This Week In The Market – 8 March 2021
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| In this week’s Market News: – Certificate III in Greengrocery – International Women’s Day event – Upcoming warehouse power outage Market News Certificate III in Greengrocery The first intake of the Certificate III in Greengrocery is underway with our first group of students beginning theory training components of the course at the market. The Melbourne Market Authority, together with Melbourne Polytechnic, developed the Certificate III in Greengrocery, a course to finally provide workers in the fresh produce industry with a recognised qualification. The course allows students to gain knowledge and experience on topics like; produce knowledge; health and workplace safety; customer service; cash sales and advice; floristry requirements; communications and interpersonal skills. It’s never too late to get qualified and there is still time to enrol; intake is ongoing so to find out more click here. This certificate also allows for funding through the Government’s Boost Apprenticeships Commencements. Providing a subsidised payment of 50% of an employees income up to $7,000 per quarter. To find out more please click here. We’re looking forward to providing you updates on how our first intake of students are progressing through the course and sharing their feedback.  The first intake of students completing theory aspects of the course. International Women’s Day Event – This Wednesday  This Wednesday, 10 March, LaManna Premier Group are hosting ‘Fresh Start’, an event celebrating women in the fresh produce industry, in recognition of International Women’s Day. This event will be held at the Melbourne Market along the Buyer’s Walk and is proudly supported by the MMA. Guest will be attending from all areas of the produce industry to show their support for International Women’s Day. This event is sure to be an enjoyable afternoon of networking, food and knowledge. A panel of industry guest speakers will share their support for women in leadership. The day is open to everyone, so if you would like to attend, please reach out to anika.dobbie@lpgroup.com.au. Safety Message Forklifts are one of the most significant safety risks in the Market. This week, Haydn from Barker’s focuses on some of the critical things to remember when operating forklifts. Thanks for the tips, Haydn! Drug and Alcohol testing 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. All persons entering the Melbourne Market site, must at all times, be fit for duty. 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. The MMA engage third party providers to conduct random drug and alcohol testing on-site. Any persons who return a non-negative drug or alcohol test result will not be permitted to remain on Market Land and may also be subject to disciplinary action per the Market Operating Rules, including but not limited to being suspended from the Market. You can read more information about random drug and alcohol testing on the market website by clicking here. TDAA (The Drug Detection Agency) is the external provider engaged to conduct random testing. TDAA have a thorough and detailed COVIDSafe Plan in place which includes a modified testing environment with perspex screens. Testers wear masks, and there are facilities for hand washing and sanitising. The high-use internal surfaces of the testing van will be cleaned with a bleach-based solution before and after each test. If you have any questions about the Melbourne Market’s drug and alcohol policy, speak to your business principal or a Market Relations Officer.  National ‘Shop & Win’ Promotion happening now!  A better choice! has launched it’s national ‘Shop & Win’ campaign. This campaign offers a weekly prize draw, encouraging consumers to shop at their local fruit and veg shop. As part of the campaign, retailers will have access to a range of in-store promotional material including wobblers, posters, decals, signs and stickers. A better choice! is offering members the use of a professional merchandiser, Camille, who will visit your store with the merchandise and complete the install free of charge, making the process hassle-free and saving you time. It’s not too late to get involved in this campaign and have A better choice! promotional material installed for free but you must register. There are limited spots and merchandise packs available, so be quick! Click here to book today! If you would prefer to install point-of-sale yourself (ideal for regional stores) or would like electronic copies of the campaign for your online promotions, email abetterchoice@melbournemarket.com.au with your details. Melbourne Market Power Outage On Sunday 28 March, warehouses 1 to 9 at the Melbourne Market will undergo a temporary power shutdown to perform crucial maintenance work on the outer ring power supply. Power will be cut to all market warehouses for approximately 6.5 hours, from 7:00 am – 1:30 pm. During the shutdown, warehouses will be without power, including cooling/refrigeration. The Melbourne Market apologises for any inconvenience. If you would like more information about the upcoming power outage please click here. COVID Update There have been no changes to COVID rules or restrictions at the Market in the past week. Market users are reminded to: • Carry your facemask at all times and ensure you wear it when you are unable to maintain social distancing. • Remain at least 1.5 metres from other Market users wherever possible • Wash and sanitise hands regularly Market Relations Officers will continue to issue warnings and suspensions to market users who do not follow social distancing rules. Should COVID risk factors in Victoria change, or social distancing in the market is not adequately followed, restrictions, including the wearing of face masks, may be re-implemented to keep the market community safe and businesses operational. M80 Ring Road – Sydney Road to Edgars Road Closure. The M80 Ring Road will be closed between Sydney Road and Edgars Road from 9pm to 5am on Monday 15 March. However, access to the Hume Freeway from the M80 Ring Road, Greensborough-bound will be maintained. The Hume Freeway southbound lanes will also be closed between Cooper Street and the M80 during this time. Detours will be available via Edgars Road and Mahoneys Road. Refer to the detour map for recommended detours. You can find out more about upcoming road closures by clicking here. Industry News Research reveals ugly produce preferences  Researchers have analysed the best ways to market unattractive fruits and vegetables and found consumers favour the term ugly and are turned off by low prices. The team from the University of British Columbia has published a new paper in the Journal of Marketing titled: From Waste to Taste: How “Ugly” Labels Can Increase Purchase of Unattractive Produce. To find out more information, read the full article here 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 Ask the MMA If you’ve got a question for the MMA email it to: submissions@melbournemarket.com.au. Follow us  |
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