Greetings to all Docklanders, whether you live, work or play here.

As you have picked up this edition of  Docklands News you must be one of the above – unless you have happened across a copy left in your neck of the woods. Docklands is on the edge of the Melbourne CBD and is enjoying an emerging status of being the newest precinct in the most liveable city in the world.

As a regular reader you will know I am a great supporter of Docklands. It is home to the most under-rated yet potentially the greatest asset Melbourne has to offer visitors – our waterways. The waterways start with the Yarra River – from its source in the Yarra Ranges to where it empties into Hobsons Bay. The river is home to the Melbourne’s port and services more than 3000 ships annually.

More than 90 per cent of world trade is transported via ships. Most of what you buy arrives by sea. But Melbourne has a maritime heritage that is in danger of being forgotten. Melbourne is still a major port city and it has a waterfront asset that is waiting to be embraced.

Over the last 10 or so years Docklands has been transformed into a mix of commercial and residential premises. There is another 10 or so years to go before we can say it is finished. Right now, Docklands is starting to see life being breathed into it and its transformation into a sustainable Melbourne precinct is becoming a reality.

This has not just happened by chance. It needed faith by local businesses to invest heavily and take huge risks in the belief that Docklands was going to become a great tourist destination. This belief was underpinned by the emergence of many major corporations relocating their head offices to Docklands and promises by developers of great things to come. The notion was: “This has to be good for small business!”

I have been around long enough to know that these corporates – although promising community support – often only provide for their employees’ needs from within their giant fortresses. Their staff arrive in the morning and leave at night. Attempts by local small businesses and associations to connect with these corporates have been difficult.  

Things are changing and this was demonstrated last month when Destination Docklands organised the second annual WaterRat Race with the aim of enticing Docklands corporates to engage in the spirit of discovering Docklands. The event was well supported by a number of corporates and was a hugely successful event – in so much as that those who supported the event learned a great deal about their neighbourhood.

The Docklands Chamber of Commerce – a group of dedicated volunteers, of which I am one – is supporting the City of Melbourne in delivering a fantastic winter program of events from June through to October. We desperately need the continued support of Docklands’ corporates, local businesses and the Docklands community. LISTEN UP, I say!

Commencing July through August every Friday night there will be the annual fireworks display. Everyone who lives, works and plays in Docklands needs to support this fantastic spectacle – tell your friends that public transport is the way to go, as we all know what parking is like in Docklands! Make sure you attend at least one Friday night, and stay for dinner or a few drinks at one of the local venues that will remain open for your convenience!

The winter program also includes the AIDS 2014 Conference, July 20-25 being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. More than 25,000 international delegates are expected to attend. Docklands corporates and businesses have been asked to “paint  the town red” and support this event. Make sure you are part of this! Contact the Docklands Chamber of Commerce if you want to know how you can be involved. This is the single most widely covered event in the world. Of particular note, on Friday, July 18 our fireworks will be part of the “paint the town red” concept, so keep this in mind!

The Melbourne Regatta and Blessing of the Fleet will celebrate Melbourne Day on Saturday, August 30. This event recognises the spiritual significance of all who sail upon the seas. Father Bob will be presiding over ceremonies. Victoria Harbour will come alive with bands, street performers and local restaurants offering Melbourne Day specials.

We will also be activating Harbour Esplanade around to Central Pier, creating a spectacular arena for visitors to view the Blessing of the Fleet in Victoria Harbour. For a visual extravaganza there will be a flotilla of vessels, flares, whistles, pipe bands and a display of water cannons from emergency service vessels on the harbour.

Further entertainment will include the Enterprize performing a re-enactment of the first landing in period costume. The Alma Doepel volunteers will be sailing their recently-restored traditional naval four-oared captain’s gig. This activity will be further complemented with a Port of Melbourne vessel showcasing the work it does and will be open to the public. There will be story-telling about the first landing for kids as well as street entertainment including works of Shakespeare! There will be vessels available free of charge for visitors to experience the water and see Melbourne from a whole new perspective.

Bands, vans and local venues will add to the many attractions that will bedazzle Docklands. All this is made possible by the support of our corporate neighbours and residents who live, work, and play in Docklands. The winter program promises to be another great Docklands Chamber of Commerce and City of Melbourne initiative that will activate Docklands and show Melburnians why Docklands is such a great place to live, work and play.

Don’t forget to book for the Docklands News and Docklands Chamber of Commerce Networking Lunch on June 13 at Rise.
There is so much more being planned here in Docklands. It is time get involved, be a contributor to breathing life into Docklands. It is about to emerge as a beautiful butterfly, having enjoyed a spell as a – well as a chrysalis. Nothing against chrysalises, I have a lot of friends who are chrysalises!

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and if you want a close-up chat with me – why not come down  to the Mission to Seafarers on a Friday from 12-2pm and join me for a curry lunch and a  quiet convivial drink. Remember – Docklands is Beautiful!