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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
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=29
We are thrilled to present the latest edition of the SACC newsletter, packed with exciting updates, insights, and highlights from the Chamber of Commerce and our esteemed members. We had a busy first quarter of 2024, marked by a series of engaging events hosted across all SACC chapters. From informative online events incl. CEO talk to in-person workshops and networking events.
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=28
What an eventful year we had with the SACC!
In this final edition of the SWEDELINK Newsletter for 2023 we summarise the year, present the winners of the Swedish Business in Australia Awards and images from the festive Swedish Christmas Dinner on 23 November in Sydney. We also highlight New SACC Company Members and our Chapter events and activities across Australia.
Thank you to all members, board and committee members, chapters, fellow chambers, friends and partners within the business community.
We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and all the best for the New Year!
Read the newsletter with links here or click on image below: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=27
The SACC Swedish Business Awards took center stage on 23 Nov 2023, as the Swedish-Australian Business community gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of organisations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, partnership and collaboration and social impact.
The Swedish Christmas inspired event co-hosted by the Embassy of Sweden was held at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. The evening started with a special Lucia performance by the Swedish school in Sydney followed by greetings from the President of SACC and a Guest of Honour speech by HE Pontus Melander Ambassador of Sweden to Australia. The “Julbord” Swedish Christmas Buffet was an evening highlight offering all the delicacies you can expect and sending members and guests on a real traditional Swedish culinary experience.
Inspirational companies, newcomers as well as established, were showcasing successful Sweden–Australia business connections and recognised for their significant contributions that have shaped the landscape and set new standards for excellence. The 2023 awards were presented in the following categories:
We welcomed any company/enterprise/young business executive or entrepreneur in Australia with a strong relationship with Sweden to nominate. We also encouraged organisations and individuals to nominate for a specific project for example a sustainability focused product/service, an innovative campaign or change. The judging panel, comprised of esteemed industry experts and leaders, carefully reviewed each nomination to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation process. The 2023 award entries were of high and equal quality, which made the process difficult but after a thorough screening of the different nominations, the result within the five categories was decided and announced at the event as follows.
This award is open to all Swedish or Swedish-Australian businesses; large or small, newcomer or established. Recognises businesses that have made significant contributions to their industry through the introduction, improvement and implementation of an innovative solution or idea, a method, technology, process or application, new, existing or long-term.
The Excellence in Innovation Award 2023 was granted to Mentimeter with Husqvarna and Flick Anticimex as runner ups.
Motivation
Mentimeter brings a highly innovative concept to the market which is having a positive impact across industries allowing collaboration, interaction, improved efficiency and better decision making in the business world and beyond.
The program has had a huge impact on how businesses run everyday meetings, workshops and courses. In Australia, Mentimeter has already attracted over 400,000 users from more than 150 organisations. This number continues to rise reflecting the platform’s increasing popularity and the value it provides to a diverse range of users and industries.
The Sustainability Award recognises organisations that execute initiatives that demonstrate leadership and commitment to sustainable business practices in planning, and operations in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). We encouraged businesses of all sizes and sectors that go above and beyond to achieve any of the SDG’s, to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment and/or provide products and services that have positive environmental outcomes. As many Swedish organisations are advanced in this area it was difficult for the jury to select a winner within this category with the impressive finalists Alimak Group, AstraZeneca and Volvo Group Australia
The Excellence in Sustainability Award for 2023 went to Volvo Group Australia.
Motivation: Volvo Group Australia (VGA) has established a strong focus on bringing innovative solutions to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. They have taken a leadership role in collaborating with authorities and politicians and driving changes in order to reach the ambitious sustainability target.
Electrification is key to reaching these goals and VGA has presented electric solutions in all their product areas, trucks and buses. This means a lot more than just replacing vehicles with electric models, it is a complete e-mobility solution including charging, route and range planning and battery monitoring. VGA’s move towards electric vehicles and sustainability focus has raised the Swedish profile in Australia and boosted Sweden’s reputation as a leader in environmentally responsible technology, design and innovation.
