This Week In The Market – 27 August 2019

– Funeral details for Christopher Elston
– Upcoming Advisory Committee meetings
– Market birthday and anniversaries

Market News

Fatal road traffic accident

As you would now be aware, last Tuesday night there was a fatal road traffic incident involving a truck and a motorcycle on Produce Drive.
The driver of the motorcycle, who passed away in hospital, was named as Christopher Elston.

This is a difficult time for Chris’ family as well as the wider Market Community, and floral tributes are currently being laid by Gate 1.

A funeral service will be held for Chris on Friday 30 August, 12 pm at Fawkner Cemetery with refreshments to follow at a nearby venue.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder to us all, that being safe on the roads and within the Market is vital. Workplace safety is about making sure we get to go home to our loved ones at the end of each workday.

If these events have impacted you, or you are concerned about your own or someone else’s emotional wellbeing, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au.

Upcoming Advisory Committee Meetings

You’ve had the chance to hear from all of our advisory committee members over the past months in our Market profiles, and in three weeks, the groups will each be coming together for a regular quarterly meeting.
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 click here, and talk to them about the Market issues that affect you before the next meetings in early September.

Weekly words of wisdom

Market birthday and anniversaries

This Saturday, on 31st August, marks four years since the Market relocated to our current location here in Epping.
Four years is a decent amount of time, but it doesn’t compare with the longevity of our gold card members.

To mark the anniversary of our move to Epping, we would like to acknowledge our 40-year industry service award recipients for 2019 so far.

Stephen Coniglione
Andy Pignataro

Luigi Ponti
John Konidaris
Michael Santalucia

When you become a 40-year member, you receive a gold access card, which has no fee applied, and a recognition certificate.Congratulations to all our 40-year service recipients!

Social media results exceeding expectations

In its first year, A Better Choice has been well received by consumers, with social media pages, including Facebook and Instagram, notching up over 110,000 followers and growing rapidly. Consumers especially love the fun facts, tips and recipes.

During August, A Better Choice social media channels focused on in-season produce and how consumers can locate their closest A Better Choiceretailer.

Jump on the A Better Choicesocial channels today and start sharing and using the content to your own pages.

Melbourne Market is a drug and alcohol-free worksite

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 impairs their judgement, and this is why, like many other industrial worksites around the country, the Melbourne Market is a drug and alcohol-free worksite.

This means, any person on Market Land must not have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over 0.00%, or be under the influence of prohibited drugs at any time.

Our drug and alcohol policy is in place to ensure the safety of all Market users.

Industry News

Bumper blueberry bounty for berry buyers

Berry lovers are set to sing the blues this season (in a good way) as a bumper blueberry harvest rolls onto shelves.

Ideal growing conditions in key regions this year have led to an abundance of fresh blueberries landing in stores this month.

A severe frost wiped out many of the 2018 season’s crops but Berries Australia has reported this year is set to be one of the best growing seasons on record.

Read more on the Good Fruits and Vegetables website.

Key Dates

• White Asparagus Auction – Thursday 29 August
• Fresh State Gala Ball – Saturday 31 August
• Grand Final Public Holiday – Friday 27 September

Ask the MMA

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