Fresh State of Affairs issue42

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2018

42 may

CCTV KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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issue 42 may 2018 ISSN: 1838-7829

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CCTV What you should know

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NOTIFIABLE DATA OF AFFAIRS BREACH SCHEME Are you prepared?

FEEDING THE ELDERLY 134 years of giving (Market Spotlight)

CONTENTS

ADVERTISING

03 President’s message 06 Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day 10 Kids in the market 11 FSL mid year meeting 12 Con Gavas 14 Around the market 18 Featured recipe: figs 20 Who gives a fig 22 Where are they now?

26 Calendar of events

09 The Glue cyber security 16 FSL Gala Ball 17 FSL gas station 19 Melbourne Markets Credit Service 23 Melbourne Insurance Brokers 26 Telstra mobile plan discounts 27 Toyota Material Handling 28 Bayford Volkswagen Epping

PUBLISHED BY:

freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9408 6627

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Jason Cooper jason@freshstate.com.au

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EDITOR / ADVERTISING: Bernadette Kelly comms@freshstate.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY: Bernadette Kelly

DISTRIBUTION: Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd and is a free publication.

PROOFING: Tony Nigro tonyn@freshstate.com.au

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s ’ t n e Presid MESSAGE

FROM SMARTPHONES TO CCTV, MOST OF US ARE USING CAMERAS DAILY IN SOME FORM OR ANOTHER, AND IT’S IN OUR INTEREST TO KNOW WHAT OUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE.

Welcome to Fresh State of Affairs 42nd Edition. The end of the financial year is fast approaching and without doubt market wholesalers are looking for ways to lighten their business load.

Time equals money and we have brokered a great new deal to save both with the new FMA phone deals on offer. See page 26 to find out how you can get on board.

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N this issue we look at the everpresent issue of privacy. Our cover article looks at the use of cameras at the Epping Market. From smartphones to CCTV, most of us are using cameras daily in some form or another, and it’s in our interest to know what our rights and responsibilities are. There’s also been a lot of noise lately about the growing concerns of privacy of data collected within the cyber space we all occupy these days. On pages eight and nine, our guest writer, Allan Dall, takes us through the Australian government’s new Notifiable Data Breach Scheme.

Once again we feature the giving side of the Melbourne Market with a full report on the Melbourne Market Charity Golf

Day and a feature on regular visitors to the market, The Little Sisters of the Poor.

We have a new series titled, ‘Where Are They Now,’ where we catch up with a past Fresh State Board member to see what they are doing now. Check out pages 22 and 23 to discover who will make the first appearance. And with almost forty years under his belt, we had a chat to Con Gavas about his career and the changes he’s seen over his years at the market.

Happy reading!

Shane Schnitzler President Fresh State Ltd.

DISCLAIMER: Fresh State Ltd makes this magazine available on the understanding the users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. Before relying on, or altering any business practices, users should carefully evaluate the accuracy, completeness and relevance of the information for their purpose and should obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. This magazine contains views and recommendations that do not necessarily reflect the views of Fresh State Ltd. Fresh State does not in any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or suitability or otherwise of

any information published in Fresh State of Affairs. Fresh State Ltd specifically disclaims all and any liability for loss or damage of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether due to accuracy, error or omission or any other cause.

In addition, by using the information in this magazine, each user waives and releases Fresh State, its staff and agents from any and all claims relating to the use of this document. In no event shall Fresh State Ltd be liable for any consequential damages resulting from using the information in Fresh State of Affairs.

© Fresh State Ltd 2018 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from Fresh State Ltd. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to: The Editor Fresh State of Affairs Magazine Store 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive Epping VIC 3076

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issue 42 may 2018

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CCTV AND THE LAW It’s no secret that the Melbourne Market premises are under 24 hour surveillance. Implicit in an access card holders right to gain entry is their agreement to being filmed via CCTV. And it’s not just the MMA filming. An increasing number of store and warehouse tenants are installing their own cameras to monitor the goings on in and around their premises.

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HE MMA cite a list of reasons for the cameras.

Traffic management, ensuring correct use of loading and unloading, protection of early trading and enforcing of operating rules. The MMA say they have no problem with tenants using their own cameras, providing the vision is restricted to the leased areas only, as is stated in the privacy act.

When it comes to the tenant’s reasons, there’s a common thread. One wholesaler had this to say, ‘Stock is delivered when the store holder is not there to receive it. They can view the camera from home and see what’s there and when it arrives.

