Flower Market Circular – 16 October 2019

– Saturday Flower Market – open to the public trial
– Drug and alcohol testing to commence at the Market
– Support Men’s Health, join our Melbourne Market Mo’s team

Saturday Flower Market – open to the public trial

At the most recent flower advisory committee meeting, members discussed possible initiatives to raise the profile of the Flower Market, including opportunities to increase customer traffic.

One suggestion the advisory committee put to the MMA to was to open the Flower Market to the public after wholesale trade on a Saturday.

The MMA will trial this initiative for a period in the lead up to Christmas and review its success.

It is proposed the public market will run as follows:

• The Flower Market will be open to the public from 6:30 am – 9:00 am on a Saturday
• The trial will commence on Saturday 2 November and continue for 4-8 weeks
• There will be a small fruit and vegetable offering during the public market to entice more visitors
• The MMA will fund a marketing campaign to drive public awareness and attendance

The MMA now need to know which flower standholders will participate in the trial. If you are a standholder and have not yet indicated your intention to participate or not, please click here to let us know.

Drug and alcohol testing to commence in the Melbourne 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.

All persons entering the Melbourne Market site, must at all times, be fit for duty.
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.

To support this stand on safety, the MMA will be engaging in random drug and alcohol testing in the Market, using a third-party testing provider.

Any persons who return a non-negative drug or alcohol test result will not be permitted to remain on Market Land and may also be subject to disciplinary action per the Market Operating Rules, including but not limited to being suspended from the Market.  Any suspended persons will not be able to return to the Market until a negative test result is provided.
We understand you may have questions regarding drug and alcohol testing; a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found on the MMA website. Please read through this document where you will find detailed information regarding drug and alcohol testing in the Market. Click here to access the Melbourne Market drug and alcohol testing FAQs.

Members of the MMA management team will make themselves available to answer any questions you may have. A consultation desk will be set up beside the Customer Service Centre between 5:30 am – 7:00 am on Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th and Monday 28th of October. Any business principal or employee can have their questions answered on a confidential basis during these consultation periods.

We all have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment for ourselves, our fellow employees and every Market user, and we ask for your support on this vital safety issue.

Are you concerned about your drinking or drug use?

There are many organisations that offer drug and alcohol-related support services.
Direct Line – 1800 888 236
DirectLine provides a confidential 24-hour telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone in Victoria wishing to discuss alcohol or drug-related issues.
A comprehensive list of other drug and alcohol support services can be found on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website at www.adf.org.au/help-support/

Support Men’s Health – Join our Melbourne Market Mo’s team

Men are facing a health crisis that isn’t being talked about. They’re dying too young. Much before their time.

This Movember, the Melbourne Market, is raising awareness around men’s health issues for all the dads, brothers, sons and mates in our lives, and we need your help.

Grow your own mo’, and you can raise funds, start conversations, and make a big impact on men’s health.

Each week during Movember, we will be focusing on a different men’s health issue while we watch all the market moustaches progress.

The event is supporting a serious issue, but we can all get involved in some fun, particularly at the conclusion of the month where we will judge the best moustaches at a Market-wide fundraising BBQ.

Stay tuned for more details but in the meantime click here to set up your profile and join the Melbourne Market Mo’s team

Is your business ready for the Victorian bag ban?

The Victorian Government will implement a state-wide ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags as of 1 November 2019.

This new law will apply to all retailers – including supermarkets, greengrocers, bakeries, pharmacies, clothes stores, restaurants, cafes, markets, food outlets, and many more. The ban includes single-use plastic bags, including those made from compostable, degradable and biodegradable plastics.

Retailers can download several resources to assist with the transition.

Fact sheet for businesses – provides essential information about the ban and tips for businesses and plastic bag suppliers
Store sign – It is recommended that all retailers download and print this double-sided sign to display in your store, to inform customers about the ban.

Further detailed information about the ban, including resources in other languages, can be found at vicbagban.com.au

Safety message

Fire warden training

After several requests from Market businesses, a fire warden training course will be held for Market tenants. Business Principals can nominate themselves or a representative from their business to attend the course, free of charge.
Those who attend the training will gain the skills needed to be a fire warden for their business in the event of an emergency.
When: Monday 28 October 2019, 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Where: Conference Room, Ground Floor, Administration Building
Cost: Free of charge

Ask the MMA

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

Follow us