Flower Market Circular – 11 October 2023

Edition 169

Market News

Violence has no home at the Melbourne Market

Nobody deserves to come to work in an environment where they are subject to violent or aggressive behaviour.

As a community, we all expect each other to act reasonably and responsibly, treating others with the same respect we would give our family and friends.

Shoving, threatening, punching, making intimidating statements, damaging a person’s produce, or using equipment like a forklift to intimidate others, are all acts of violence. The competitive nature of the market environment is not an excuse to behave in an anti-social fashion, and any violent or threatening behaviour is unacceptable.

We all want a Melbourne Market we are proud of, an environment where we would be proud for our sons, daughters, partners, and parents to be involved.

When at work, ask yourself, would my family be proud to see me now?

Have you been the victim of violent behaviour in the market?
If you would like to seek support, confidentially discuss or report an issue relating to racism, sexism, violence, bullying or harassment in the Melbourne Market, please email strongertogether@melbournemarket.com.au or call 0448 413 098.

Please visit the Stronger Together website for further information and support.

Farewell David Whitchelo

For the past decade, one name has been synonymous with the MMA – David Whitchelo. David has been Chief Operating Officer at the MMA for over ten years, building relationships, managing site operations and leading innovative projects. But after ten years of early starts and a considerable portfolio of work, David has decided he’s ready for a change of pace, and it is with mixed emotions that we announce his departure from the MMA, effective Friday, October 20th.

During his tenure, David has been a driving force behind many successes, and his work will leave a long-lasting legacy at the Melbourne Market.

In 2013, when David joined the MMA, he joined the team spearheading the monumental transition from Footscray to Epping. His contribution helped ensure a seamless transition from trading at Footscray on the Friday to Epping the following Monday.

David has a well-known passion for sustainability, and he has initiated many transformative programs in the environmental space, including the waste-to-energy partnership with Yarra Valley Water and forged alliances with food recovery programs such as Foodbank and the Melbourne Zoo, leading to our award-winning recycling rates. The solar canopy project he spearheaded now provides much-needed additional undercover parking while generating green energy, equivalent to saving almost 35,000 trees annually.

David has been a strong supporter of the independent fresh produce industry and a vocal advocate of the A better choice! program from the get-go. He has always sought ways to improve safety on site, from large-scale projects like drug and alcohol testing to many small initiatives that go unnoticed, like improved re-surfacing works and traffic management changes.

Beyond his many professional achievements, David’s approachable and down-to-earth demeanour and unique ability to connect with market users have made him a well-liked figure. He has been a great source of knowledge and is always ready for a friendly chat.

The Melbourne Market Authority would like to thank David for his dedication and immense contributions over the past decade. His impact on the Melbourne Market and the broader industry has been immeasurable. We bid him farewell with a heavy heart but with immense pride in his accomplishments.

As David embarks on his next adventure, we wish him every success.

Children in the Market

Our last Children in the Market event for the year went off with a bang, with the kids enjoying getting creative with face painting and playing in the market’s very own handball competition.

Thank you to everyone for ensuring the children could enjoy the market safely and for those who purchased raffle tickets, raising funds for DEBRA Australia as part of the upcoming Melbourne Market Golf Day.

Thanh Truong: Don’t Buy Fruit & Veg Without me!

Thanh Truong from Aus Asia Produce within the Fruit & Veg market, has just released his book, Don’t Buy Fruit & Veg Without Me!
As well as working as a fruiterer within the market, Thanh has built his social media presence as the Fruit Nerd, using his passion for fresh produce to educate consumers.

Thanh’s book is a collection of all the knowledge, tips and tricks he has learnt from fruiters and wholesalers he has met during his career within the Melbourne Market. Thanh worked with individual fruit and vegetable experts to source the produce and information in his book, including the history and scientific background of many fruits and vegetables.

If you are interested in picking up Thanh’s book, click here to see a list of stockists. Signed copies will also be available for purchase from the Aus Asia Produce store.

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.

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