It’s also a tool to help with stock turnover, says the wholesaler. ‘I had one occasion where I wasn’t in the store but I could see via the camera that we had strawberries in stock on a Friday. Naturally, I didn’t want to carry them over the weekend. I was able to instruct my staff to sell them. Without the cameras I may not have known and they may have been overlooked. The cameras have paid for itself ten times over. It’s been the best investment ever.’

Another wholesaler added that he has buyers requesting that the cameras be on when they come in to collect stock out of hours, because they want the wholesaler to see exactly what they take away with them.

On the buyer’s walk it’s not unusual AN INCREASING NUMBER for wholesalers to So what are the be bombarded by laws around using OF STORE AND WAREHOUSE customers when they surveillance cameras TENANTS ARE INSTALLING THEIR and what are the rights all arrive at the same time. Sometimes in and responsibilities of OWN CAMERAS TO MONITOR the resulting mayhem, those filming and being THE GOINGS ON IN AND AROUND filmed? It seems to be stock is taken. The customer might tell us a bit of a grey area, and THEIR PREMISES. or think we know but it all depends on what things get missed, it state you are in. might even be taken deliberately, or there may be In Victoria, under the Surveillance Devices Act a discrepancy about an order. With the cameras we 1999, and a subsequent amendment Surveillance can always go back and check if mistakes are made Devices (Workplace Privacy) Act 2006, ‘surveillance and they can be corrected.’ devices are prohibited in ‘toilets, change rooms,

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THERE ARE THREE EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROHIBITIONS UNDER THE (SURVEILLANCE DEVICES) ACT: • WHERE A WARRANT OR EMERGENCY AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GRANTED TO PERMIT SURVEILLANCE • IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMMONWEALTH LAW • WHERE REQUIRED AS A CONDITION OF A LIQUOR LICENCE

lactation rooms, washrooms (including shower and bathing facilities) or in any other prescribed circumstances.’

Employers are also prohibited from communicating or publishing material obtained through surveillance. These prohibitions apply to all private and public sector employers, regardless of whether they are partnerships, businesses or companies. The penalties for offences under the Act are a maximum of two years jail and/or a fine.

There are three exceptions to the prohibitions under the Act: • where a warrant or emergency authorisation has been granted to permit surveillance • in accordance with Commonwealth law (eg a law relating to national security) • where required as a condition of a liquor licence (eg: in a licensed venue).

In relation to these three circumstances, information obtained from surveillance may only be used in accordance with the relevant warrant, Commonwealth law, or licence requirement.

As far as the market tenants are concerned, if you are using surveillance cameras, it might be in the interests of your business to ensure you have in place policies, procedures and staff agreements around the use and distribution of surveillance information obtained from your cameras.

In NSW it is compulsory to display signs if you are using CCTV. While that requirement is not law in Victoria, it’s still a good idea to cover yourself by doing so, as there may be situations where not advising people could leave you liable under other acts such as the privacy act. Individuals with smartphones film and post on social media every day. But as a business, if footage from your surveillance camera shows up on social media you could find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

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issue 41 feb 2018

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PLATINUM SPONSORS

MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY

GOLF DAY

AT HEIDELBERG GOLF CLUB It was another cracker of a day on March 16 for the Melbourne Market Charity Golf day and the Heidelberg Golf course was in excellent shape to receive our keen group of players. There was a buzz of activity around the registration tables as teams checked in, picked up their showbags, and posed for photos. Football legends, Gary Buckenara, Paul Van Der Haar and Tony Shaw, were auctioned off to the teams of the highest bidders.

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OLF day chairman, Joe Amalfi, acknowledged the recent sad loss of Eliza Baird, daughter of DEBRA family coordinator and Golf Day committee member Simone Baird. Eliza was born with severe EB. DEBRA Australia works hard without Government funding to assist families and sufferers of this painful, distressing disease. Eliza had not quite reached her 18th birthday when she passed away just before Christmas 2017.

A host of helpers from Fresh State, The Melbourne Market Lions Club, and DEBRA Australia pitched in to ensure all jobs were covered, from manning the barbecue to recording the longest drive. In addition to the day’s sponsors,

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

a host of businesses donated goods and prizes, ensuring our fund raising efforts were fully maximized.

