The Fremantle Chamber of Commerce was founded by a group of some of Western Australia’s most well-known leaders at the turn of the last century. The names of past presidents in the Chamber’s historic boardroom reads like a street directory of old Fremantle names.
Today, the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Board remains a strong representation of Fremantle business leaders, elected by the membership to represent their interests. The diverse group of leaders are focused on delivering realistic objectives to propel Fremantle forward. They all bring professionalism and a wealth of business experience to the Chamber and all commit their time and energy to ensuring growth and prosperity for the local business community.
The objectives of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Board are:
To effectively represent the commercial, industrial and professional community of Fremantle and promote the City’s economic, cultural and environmental development.
To take an active part in all matters affecting the City and State with the view of improving, promoting and protecting Fremantle business.
To establish harmony with government, business and community groups.
To assist in the promoting of international trade through exports and keep members informed of trade opportunities.
To keep members informed of matter affecting trade, commerce and industry and give comprehensive service according to their requirements.
The Chamber’s wealth lies in the support it receives from all its Members, the Chamber CEO and its team of Officers.
Meet the Board
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Ivan Dzeba
PRESIDENT
As the representative of FCC’s night-time economy and hospitality sector, Ivan can attest that having an independent voice for our world leading business is invaluable.
Ivan has been immersed in Fremantle’s hospitality industry for 20 years, and at the helm of Benny’s Bar & Cafe for more than 15. A member of the Chamber Board since 2012, he chaired the Chamber’s Tourism Committee for 18 months and now returns as President in the Chamber’s 150th year.
Ivan is also strong and passionate advocate for a safer Fremantle and an active Market St and South Tce strip.
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Natasha Atkinson
VICE PRESIDENT
Natasha brings her broad experience in the consumer and retail industry, encompassing day to day operations, business development, recruitment, sales and events, marketing and communications and customer relationship management to the Board.
Her intuitive understanding of business drivers enables her to implement successful business strategies and frameworks including marketing and promotional campaigns, sales and event management which results in enhanced organisational performance and continued business growth as CEO of the Fremantle Markets.
Natasha is a long term member of the Tourism committee, bringing a proven background in driving results and change and have the ability to find clear solutions for complex situations in order to deliver the best business results.
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Jason Figliomeni
TREASURER
Jason is a member of CPA Australia and Senior Manager at RSM Australia (Fremantle office), one of Australia’s leading professional services firms.
He has advised Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) clients on taxation and business advisory issues for over 25 years, and having worked predominantly with SME structures, private family groups, high net wealth individuals and groups across various industries is committed to providing a complete business service and building relationships with clients to ensure that personal and business goals are achieved.
Jason is committed to working with the various Committee’s and Board to improve, promote and protect Fremantle business.
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Gill Harrison
BOARD MEMBER
Gill has over 20 years experience working for WA Museum and manages both the WA Maritime Museum and the WA Shipwrecks Museum in Fremantle. Gill works across site operations, visitor services, exhibitions, events, public engagement and education -managing diverse teams and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders and community organisations.
Prior to joining the Museum she worked in education, teaching humanities and social sciences, and supporting children with special educational needs . Gill is proud to work in Fremantle and loves working with other tourism businesses to enhance Fremantle as a visitor destination.
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Glenn Wheeler
BOARD MEMBER
Glenn brings business growth strategies, great connections and know-how to the Chamber. Glenn has held directorships in financial services, real estate, property development, franchising, manufacturing and technology companies. He has been either CEO, Managing Director, Director or Chairman of both unlisted and ASX listed growth companies.
Most recently, he was approached to undertake a strategic review of FCC members Fremantle Octopus group of companies. Over approx. 18 months Glenn was able to restructure, re-engineer and refinance the group and increase its value significantly whilst raising capital and becoming a shareholder and Managing Director. Fremantle Octopus is now poised for 200% to 300% growth in the next 2 years.
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Mel Jacobs
BOARD MEMBER
Mel has been in the hospitality industry for over 25 years and is currently Operations Manager of Little Creatures.
