29.10.2020From the CEO – 29 October 2020

This week our beloved city was finally able to open its arms and welcome us back again to enjoy-in a COVID-safe way of course-much of what we love doing in Melbourne. Even the weather seems to be on our side, which is no bad thing, given that much of what we will be enjoying in the near future is to be outdoors-in our beautiful parks and laneways.

We must congratulate Melbourne and Victoria for the commitment and discipline they have shown in respecting some of the toughest lockdown rules in the world and for their resilience and ability to bounce back, if the enthusiasm they have shown in coming back to the city is anything to go by.

The Victorian government teams which have been working hard to establish a reliable tracking and contact tracing system which will give us the confidence we need to come back to the city to work and to play in numbers which will have a positive impact on our battered economy, are also to be thanked.

We know that this is just the beginning, and, judging by the experience of other jurisdictions world-wide, the situation will remain very fragile for quite some time.

However, cautious optimism is in the air. This has been beautifully captured in a campaign the Committee is proud to be a Foundation partner of-the by “Melburnians for Melburnians” Let’s Melbourne Again campaign, spearheaded by Foundation member, Clemenger BBDO.

We encourage all our members and friends to spread the Let’s Melbourne Again message.

In the meantime, core city shaping issues continue to be front and centre of the Committee’s Road to Recovery focus-in transport, planning, ports, affordable housing, digital infrastructure, walkable cities and much more, all of which you can read about below.

Nominations are again open for our unique emerging leaders program the Future Focus Group, dedicated to creating the next generation of connected Melbourne leaders.

And don’t forget to join us for our virtual AGM on 19 November, where we will mark a very special and challenging year in the life of our city, and where you can honour and celebrate the achievements of the winners of our Annual Melbourne Achiever Award.

Happy Reading