Locals to cash in on more Docklands Dollars

Dockland Dollars 3008, the new locals rebate scheme, is now live.

Residents have access to $100,000 in rebates marking an extraordinary collaboration of funding between Docklands’ four major developers; Lendlease, MAB, Mirvac and The District Docklands.

Created in partnership with the Docklands Chamber of Commerce (DCC), the initiative allows residents to earn a rebate of up to $25 every fortnight with a maximum of $100 cashback, when they spend with participating retailers within the precinct.

According to DCC president, Daniel Hibberd, the new locals only program will come as welcome relief for traders in the precinct currently experiencing visitation at 18 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels.

“We’re so thankful for the collaboration between Lendlease, MAB, Mirvac and The District Docklands,” Mr Hibberd said.

“The DCC is proud to auspice this project on behalf of our member businesses and reward our local residents for shopping locally.”

Docklands Dollars 3008 was officially launched on Friday, February 18 by Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Docklands local Cr Jamal Hakim, and representatives of the four developers.

All amounts spent are eligible for the initiative, and it is hoped Docklands Dollars 3008 will scratch the itch for small cafes and eateries where similar rebate schemes could not.

Mirvac general manager for residential Victoria, Elysa Anderson, said her company has a vital role to play in ensuring a thriving Docklands community.

“By collaborating to launch Docklands Dollars 3008, we are providing residents with further incentive to shop and support local traders,” Ms Anderson said.

Docklands residents are vital to the current and future prosperity of the community and this new initiative will empower them to help shape the precinct, while enjoying the reward of rebates on their purchases at the same time.

The new initiative is exclusive to 3008 residents, who will be able to claim the $25 rebate every fortnight across retail, hospitality, attractions and services.

Eligible traders will be clearly identified on the Docklands Dollars 3008 website and will include members of the DCC who operate within the 71-hectare footprint created by the four property groups, across Lendlease’s Victoria Harbour, MAB’s NewQuay, Mirvac’s Yarra’s Edge, and The District Docklands.

MAB Corporation chief operating officer, David Hall, said the initiative would be crucial for local traders.

“We have been looking at ways to support the revitalisation of the Docklands community and the ideation for Docklands Dollars 3008 is compelling,” Mr Hall said.

“This collaborative approach from all developers will help drive visitation to small business operators and leading Australian retailers and service providers alike.”

According to CEO of The District Docklands, George Karabatsos, uniting the four stakeholders together marked an important commitment to Docklands and its community.

“Docklands Dollars 3008 is a unique program that is bringing together local businesses under the one banner to reward Docklands residents for spending local,” Mr Karabatsos said.

“The District welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with property partners Lendlease, MAB and Mirvac, as we are a key contributor to the Docklands experience – providing welcoming spaces for local residents to enjoy.”

Daniel Dugina, head of apartments at Lendlease, commended the coming together of industry to support the Docklands community.

“The Docklands Dollars 3008 program gives residents the opportunity to participate in the economic recovery and revitalisation of our great city,” Mr Dugina said. “Through this initiative, we hope to both boost local trade and reconnect the vibrant Docklands community.”

Docklands Dollars 3008 is expected to run until April 2022, with residents required to register their details, submit their receipt, and provide proof of address online to access the cash back reward once approved by the DCC.

A spokesperson from the Docklands Representative Group (DRG) applauded the initiative as recognition of residents’ crucial role in supporting businesses over the past two years.

“Dockland residents have stayed the course during COVID and have been the means by which many cafes were able to survive. So, it’s great that Docklands Dollars 3008 recognises the important role that residents can, do and want to play in revitalising Docklands.” •

For more information: docklandsdollars.com.au/3008docklands

From left: CEO at MAB Corporation, David Hall, CEO at The District Docklands, George Karabatsos, DCC President, Daniel Hibberd, Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Cr Jamal Hakim, Mirvac’s Elysa Anderson and head of apartments at Lendlease, Daniel Dugina. Photo: Murray Enders.