Happy holidays everyone

The festive season is upon us as I write my final column of the year – so have a safe and merry Christmas everyone!

The Docklands Chamber of Commerce has been very busy and I have discovered that within Docklands there are a number of businesses that are doing very well. So, in my capacity as an executive member of the chamber, I am going to discover their stories and relate them over the next few months. The tough economic climate that is biting hard everywhere is certainly being felt here in Docklands as we continue to complete the many works in progress.

The Burger Club Cafe at 39A Caravel Lane in NewQuay is one such business. They have been quietly getting on with business and have built up a great reputation for good food at reasonable prices, which is all dished up with great customer service from the owners, Murat and Ashleigh.

They quietly slipped into Docklands, taking over a business that had closed its doors. Yes, they found it tough at the beginning – but they made their niche and they dug in and now they have a good customer base.

So it was, when I called by the other day, that I learned they are now opening up across the road at 42 Caravel Lane a new enterprise – frozen yoghurt!  There are dozens more businesses quietly getting on with it and reporting that things are going well.

You may have seen me out and about on the office bike – the Docklands News bike that is. What a fantastic way to see Docklands. I can get around Docklands in no time at all, and no parking issues! I urge you to get out and try out the blue Melbourne Share Bikes. Once you have seen how easy it is, I am sure you will not go back.

I am interested to hear from anyone who would like to join me for a tour of Docklands? I will post an event on Facebook – Docklands is Beautiful - and look forward to having you join me. Please “Like” this page to be updated on all good things Docklands.

You may have read in The Age a story about food van operators on Harbour Esplanade having their permits cancelled. Do you know what really happened? I have discovered that the article as reported in The Age had little to do with the facts.

It would seem that Utopian Folk and Places Victoria had the permit to operate food vans, and they sublet out to these operators. It was reported in The Age that the food van permits were not renewed by City of Melbourne when, in fact, it was Utopian Folk that chose not renew the permits. That is a different story, isn’t it?

In February next year, the Chinese New Year of the Snake happens on February 10. To celebrate, Dragon Boat Victoria is planning a “Try Dragon Boating” day (dates and times to be announced). You must come and expect to get a little wet – but it will be a worthwhile experience. We will arrange a ferry shuttle from Melbourne Marina (formerly Waterfront City Marina) to the Dragon Boat headquarters where you will be given a brief induction, kitted out and then invited out onto the water to have a paddle. There will be a small charge for this which will include the ferry service. I might also mention that there are plans to have other celebrations with Harbour Town for Chinese New Year. Keep an eye on Destination Docklands and Docklands Chamber of Commerce websites for further announcements.

Happy holidays everyone.