It is March already and how good was February in Docklands?

Who could miss the magnificent 100m-long, 10m-high Docklands Dragon that adorned Harbour Esplanade? There were special performances most nights for two weeks whilst the dragon was in residence.

This is the beginning of a new era for Chinese New Year celebrations in Docklands. The Docklands Chamber of Commerce would like to make special thanks to John Forman and Emma Kent from Red RockLeisure and Eureka Sky Deck.

Also special thanks to Phil Hill from Asset 1 for the nightly ferry service and to the City of Melbourne, who made this possible.

The action just does not stop here in Docklands! The Docklands Chamber of Commerce not only has its own initiatives going, but it can give you access to so much more out there ... and for March make sure you lock the following into your diaries.

Come along to the Docklands Networking lunch on Friday, March 21, which is presented quarterly in partnership with Docklands News. The March luncheon promises to be very special, as it is being held on board the Lady Cutler for a cruise down the river in the company of other local business people. This occasion is always a great networking opportunity – so make the most of these because it is a great way to build Docklands-centric business-to-business relationships.

The City of Melbourne is also running a number of great initiatives – check http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au for details. Firstly, I must mention that the Small Business Grant Applications process is now open. This is a great opportunity and will remain open until March 19.  See if your business qualifies and apply!

The City of Melbourne is also providing a free training program for local community organisations to build their capacity to better manage and run their organisations. To be eligible you must be a member of a not-for-profit community organisation and one that is located in or provides services to City of Melbourne community. There is no charge and there will be several sessions over the next few months on a variety of topics that are relevant to community organisations.  

In recognition that Moomba is celebrating its milestone 60th event this year, the City of Melbourne has issued an invitation to be a part of the festivities. So if you have a “Moomba memory” then why not share it? This can either be a short video moment, a quote or an image that you would be happy for the council to use through its promotional channels. Thinking caps on!

Have you heard about the community forums being organised by the city?  These will provide an opportunity to meet your councillors and city officials and learn more about how to participate in the decision-making process.  The first (and closest for Docklanders) is going to be held on Thursday, March 20 at the town hall from 5.30-7.30pm and details on other sessions can be found by visiting: participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community-forums

Membership of the chamber provides many benefits.  One of these benefits will be announced at the next Docklands Networking Lunch and concerns VECCI membership. Full VECCI membership will be offered to Chamber members at significant discount for at least the month of March. VECCI membership provides considerable access to  information and training opportunities to Victorian businesses and this is a true benefit to our members businesses.   

We are looking forward to confirmation of details at the lunch. This is an excellent way to become an active business in Docklands by participating in our chamber events and obtaining valuable business benefits available through VECCI membership. Where else but in Docklands?

The VTIC Ideas Forum is another “must-attend” event for tourism and event operators from across Victoria and, best of all, it is free!  If this is you, then make sure you register to attend these free events. http://www.vtic.com.au or call Nigel Preston on 8662 5425.

Movies Under the Stars, presented by Destination Docklands, has been taking place over in Point Park, Yarra’s Edge, each Thursday evening till March 13 from 6.30pm -11pm. There is a free return ferry service from Federation Square for the first 120 guests, and free bean bag hire to the first 100 guests and free car parking at Gate 12 opposite Vaughan Constructions, 880 Lorimer St – first in best dressed.

So I can report there is plenty on in Docklands during March. Make sure you have fun and watch out for St Patrick’s Day festivities wherever they may be. Leprechauns will be about in Docklands.

Also beware the Ides of March and remember that Docklands IS Beautiful so Like the Facebook page.