This Week in the Market – 13 January 2020

Market News

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, $20,000 has already been deposited into this account, with the MMA and Fresh State pledging $10,000 each.

Please visit melbournemarkets.com.au/Melbourne-market-bushfire-appeal if you would like to contribute.

Chinese New Year Celebrations

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!

TV commercial set to air

You’d be forgiven for thinking you were on a Hollywood set as we kicked off the new year, with A Better Choice TV commercials filmed at the Market.
Filming spanned over two days with footage taken at the Market as well as at Scicluna’s in Mentone.
The footage captured over the two days will be edited to create two TV commercials, telling a story where a local greengrocer heads to the Melbourne Market to select the best quality produce, which he then sells to his customer back in store.
The commercials will air on Channel 9 throughout the Australian Open tennis tournament, beginning on January 20.
Thanks to everyone who helped make filming a success, especially the team at Sciculuna’s who allowed us to use their store while they continued to trade.
100% of the funds raised through the access card contribution have been directed towards this highly visible TV campaign to support the fresh produce industry and the entire supply chain. It’s a campaign that both the MMA and Fresh State strongly believe in and are excited to be working on together.

We look forward to giving you a sneak peek of the ads as soon as they’re complete!

Australia Day BBQ

The Market will be closed on Monday 27 January for the Australia Day public holiday.
To celebrate Australia Day, the MMA is hosting a sausage sizzle for the Market community on Friday 25 January.
This year during the BBQ, we will also be collecting gold coin donations to go towards the Melbourne Market bushfire appeal.
Make sure to head to Loading Bay North from 5:30 am where you’ll find David Whitchelo and the team personally cooking your breakfast!

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.

Safety message

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, Joseph Ponte, Robert Apted and John Konidaris. Congratulations to Joseph, Robert and John for your service to the industry.
The MMA recognise Market participants who have worked in the 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 for over 40 years and have not yet received your gold card, download and complete the 40-year service award form.

Fire Warden training

Business principals can nominate themselves or a representative from their business to attend a fire warden training 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: Wednesday 29 January, 5.30 – 6.30 am
Where: Conference Room, Ground Floor, Administration Building
Cost: Free of charge

Foodbank donations

Foodbank has advised that they will resume collections from the Melbourne Market this week on Wednesday 15 January.
As communicated last week, Foodbank Victoria had suspended collections from the Market as all trucks and drivers were diverted to assist with bushfire efforts.

Industry News

Australian bushfires take a toll

Australia’s fresh produce industry has been affected by the significant bushfires continuing to burn across the country. Major apple and pear growing regions were hit by fires in the past month across New South Wales and South Australia.
Read more details on the Produce Plus website.

Key Dates

• Thursday 23 January – Chinese New Year Market celebration
• Friday 24 January – Australia Day celebration BBQ
• Monday 27 January – Australia Day Public Holiday MARKET CLOSED

Ask the MMA

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