This Week in the Market – 11 October 2022
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| In this week’s Market News: – Melbourne Market Industry Open Day Success – Victoria’s single-use plastic ban – Notice of Disruptive Works Market News Melbourne Market Industry Open Day Success The wet Melbourne weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the 68 people who attended our Industry Open Day! The attendees were blown away by the size and scale of the market and the extensive and specialty ranges of produce and fresh-cut flowers available. Thank you to everyone who offered their time, samples, and gifts. You all certainly made their morning! A Q&A session after the personalised market tour saw several visitors signing up for an access card to the market. The Open Day positively impacted visitors and has created significant interest in attending the market.       Victoria’s single-use plastic ban The Victorian Government’s single-use plastic ban regulations will come into effect from 1 February 2023, and affected businesses should start preparing for the new regulations.  The ban applies to single-use plastics made from conventional, degradable, and compostable plastics as well as expanded polystyrene for the following items: Drinking straws Cutlery Plates Drink stirrers Cotton buds Coffee cups Coffee lids The ban does not apply to plastic and polystyrene packaging used for the transport and storage of fresh produce. Affected businesses can prepare for the ban now by: determining if you still need to provide single-use items and where use can be avoided or reduced ordering stock of any alternative items you will need ahead of the ban starting, to avoid supply issues running down stocks of banned items and not ordering more sign up for Victorian Government updates here by clicking follow. The Victorian Government will provide a dedicated information program prior to the ban to help businesses and organisations understand their obligations and prepare for them. For further information, please go to www.vic.gov.au/plastics. If you still have additional questions, please contact SUP.policy@delwp.vic.gov.au. Notice of Disruptive Works – Produce Drive & Haymarket Road Crack-sealing asphalt works will commence at 9am on Wednesday, 12 October at the Gate 1 entry/exit roundabout and will be completed by 4pm, the same day. Traffic and pedestrian management will be in place, diverting traffic using signs and bollards. One lane at a time will be closed for works to be performed, minimising the impact of entering and exiting the market at Gate 1. Works are weather permitting and may be cancelled if conditions are not suitable.   A better choice! celebrates National Mushroom Day  National Mushroom Day is approaching this Saturday, 15 October, and the A better choice! team has some exciting plans to celebrate the day! As part of our partnership with the Australian Mushroom Growers Association, we’ll be giving away 5 x $200 hampers filled with chocolates and a bottle of champagne to the best mushroom displays around the country!Set up your best mushroom display and share it on the store’s social media with the hashtag #nationalmushroomday2022 and tag @abetterchoiceaus and @australianmushrooms to be in the draw to win! Entries close on the 15th of October, with winners announced on the 19th of October. To hear more about this competition or get your hands on some new Mushroom recipe cards, please contact Zac. Drug and alcohol testing continues at the Melbourne Market  The Melbourne Market is a drug and alcohol-free site, and we regularly conduct random drug and alcohol testing. Our drug and alcohol testing program has been in place for almost three years and remains part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe work environment. Due to the random nature of the testing, some market users may have been tested multiple times over the past three years, while others may have yet to be tested. When market users follow instructions and receive a negative test result, the whole process from start to finish takes just 8 minutes to complete, having minimal impact on your morning. We will continue to conduct random testing on-site to ensure a safe work environment, so you should expect that you will be tested at some stage in the future. When you are randomly selected for drug and alcohol testing, we ask that you cooperate and follow the instructions of the tester to make the process streamlined, quick and easy for all involved. Economic Participation Survey The City of Whittlesea wants to hear from the people who work and live in the municipality to understand barriers to gaining employment and what training opportunities could assist in developing workforce skills that suit industry needs. This information will help develop an Economic Participation Plan contributing to local jobs and study opportunities. You can have your say by completing a brief online survey. If you have any queries or want more information on the Economic Participation Plan, contact Simon Scrase, Economic Participation & Enterprise Officer, on 0417 017 424 or simon.scrase@whittlesea.vic.gov.au. Industry News Helping cool climate growers adapt  Scientists are giving Australian horticulture growers in cooler climates the opportunity to participate in a A$6.4m research trial programme to help industry adapt to climate change. Hort Innovation chief executive Brett Fifield said the aim is to investigate what operational adjustments need to be made to farms in various regions to achieve maximum productivity in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. Click here to find out more. VB Sculli announces strategic partnership with Alimenta Limited As part of the joint partnership, Asian food group Alimenta Limited has become a shareholder in VB Sculli and is utilising the company’s wholesale operations, logistics, and fresh produce marketing services to support its rapid growth. Alimenta is one of Australia’s fastest-growing vertically integrated food companies, supplying domestic and international customers across various categories. For VB Sculli, this joint venture allows them to expand their range and volume of produce, and for Alimenta, the joint venture is central to their growth plans in local and Southeast Asian operations. Melbourne Market Job Board and Community Notices  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 Leaf Village Grocers We are seeking a full-time permanent Fruit and Vegetable Pick /Packer to join us based at our warehouse in the Melbourne Market to service our three stores. The hours are from 2am to 10.30am, Monday to Friday. Requirements: Strong attention to detail Forklift license preferred but not essential Ability to follow instructions and food safety procedures Willingness to learn, training is provided Good personal presentation and hygiene Ability to regularly lift up to 15-20kg boxes Good numeracy and English literacy skills Please email jobs@theleafstore.com.au and quote ‘market position’. Mountain Fresh Wholesale We are looking for a reliable and motivated individual to join the team. Prior experience in fresh fruit and vegetable is preferred. Various roles are on offer including pick-packing, delivering orders, and general duties. A forklift license is required. Please contact Domenic on 0430991890 or visit us at grower stand 841-842. 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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