each year or simply enjoy the atmosphere, it is a fun way to gather with friends and take in all the music, drama, and spectacle together.
Further details will be released soon, but tickets are available now. Seating is limited, and this event has sold out in previous years, so we recommend booking early to secure your place.
Date: 17 May
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Denmark House, L3 428 Lt Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
Register for here, limited spots: https://denmarkhouse.com.au/event/eurovision-viewing-brunch/
Everyone is welcome – bring your friends and join the party!
See you there!
SACC Melbourne Chapter
Networking in Motion: SACC YP hit the Harbour on 7 May