Retailers to get homeless tips

THE Victorian Government has produced guidelines for business owners in the retail and hospitality industries to help deal appropriately with people experiencing homelessness.
The guidelines are voluntary and document ways to ensure businesses have best practice customer service.
They outline responsibilities with respect to discrimination under the Equal Opportunity Act and how to minimise any potential complaints against the business.
They also provide advice, tips and resources.
To assist retailers to understand their responsibilities, Nick Dyason from the Department of Justice will be the guest speaker at the May general meeting of the Dandenong Retail Traders’ Association (DRTA).
His presentation is entitled Equal Service: Homelessness and the Law.
The Tuesday 6 May meeting will be held at the Grand At Dandenong, 139-155 Thomas Street, Dandenong, starting at 6pm.
“The Justice Department has formed a task force for a limited time to inform retailers of their rights and responsibilities and we are fortunate that they have agreed to address our May general meeting,” DRTA chairman Roy Aspinall said.
The Greater Dandenong Council has also recently conducted a review of the commercial use of footpaths policy and guidelines, and some of those are in respect of the federal government’s Disability Discrimination Act.
To answer retailers’ questions and to provide a greater understanding, Peter Shelton, the City of Greater Dandenong regulatory services manager, will be a second guest speaker.
“It is important that all retailers take this opportunity to understand their responsibilities and I encourage all central Dandenong retailers to grab this opportunity and attend,” Mr Aspinall said.
“These are important subjects and should not be overlooked.
“All retailers are welcome at the general meeting, be they members or not, but we do hope that all retailers will eventually join.
“Attendance at the general meetings is a wonderful opportunity to network with fellow central Dandenong retailers.
“As well as our speakers there are normally Victoria Police members plus council representatives in attendance to provide information and for those present to discuss issues with.
“VicUrban has also assured us that they will have a representative at most general meetings.”
General meetings start at 6pm and normally conclude by 7.30pm, allowing retailers to attend after they close their business and yet it need not be a late evening.
“Membership of the Dandenong Retail Traders’ Association is a wonderful way to have a say in what happens in central Dandenong,” Mr Aspinall said.
For information about the General Meeting or the Dandenong Retail Traders’ Association contact chairman, Roy Aspinall, on 9793 3487.