Docklands’ own community bank

According to Josephine Tan, the Bank of Queensland (BOQ) is Docklands’ community bank.

Having operated at Harbour Town for the past four years Ms Tan says her recent decision to amalgamate her Exhibition St branch with the Docklands’ branch shows her commitment to the area.

“It’s a clear choice that I want to be in Docklands,” Ms Tan said.

“Docklands is such a fantastic place because it really is an extension of the city, but at the same time you have the large residential community. We’re very fortunate to have such a fantastic location.”

With 34 years experience in the banking industry, including 10 years running her own franchise with Bank of Queensland, Ms Tan says her business provided a more personalised service for customers.

“I consider myself a small business owner and, because I own the business, it’s different from other banks because I am going be here for the long-haul,” she said.

Ms Tan said her clients could be assured if they visited the branch they would be recognised by name and if they called they won’t be speaking to a call-centre.

“It’s very back to basics – we really enjoy dealing with the people here.”

Since consolidating her business at the Docklands site, Ms Tan said she had also started opening the branch on Saturdays between 10am and 1pm, to better serve the residential community.

According to Ms Tan, the success of her business can largely be attributed to her team of six, three of whom have worked for her since she opened her first BOQ franchise.

“I’m a banker but I’m also a business owner. I’m not alone in making sure this business is successful. My success is due to the fact I have a very, very good team of people who look after my clients.”

Ms Tan said she was a big supporter of Docklands and has been a member of the Docklands Chamber of Commerce since opening her branch in Docklands four years ago. For the past two years she has served as the chamber’s treasurer.

“My vision of having a branch here is to try to bring people into the precinct to try to activate this precinct, because it’s a beautiful, hidden secret in Melbourne I think people are not totally aware of,” Ms Tan said.

According to Ms Tan, Docklands is still very much a work in progress but it’s only a matter of time before its true potential is realised.

“That’s why I am here, I want to be part of that process and part of that change that is happening,” she said.

“I’m here to stay, I’m here to move and shake and be part of it. I see great things for this city. In five years time or 10 years’ time when you talk to me this place will be bustling. It’s already starting to.”

You can find Bank of Queensland at 430 Docklands Drive or call 9252 2888.

Look no further than MICM Property

If you’re searching for the experts in Melbourne residential apartments, then look no further than MICM Property.

Having operated in Melbourne since 1993, MICM Property has specialised in inner-city apartment sales, rentals, property management and owners’ corporation management for more than 20 years.

And with a Docklands-based office opening last September, MICM Property is now perfectly located to meet Docklands’ property needs.

According to Docklands sales agent Bradley Maitland, MICM Property provides a range of services and has a team of people who are experts in their fields.

“MICM as a company is one of the largest independent real estate agencies,” Mr Maitland said.

“We have eight offices covering the entire breadth of the city from Southbank, West Melbourne to Docklands and St Kilda Rd.”

MICM offers a range of services including sales and leasing, property management and owner’s corporation management.

Mr Maitland said 12 staff were based at the Docklands office and were supported by the extended MICM team.

“That’s one of our strengths; we’ve got over 200 people working for us,” Mr Maitland said.

Mr Maitland said the company had a wealth of experience and expertise to ensure it can provide the best service to local clients.

“We have the advantage of our Docklands office being supported by a major organisation with 20 years’ experience behind us,” he said.

Similarly, the extended network of MICM offices across the city meant it could capture a wider audience, Mr Maitland said.

“The fact we do have eight offices over the city means we can bring in buyers and tenants from all over the city,” he said.

“We capture the whole audience, not just a particular geographic area, and that’s really our strength compared to our competitors.”

MICM Property Docklands is located at 102 Harbour Esplanade. You can contact the office on 9697 8888.