WA | Cocktail Reception: Celebrating European and WA's ties at The Raft | French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Glue Up

Past Event

Thank your for attending the event

The French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry WA Chapter would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us aboard The Raft last week along with the Local and Europeans Chambers of Commerce. Your presence and enthusiasm made this evening a truly memorable and successful event!

This event would not have been as impactful without the invaluable contributions of our esteemed guest speakers. A huge thank you to:

- Bruce Reynolds, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor at the City of Perth, who provided key insights into WA's evolving economic landscape and opportunities, emphasising the growing potential for collaboration between Europe and Western Australia in sectors such as trade, innovation, and sustainable development.

- Lucille Sancho, Political Counsellor at The Embassy of France to Australia, who emphasised the importance of sustainability, and cultural exchange in strengthening French/European-Australian relations. She also highlighted the commitment to global environmental efforts, particularly through the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, and the arrival of a technical expert in Western Australia to support these efforts.

- Frédéric Flipo, Honorary Consul of France at the French Consulate of Perth who highlighted the key role of the Consulate in serving the French community beyond administrative support, fostering cultural, economic, and diplomatic initiatives across Western Australia.

- Danny Ford and Jonathan Ford, from the Noongar Chamber of Commerce & Industry, for welcoming us on the Derbal Yaragan (Swan River), offering an educational and beautiful Welcome to Country.

This event would not have been possible without the support of the French Honorary Consulate. A huge thank you as well to Coco Loco for their cocomeals and to Pilot Theory, our media partner, for capturing the best moments of the evening.

A huge thank you to Chez Pierre - Fine Dining French Restaurant and Alliance Francaise de Perth for their generous door prizes, adding an extra touch of excitement to our event! 🎉👏

We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you to our next event! 🚀

Meet our Speakers

Bruce Reynolds

Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor at City of Perth

Lucille Sancho

Political Counsellor at French Embassy in Australia - Ambassade de France

Frederic Flipo

Honorary Consul of France at French Consulate of Perth

Jerome Monteiro

WA President at French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Deputy Lord mayor Bruce Reynolds is a respected business owner and passionate community advocate within the City. With 28 years of entrepreneurial experience, Bruce is deeply committed to the city’s development and the welfare of its residents and stakeholders. As a long-term resident, community advocate and business owner, he brings invaluable insight into the community’s needs and aspirations.

In 1996, Bruce founded a creative consultancy specializing in digital art, finished artwork, advertising, and graphic design. His expertise also extends to property, marketing, administration, sales, and management. Also, the owner of a specialty coffee house that serves as a community hub, Bruce fosters a welcoming space for local residents and helps keep a pulse on local issues.

Beyond his business ventures, Bruce is dedicated to community service, with extensive experience in non-profit work. He has held various volunteer, board, and chair roles, and currently serves as the President of Rotary City, where he leads community engagement and fundraising efforts alongside a team of like-minded members.

Frederic Flipo has held the position of Chairman at CIL Group Pty Ltd since 2005, overseeing the distribution of consumable products, small industrial machinery, agribusiness, and exploring diverse sector opportunities.

Alongside his corporate leadership, Frederic has played roles in diplomatic and advisory capacities. Since 2014, he has served as a Trade Adviser for the French government, leveraging his expertise in trade-related matters. In 2018, he took on the role of Honorary Consul of France in Perth, nurturing and strengthening diplomatic ties between France and Australia.

His professional journey commenced with a notable tenure as the CEO of Compagnie Importation of Wool from 1992 to 2005. In this role, he oversaw operations involving sheep station properties, wool trading, and wool processing, expanding the company's global footprint through strategic investments across Europe, South and North America, South Africa, China, Australia, and New Zealand.

Prior to his leadership at C.I.L Group SAS, Frederic co-founded and managed New Deal Sport, a Paris-based chain of two stores specialising in sports equipment for students from 1989 to 1992.

Frederic Flipo has a master's degree in Agri-business from Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1988.