Resilience, community and inspiration: Highlights from the 2025 BCCM–EML Resilience Dinner

23 June 2025

On 19 June, the BCCM–EML Resilience Dinner returned for another unforgettable evening celebrating the enduring link between co-operatives, mutuals and community resilience.

Hosted at The Fullerton Hotel, the dinner brought together BCCM members, sector leaders and distinguished guests to reflect on the values that underpin the co-operative movement: shared purpose, trust and mutual support.

We extend our sincere thanks to EML for partnering with us once again on this important event, and to EML Chief Executive Anthony Fleetwood for his warm welcome and continued support of the sector.

We were honoured to be joined by The Hon Courtney Houssos MLC, who spoke powerfully about the role of co-operatives in building a more resilient and equitable society. Her acknowledgment of Melina Morrison, BCCM CEO, as a “powerhouse advocate for co-ops and mutuals” was a highlight of the evening.

• The Hon Courtney Houssos MLC, Minister for Finance, Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Minister for Natural Resources 
• David Mehan MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer
• The Hon. Emily Suvaal MLC
• Jason Yat-sen Li MP 
• Tanya Davies MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Jobs and Small Business 
• The Hon. Jacqui Munro MLC, Shadow Assistant Minister for the Arts, Innovation, Digital Government and the 24-Hour Economy
• The Hon. Susan Carter, MLC
• The Hon. Damien  Tudehope MLC
• Monica  Tudehope MP
• Abigail Boyd MLC 
• Tanya Thompson MP 

The keynote address by Dr Gill Hicks AM MBE was the emotional centrepiece of the night. A survivor of the 2005 London bombings, Gill shared her extraordinary journey – from the moment her life was saved by the determination of first responders, to her decision to live with purpose and advocate for peace and unity. Her story, marked by resilience, compassion and deep personal reflection, left few dry eyes in the room.

Gill’s message resonated strongly with our community: resilience is a collective act. Like the emergency personnel who saved her, co-operatives and mutuals are driven by collaboration, care and commitment to the greater good. Her words reminded us of the impact we can have when we work together with empathy and purpose.

Thank you to all who attended and helped make this evening one to remember.