The spirit of collaboration set the tone as members and suppliers gathered at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins on 9 and 10 October for the RapidClean AGM & Conference 2025. In this celebratory year of Rapid Group’s 40th anniversary, the ballroom buzzed with energy across two packed days of meetings, networking and celebration.
More than seventy-five percent of members attended, with full representation from New Zealand. Six new suppliers joined the network in Australia and two in New Zealand. Supplier spend climbed by three point five percent, while website traffic surged by one hundred and fifty percent in Australia and sixty-five percent in New Zealand.
“Rapid continues to build a platform that benefits everyone in this room,” said Wayne Hill, CEO of Rapid Group. “Together we aren’t just responding to challenges, we are shaping the future.”
Cooperative power on show
Cooperative strength ran through the conference narrative. “Success is shared,” Hill said. “Cooperatives aren’t just a business model, they’re a movement. In Australia, one thousand co-ops turn over ten billion dollars annually.”
Melinda Morrison from Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals reinforced that momentum. “Eight out of ten Australians are members of a co-op or mutual,” she said. “They bring real competition to foreign-owned stores, employing locally and taxed locally.”
Cultural connections and business conversations
Cultural identity was a focal point for Chemrose, who partnered with RapidClean to create an Indigenous brand identity symbolising connection, unity and harmony. “If we get culture right, then people know who they are,” director Geoff Simpson said.
Whiteley national account manager Naveen Karunaratne highlighted the power of meaningful conversations. “The conference provides a great mix between business and social events,” he said. “The speed meeting sessions mean we can run over and discuss products. These sessions provide an even greater experience, giving us more time with members so we can talk about their business needs and how we can truly partner with them.”
Clean Plus was praised for its collaborative approach. “Plenty of companies say they listen to customers. Clean Plus actually listens – together,” national sales manager Ken Mattingley said.
A taste of Melbourne
The social program added a vibrant layer to the 2025 conference experience. Attendees were treated to a series of unforgettable Melbourne moments, from sweeping city views to historic precincts and wildlife encounters.
The program opened with dinner at Taxi Kitchen in Federation Square. Perched above the city streets, the restaurant’s expansive views of Melbourne’s skyline and the Yarra River set the tone for connection and shared celebration.
The following day brought the Melbourne Cricket Ground experience. Guests explored the iconic stadium on a guided tour, enjoyed an exclusive lunch in the Members’ Long Room and wandered through the Australian Sports Museum, home to some of the nation’s oldest sporting memorabilia.
Evenings extended the momentum. One night saw guests gather at Old Melbourne Gaol for dinner and drinks in one of the city’s most atmospheric venues. The historic setting, with its layers of Melbourne’s past, provided a unique backdrop for reconnecting with friends and new colleagues alike.
Another highlight was an award-winning dining experience at Melbourne Zoo. Guests watched the African sunset with drinks and giraffe feeding before heading to Leopard Lodge for dinner and dancing. It was an evening that merged wildlife wonder with warm hospitality.
Record-breaking fundraising
Generosity took centre stage at the gala dinner, where the Rapid community raised a record $35,478 for Cancer Council Australia and $7,000 (and counting) for Cancer Society of New Zealand.
“As you all know, it’s not often I’m lost for words, however this year absolutely blew me away… again,” said Donna Willmette, national key account manager at Rapid Group.
The total included nearly $3,000 raised from Sharon Lees Memorial Afternoon Tea, donated by Sabco Professional, building on the $1,000 milestone first achieved in 2012. Auctions from generous suppliers like Royal Touch, Diversey, IPC, Seko, Whiteley and Uropa drew spirited bidding from members including Cameron Neal, Cheryl Joyce, Alicia Pawelski, David Thyne, Dale McDonald, Daniel Farhat, Paul Easdon and Mark Carey.
A night to remember
The evening celebrated excellence across the network.
- New Zealand Member of the Year: Waikato Cleaning Supplies
- Australian Member of the Year: Abcoe Distributors
- Australian Supplier of the Year: Huhtamaki Tailored Packaging
- New Zealand Supplier of the Year: Filta
The RapidClean Conference 2025 wrapped with a packed dance floor, record fundraising and a clear sense of shared purpose. Queensland awaits in 2026.
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