August has not been quiet in the Docklands community.

August has not been quiet in the Docklands community.

The Chamber of Commerce Fireworks Cruise was a great success, despite the disappointing cancellation of the fireworks.

Adverse weather conditions across the city and safety concerns stopped the evening’s main entertainment event.

Nonetheless, chamber guests were lucky enough to hear from the City of Melbourne’s manager of waterways, Doug Jarvis. Doug’s presentation on his vision for the future of the Docklands’ waterways was both interesting and informative. His message to the Docklands community is simple: Docklands greatest asset is the water, and we need to maximise its potential!

The chamber was especially privileged to be joined by members of the Yarra River Business Association, with whom we have been in discussions about waterfront activation.  Pleasure Boat hospitality was warm and generous and demonstrated how lucky we are as a community to enjoy Docklands from its unique waterfront perspective. 

With this in mind, the chamber announced its support for the Docklands Regatta and Blessing of the Fleet, which is intended to support the valuable work the Mission to Seafarers performs in supporting the 60,000 seafarers who visit Melbourne each year.  

Sadly, this event has been postponed until next year due to a number of factors, including the short notice given to our corporate sponsors to support the event.

This is an area where the Docklands community must become more supportive to ensure we embrace our unique waterways heritage. The chamber believes this is a minor setback, and we look forward to hearing about plans to ensure the Regatta and Blessing of the Fleet emerges stronger next year.

Last month the Chamber hosted a breakfast seminar presentation on “Retail Trends 2013” by advertising and brand guru Grant Davidson from Davidson Branding.  Grant advises many large and small businesses on innovative ways in which to combat and/or embrace some of the many trends emerging in this age of technology.  

The event was held in Harbour Town at the Medibank Icehouse and gave our retail members in Harbour Town (and beyond) some ideas  to capture emerging retail trends.

Starting in September the chamber is proud to announce that we are joining with Docklands News to host a joint Docklands Networking Lunch.  It is a logical step for the chamber to partner with Docklands News as an established date on the Docklands business calendar.  We hope you will join us all on Friday, September 20, 12 noon at Bob’s Steak and Chop House. For more information please refer to http://www.docklandscc.com.au or http://www.docklandsnews.com.au

Keep an eye open for announcements about the chamber’s annual general meeting.  Recent changes to the incorporation of associations legislation require the chamber to overhaul its rules of association before the next AGM.   Once we have drafted these changes, our new rules will be  presented at the AGM for adoption by special resolution.

On Tuesday, October 15, the chamber will co-present a public relations training road show with Destination Melbourne entitled PitchIt2Me. This is an intensive half-day workshop created by one of Australia’s leading journalists Rachael Oakes-Ash. 

It is designed to help PR professionals, business owners and in-house marketers to improve their traditional and social media relationships  and increase their editorial exposure. 

Delegates will learn about managing and pitching to the media, preparing press releases and hosting “famils”. This is a not-to-be-missed event by those who benefit from media exposure! Visit the what’s on page on http://www.docklandscc.com.au for details.

The chamber executive would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge that, as a representative association for Docklands, the chamber is receiving funding from the City of Melbourne under its Precincts Program 2013-17. 

The chamber continues to work closely with Destination Docklands to continue presenting Docklands as the great destination it is.  

The chamber is very pleased to have been approved for this funding and it will be expended on bringing activities to benefit our membership, the business community in Docklands and the precinct itself.

Businesses in Docklands, large and small are encouraged to renew their membership of the chamber to ensure strong representation at local and state government. Please direct all enquiries about membership to Nandini Bose via email
[email protected]