Flower Market Circular – 15 January 2020

Melbourne Market Bushfire Appeal

The MMA and Fresh State have been shocked and saddened to watch the horror of the bushfire crisis unfold across the country.
We express our sympathy to all those impacted, and thank emergency service personnel and volunteers for the ongoing work they do to protect lives, animals and property.
The Melbourne Market is an integral part of the fresh produce and flower industry, and our thoughts are especially with those from farming communities who have lost crops and infrastructure.
To support those who have been affected, we have set up a bushfire disaster appeal, to allow the Market community to come together with a combined donation.
To kick off the appeal, the MMA and Fresh State have pledged $10,000 each. With donations already rolling in from across the Market, the combined total is currently at $27,050.
Please visit melbournemarkets.com.au/Melbourne-market-bushfire-appeal if you would like to contribute.

Chinese New Year 2020

January 25, 2020, will mark the start of the Chinese year of the rat.
Ranking the first in the Chinese zodiac the rat represents strong vitality, intelligence and wisdom.
To celebrate Chinese New Year, the Chinese Lion and dancers will be coming through the Market on Thursday 23 January from 4 am – 6 am.
For those businesses wanting a blessing during the dance, please email submissions@melbournemarket.com.au and be sure to have your offering for the dragon ready on the day!

Valentine’s Day 2020

Valentine’s day is only a month away, and we are busy working on a great marketing campaign in association with Flowers Victoria, to boost flower sales.
The campaign will incorporate radio and social media advertising as well as point of sale material for your store.
We are currently finalising the details on the campaign, and we look forward to sharing with you all soon!
Watch this space…

Florist Daily Blooms in talks with buyers

Online florist Daily Blooms is believed to be in talks with prospective buyers after recently fielding approaches for the business. Daily Blooms is owned by Melbourne-based businesswoman Courtney Ray and has 40 employees, with offices in Sydney and Melbourne. The company promotes itself as one that sources its flowers only from local farmers rather than offshore suppliers. It generates about $3m of annual sales.
Read more on The Australian website.

Drug and alcohol testing

As we begin a New Year, we remind all Market users that random drug and alcohol testing will continue to happen on a recurring and ongoing basis at the Market.
The MMA is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all Market users.
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.
Market Operating Rules make clear that a person on Market Land must not have a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.00%, or be under the influence of prohibited drugs.
You can read more about drug and alcohol testing on the Melbourne Market website.

Golf day registrations now open

This year we are looking forward to a great line-up of Melbourne Market events, one of the most popular events of the year is undoubtedly the Charity Golf Day! The event will be held on 13 March and funds raised will go to DEBRA Australia, who support people living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare disease where the skin blisters and peels at the slightest touch.
Registrations are now open, visit the Fresh State website to secure your spot on the course today.

40-year service awards

Last week MMA COO, David Whitchelo got the opportunity to present gold card 40-year service awards to three deserving recipients from the fruit and vegetable market, Joseph Ponte, Robert Apted and John Konidaris.
The MMA recognise Market participants who have worked in the fruit and veg or flower industry for 40 years or more.
When you become a 40-year member, you receive a gold access card, which has no fee applied, as well as a commemorative framed certificate.
If you have been working in the Market or Flower Industry for over 40 years and have not yet received your gold card, download and complete the 40-year service award form.

Ask the MMA

If you’ve got a question or suggestion for the MMA email it to submissions@melbournemarket.com.au.

Follow us