About us

Dutchlink is a Dutch-Australian business and social member-based organisation, operating as the Dutch Chamber for Commerce and Culture in Sydney, Australia. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are dedicated to connecting individuals and businesses with a connection to, or an interest in, the Netherlands. We provide a platform where likeminded people can come together to network, collaborate, and engage through professional, social, cultural, and personal connections.

Dutchlink works closely with the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sydney, strengthening our network and supporting our shared commitment to fostering connections for anyone with ties to the Netherlands.

Our events, all in English, include engaging presentations and lectures on a wide variety of topics, along with casual social meetups, art exhibitions, and business networking opportunities. We’re also well-known for our lively gatherings around major soccer matches and other sports activities like tennis, hockey, and golf. Whether you’re here to connect with others who share your link to the Netherlands, for business, or just for fun, Dutchlink is the place to build lasting relationships.

Meet the Board

The Dutchlink Board was established in 2003 with representatives from three key pillars: Business, Social, and Cultural. The Board is made up of dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to ensure Dutchlink continues to thrive as a platform for connection and engagement.

The Board is chaired by Bert Bardoel, with members Akky van Ogtrop, Annerie van Maarschalkerweerd, Dorus van den Biezenbos, Tjarko Edzes, Elle van Beijsterveldt, Joost Heymeijer, and Nicoline van Cann. Together, they oversee Dutchlink’s strategic direction and support the diverse range of events and activities offered to members and the broader community.

Jacqueline Clements serves as the Executive Manager and is the central point of contact for Dutchlink. She works closely with the Board to ensure the smooth running of the organisation and the delivery of its events and initiatives.

Bert Bardoel
Chairman

Born in the Netherlands, Bert arrived in Australia in the mid eighties, is married with two children and currently living on Sydney’s North Shore. Bert completed his MBA at the AGSM and UNSW Australian School for Business in 2009 Bert Bardoel is an Executive Director with Ernst & Young in Sydney.

Akky van Ogtrop
Director

Akky van Ogtrop (born in The Netherlands), graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, s’Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands and has a Masters Degree Fine Arts, Sydney University. As a director and manager of major arts events Akky has proven experience as an arts administrator and creative manager with extensive contacts and national and international project experience.

Annerie van Maarschalkerweerd
Director

Annerie moved to Sydney permanently in 1984. Since February 1986 she has been employed as an International BFA Flight Attendant.

While there is currently no International travel Annerie has become a volunteer at the Addison Road Community Organization in Marrickville

Dorus van den Biezenbos
Director

Following his studies in International Business & Languages in Maastricht, Dorus started his career at ABN Amro Bank in Amsterdam and Luxembourg as Private Banker. In 2005 he stepped into Management Consulting with a focus on Customer Experience and Digital Transformation in Financial Services. Dorus has worked across Europe, Asia Pacific and moved to Australia in 2011. Most recently as entrepreneurial executive coach and co-founder of multiple businesses.

Elle van Beijsterveldt
Director

Elle has almost a decade of experience in the wine industry, having worked in various (digital) marketing roles across Europe and Australia. She relocated to Sydney in 2017 and joined Dutchlink in 2019 as Executive Manager, a position she held for three years. Currently, she’s working as a marketing specialist for AIX Rosé, a premium rosé wine from Provence.

Tjarko Edzes
Director

Following his studies in Law and MBA, Tjarko worked in international real estate investment roles across Europe and Asia-Pacific. He moved to Sydney in 2018 to open a pan-APAC office for real estate investor Bouwinvest. He joined Scape, the largest rental housing developer and operator in Australia, as Chief Capital Officer in 2022. Tjarko also plays in the ‘best Dutch band Down-Under’ Hollandse Nieuwe.

Joost Heymeijer
Director

Joost is a globally recognised hospitality and tourism leader with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in senior positions across four continents. His extensive career includes 12 years of Food and Beverage Management with Hilton International, catering management with Sodexo, the design and development of Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, SVP Global Inflight Catering at Emirates and CEO at Tattarang’s Z1Z Hospitality.

Nicoline van Cann
Director

Nicoline has over 10 years’ experience in the international relations and diplomatic sectors. She worked for the economic department of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Sydney for over 6 years, managing Australia-wide economic diplomacy and trade & investment facilitation. She joined the New South Wales government in 2021, focusing on trade and investment with the UK, Europe, Middle East and India, and currently leads a team of export advisors, facilitating NSW businesses to export to global markets.