City of Melbourne Council says a new committee of retail, hospitality, innovation and social enterprise sector experts will help turbocharge the city’s daytime economy, attract more people to the city and identify new opportunities for growth.
The City Economy Advisory committee will be made up of Melbourne business owners, employers and entrepreneurs who are all key drivers in the city’s economy.
At today’s meeting, councillors will consider a shortlist of nine members.
“We want to create more business, visitation and vibrancy across the city – and that’s what this diverse group of experts will set out to do,” said Lord Mayor, Sally Capp.
“For example, we know Mondays are our quietest day of the week. Our committee of experts will use their knowledge to help us boost worker and visitor activity to establish a consistent seven-day-a-week city economy.
“Their unique views will be an incredible asset as we continue to boost our daytime trade and strengthen Melbourne’s economic landscape.”
The committee will advise Council on events and activations to attract workers and visitors to the city on days with lower pedestrian activity, giving traders stability in a seven-day-a-week, 24-hour thriving city.
The group will also provide on-the-ground understanding of dynamic city conditions, helping identify opportunities for growth as well as driving visitation and demand for city businesses.
“We know we must do more to create a booming daytime economy. We are determined to ensure our city is the destination of choice to do business and visit throughout the week,” said City Activation portfolio lead Councillor, Roshena Campbell.
The committee shortlist comprises experts from Melbourne’s renowned retail and hospitality industries, the innovation and social enterprise sectors and one of Australia’s largest employers:
- Arabella Richards, Dexus. Centre General Manager at QV Melbourne;
- George Karabatsos, AsheMorgan. Head of Retail & Mixed Use Investments, CEO of District Docklands;
- Paul Waterson, CEO of Australian Venue Co., which manages Beer DeLuxe Fed Square and Morris House;
- Aiman Hamdouna, CEO of Hatch Quarter;
- Rebecca Scott, Co-founder and CEO of STREAT;
- Hakim Halim, Founder of Ripe Cheese;
- Jo van Zeeland, Head of Communications – Enterprise Agreement, National Australia Bank Limited (NAB);
- Jason Tabarias, Founding Partner at Mandala;
- Dr.Jaye Chin-Dusting, Owner, Mary Martin Bookshop.
To inaugurate the committee, the Council will host a City Economy Summit on Wednesday 6 December. The summit will focus on gaining insights into the challenges and opportunities currently faced by Melbourne’s economy.
