[See & Be Seen] Cheers 2 Australia Chamber of Commerce: 30 Years

Jacob Aldaco|2024-10-18

AustCham Shanghai has managed to keep the flame burning bright, acting as the go-to hub for the Aussie business community in China's biggest economic powerhouse. Founded in 1994, it's now the largest Australian chamber in China, with more than 220 members. That's a lot of networking, a lot of small talk, and more than a few awkward handshakes. Among the platinum sponsors are some big-league names – ANZ Bank, Bluescope, CSL Behring, Penfolds, Rio Tino, University of Sydney and more. It's a sponsor list that speaks to the Chamber's heavyweight clout.

If you know AustCham Shanghai, you know their Aussie Drink nights. But of course. Networking in a business sector where trade is ramping up between two world economies. Real deals get done here, and AustCham Shanghai has continued to thrive despite this year's economic uncertainties, posting substantial membership growth year-on-year.

Thirty years in Shanghai isn't just a milestone – it's a testament to their staying power in a city that waits for no one. From all of us at City News Service, a massive congratulations to AustCham Shanghai on hitting the big 3-0. Here's to 30 more.

Scroll down to see who was spotted at their recent Gala at the new Shangri-La in Qiantan.

[See & Be Seen] Cheers 2 Australia Chamber of Commerce: 30 Years

"AustCham Shanghai 30th Anniversary was a night where the Australian and Chinese governments and businesses could celebrate together the incredible years of successful relations and friendships made. It was also an evening filled with hope and excitement for what the future holds."
Heidi Dugan, Chair, AustCham Shanghai

"AustCham Shanghai's celebration of our 30th Anniversary was a great success, showing the history that built the strength of today's AustCham Shanghai and giving a hint of the Chamber's future. The night brought together an amazing Australia-China community that sees strength and opportunity between the two countries. We are proud of the Chambers' achievements and the partnerships we hold for helping both Australian and Chinese businesses be successful in China and Australia."
Simon Woods, CEO, Australian Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai.

"To Chair Heidi Dugan and her current Board, to CEO Simon Woods and his excellent team at AustCham Shanghai, to our Platinum members and all our member companies who make it possible, my congratulations on turning 30. There's much to celebrate. And plenty more for us to do together to support our business and community links. You are all building on an impressive legacy of achievement for Australia and Australian business here in east China."
John Williams, Consul-General, Australian Consulate General Shanghai

From left: John Williams, Australian Consulate General in Shanghai, Alice Wang and Grace Hang, from Goodman Management Consulting Shanghai.

From left: Beecher Ashley Brown from Ajinga, Elaine Sun & Steve Ye from UP Medical

Over 30 Years of Corporate Membership: Bluescope, ANZ Bank, Shanghai BD Company Ltd, Australia Trade & Investment Commission.

Helen Jiang from BioClub

Chair of AustCham ShanghaiHeidi Dugan (left) with Stephen White, who is the former chair of AustCham Shanghai.

Helen Sawczak from Investment NSW and Stephanie Liu from Azure Group Chartered Accountants

Nick Henderson from Tourism Australia and John Madew from Austrade

Avocados Australia delegation

From left: Todd Pearson from Camel Group, Barclay Doring from Stone Capital and Martyn Huckerby from Tiang & Partners

From left: Kitty Liu from Blackmores, Jasmine Zhu from Investment New South Wales, Jiao Liu from The Camel Hospitality Group, Tony Finnochiaro from The Camel Hospitality Group

Annaleise A'dele Donovan (left) from Avodon and Summer Sang from Uavo

From left: James Gu from Duan&Duan Law Firm, Ashley Chen from Hitpoint Solution Co., Ltd., Teng Jessie and Bo O'Brien from Yes Education Group

Joanna Shen (left) from Hengtai Securities and Kenneth Sin from Guardian Global Wealth

Maggie Lu from Shanghai Gold Apple School Australian Certification Education

Chengwei Ji from Spaceframe China (left); David Martin from Spaceframe China (right)

Jim Vrondas from Ant Group| WorldFirst (the 2nd from left)

From left: Kitty Liu from Blackmores, Chris Raciti and Angie Chen from ANZ Bank.

The History Wall

The History wall showcases photos spanning 30 years with several archival contributions from Shanghai Daily.

Yayun Shen from Amelie Shen Design Limited

From left: Member appreciation, 20-plus years – Victoria Trade & Investment, Rio Tinto, MinterEllison, BHP Billiton International Trading, Radisson Collection Hotel, Xin Guo Shanghai (Hello Howard!), Spaceframe China, Owen Illinois Glass

Best Workplace Award goes to Fragomen Shanghai

Woman in Entrepreneurship Excellence Award, Elaine Sun (congrats Elaine!)

Xue Feng from Invest Shanghai (left), Heidi Dugan of AustCham Shanghai (right)

Liu Ni from Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai

Summer Sang from Uavo (left), John Tyes (second from right) and Lachlan Geoffrey Donovan from Avodon (right)

From left: Todd Pearson from Camel Group, Heidi Dugan from AustCham Shanghai, Jason Will from Asian Tigers and Bob Olivar from Overseas Capital Management

Australia Government Appreciation Awards: National Foundation for Australia – China Relations, Australia Trade & Investment Commission, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Strike a pose!

Adam Gong (left) from Austrade and Charlie Yin from Surfers Group

From left: Helen Gao from Geraldton Fishermens Co-Operative, Andrew Robertson from Seafood Industry Australia and Michael Blake from SALCO

From left: Christopher Neil from AustCham Beijing, Michael Blanke from SALCO, Andrew Robertson from Seafood Industry Australia and William Qu from Zenith Interiors Shanghai

Department of State Development South Australia, Trade and Investment Queensland, Aussie Beef & Lamb, Victoria Trade & Investment, Tourism Australia, Investment New South Wales, Invest & Trade Western Australia, Department of State Growth Tasmanian Government

From left: Jason Will from Asian Tigers China, Kristen Czyszek and Frances O'Rourke from Shanghai Sunrise.

ANZ

Qiantan