Flower Market Circular – 19 January 2022
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| In this edition of the Flower Market Circular: – COVID Update – Calls for nominations to join the new advisory committees – Valentine’s Day Market News Covid Update Face masks It is compulsory to wear your face mask fitted over your nose and mouth at all times while indoors at the Melbourne Market. With the extremely contagious nature of the Omicron variant, mask-wearing outside is also highly recommended. Face masks are the easiest and most effective way of combating COVID spread. What to do if you are symptomatic If you are experiencing COVID related symptoms, do not come to the Melbourne Market. You should undertake a PCR or rapid antigen test and only attend the market after confirmation of a negative result. What to do if you test positive As well as informing your employer, you, or your employer, must notify the MMA of your positive result by calling 0408 334 555. Given the volume of positive COVID cases, the MMA will no longer be updating the Melbourne Market COVID exposure list on our website. You should only return to the Melbourne Market after your 7-day isolation if you are no longer symptomatic. If you continue to display COVID symptoms beyond 7 days, you should consider yourself contagious and remain isolated until symptoms reside. To view the Victorian Government’s checklist on what to do if you test positive, go to www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-cases. What to do if someone in your business tests positive If you are informed that you are a social or workplace contact of a confirmed positive case, there is a possibility you may have contracted COVID. If you have symptoms, you must use a rapid antigen or PCR test and not attend the market until confirmation of a negative result. If you don’t have symptoms, you are strongly recommended to use a rapid antigen test daily for 5 days. If you test negative on the PCR or the rapid antigen tests, resume your normal activities. Keep monitoring for symptoms and get tested again if any develop. Calls for nominations to join the new advisory committees The Melbourne Market has four advisory committees who work with the MMA to advise on matters relating to Market operations and the fresh produce industry. The three year term of the current advisory committees has reached an end and therefore nominations are now being called for interested individuals to hold office for a period of three years commencing 1 March 2022 for the following committees: – Fruit & Vegetable Wholesalers Committee – Fruit & Vegetable Growers Committee – Fruit & Vegetable Retailers Committee – Flower Industry Committee Past and current advisory committee members are eligible to reapply. Nominations should be submitted in writing no later than 3.00pm on 4th February 2022 to the Chief Executive Officer, Box 1, 55 Produce Drive, Epping VIC 3076 or via email: Georgie.christerson@melbournemarket.com.au Nomination forms are available to download here. For any questions please call David Whitchelo on 9258 6100. The MMA Board and Management would like to thank outgoing advisory committee members for their commitment and contribution. Valentine’s Day  This year, the Melbourne Market in partnership with the Victorian Farmers Federation (Flowers Victoria), want to celebrate young love, old fashioned love and the spirit of love with a fun, retro-style campaign. Come and get your love, implies flowers will bring you love and are a must for all Valentine’s. This is brought to life in a short social media video, which will go live at the start of February. Watch the social video here. This fun video celebrates love; with flowers being picked with love at a local flower farm. Then we follow two Romeo’s; young and old as they select the perfect flowers and high five to love. Before we get a sneak peek of them surprising that special someone with flowers and celebrating together. Of course, ending with a call to action to order flowers from their local florist today. Get on board with the campaign by picking up one of the A2 posters which will be available for collection from the Flower Market and Customer Service Centre from Thursday, 20 January. These will be available for free each market until they run out (limited numbers). Please let us know you are participating by completing the collection form and by using the #comeandgetyourlove hashtag. The campaign will go live on Monday 1st February. Notice of deep clean Saturday 22 January Ikon will be conducting a deep clean of the entire Flower Market floor, after trade on Saturday 22 January. Please ensure all stalls are clear after trade, with stallholders along the walls ensuring any equipment that is left on the bay is moved against the wall so the floor is as clear as possible and can be accessed for the deep clean. Cancellation of upcoming events With COVID cases at a record high across the state, we have had to make the unfortunate decision to cancel our planned Australia Day BBQ and Lunar New Year celebrations. We hope as the year continues we are able to reintroduce our popular community activities. Solar Canopy Project 2021 saw the completion of one of our largest construction projects. We are pleased to share the above video showing the final structure. We look forward to bringing you more information about the environmental benefits of the Undercover Solar Canopies soon! Are you on the My MMA Portal?  Email Amanda Flannery to learn more. Nominations for the Young Business Achiever The City of Whittlesea is calling for nominations for the Young Business Achiever Awards. If you know an employee that deserves recognition for their outstanding work and commitment to your organisation, nominate them for the 2022 Young Business Achiever Awards by completing an Expression of Interest. Register a young achiever here! Industry News 4 Blossoming Wedding Flower Trends  There’s an abundance of artistry in floral design right now. Four local florists talk about the freshest ideas they’re seeing. Read more here. The biggest garden trends to embrace in 2022: here are 23 ideas for outdoor spaces and indoor gardens  While 2021 was the period of experimental gardening, some of the biggest garden trends to emerge in 2022 will include a return to bolder, colourful planting choices, natural wildlife gardens, mini growhouses, boutique hotel-style features and the concept of all-weather gardening, all of which ties into two common themes this year – wellbeing and sustainability. Read more here. Melbourne Market Job Board  Do you have a vacancy to fill in your business? Email submissions@melbournemarket.com.au for the position to be placed on our online job board. Looking for a new role? Check out the online job board via the button below. View full online job board Florist (all-rounder) position is available for Valentines week at Flowers Upon Flowers Camberwell. We need an extra pair of hands for Valentines week, The right applicant will be doing a bit of everything from answering phones, making bouquets, serving customers and prepping market flowers. For further information, email Tracey at admin@flowersuponflowers.com.au Ask the MMA If you’ve got a question for the MMA email it to: submissions@melbournemarket.com.au. Follow us  |
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