A business advisory group established by Port Phillip Council to help support recovery efforts for local traders hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic held its first meeting today.
The Prosperous Port Phillip Business Advisory Group harnesses the knowledge, experience and skills of members from a broad range of sectors and locations across the municipality. Its members, who met virtually today, will advise Council on issues affecting them, and their industries, as Victoria moves into its recovery phase.
Mayor Bernadene Voss said the Advisory Group is one of the many ways Council was helping local businesses.
"We are talking directly with business owners in Port Phillip to find out how Council can best work with them as they begin to plan their reopening. Businesses in Port Phillip demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability as they faced the many challenges of COVID-19, and we're excited to be there with them as they plan their next steps," Cr Voss said.
The Advisory Group will work together with Council to define the desired future vision for Port Phillip's economy, lift gross local product, and create or attract new jobs to the City.
Members will identify and facilitate the co-creation and co-contribution of short, medium and longer-term actions Council can make to achieve a vibrant and thriving City.
"We have already reduced or waived footpath trading fees until the end of 2020 to support hospitality businesses over the busy warmer months and introduced a Business Parklet program so we're looking forward to hearing the wonderful ideas put forward by the Prosperous Port Phillip Business Advisory Group," Cr Voss said.
"Port Phillip is a great place to work, live and play, and hopefully very soon our streets will be safely buzzing again."
Virtual meetings will be held until it is safe to meet face-to-face, allowing the Advisory Group to give timely and relevant advice to Council, and communicate regularly with Council and relevant stakeholders.
Members of Prosperous Port Phillip Business Advisory Group are:
- Janet Rosenberg, President Acland Street Business Association
- Paul Littman, President Port Melbourne Business Association
- David Blakeley, President Fitzroy Street Business Association & Fitzroy Street Place Reference Group
- Richard Blackman, Chair Fishermans Bend Business Forum
- Jasmine Lenders, Elwood Business Owner
- Anne Michaels, South Melbourne Place Reference Group & Property Owner / Real Estate representative
- Amy Huva, Head of Sustainability, Morris Group, Sustainable Business Network
- Kim Edwards, Head of Games and Animation, JMC Academy
- Lillian Kline, Head of Client Engagement, Impact Investment Group
- Janine Lawrie, CEO and Founder Space 2B
- Catherine Mapperson, Franchisee Quest
- Sia Psicharis, Director Beautyologist
