Flower Market Circular – 29 November 2022

Edition 153 View this email in your browser
In this edition of the Flower Market Circular:

– Taking the Stigma out of Men’s Mental Health
– Christmas Trading Hours
– Foodbank Drive-Thru Volunteers Needed

Market News
Taking the Stigma out of Men’s Mental Health
Be a man of more words

Men are just as likely as anyone to struggle with their mental health but less likely to get the help they need.
Talking about mental health can feel intimidating at first – for you and your friend or partner. But there are some things you can do to help the conversation go smoothly and put your mate at ease.

Normalise their experience by sharing yours
Get informed about mental health
Reach out to your friend for help
Encourage your friend to think of mental health just like anything else that needs fixing

For more information or to seek support, click here.

Christmas Trading Hours
The Melbourne Market, including the Flower Market, will be closed on public holidays during the Christmas – New Year period.



To accommodate buying demand, buyers will have access to the Melbourne Market on Monday, 26 and Tuesday, 27 December, to collect pre-arranged produce orders only. It is important to remember the Buyers’ Walk, Trading Floor, and Flower Market will be closed, as these are not mandatory trading days. Some wholesalers and warehouse tenants may allow access to their premises for buyers who have made individual arrangements to collect produce. 

Foodbank Drive-Thru Volunteers Needed


The Melbourne Market is proud to support Foodbank Victoria’s next food hamper drive, held here in the Melbourne Market visitor car park this Sunday, 4 December, between 11am – 3pm.

With the rising cost of living and many people struggling to put food on the table, Foodbank will be distributing over 1000 boxes containing non-perishable items and fresh produce sourced directly from the market to those in need.

Anyone from the Market (and family members over 16 years old) can volunteer their time to help pack cars; the MMA will be providing a delicious BBQ lunch to all volunteers. Email the MMA to let us know if you would like to lend a hand.

A similar food hamper drive was run from the market in July earlier this year. Click here to watch Seven News coverage of the initiative.Introduction of Waste ChargesThe Melbourne Market has a world-leading recycling rate and a long-held commitment to environmental sustainability.

Our waste and recycling system is designed to encourage businesses to sort and separate their waste. When businesses separate waste, it not only helps the environment but also saves money.

Commencing Monday, 5 December, charges will change for all general and organic waste. 
New charges reflect industry movements in waste disposal costs and legislation.

General Waste: $0.50 per kg
Organics (CLEAN ONLY, first 100kgs No Charge per day) $0.20 per kg after the first 100kg on the same day
Cardboard (CLEAN ONLY): No Charge
Polystyrene (CLEAN ONLY): No Charge
Soft Plastics (CLEAN ONLY): No Charge

Previously, charges were applied after the first 40kg of organic waste taken to the waste transfer station per day; charges will now only apply after the first 100kg of organic waste, giving market users an extra 60kg of free organic waste disposal per day.

Clean waste is defined as no packaging, including wrapping, plastics, paper or rubber bands. If the waste is not ‘clean’, it will be charged at general waste costs. It is essential that waste is separated effectively and delivered to the Waste Transfer Station in a clean form.

If you require specific support with your waste, please visit the Quayclean team at the Waste Transfer Station for assistance.Price Schedule 2023On 1 January each year, general market fees increase which includes access cards and parking fees.

In 2023 fees will increase by 2.5 per cent.

Click here to view the updated schedule of fees that will come into effect as of 1 January 2023.Snake Sightings
As we approach warmer weather snake sightings are more likely to occur. We ask all Market users to exercise extreme caution when on-site.

If you see a snake, follow these steps:DON’T
1. DON’T try to touch or catch the snake
2. DON’T try to chase the snake away
3. DON’T try to kill the snake – It is illegal and dangerousDO
1. Immediately call 0408 334 555
(24/7 Security Line)
2. Move people away from the area
3. Watch the snake from a safe distance2022 FIFA World CupYou may have seen the opening ceremony and first match between host nation Qatar and Ecuador in the early hours of Monday morning last week.

We are happy to televise a selection of upcoming popular games over the next four weeks, including every Australia game and all finals, on the Buyers’ Walk and Flower Market large TV screens.

Please keep in mind your surroundings when these matches are on.Safety System TestingSaturday, 3 December – 8am to 1pm
Fire alarm/Sprinkler system testing
Testing and noise will last approximately 30 minutes per sprinkler installation bank (unless issues are found).

Testing will occur when minimal people are onsite to reduce disruption; however, some tenants in the Flower Market, Buyers’ Walk and warehouses may be affected for a brief period.Resources for Victoria’s single-use plastic ban
In anticipation of the upcoming single-use plastic ban, business information sessions are being held every Friday from 11am until February 2023. The sessions are designed for any business affected by the ban to ask questions, receive practical advice, and see what other businesses are doing. You can register for a session here.

Resources, includingfactsheets, posters, and postcards for businesses to use to understand their new obligations under the ban, can be downloaded here.Cyber Security AwarenessDid you know that malicious software attacks and online scams often occur through emails and unsecured Wi-Fi connections?

Cyber security is vital for everyone. The first steps are turning on automatic software updates, regularly backing up your devices, switching on multi-factor authentication, using passphrases, securing mobile devices, and watching out for cyber scams.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has free resources available for all, including step by step guides, quizzes and advice to help stay cyber secure. Industry NewsEight Christmas flower arrangement trendsNow is the time to get creative with your Christmas flower arrangement ideas.

Whether you’re a fan of the more classic Christmas combo of red and green to match your Christmas wreath ideas, perhaps have a desire to go modern with romantic pink, or feel the urge to bring a touch of woodland into your home this festive season.

Click here to read more.Melbourne Market Job BoardDo 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 boardAsk the MMAIf you’ve got a question for the MMA email it to: submissions@melbournemarket.com.au.Follow us
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