Her impressive track record includes expertise in business planning, revenue development, and comprehensive marketing strategies. With more than two decades of leadership in hospitality and tourism, Mel possesses an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking mindset. Mel’s wealth of experience, coupled with her proactive approach has enabled her to consistently demonstrate her ability to build and lead high-performing teams, emphasizing change management and innovation with a proactive approach.
Mel’s commitment to community, strategic business development, and understanding of crucial industry aspects underscores her success.
She recognises the significance of fostering the vibrant Fremantle atmosphere and is dedicated to contributing to the growth and development of local businesses.
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Roger Makins
BOARD MEMBER
Roger has more than 20 years of board level experience in private global engineering companies in the mining and minerals processing sectors, and in government trading entities including ports, water, and power utilities. Roger is currently the General Manager of Assets and Services at Fremantle Ports.
Roger brings his broad experience to the Board in strategic business planning, business development & growth including new business and mergers/acquisitions, and driving operational excellence. He has master’s degree qualifications in mechanical engineering and business management (entrepreneurial management), and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
He has formed a strong connection with Fremantle since 2005 when he emigrated to Australia and initially settled in Fremantle, and is passionate about playing a role in the future development of Fremantle as a destination of choice, and building and supporting a diverse and flourishing business community.
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Sarah Booth
BOARD MEMBER
Sarah has a broad resume with a central focus: community. Sarah currently acts as General Manager of Fremantle-based, urban-renewal organisation, Spacemarket, and as Community Development Lead with property groups, Hesperia and Fini.
With over 15 years’ experience working nationally in the property and engagement space, Sarah’s recent projects include 49 Phillimore Street, Lawson Flats, the revitalisation schedule for the Elders Woolstores project in Fremantle, and the Second Space project for the City Renewal Authority in Canberra. Sarah also Chairs the East End Arts Precinct Incorporated Association for the revitalisation of the east end of the Perth CBD.
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Pete Adams
BOARD MEMBER
Pete has over 25 years’ experience in the property development and construction industries. Pete believes a design-led development process gets the best results. His creative approach has found opportunities in unlikely places, optimised value, and won awards. He has a wealth of knowledge in residential and commercial development, and sustainable building practices. Prior to forming Parc Developments, Pete was also the Co-founder of Yolk Property, and also held key roles in BubbleDeck, WA Developments, and BGE Engineers.
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Chrissie Maus
DELEGATE DIRECTOR
Chrissie Maus is the leading voice for business in the port city of Fremantle, Western Australia.
Earning her stripes in TV and radio over 20 years ago, she’s gone on to carve out a reputation as a captivating speaker, accomplished marketer, trusted non-executive director and cheeky industry trailblazer.
An innately courageous and inclusive leader, Chrissie makes it her mission to set the benchmark for corporate governance and company culture.
She is a Fellow of the National Australian Marketing Institute, an alumnae of the Williamson CEO Community Leadership Program and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Trustees of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce
Jamie Murdoch (Fremantle Markets)
John Macaulay (Kitchen Warehouse)
Bob Shields (Waterfront Projects)
Should you be interested in potentially becoming an FCC Board Member (Director), please email ceo@fremantlechamber.com.au to first understand your Director legal responsibilities and liabilities. Our Board of Directors volunteer their time to steer the direction of the prestigious Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and this comes with a significant time commitment and legal obligations. Please read in detail the information here to gain a clear understanding of your responsibility in potentially taking on a not-for-profit Board position.
Please email ceo@fremantlechamber.com.au to find out when and how to lodge your official Fremantle Chamber of Commerce (FCC) Board application.
Then & Now
On 29 May 1873 a group of gentlemen met in Maloney’s Hotel (now known as the Orient Hotel) and resolved that the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce be formed on the basis “it is considered highly desirable & of great importance that there should be established among the merchants & traders of the Town of Fremantle a combination for active united concert to protect & advance the interest of trade”.
2023 marked 150 years of advocating, supporting and connecting businesses. What has continued for 150 years since has established the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce as a critical business representative body for the Greater Fremantle Region, all while being led by invested & inspiring local legends. Many brave leaders who have shaped our Port City for the better.