This Week in the Market – 22 October 2019

Edition 244

In this week’s Market News:

– Drug and alcohol testing to commence in the Melbourne Market
– A Better Choice helps the entire supply chain
– Do you sell organic produce?

Market News

Drug and alcohol testing to commence in the Melbourne Market

As communicated last week, Market users will soon be subject to random drug and alcohol testing in the Market.

We understand you may have some questions the testing process; a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found on the MMA website. Please read through this document where you will find detailed information regarding drug and alcohol testing in the Market.

Members of the MMA management team will make themselves available to answer any other questions you may have. A consultation desk will be set up beside the Customer Service Centre between 5:30 am – 7:00 am on Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th and Monday 28th of October. Any business principal or employee can have their questions answered on a confidential basis during these consultation periods.

When individuals are affected by drugs or alcohol, it can influence their fitness for work and can be a contributing factor in workplace incidents and injuries.
We all have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment for ourselves, our fellow employees and every Market user, and we ask for your support on this vital safety issue.

A Better Choice gaining momentum

A Better Choice has been gaining considerable momentum over the past 12 months.

Latest figures show that our Facebook following has increased to 121,700 followers, and the website is averaging 40,000 visits per month. The recipes page is the most popular on the A Better Choice website with many visits from repeat users, who are using the site to find great recipes and plan their meals.

The Victorian A Better Choice team is currently working on an advertising campaign due to be rolled out to the public between December and April across the state. You’ll also start to see more of A Better Choice around the Market itself with some great branding and signage being installed soon.

The great thing about the A Better Choice program is its success will not only benefit retailers, but the entire supply chain involved in central markets, and that’s something we can all get behind.

A Better Choice Feedback

Do you have feedback or questions about the A Better Choice program and how it benefits the entire supply chain?
Feel free to send an email to abetterchoice@melbournemarket.com.au.

Weekly words of wisdom

Keeping your stand, store or place of work neat and tidy is a really simple way you can keep yourself and others safe by removing trip hazards. Thanks for the tip!

Do you sell organic produce?

In the coming weeks, we will be adding a new feature on the Melbourne Market Navigator app with a dedicated section detailing which stands and stores sell organic produce. If you sell organic produce and would like to be included, simply email submissions@melbournemarket.com.au including your business name and contact details and a member of the MMA team will be in touch to gather the information we need to include in the app.

Fire Warden Training

After several requests from Market businesses, a fire warden training course will be held for Market tenants. Business Principals can nominate themselves or a representative from their business to attend the course, free of charge.
Those who attend the training will gain the skills needed to be a fire warden for their business in the event of an emergency.
When: Monday 28 October 2019, 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Where: Conference Room, Ground Floor, Administration Building
Cost: Free of charge

Support Men’s Health – Join our Melbourne Market Mo’s team

This Movember, the Melbourne Market, is raising awareness around men’s health issues for all the dads, brothers, sons and mates in our lives, and we need your help.

Click here to set up your profile and join the Melbourne Market Mo’s team.

Each week during Movember, we will be focusing on a different men’s health issue while we watch all the market moustaches progress.

The event is supporting a serious issue, but we can all get involved in some fun, particularly at the conclusion of the month where we will judge the best moustaches at a Market-wide fundraising BBQ.

Industry News

Seasonal rainfall outlook for vegetable growing regions

For vegetable growers in eastern Victoria, NSW and Queensland it is timely to review their water availability for summer crops.

A drier than average spring is forecast for most regions, especially for Eastern Victoria to Queensland. This compounds the dry year to date with some vegetable growing regions receiving less than half of their usual rainfall.
Click here to read more.