Local businesses to benefit from Seniors program

Docklands businesses can expect to benefit from an increase in trade from the lucrative seniors market, thanks to the efforts of the Docklands Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber is one of just three precincts within wider Melbourne to be selected for the Age Friendly Partners Program, in partnership with the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Seniors Card Program.

The program aims to make Docklands more age-friendly and will result in Docklands being heavily promoted to seniors as a destination to visit.

In particular, seniors will be encouraged to explore our suburb during the 2014 Victorian Seniors Festival in October, with Docklands to be showcased during the festival.

Minister for Ageing David Davis last month released the Seniors Festival Program and launched the Docklands Seniors Card Age Friendly Partners Program at Watermark in Docklands on August 23.

“For the first time, Docklands will become a hive of activity for seniors, with traders offering discounts and special events across the precinct, including a free ferry ride on Victoria Harbour,” Mr Davis said.

Mr Davis said the Docklands Age Friendly Partners Program was an exciting partnership, which would make the Docklands precinct more age-friendly.

“This program will promote Docklands as an age-friendly shopping environment, where older people enjoy better customer service, improved facilities, and access to a wide range of Seniors Card discounts from local businesses,” Mr Davis said.

“More than 40 Docklands businesses have joined the Seniors Card Program as part of this initiative and are committed to creating a safe, accessible and friendly shopping and dining environment for seniors.”

Docklands Chamber of Commerce President Joh Maxwell, has led the chamber’s involvement in the age-friendly program, and said the chamber looked forward to welcoming senior members of the community, not only during the Seniors Festival, but throughout the 12-month program.

“The Docklands Chamber of Commerce will continue to work with the business community to develop services and activities for seniors,” Mrs Maxwell said.

“Residents and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy Docklands with open spaces, flat walking areas, waterfront views, activities, shopping and relaxation options  - Docklands is the place to be.”

She said the chamber aimed to have 100 Docklands businesses engaged with the Seniors Card Program, making Docklands a must-visit area for seniors.

The 2014 Victorian Seniors Festival is on from October 5 to October 12.Seniors Card holders who live in or visit Docklands during the festival will be offered;

Free ferry tours of Victoria Harbour departing half hourly between 10.30am and 2.30pm;

Free tours of the Mission to Seafarers and morning tea;

Free rides for grandparents at Wonderland Fun Park’s Grandparent’s Day on October 5 and 12;

Free Spiegeltent Spectacular Jazz Festival on Friday, October 10; and

Library at the Dock activities, including technology training sessions, tai chi, table tennis, author’s talk and afternoon tea.