CHAMBER NEWS, EVENTS & MORE
Artificial Intelligence for Small Biz
Most small business owners are buried under a mountain of “hidden” work – the repetitive tasks and messy data that consume their day.
In this 60-minute workshop, open the door to a new way of working by introducing two pillars of a modern business: eliminating administrative burnout and using “leveraged intelligence” to outsmart the competition.
You’ll get a first look at how to reclaim your time and gain the kind of deep customer insights once reserved for big corporations.
Guest speaker: Justin Arthur from Otway Data Workshop
Thursday 30 April, 5pm arrival for 5.30pm start
Colac Community Library & Learning Centre, Queen St, Colac
FREE for Chamber members. $20pp for non-members.Light catering will be provided.
Spots are filling fast. Book now to secure your seat!
Visa Workers Information Session
What are your options when you can’t fill your job vacancies locally?
You’ve advertised for months and still can’t find the right person?
Join us for a free information session for business owners and HR personnel to learn about the overseas workers programs that could be used to alleviate your worker shortage issues.
Tuesday 26 May, 10am for 10.30am start
COPACC Civic Hall, Colac
- A speaker from Home Affairs and the Great South Coast DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) Coordinator will offer expert advice.
- Representatives from Wettenhalls and Minerva Foods will share their experiences.
- Casey McDonald will speak about housing your new recruit(s).
Registrations are free and morning tea will be provided. Please RSVP for catering purposes by 20 May via the “BOOK NOW” button below.
Proudly co-hosted by the Colac & District Chamber of Commerce and Colac Otway Shire Council.
Business Breakfast inspires teams
A fantastic Business Breakfast featuring Ray McLean, founder of Leading Teams, has inspired over 100 business leaders and staff.
The Business Breakfast on 26 Feb 2026, organised in partnership by the Colac & District Chamber of Commerce and the Colac Community Fund, was the community fund’s first fundraising event.
Ray has worked with an incredible array of national and grassroots sporting teams, education providers, corporates and not-for-profits, bringing powerful insights into what makes teams truly perform.
The room was buzzing with energy and conversation, and attendees walked away with valuable takeaways to help strengthen their teams.
Thank you to Ray for generously donating his time to speak with Colac’s business leaders!
** EVENT POSTPONED **
Get your pin pals together for the Business Bowling Bash!
It’ll be a great chance to get your staff together for a bit of team building, and network with teams from other local businesses.
Don’t have 5 people for a team? No worries! Entries of 1-4 people are also welcome. We’ll combine smaller bookings as they come in – perfect for networking with fellow business owners!
🎳 EVENT DETAILS 🎳
📆Thursday 11 June
📍 Colac Tenpin Bowl
🎟️ Bookings will open soon. Stay tuned!
Members will receive a special discount. Sign up via our website before booking!
🍕 Pizza and a welcome drink included, as well as 2 games of bowling.
The CommBank Colac & District Business Awards returned in 2025,
celebrating the best in business across the Colac Otway region, with a gala night at COPACC on Saturday 11 October.
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists! Find out more at the link below:
Colac & District Chamber of Commerce AGM
If you’re looking for a way to make a significant contribution to our business community, this is the opportunity for you!
As we approach our AGM, we are asking you to consider joining the Colac & District Chamber of Commerce Board to advocate and support businesses in our local community and region.
We are looking for business savvy individuals, who have community development top of mind, to join our Board. As the voice of business, we encourage a diverse Board with a variety of business and community representation.
Colac & District Chamber of Commerce AGM
When: Tues 18 November, 6pm
Where: Babil, 43 Gellibrand St, Colac
If you’re interested, and to RSVP, contact us today at ua.moc.rebmahccaloc@nimda