Discovering Docklands

 

For Kelly Jensen, one of the most interesting parts of working in Docklands is discovering surprising elements accidently.

Whether it’s the view of the harbour when driving across the Bolte Bridge or standing at Yarra’s Edge and seeing the flames come up from Crown Casino further up the river, Kelly said there’s always something new to discover.

“Those little surprise elements you discover are the things that I really love about Docklands,” she said.

Having worked with local marketing body Destination Docklands for almost two years, Kelly has got to know Docklands very well.

While she had spent quite a bit of time in Docklands prior to working here, Kelly said the size of the suburb took her completely by surprise.

“I didn’t understand the size of the precinct. That’s what surprised me – how large it was,” Kelly said.

“Every area really has it’s own character and own interests,” she added.

Starting out as Destination Docklands’ engagement and events manager, in March Kelly was appointed director of marketing and events, replacing the role of CEO.

She says one of her biggest successes in that time was the formation of the Docklands Marketing Committee, which aims to open lines of communications between key local stakeholders.

“We’ve seen some really good results and seen people come together and begin talking and planning and that to me has been the best success I’ve had so far,” Kelly said.

While she spends her work-days promoting Docklands, Kelly also flies the flag for Docklands in her personal life.

“I’m really proud of Docklands and really proud of the work we’re doing here so whenever I have friends or family visit I make sure I bring them down here and I’m telling the story in my personal life too,” she said.

Born in New Zealand and growing up near the coast, Kelly said she had an affinity with the water, so it’s no surprise she ended up working in a harbour-side suburb.

“I’m drawn to the water,” Kelly said.

Moving to Melbourne in 2009, Kelly says she’s excited about seeing Docklands develop.

“The success of Auckland’s waterfront was something I’d watched and I saw how positive it was for Auckland,” she said.

“So the opportunity to be part of the development of this project was really exciting because there’s still so much work to be done, so you can really watch it unfold.”

In particular, she says she’s looking forward to seeing how the development of Harbour Esplanade unfolds.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing work commence on Harbour Esplanade. That’s the project everyone’s really watching and looking forward to.”

Kelly said she also hopes to see new water-based experiences or features in Docklands as development continues.

“To see the Melbourne community engaging more with their waterfront would be great,” Kelly said.

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