Docklands Chamber of Commerce report

 

The newly invigorated Docklands Chamber of Commerce has been working hard to increase its membership.

Membership is what makes a chamber relevant. If you want your chamber to be relevant to your needs, then you need to support us and become a member. Benefits include being kept informed in a timely manner through networking meetings and newsletters.

The chamber continues to deliver on its promise to keep members informed. We held another successful networking night at the Wonderland Speigeltent last month. We were entertained by samples of the Comedy Festival that is running at Docklands’ own Spiegeltent for the next few weeks.  Dave O’Neil and the Nelson Twins performed some of their hilarious comedy sketches before we were bedazzled by Lilikoi Kaos as she twisted her way through numerous hoola hoop routines.  The show ended on a high note (literally) as Farhad performed his amazing hand-stand routines!  Before the show, the Stevie Paige Band gave us an introduction to their sultry blues style of music followed by the

City of Melbourne’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Susan Riley, and Cr Kevin Louey talked about funding models for precinct support. At the conclusion of the opening speeches there was good open discussion from the floor on what would work in Docklands. These meetings are a genuine opportunity to participate in discussions.

The chamber has been informed about plans for temporary activation of Harbour Esplanade. Once again this is likely to cause lively debate and it is exciting to see that attempts are now being made to positively activate Harbour Esplanade.

Places Victoria has announced the implementation of Hortus – a temporary glass house, art and event program along with other activations that will draw new audiences, encourage neighbourhood participation and build a sense of community within the area. Plans include celebrating the urban renewal of the site through arts, education, food and community participation programs. The project will attract a strong public and media following that will promote public engagement within the Docklands.  

The chamber has been invited to put forward a representative on the Lord Mayor’s Commendations Advisory Group. The program acknowledges and celebrates the long-term commitment of small and family-run businesses to the City of Melbourne.

A photographic exhibition of past recipients is now on display in the Block Arcade and I’d encourage you to have a wander through and read the fascinating stories of small business success and longevity. Applications for the 2013 Commendations are now open until Friday 31 May. Nominees can apply in five different categories from 10+ years as a proprietor to the Generational Family category, celebrating businesses that have operated in the municipality for three or more generations. Let us see more Docklands businesses nominate for 2013!

The Australian Retailers Association presents a workshop on retail leases entitled “Learn to successfully negotiate your retail lease”. This may be appropriate for many a small retail business in Docklands. It is $50 to attend and will be held on Tuesday, April 9, from 8.30am to 12.30pm.

This in-depth workshop will provide retailers with the knowledge and confidence to successfully negotiate their retail lease. Attendees will learn more about the Retail Leases Act 2003 and their rights and responsibilities as well as the fundamentals on how to research and evaluate retail lease terms. The Victorian Small Business Commissioner, Geoff Browne will attend each workshop to explain in further detail how his office can assist.

Your chamber encourages you to familiarise yourself with and provide your feedback on the next four-year Council Plan 2013-17. A draft plan articulates the goals and outcomes against which the council will be measured and explains, at a high level, how it will achieve them. The detail of what it will do and how it will fund activities is agreed each year as part of the annual plan and budget process.

Collins Street Precinct Group is presenting a Neighbourhood Networking evening with the Lord Mayor. Book now for an opportunity to enjoy an audience with the Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle on Wednesday, April 10. Contact the chamber for more information.

Another advantage of a being a chamber member is that you will have already received full details on the above information. Join the chamber and become involved and be a part of shaping Docklands.  To find out more about the chamber and membership, please contact Nandini Bose via email on [email protected]

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