This Week in the Market – 26 May 2020

– Easing of some COVID-19 Market restrictions
– The Today Show highlights the benefits of shopping at your local greengrocer
– Advisory committee meetings next week

Market News

Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

As restrictions across Victoria begin to ease, the Melbourne Market is making amendments to our own COVID-19 operational restrictions.
From Monday 1 June:

• Market cafes will be able to provide dine-in facilities for up to 20 seated patrons. Limits will be placed on entry to comply with the density requirements allowed within a single space – one customer per four square metres, with tables spaced at least 1.5m apart.
• Buggy restrictions will be lifted, allowing drivers and passengers to travel together in electric vehicles at the Market.

Detailed information regarding the Coronavirus and its continuing impacts on Market operations can be found on our website at www.melbournemarket.com.au/melbourne-market-coronavirus-covid-19-response/.
Social distancing and good hygiene is still the best tool we have to stop the spread of the virus. When at the Market, you should remain at least 1.5 metres away from fellow Market users wherever possible, and make sure you are regularly washing your hands with soap and water.
The critical piece of advice for Market users is; if you are feeling unwell in any way, you should stay at home and seek medical advice. Do not attend the Market for work, or to purchase flowers or produce if you are feeling unwell in any way.

If you were up early on Sunday morning and tuned into Channel 9, you may have seen Today weather reporter, Lauren Phillips, talking about why shopping at your local greengrocer is ‘a better choice’.
Weekend Today visited Scicluna’s in Mentone, where they filmed six seperate weather segments.
During the live crosses, Lauren spoke about the benefits of shopping at your local greengrocer and told viewers to jump onto the A Better Choice website to locate their own local greengrocer.
Weekend Today is broadcast around the country to an audience of hundreds of thousands; some positive PR and great exposure for A Better Choice greengrocers all around Australia.

Aprons still available
A Better Choice aprons (as seen on the Today Show crosses) are still available for purchase; you can check out a sample by visiting Art & Style today.
The aprons cost $20+GST each; for those wanting to go with a dual-brand option, it will cost an extra $5 per apron (this is approximate depending on the intricacy of your logo).

A Better Choice feedback
Do you have feedback or questions about the A Better Choice program?
We’d love to hear from you, send an email to abetterchoice@melbournemarket.com.au.

PA testing

On Thursday 28 May, testing of the public address (PA) system will occur across the entire site.
Testing occurs each year to monitor sound clarity to ensure the system operates properly in the case of an emergency. The testing will take place after 12:00 pm so it will have minimal impact on most Market users.

Queens Birthday Public Holiday

The Market will be closed on Monday 8 June for the Queen’s Birthday public holiday.
If your parking permit only allows access on a day that falls on a public holiday, and you would like to come to the Market on an alternative adjacent day, you will not be charged for parking and can enter the Market. However, your regular bay may not be available. Please see a Market Relations Officer on arrival for instruction.

Battery cleaning

Recently there have been several instances where Market Users have used hot water to clean corroded battery terminals on their electric vehicles.
As a result, the battery acid has stained the concrete, which you can see in this image.
If you need to clean your battery terminals, the best place to do it is at the Toyota wash down bay.
By using the designated wash down bay, it will protect our floors and road surfaces from battery acid stains, and this will then remove the need to on-charge the associated cleaning costs.

Advisory Committee Meetings

Advisory committee meetings are scheduled for all groups next week.
Speaking to your advisory committee members is an effective way you can raise key issues with the MMA.
To find out who your advisory committee members are, click here, and talk to them about the Market issues that affect you.

Industry News

Consortium launched amid coronavirus to make Aussies eat their fruit and vegetables

For many Australians, eating fruit and vegetables is a tough sell.
Government data shows only 7 per cent of adults and 5 per cent of children eat sufficient serves of vegetables, while half of adults and two-thirds of children eat enough fruit.
A new national body has been established to change our consumption habits and help the fresh produce supply chain.
The Fruit and Vegetable Consortium is made up of 11 members including the Melbourne Market Authority, Nutrition Australia, AUSVEG, the Cancer Council of Victoria and various government bodies.
Read more about the initiative on ABC News.

Ask the MMA

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