In this new section, we introduce the people behind the star, who work every day to support our members. Get to know our team and learn how they help local businesses like yours succeed.
This month, we introduce a member of our Programs & Training team, Mel Richards.
Q1. Tell us a little about yourself and your role at the Chamber
A. I’m the Programs Manager at the South Australian Business Chamber. I oversee our business programs and WHS training, delivering practical, high-quality learning that supports businesses and their teams to build capability, stay compliant, and operate effectively. My role focuses on ensuring our programs and courses are relevant, engaging, and aligned with the needs of SA businesses.
Q2. What do you enjoy most about your role?
A. What I enjoy most is seeing the impact our programs have — whether it’s helping someone gain confidence in their role or supporting a business to grow. I also value the opportunity to work with a wide range of industries across South Australia and gain insight into the different challenges they face.
Q3. How do our training courses help SA businesses stay ahead of the curve?
A. Our training is designed to be practical and immediately applicable, particularly in key areas such as business start-ups, skills development, growth, and work health and safety. By staying across regulatory changes and industry trends, we help businesses remain not only compliant but proactive in creating safe, high-performing workplaces — enabling them to adapt and stay competitive.
Q4. What is one common challenge you see business owners face, and how does our training support them in overcoming it?
A. A common challenge is balancing building and growing a business with the day-to-day demands of running it. Many business owners aren’t sure where to focus their time or where to begin. Our training provides practical, easy-to-apply skills, knowledge, and tools, helping them build confidence, prioritise effectively, and implement sustainable improvements.
Q5. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering joining our training courses?
A. Be clear on what you want to get out of your chosen program or course and come ready to engage. The more you connect the content to your own business or workplace and ask questions, the more value you’ll gain — and the easier it will be to put your learning into action straight away.
As a Chamber member, access to discounted WHS and HSR training courses, delivered online, onsite or at our venues, plus an Annual Training Voucher* valid across all courses for 12 months after membership renewal.
*Selected membership tiers.
To learn more about our courses and upcoming sessions, explore our training calendar HERE
