This Week In The Market – 13 April 2021

– Forklift towing restrictions
– Anzac Day BBQ
– Vacancy on advisory committee

Market News

Forklift towing

Forklifts are generally not designed to push or pull a load via a trailer; the standard factory drawbar pin in the counterweight of most forklifts is intended for recovery purposes only, not towing.

Unless using a certified towing hitch and trailer, pulling, pushing or towing a trailer connected to a forklift is unsafe as well as illegal.

Forklifts will only meet the standard to tow produce if they are:
– Using a towing hitch that was fitted and certified by the forklift manufacturer
– Using a certified trailer designed for towing via forklifts
– Signed off with a written certificate from the forklift manufacturer as well as being visibly plated on both the forklift and trailer
– Registered with the MMA via the market approved vehicle form

Unless you have a forklift and trailer that meets all of the above criteria, towing of produce with a forklift is not permitted at the Melbourne Market.

If you have any further questions, please speak to the customer service centre.

Anzac Day BBQ

During 2020 and early 2021, several market events were cancelled due to COVID restrictions, such as our Australia Day BBQ and market birthday celebrations.

In light of further easing of COVID restrictions, the MMA will be commemorating Anzac Day by hosting a free BBQ for market users on Friday 23 April at Loading North, from 4:00 am onwards.

Market users are encouraged to come along and pick up a free sausage in bread; there will also be opportunities during the morning for market users to contribute to the 2021 Anzac Appeal, raising money to support veterans and their families in times of need.

To find out more about the 2021 Anzac Appeal, visit www.anzacappeal.com.au

Vacancies on advisory committees

The Melbourne Market has four advisory committees that work with the MMA to advise on market operations and the fresh produce industry.

There is currently a position vacant on both the retailers’ advisory committee and the growers’ advisory committee.

If you are interested in nominating yourself to join one of these two committees, please contact David Whitchelo on 9258 6100 or david.whitchelo@melbournemarket.com.au for more information.

Victorian winners in the ‘Shop & Win’ campaign

Although we’re only one month in, our launch campaign has proved to be a success! We’ve reached over 2 million people through Influencers, YouTube, Facebook & Instagram ads.

Victoria has claimed a win in the national Shop & Win campaign!
Congratulations to Signorelli’s in North Balwyn, whose customer, Cherlyn Ng, won the Philips Airfryer XXL.

We look forward to seeing more Victorian winners as the competition continues!

New tenant joins Melbourne Market

Meet Michael Pivac from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA).

I’m Michael Pivac, General Manager for TDDA Tullamarine & Thomastown. I grew up in rural New Zealand and moved to Australia in 2003, joining TDDA in 2015. I love Victoria for its great access to live sport, awesome natural areas like my local Moonee Ponds Creek trail, and of course, the food! From 1^st May, I’m moving TDDA’s offices into the Melbourne Market administration building as a tenant, allowing TDDA to provide high-quality services to every business operating inside the market.

Who is TDDA?
TDDA is Australasia’s largest company dedicated to creating drug-free environments. We work with businesses in safety-sensitive industries – especially where staff operate industrial vehicles and machinery. We provide expertise in designing drug and alcohol-free policies, educating people on detecting drug use, and providing onsite drug testing.

TDDA helps keep people safe from harm. We help businesses mitigate the risks of drugs and alcohol at work and stay compliant with safety regulations, including the ‘chain of responsibility’.

TDDA Tullamarine & Thomastown is a Member of Melbourne’s North Food Group, and a proud sponsor of Maribyrnong Park Football Club & St. Vincent De Paul Primary School.

Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit TDDA.com

Vale Joe Pontelandolfo

The MMA and Market community offer our deepest condolences to the Pontelandolfo family on the passing of Giuseppe Carmine Pontelandolfo.

Giuseppe, or Joe as he was most commonly known, worked as a greengrocer at the Queen Victoria Market for over 75 years, starting his business ‘Tomato City’ in H shed when he was just 19 years old.

Joe was a Melbourne Market gold card awardee, who prior to the onset of the COVID pandemic, was a regular market buyer visiting the market with his wife and son.

Joe was well known to the Market community as a happy man always ready to help or lend a hand with a keen eye for good quality veggies.

Joe is survived by his wife Nancy and his son John, who continues to run the family business.

Rest In Peace Joe.

Industry News

Pandemic spurs fresh produce buying in Australia

A study into consumer shopping and consumption behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the value of Australian horticulture in helping Australian consumers obtain health and wellbeing through the benefits of fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts.
The study found the rise in cooking from home – especially cooking from ‘scratch’ – meant that fresh, quality, Australian ingredients instantly became more important.
Read more on the Produce Plus website.

Melbourne Market Job Board

Ask the MMA

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