This award recognises the efforts and achievements of exceptional entrepreneurs, individuals and businesses (large or small) who are working in the field of entrepreneurship development.
The 2023 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award was secured by AstraZeneca.
Motivation
AstraZeneca Australia’s Mentoring and Entrepreneurship programmes are designed to support Australian innovators, start up and scale up companies.
By supporting innovation and start up ecosystems, AstraZeneca not only enhances healthcare outcomes but also drives economic benefits through job creation, skill development, and other economic activities.
Their collaboration with Australian universities and the engagement of their global mentors from the Gothenburg R&D center in Sweden strengthens connections between the two countries and further enhances Sweden’s profile in Australia.
This award recognises achievements associated with partnerships and collaborations that develop, maintain, and grow successful Swedish-Australian collaboration, knowledge exchange, R&D, and creative and sustainable business development.
The winner of this new award for 2023 went to much deserving Tetra Pak.
Motivation
Tetra Pak has proactively addressed recycling solutions across Australian states and councils. They have done this through a strategic partnership with saveBOARD and close collaboration with authorities and councils, showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices.
Tetra Pak’s dedication to sustainability and their collaboration with saveBOARD align with Swedish values of partnership, collaboration, innovation and sustainability. Through their operations in Australia, they contribute to enhancing Sweden’s reputation in sustainability and innovation.
A new award for 2023, which recognises businesses/organisations/individuals that implement initiatives that have a positive and sustainable impact on the community and generate outcomes that have a long-term benefit. Initiatives can include but are not limited to projects, programs, processes, systems, developments, ventures and undertakings.
The Excellence in Social Impact Award was secured by AXIS Communications, taking the lead over strong runner up companies Asuria and Sandvik.
Motivation: The introduction of the Coastal Safety Camera Network by Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) in collaboration with Axis Communications and BST has formed a deep commitment to improve the safety and well-being of the local community.
A novel and life saving application leveraging a public-private partnership to showcase Swedish technology in an Australian centric setting. The safety camera network initiative addressed a critical community need that will simply save lives and is potentially scalable across Australia to have further impact.
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce would like to thank members and everyone engaged in the 2023 Swedish Business in Australia Awards. A special thank you goes to the dedicated judging panel and all the companies who participated in the awards.
For more information please contact:
The SACC Swedish Business Awards and Christmas Dinner co-hosted by the Embassy of Sweden took place on 23 November 2023 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. The event was a success with over 160 people attending from the Swedish-Austraian business community. Members and guests enjoyed the seamlessly blended elegance of the Swedish Business Awards presentation with the warmth of the Swedish Christmas celebration, complete with a traditional “Julbord” Christmas buffet.
A highlight of the evening that captivated the audience was the entrance of the enchanting Lucia procession by the Swedish School in Sydney. With a crown of candles adorning her hair, Lucia and her procession illuminated the venue with notes of beautiful Christmas carols.
The event was further elevated by the esteemed presence of HE Ambassador of Sweden to Australia, Pontus Melander. As the Guest of Honour, Ambassador Melander shared insights into the enduring cultural bonds and collaborative efforts that strengthen the relationship between Sweden and Australia.
The SACC Swedish Business Awards took center stage celebrating the outstanding achievements of organisations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, partnership and collaboration, and social impact.
The venue was transformed into a winter wonderland, with decorations that captured the essence of a Swedish Christmas. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of camaraderie as guests mingled and shared in the festive cheer.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all who attended, performed, and contributed to the success of this event. Your presence made the evening truly special, and we are thankful for the shared moments of celebration, inspiration, and cultural exchange.
Click on images below to see the presentation of sponsors and images from the event.
Warm Regards,
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
Read the newsletter with links here: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=23
Read the newsletter with links here: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=20
Hej! This edition of the SWEDELINK Newsletter showcases recent events and member activities, welcomes new members and presents the new Honorary Board Members. A big thank you to all Members, the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra, Business Sweden, sponsors, and volunteer work that makes it all happen. Enjoy reading this first 2023 edition of the SACC newsletter!
