What an exciting month it has been in Docklands!

We very much enjoyed the Australia Day festivities that brought thousands of visitors to Docklands.

Soon after the conclusion of Australia day we started preparing for the Lunar New Year with the return of a 100m illuminated dragon that lined Harbour Esplanade along with dancing, music and food vans. Workers, visitors and residents in Docklands had plenty to see and enjoy.

As reported in the Docklands News last month, there is much local enthusiasm and buzz for the new proposed local attraction of a giant fountain and flame show. There have been a number of proposals for attractions in recent times, but this one seems to have wow factor and has the support of the Docklands Chamber of Commerce because it will enhance Docklands as a visitor destination. It is estimated it could attract more than 5 million visitors annually and potentially generate $230 million in revenue for Victoria.

The Chamber of Commerce is also throwing its support behind activation of the waterways. It is apparent from recent events, where a ferry service is included, that visitors are very supportive of the water as a means of access.  The water attracts visitors, and questions have been raised why there are no ferries between Docklands and other precincts such as St Kilda, Williamstown as well as obvious closer neighbours such as South Wharf, Southgate and Federation Square.

The answer is in the current labyrinth of governing legislation that makes up the decision making authority of the waterways. There are multiple authorities responsible for governance of our waterways and this makes a focus of attention on activation very difficult. We look forward to hearing the outcome of a current study into a best practice model of governance for the waterways, that is currently underway.

Support for the restoration of the Alma Doepel is going very well. The chamber is very keen to see a return of Melbourne’s maritime heritage. Plans are currently underway for an auction night fund-raiser at a local venue with views over the water. The auction dinner is planned to occur during the regular Docklands fireworks to add an extra dimension of entertainment for the night.

The chamber is looking for businesses in Docklands who would like to support the restoration program and donate goods or services for the auction night. Businesses will be acknowledged, and we hope to see many of you coming to the event to support this great Docklands project that aims to restore some of our maritime heritage.

The Mission to Seafarers at 717 Flinders St, is possibly our oldest example of maritime heritage still in existence. The mission plays host to the forthcoming Maitreya Loving Kindness World Tour arriving in Docklands on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. The exhibition is of ancient and sacred relics from the historical Buddha Shakyamuni and of other great Buddhist masters from India, Tibet and China.  It will be open between 10am and 5pm daily and entry is free. However, donations are happily accepted. There will be food and refreshments available for sale.

The Docklands News and Chamber of Commerce would like to see you all at the next networking lunch. This lunch is very popular and often fully subscribed so ensure you book in plenty of time to avoid disappointment. The next lunch will be held at Renzo’s on Friday, March 13. Renzo’s Bar and Cafe Italiano at 46 NewQuay Promenade is one of the Docklands originals but it’s taken until now to host a networking lunch there.  The menu is delicious and the day promises to be fulfilling and memorable. Bookings can be made via [email protected] or by ringing Docklands News on 8689 7979 before March 6. As always, the cost is $60 and must be paid in advance of the day.

For locals who just want to connect with other locals, then put the next Docklands Social Club event in your calendar now! The March social club is at The Merchant Society in Merchant St next to Woolworths on Wednesday, March 11 from 7pm. Come along, get to know people living in your neighbourhood and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

That is some of the many good news items in Docklands. If you want to keep your finger on the pulse and be in the know as things happen, then LIKE the following local Facebook pages: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Docklands-is-Beautiful/263936710311261 http://www.facebook.com/DCCchamber
www.facebook.com/pages/Docklands-News/304870494656

Docklands is definitely on the move and is set to become a major place of interest to Melburnians and visitors alike! Discover the secret today.