Another year at the helm for Joh

Johanna Maxwell has been returned as president of the Docklands Chamber of Commerce for a fourth year following the group’s annual general meeting (AGM) on November 10.

Newcomer Kebrasca King was elected vice-president and Paul Keisler remains as secretary and Josephine Tan continues in the role of treasurer.

Other executive committee members are Paul Salter, Glenn Donnelly, Mo Hamdouna, Melissa Forester, Kerry York, Glenda Archibald and Tony Bailo.

Reflecting on the year in her presidents’ report, Mrs Maxwell said one of the most disappointing things for Docklands was losing water-borne fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

“Unfortunately the decision has been made and the fireworks will not be water based,” she said. “As with the 9.30 fireworks, it is highly unlikely that they will return to the water.”

She reported that the council intended to launch fireworks off the roof of Etihad Stadium.

“It has been confirmed this morning that an agreement has been reached and that fireworks will be launched from buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour – affording views from the promenade based restaurants and apartments to varying degrees.”

“Sites will be made public shortly. Whilst this is not water-based, it is a positive in that our members will still have a marketing piece for customers to enjoy from their premises.”

“As a result of these changes your executive raised the concerns with the City of Melbourne and hosted a number of stakeholder engagement sessions for our members.”

She said the chamber would continue to campaign for activation of the waterways.

“We have 7kms of water frontage and this is unique to us in Docklands,” Mrs Maxwell said.

She said the chamber would also continue to press for water governance reform and would be meeting the acting CEO of Parks Victoria on November 29.