Alma Doepel once more to grace Docklands’ waters.

Wishing all our readers a merry Christmas and Happy New Year as we bring you news of activities throughout the festive season. November has been very busy and, all too soon, it is over!

As part of our long-term vision to see Docklands’ maritime heritage resurrected and become a major attraction for visitors, Docklands Chamber of Commerce is supporting the Alma Doepel restoration program.

Chamber president Joh Maxwell made this announcement at the joint network evening held at All Smiles on NewQuay on Monday, November 24. Every business in Docklands should get behind this exciting project. As a minimum, all you need do is raise $500 to buy a plank for the restoration of Alma’s hull. The more planks we can purchase, the quicker we will see the Alma restored to her former glory and once again grace Docklands’ harbour, providing  youth education programs and public cruises.

Don’t limit yourself to just one plank! Talk and “walk the plank” amongst your colleagues, encourage your company to match staff dollar for dollar! Let the fundraising begin and contact the Docklands Chamber of Commerce to see how your business can become a part of this exciting project!

The joint networking evening was presented by your chamber, in conjunction with Destination Docklands. Thanks go to the venue management Dean Roff and Michelle Bauer, our generous hosts for the evening. For those of you who know the area, All Smiles is located upstairs above Cargo. From this venue, the views of Docklands are simply stunning and Dean and Michelle provided us with delicious canapés and drinks.

Joh Maxwell used the opportunity to announce that a Chinese trade delegation from Chaoyang District Federation of Industry and Commerce, Beijing, has requested a meeting with the Docklands Chamber of Commerce. Their aim is to establish contact and set up a communicating platform for members of both parties to explore possible business opportunities. Another great reason to become a member of the Chamber!

Anita Donnelly of Destination Docklands spoke about their work and gave an update on the forthcoming Jubilation festival. This is a three-day free Christmas event in Docklands, proudly supporting the Country Fire Authority at a key time for their volunteer fire brigades – the start of the Victorian bushfire season. Dates are Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 14. Anita described the event as a CFA zone with loads of CFA trucks, education buses and volunteer firefighters.  Ms Donnelly announced there would be free entertainment on the Jubilation stage, and over 18 different food trucks, Docklands night markets and much more.

The next popular networking function organised by the chamber and Docklands News will be held on Friday, December 12 at Hooks at the Yarra. Make sure you book your place in plenty of time because these events are always well attended and sell out fast. It is a great way to meet new faces and rekindle old acquaintances. So if you are new to Docklands make sure you are a starter! Contact Docklands News.

New Years Eve will once again see the City of Melbourne put on the annual fireworks display in Docklands, a very popular event drawing good crowds to Docklands.  There are many vantage points  around the harbour with water cruise options available to get up close.  

Australia Day will be huge in Docklands. The Department of Premier and Cabinet will be activating the Piazza over at NewQuay and this will be supported by the chamber as we activate other parts of Docklands including Central Pier and Victoria Harbour. Once again, we will offer a ferry service to transport visitors across the harbour.

We are hoping to run a carnival train as an additional land-based shuttle service. The Alma Doepel  will be prominently on display for the public to learn more about the history and restoration work being undertaken.  All this will be complemented with music, street entertainment, food and wine. Then, at 9.30pm there will be a spectacular fireworks display to light up Docklands.

In February, Docklands will see the return of the successful Giant Dragon gracing Harbour Esplanade to celebrate Chinese New Year. In 2015 this will coincide with the White Night festival that will also fall on Saturday, February 21. Docklands will play host to a number of activities designed to capture the excitement of Chinese New Year and embrace the White Night celebrations.

For more information on these events go to the Docklands Chamber website – http://www.docklandscc.com.au.  Remember Docklands is well serviced by public transport and bike paths. Due to the popularity of events in Docklands, the chamber encourages visitors to use these service and leave the car at home.

You will have a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Docklands is definitely the place to be over the festive season! Speak to you again in February!