...from the Victoria Desk: It's 'see ya' not goodbye

Hi everyone, As I sit down to write what will be my final From the Victoria Desk, it's hard to believe this journey began almost fifteen years ago.

I became a member of the Australian American Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco in 2010, shortly after moving to California with Chevron. Two years later, I had the privilege of being elected to the Board. Since then, the years have passed quickly, and I've somehow ended up serving longer on the Board, and spending more time outside the United States, than I ever did while living there.

It feels like the right time to hand over the baton.

While Melbourne has once again become my home, the Chamber is at its best when it's led by people living and breathing life on the ground in the Bay Area. There is an incredible group of talented Australians stepping forward, and I'm excited to make room for the next generation of leaders to continue building on everything the AACC SF has achieved.

Looking back over fourteen years, it's impossible to choose a favourite memory.

There were glamorous Australian Gala Balls, unforgettable Clashes for the Ashes cricket matches, AFL Grand Finals watched alongside hundreds of passionate Aussies squeezed into San Francisco pubs, and countless Aussie Club events introducing us to Australian founders, innovators, executives and entrepreneurs making their mark in the US.

The AACC SF also opened doors to experiences I could never have imagined. Hosting Adam Gilchrist at Clashes for the Ashes, spending time with Patty Mills during a Formula One weekend in Austin, cheering on the extraordinary Australians behind Oracle Team USA's America's Cup campaign, and proudly supporting visiting Australian sporting teams, business delegations, artists, researchers and community organisations.

But as incredible as those moments were, they aren't what I'll remember most.

I'll remember the people.

The AACC SF introduced me to some truly remarkable Australians and Americans who have become lifelong friends. People like Dawn Lillington, who welcomed me into the community all those years ago and whose friendship has spanned her time as Executive Director, President and fellow Board member; Gordon ("Gordo") Stirling, who I discovered had grown up just over the hill from me back in Victoria despite us meeting on the other side of the world; Cathy Fredericksen (aka Freddo), who I met at the famed Clashes for the Ashes match, we became instant friends and remain so today; Nigel Warren, the Australian Consular General to San Francisco who represented the Australian community so well and I'm pleased to continue to call a friend along with Mel Zajic, whose passion, energy and commitment continue to take the AACC SF from strength to strength.

It's funny how often those friendships were forged over something distinctly Australian. Watching the cricket. Cheering on the footy. Volunteering at events. Sharing a meal after a Board meeting. Introducing a newcomer to someone who might help them settle into life in the Bay Area.

Those moments turned colleagues into mates.

And mates into lifelong friends.

That's the real magic of this organisation.

Serving on the Board has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. To have played even a small role in strengthening the Australian community in Northern California has been an honour.

As I step away, I do so with enormous confidence in the AACC SF's future. It has been particularly rewarding over the past year to help welcome several outstanding new Board members, support Dawn in her role as President, work alongside Mel as our Executive Director, and contribute to developing the first comprehensive three-year strategic plan and annual business planning process. The organisation has a clear direction, a strong foundation and, most importantly, wonderful people who will bring that strategy to life.

Back here in Melbourne, winter has well and truly arrived. The mornings are crisp, the coffee somehow tastes even better, and AFL finals conversations are beginning to replace ladder predictions (yes... this Collingwood supporter is quietly optimistic!).

Victoria continues to show its resilience. While businesses are still navigating a cautious economic environment, confidence is slowly returning, major infrastructure projects continue to reshape our city, and Melbourne's events calendar remains one of the best in the world. From blockbuster exhibitions at the NGV and performances at Arts Centre Melbourne to major sporting events at the MCG and a killer line up of gigs to come, there's never any shortage of reasons to make the trip home.

Although this may be my final contribution from the Victorian Desk, I'm certain the AACC SF will continue finding new ways to support Australians chasing opportunities abroad in America. If there's one thing I've learned over the past fifteen years, it's that every Australian who lends a hand, makes an introduction, welcomes a newcomer or volunteers at an event, helps strengthen the relationship between our two countries. That's something worth continuing, and something I hope never changes.

Finally, to everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you.

Thank you to my fellow Board members, past and present. Thank you to our members, sponsors and volunteers. Thank you to everyone who has attended an event, sponsored a table, bought a raffle ticket, introduced someone over coffee, welcomed a new arrival from Australia or simply helped another Australian feel a little less far from home.

Communities like ours don't happen by accident.

They're built by people who quietly give their time, their energy and their hearts to creating opportunities for others.

I've been incredibly fortunate to be one of those people.

The Chamber has given me far more than I could ever have given back, and I leave with immense gratitude, countless memories and friendships that I know will last a lifetime.

So, this isn't really goodbye.

It's simply...

See ya!

Cheers

Helen