They say all publicity is good publicity!

It is mid-winter in Docklands. We have just seen winter solstice come and go. The good news is that the days will now start to get longer as we head into summer via spring.

Work has started again on the wheel. Whatever you think about the wheel, it is the centre of attention in Docklands. They say all publicity is good publicity! Well there is no question that when the wheel does get turning again, it won’t be without a great deal of media interest! I say bring it on, and have a good close look at Docklands. We are simply a great place to discover.

If you need further convincing, let me tell you that Father Bob Maguire has come to Docklands. He has set up his offices temporarily at the Hub until he can find a more permanent place to operate from in Docklands. An alliance has been formed with Father Bob and the Big Umbrella to work on developing youth programs aimed at giving young kids a sense of worth and purpose through carefully-targeted mentoring programs. These programs will be introduced into schools for Year 8, 9 and 10 to reach those kids at their most formative age to help direct them to make the right choices in life. All this is taking place right here in Docklands.

The Spiegeltent has moved from its quiet location near Docklands Drive and has relocated at Wonderland Fun Park. It is now playing a pivotal role as a vibrant entertainment hub. Most recently, comedian Jeff Green came to town and performed to a packed house. Akmal Saleh and special guests will be performing a night of stand-up comedy at the venue on Saturday July 14 at 8pm. Tickets are available now.

What else is happening in July? City of Melbourne is laying on fireworks every Friday night in Docklands! From 7pm the harbour and surrounding buildings will light up as spectacular fireworks explode in the night sky over Victoria Harbour! Make sure you plan to bring the family to Docklands. There is $5 parking in Harbour Town and plenty of restaurants with great views of the spectacle.

You will soon be hearing about plans to bring the Arts and Laughs comedy festival to Docklands in October. This will be similar to the very successful St Kilda Arts and Laughs. Venues around Docklands will provide you with great food and beverage packages to complement the shows. It is all happening here in Docklands.

I attended the June Docklands News Networking Lunch held at the Wharf Hotel. If you have not attended one of these, then you have been missing out on a great opportunity to meet great people from the Docklands community.

This month John Ahern welcomed guests to his hotel and Phil Hill told us of his plans for an amazing development of North Wharf.

More great news for Docklands - Suit up and Ride will be returning to Docklands again in November. Cadel Evans and Matt Goss will once again be supporting this great event to raise money for Orygen Youth Health. This year the event will be starting later in the day so people can stay longer and enjoy the after-party. I am hearing there is going to be a good line-up of entertainment with some surprising names – so stay tuned and definitely plan to be in Docklands for that one.

All I can say to you good people of Docklands and Melburnians in general is that things are definitely happening here in Docklands. You know the water is our greatest asset. We have plans afoot to create a water link from Federation Square to Docklands.

Already there is a commitment from the City of Melbourne to build a new footbridge linking the new North Wharf precinct to Docklands under the Charles Grimes Bridge.

It won’t be long before Docklands and Melbourne CBD finally blur the edges and create a Melbourne that will continue to be the most liveable city in the world!