Traders preview ‘exciting’ year

By Lia Bichel
THE Dandenong Retail Traders Association (DRTA) held its first meeting of the year on Tuesday night to discuss ‘Another Exciting Year in Central Dandenong’.
Members and retailers from around Dandenong gathered to discuss this year’s coming events and listen to City of Greater Dandenong chief executive John Bennie preview what’s to come, including the revitalisation project, Dandenong Produce Market, and upcoming Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
Mr Bennie said construction work on Lonsdale Street may be a disruption for many retailers but urged them to be optimistic about the future.
“I know it causes pain to many residents, shoppers and traders,” he said.
“But there is light at the end of the tunnel. (When completed) I think it will be magnificent for traders, and people will come from far and wide to experience it.”
Mr Bennie said renovations for the Dandenong Produce Market were on track and expected to be completed in April.
He also said he was thrilled about Dandenong’s participation in the upcoming Food and Wine Festival, which will run from 13 to 20 March.
Traders Association chairman Roy Aspinall encouraged retailers in the City of Greater Dandenong to attend general meetings and to become a member.
“Attendance at the general meetings is a wonderful opportunity to network with fellow Central Dandenong retailers,” he said.
“Membership of the Dandenong Retail Trader’s Association is a wonderful way to have a say in what happens in Central Dandenong.”
For details call Roy Aspinall on 9793 3487.