Harbour traders to join forces

The call is out for the retail traders and corporate businesses of Victoria Harbour to establish an association to help promote the Victoria Harbour business community, lifestyle, and Docklands events.  

Developing as both a diverse residential community and vibrant commercial hub of Docklands, Victoria Harbour businesses are keen to promote their services whilst contributing to the uniqueness of the precinct.  

New Energy Physiotherapy and Lend Lease Community Development met last November to scope potential objectives for a traders’ association.

New Energy Physiotherapy co-owner Mark Scholem said: “We also believe the Victoria Harbour traders and major corporate businesses can both benefit and contribute to the broader Docklands commercial and residential communities through employee and resident participation in key events and activities.”

However, not everyone is keen on the idea.  The president of the Docklands Chamber of Commerce, Keith Rankin, said he hadn’t yet met Mr Scholem but he thought Docklands’ businesses would all be stronger if they spoke with a single voice.

“It is important to remember that the City of Melbourne recognises the chamber as the official voice of Docklands businesses,” Mr Rankin said.  “The chamber welcomes input and support from all Docklands businesses.”

Mr Sholem said some key objectives of the proposed association included:

Informing authorities such as Destinations Docklands marketing committee, VicUrban, the Melbourne City Council, developers, planners and event organisers regarding Victoria Harbour marketing strategies, events, and future needs;

Developing and fostering supportive relationships between traders, corporate businesses and the broader Docklands community;

Growing the businesses in Victoria Harbour through promotion and awareness strategies, encouraging the working and residential communities to support local business; and

Promotion of the Victoria Harbour precinct as a place to work, shop and enjoy events and activities.

The association’s first meeting will be on Monday, February 8.

For more information, contact Mark Scholem or John Bradshaw at New Energy Physiotherapy, 102 Merchant St, phone 9602 4008 or 0418 487 165.