As we announced last week, Market trading hours are back up for discussion. Anecdotally, it appears more user groups and individuals within the Market are in favour of an earlier opening time, primarily due to traffic congestion on Melbourne’s roads after 6.30am. The MMA is now undertaking a consultation process to determine if earlier trading hours has wide ranging support by Market users. As a first step, the best way to voice your opinion is by speaking to your advisory committee members.
The Wholesalers Advisory Committee is the first meeting scheduled with members due to meet today. Both the Retailers and Growers Advisory Committee meetings will take place this Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
All Market users will get the opportunity to have their say when a Market wide survey is released in the coming weeks. Watch this space!
The Fresh Five
This week we talk to buddies and Market ‘next-door-neighbours’, Michael Moro and Anastasios Mattheou or as they call each other, Mick and Tas.
1. Your role at the Melbourne Market: Mick: I work for ProBuild Property Development. Tas: I’m next door, at Spartan Produce. 2. If you could only take three fruits or vegetables with you to a desert island, which would you take: Mick: Sweet potato, because it lasts forever. Tas: (interrupting) Not sure how you’re going to cook that on your island? Mick: I’ll manage! I’d also take eggplants, and dates, because I really like them. Tas: I’d take dragon fruit (take an expensive fruit of course) pineapple, (I love pineapple), and blueberries. 3. When was the last time you bought flowers for someone: Tas: Only two days ago, I bought black roses for my mum, from May Flowers here in the Flower Market, they look sic! Mick: My girlfriend’s sister, which might sound a bit suss, but it’s innocent, I get stuck buying all the flowers for special occasions since I work here. 4. Tell us something that is on your ‘bucket list’: Mick: Retire! Tas: I’d like to take a Ferrari down the Autobahn in Germany, top speed. Mick: I’ve changed my mind now! Actually, I’d take a Market forklift down the Autobahn! 5. What do you most enjoy about working at the Melbourne Market: Tas: The people make it! Mick: Absolutely the people! Tas makes my mornings, ha-ha. Tas: We’re pretty much best buds. Mick: Yeah, best buds, we get breakfast together every day. Tas: Awww, you’re gunna make me blush now!
Help your kids show off the ‘fruits’ of your labour
Has the MarketFresh Schools program visited your son or daughter’s school lately?
The MarketFresh Schools Program is designed to teach kids about the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day as part of a healthy balanced diet. MarketFresh educators visit schools and talk about how fresh fruits and vegetables are grown, harvested and get to the green grocer. Students are encouraged to taste fresh produce during the session; and just imagine how proud your kids will be when they can tell their mates that this fresh fruit came from Mum’s/Dad’s/Pop’s… work at the Melbourne Market. Tell the relevant teachers at school to Google ‘Market Fresh Schools Program’ to book a visit.
Find out more here
Industry News
Have you thought about applying for a business grant?
Business grants can provide valuable resources for organisations. They can help businesses to become more productive, employ more people, improve market access and increase their scale, diversity and profitability.
There are an array of business grants available at any one time that can be found just by doing some internet searching. Below are links to some current grants that may be of interest to Melbourne Market businesses.
Free Marketing webinar – If it’s Australian made, say it!
Research shows demand for Australian-made and grown products is on the rise globally.The Victorian Chamber of Commerce are holding an informative session for Australian growers and manufacturers about marketing products as authentically Australian, here and around the world.
Are you interested in supplying goods and services to the City of Whittlesea?
The City of Whittlesea is creating a database of local and sustainable businesses that they can work with to help deliver goods and services that benefit the community.
If you would like to be considered for inclusion in the database you will need to complete a short online survey. Follow the link to learn more.
Did you know…?
Eating an apple is a more reliable method of staying awake than having a cup of coffee as it gives you more energy. The natural sugar in an apple is more potent than the caffeine in coffee.
Has the MarketFresh Schools program visited your son or daughter’s school lately?
Research shows demand for Australian-made and grown products is on the rise globally.The Victorian Chamber of Commerce are holding an informative session for Australian growers and manufacturers about marketing products as authentically Australian, here and around the world.