Jan Gardberg, President of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=18
On 22 March Sandvik Australia officially opened its 6 star green star state-of-the-art warehouse and workshop in Perth WA. President and CEO of Sandvik, Stefan Widing and HE Pontus Melander Ambassador of Sweden to Australia joined the official opening celebrations.
The new sites are committed to supporting customers future growth in Western Australia. The sites are significantly larger than the previous facilities and feature the latest technology and will help customers meet their sustainability goals. As part of the official opening, Sandvik showcased their latest GET and PPH bucket as well as smart solutions in development that will improve productivity, safety and TCO for their customers.
The opening celebration was attended by local customers, industry representatives, media, and Sandvik staff and included presentations, facility tours and networking with our latest technology on display.
Sandvik’s new warehouse at Roe Highway Logistics Park (ROE) in Western Australia is the first industrial facility in the state to be declared 6 Star Green Star by the Green Building Council of Australia.
The 6 Star rating represents ‘World Leadership’ in environmentally sustainable building practices and the internationally recognised environmental rating aligns with Sandvik’s global commitment to using engineering and innovation to make the shift towards more sustainable business.
A 6-star rating is reserved for highly efficient buildings that meet strict environmental and social issues while contributing to the community.
Sandvik’s investment in the new facility, including ensuring it’s a truly sustainable, signals its ongoing commitment to the Australian mining and construction equipment market. It comprises a 10,500 sqm warehouse, 500 sqm two-level office, and a 220 sqm dock office with 3,615 sqm super awning. ROE is a strategically located 72-hectare industrial park delivered by leading WA developer Hesperia, with Sandvik’s Lot 53 warehouse built by Q Design and Construct.
The sustainability innovations within the facility include the first use of low carbon concrete in a warehouse in Western Australia; 100kV solar generation with 67Kwh battery storage; a dual electric vehicle charging station; energy-efficient lighting; and a dedicated rainwater harvesting system.
Wayne Scrivens, Vice President, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, Sales Area Australia & New Zealand said: “integrating sustainability into our business model and ways of working creates value for all our stakeholders: customers, employees, shareholders, as well as the broader community.”
“We take a holistic approach by including the entire value chain into our sustainability agenda. Our main contribution to sustainability is through our products and we work together with our customers and suppliers for more productive, safer and more sustainable solutions.
Sandvik has committed to targets in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), consistent with the Paris Agreement, with a 50 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The company’s 2030 Sustainability Goals include Climate, Circularity, People and Fair Play as the areas it considers the most material and where it can make the most difference.
The move to a state-of-the-art warehouse has also enabled Sandvik to implement wide-ranging technological and operational improvements to further support its Australian customers and achieve its sustainability goals: consolidating storage; improving storage density with vertical storage machines; installing conveyors to reduce materials handling equipment (MHE), and an all battery MHE fleet that can be charged from the solar generation at the site.
Niels Reuvers, Logistics Operations Manager – Australia, said: “locating the new warehouse with its improved operations alongside our new workshop will increase internal synergies, alignment and cross-functional collaboration – providing the best support to all of our Australian customers.”
“Our additional capacity in Western Australia will enable us to support the growing demand for around the clock service, qualified engineers and genuine parts on demand.”
Sandvik is among a range of like-minded companies with a focus on sustainable business that have located their operations at ROE because of its environmental goals, including carbon neutrality by 2022. The ROE project is committed to delivering 40kW of solar per facility, utilising low carbon building materials, best practice wastewater management, and the strategic conservation of a Red Tailed Black Forest Cockatoo habitat.
ROE has received national recognition for its industry leading sustainability initiatives, most recently the 2022 Environment Excellence Award from the UDIA.
For enquiries, please contact:
Kate Bills
General Manager – Sustainability, Marketing and Communications
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
email: kate.bills@sandvik.com
