Push for change

By Bridget Cook
WITH Greater Dandenong in the midst of change, two prominent Dandenong businessmen have a vision to ensure the business community has a voice.
Macpherson and Kelley Lawyers managing director James Sturgess and Grenda Corporation general manager David Willersdorf are leading the push to set up a Committee for Dandenong.
The main aim of the committee would be to ensure businesses are informed and have a voice during this period of change.
Mr Sturgess said with changes including Metro 3175, the VicUrban redevelopment, Armitage Hall, Grollo building and new bridges, streetscapes and land-banking expected to happen in the coming years, the business community needs to be involved.
“Essentially what we want to do is make sure the businesses in Dandenong have a voice in respect to major matters happening in and around Dandenong,” he said.
Mr Sturgess said the committee would initially have two purposes.
“Firstly, to share information on what is happening and secondly, to air an opinion on the changes,” he said.
“It is not intended to focus on the colour of the paving but focus on the big issues, projects that need to happen to make Dandenong grow and prosper.”
“Whether it is a third railway line, a new educational facility in Dandenong’s CBD, businesses should have a say in those things and we hope the committee will give businesses the opportunity to have a voice.”
The idea is to have a group of the major businesses of influence from within the region to lend their support to this new committee concept.
Mr Sturgess said it is proposed to have an executive of about six people who would meet on a monthly basis and be the voice for the committee. Once every six months, an open forum for all members would be held.
To kick off the Committee for Dandenong, a meeting will be held on Wednesday 24 November at Beletti’s.
Mr Sturgess urged businesses to attend to lend their support and formally accept the invitation to become a member.
“The membership is based on the managing director or chief executive representing your organisation and formally supporting the committee in its endeavours,” he said.
“At the meeting we intend to set out the key projects involved and the members of the executive.”
For more information call Mr Sturgess on 9794 2689.