This Week in the Market – 1 March 2022
Edition 346 View this email in your browser In this week’s Market News: – Changes to vaccination hub times – Zero tolerance to violence – International Women’s Day Market News Changes to Vaccination Hub opening hours  Following feedback from some market users, the Melbourne Market Vaccination Hub has changed to slightly earlier operating hours of 4:15 am – 11:15 am, Monday to Friday. With many market users receiving the COVID-19 booster from their GP or state-run vaccine clinic over the last few months, it is no surprise that our third vaccination hub has experienced less demand. If vaccination demand at our Melbourne Market clinic continues to decline, allied health provider, CHM, may choose to leave the market earlier than the planned three weeks. The MMA recommends that if you would like to get your COVID booster at the Melbourne Market Vaccination Hub, do not delay. Book a vaccine appointment, or line up for a walk-in spot as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Face Mask Update Last week, the Victorian Government announced several changes to pandemic orders and public health recommendations that came into effect on Friday 25 February. Face masks are no longer mandatory in most indoor settings, including at the Melbourne Market. Individuals can choose to wear face masks if they wish, but face masks will not be compulsory in any setting at the market. Zero tolerance to violence We all deserve to work in a safe environment and go home at the end of each workday, and this includes not being subjected to violence or aggression in the workplace. The MMA has a zero-tolerance approach to aggression and violence at the Melbourne Market. Over the past year, the MMA has imposed life bans on four market users who had engaged in this type of dangerous behaviour. Thank you for making the market a safe and enjoyable place for everyone to work. Fire Safety Procedure Over the past year, the MMA has worked closely with fire safety contractors to improve our systems during an active emergency or a planned evacuation trial. Upon activation of a fire alarm or in an emergency, all market entry gates will automatically close, and access cards will not be able to open entry gates. This measure ensures market users not already on-site are not able to gain entry to the market and inadvertently expose themselves to dangers or hazards unnecessarily. Exit gates will always remain operational during any emergency situation or alarm activation. Once the Melbourne Fire Brigade or relevant emergency services give the all-clear and make any necessary changes to the fire panel, entry gates will become operational again. Market users must always adhere to evacuation alarms and follow the directions of Market Relations Officers in any emergency. International Women’s Day Next Tuesday, 8 March is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. This International Women’s Day we will be celebrating the women of the Melbourne Market and encouraging market users to support this year’s IWD theme #BreakTheBias on social media. Look out for the team who will be travelling around the market between 4am and 7am next Tuesday to celebrate the important day. The below video teaches us what bias is and how breaking the bias is imperative to achieving equality. Breaking through the likeability bias Monday 7 March 2022, 5.30PM Online Event On the eve of International Women’s Day, join Victorian Small Business Commissioner Lynda McAlary-Smith for frank conversations about small business women, leadership and ‘the likeability bias’. Hear about how the expectation of likeability can impact difficult conversations Gain practical tips from conflict resolution specialists Duean White and Anna McRae-Anderson Hear Luz Restrepo of Migrant Women in Business share her story of thriving through adversity – and more Register so you don’t miss out! Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day 2022  There is still time to register a team for the Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day! To find out about sponsorship opportunities or to register a team, click here to download a registration form The fun day-out raises much-needed funds for not-for-profit organisation DEBRA Australia, which work tirelessly to support those living with a rare skin blistering disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). EB is a rare disease whereby the skin blisters and peels at the slightest touch. Living with EB has been likened to living with third-degree burns. It is very painful, and sufferers must be bandaged every day with dressings to protect and medicate their wounds. Market Golf Day BBQ If golf isn’t your thing or you are unable to attend the event, you can still support DEBRA by attending a fundraising BBQ this Friday, 4 March. The BBQ will take place in Loading West from 4am to 7am. All proceeds will go towards assisting DEBRA to improve the lives of those living with EB, by providing necessary support services, medical supplies, aids and equipment, assistance with transition to independent living and research focusing on different aspects of EB.  THINK SAFETY ALWAYS USE LIGHTS AT NIGHT There are many moving parts of the Melbourne Market and it is important that when operating a vehicle on Market Land you always have your lights on, ensuring you can clearly see your surroundings and that you are visible to pedestrians and other vehicles.  Industry News Hort Connections 2022 registrations open Growers and members of the vegetable, fruit, nut, and floral industries are encouraged to register early for Hort Connections 2022, the biggest business and networking destination for the Australian horticulture industry, to take advantage of special early-bird rates for a limited time. This not-to-be-missed event which will be held at the Brisbane Convention Centre from 6-8 June 2022, will explore the theme of “Growing Together”, which highlights the importance of every sector of the horticulture industry uniting to build a stronger more resilient food system to feed local and international consumers. Click here to find out more. Australian growers continue to feel increased costs  Despite record rises in farm input costs, vegetable and potato prices in Australia have remained stable over the last two years. According to the most recent data from Harvest to Home, retail prices for produce have remained at pre-pandemic levels while growers face increases of more than 40 per cent in fertilizer, chemical and fuel costs, and increases by more than 20 per cent in wages and even airfares. Click here to find out more. New Greenhouse Boosts Training In North East Victoria A new hothouse at GOTAFE in Shepparton will help foster a growing number of students in horticulture courses, preparing them for rewarding careers locally and across Victoria. Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney launched the $217,700 hothouse, which will accommodate about 40 students each year and help to meet demand from the local horticulture sector.Click here to find out more. 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. View full online job board Warehouse/Store person (Night Shift) Just Onions Pty Ltd Just Onions Pty Ltd has been specialising in packing onions at our home base in Geelong for wholesale distribution across Victoria, Tasmania, and Queensland since 1990. We are currently seeking a full-time store person/forklift driver, preferably holding a HR or HC licence, to deliver stock to our valued customers at the Epping Fruit and Vegetable market. About the Role: Hours 9pm – 5am (this is flexible) Forklift driving Delivering stock to customers Pick and pack orders as required Load and unload trucks, completing paperwork and tracking stock as you go Maintain order, functionality and cleanliness at the warehouse Keep the electronic records up to date About You: In addition to the above requirements, all candidates will need Good numeracy and English literacy skills Computer literateStrong attention to detail Ability to follow instructions and food safety procedures Willingness to learn Good personal presentation and hygiene Good level of fitness and ability to regularly lift and move up to 15-20kg Must have relevant work rights in Australia Training provided Please forward your resume and a cover letter to: enquiries@justonions.com.au G&M Cammarano and Sons Seeking an experienced forklift driver four nights a week. Must have knowledge of the Market and current regulations. For further information or to apply, please visit Tony on stand 715/716. or contact him on 0400 551 795. Ask the MMA If you’ve got a question for the MMA email it to: submissions@melbournemarket.com.au. Follow us  Copyright © 2021 Melbourne Market Authority, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are on the Melbourne Market Authority distribution list. Our mailing address is: *Box 1, 55 Produce Drive, Epping, VIC, 3076* update subscription preferences |