Community3008 to “replace the functions” of Docklands Stakeholder Group
The City of Melbourne says that the Docklands Stakeholder Group has wrapped up following the end of its term and its functions will now be replaced by the recently formed residents’ group Community3008 inc.
The stakeholder group was formed in 2023 as an action of the 2022 Docklands Summit, and with funding support from the council, has delivered several key activities and initiatives over the past year.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece told Docklands News that the group had been “so valuable in telling council their priorities, needs and concerns” and thanked members for their service.
“The group came together as an action of the Docklands Stakeholder Summit, and with support from City of Melbourne funding, it played a pivotal role in delivering some valuable community projects, such as the recent Docklands Farmers Market, Docklands Youth Activations program, and social arts and craft sessions,” Cr Reece said.
The first major action driven by the Docklands Stakeholder Group was the establishment of new residents’ group Community3008 inc., which held its inaugural meeting in April last year.
The Lord Mayor confirmed that Community3008 inc. would “now replace the functions of the DSG including connection of local community groups, connection to council and information sharing among the community.”
“Importantly, it will create one central voice for the Docklands community to speak directly to council which means all voices can be heard and all community groups represented as we continue to make Docklands a thriving neighourhood for all,” Cr Reece said.
Docklands Stakeholder Group members were representatives from different parts of the community, including Docklands Primary School, resident groups and local businesses.
According to the council, around half of the DSG members had joined the Community3008 inc. group, including two in committee roles.
It added that this format brought Docklands into line with other neighbourhoods across the municipality that had active community-led residents’ groups that engaged with the City of Melbourne through a range of engagement channels and forums.
These include the council’s Future Melbourne Committee meetings, its Neighbourhood Partners and online portals program, project-based focus groups and the regular meetings between the presidents of residents’ groups.
A Community3008 inc. spokesperson told Docklands News that the group was “very excited to continue to build a community represented group in Docklands and encourages anyone in our wonderful suburb to join up.”
The council said that Community3008 inc. would be eligible to apply for operational funding once it was open and that it would be supported in this process by the council’s neighbourhood partners.
Docklands resident and former City of Melbourne councillor Jamal Hakim, who played a pivotal role in the Docklands Stakeholder Group, said he was disappointed by the council’s decision to abandon the initiative.
“Established after the Docklands Summit to address the area’s unique challenges, the group effectively coordinated key projects like Community3008inc.,” Mr Hakim said. “It’s disappointing that the Docklands Stakeholder Group has been abandoned.”
“Despite Docklands lacking centralised management under the Docklands Act and having no councillor representation, the City of Melbourne must continue to facilitate and enhance the neighbourhood’s liveability,” Mr Hakim said.
“Evolving the group to continue to support all stakeholders is essential for the ongoing success of Docklands and the delivery of the actions from the Docklands Summit.” •

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