After the team games were wound up, the top 12 closest to the pin contenders lined up to battle it out for the shootout prize.

The entertainment continued into the evening, with guests enjoying a buffet dinner while being hosted by guest MC, Dipper. Joe Amalfi opened the proceedings by thanking the many

THE MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY GOLF AND BOWLS DAY COMMITTEE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT A TOTAL OF $82,500 WAS RAISED FOR DEBRA AUSTRALIA. sponsors and donors who contributed to the success of the day, before showing a moving photo tribute to Eliza and handing over to Simone Baird, who explained where the funds go to help those families and children affected by EB. A panel of AFL legends entertained the crowd, followed by a fundraising auction, winners presentations, silent auction, and the drawing of a

HOLE-IN-ONE TOYOTA MATERIAL HANDLING ZAGAME PRESTIGE VFS PRODUCE JT’S FRUIT & VEGETABLES

whole crop of top tier raffle prizes, resulting in many happy winners among the tables.

The Melbourne Market Charity Golf and Bowls day committee are pleased to announce that a total of $82,500 was raised for DEBRA Australia.

Thank you to all the sponsors, donors and supporters, the day could not happen without you.

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CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS: GOLF: Berryrain from OZ GROW with team members, Darren Syres, Troy Legudi, Mick Deagostino, and Louie Pettinella LONGEST DRIVE: Troy Legudi SHOOTOUT: Gerard Amalfi PUTTING COMP: Frank Marchesoni NEAREST TO JACK: Joe Fisicaro CHEP CHIPPING COMP: Tom Connell

RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS: > $2,500 Women’s Philip Swiss Watch donated

by Timeless Watches.

Winner: Angela Dimattina > $2,500 Men’s Sunray Philip Swiss Watch donated

by Timeless Watches.

Winner: Travis Vale > $1,000 1 hour helicopter ride for 2 over Melbourne donated by Mark and Tracey Walkley.

Winner: Anthony Sgro > $1,000 1 hour helicopter ride for 2 over Melbourne donated by Brolec Pty Ltd. Winner: Damian Galle > $1,000 Etihad Medallion Club for 4 with car parking donated by Toyota Material Handling.

Winner: Mick Sgro

> $500 Round of golf for 4 with cart hire and pro golf lesson donated by Heidleberg Golf Club.

Winner: Dippa > $400 2 x double passes to Roar and Snore donated

by Zoos Victoria.

Winner: Anthony Sgro > $300 Smallgoods hamper courtesy of Bertocchi.

Winner: Joe Amalfi > $200 Restaurant voucher donated by Il Gambero.

Winner: Tom Machar > $200 Restaurant voucher donated by Supernormal.

Winner: Joe Amalfi > $200 Restaurant voucher donated by Berth.

Winner: Tim Jones

AUCTION RESULTS: > Corporate Suite at the MCG courtesy of Montague Angelo Constantinou for $3,000

> Art paintings x 2 Joe Amalfi $1,500 each

DONORS: > Timeless Watches > Mark & Tracey Walkley > Brolec > Toyota Material Handling > Heidelberg Golf Club > Zoos Victoria > Bertocchi > Il Gambero Restaurant

> Supernormal Restaurant > Berth Restaurant > Provincia > House of Golf Ringwood > Fiorelli Restaurant > Chris Dimattina > I Like Wine. com.au > NAB

> Perfection Fresh > The Fruit Specialist > Nino and Joes > La Manna Direct > Premier Fruits > Flavorite Marketing > Montague > CHEP

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issue 42 may 2018

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Notifiable Data Breach Scheme Commences Operation If you have a business in the market, you’ll know only too well that your customer relationships are firmly based on trust between the buyer and seller. In our digital world, that trust may be quickly shattered if the wrong people get hold of your customer’s personal information. While looking after your customer’s data has always been a good idea, it’s now a legal requirement. Allan Dall, the principal consultant at The Glue, explains.

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ROM 22 February 2018 this year the Australian Government’s Notifiable Data Breach scheme commenced operation for businesses with greater than $3,000,000 annual turnover. Businesses of this size now have an obligation to notify individuals whose personal information is involved in a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm. Further, the Australian Information Commissioner must also be notified of eligible data breaches.

As a business owner or manager it is critical that you ask yourself: 1. Am I taking the security of my core business systems, information and processes seriously?

2. Have I taken reasonable steps to prevent those systems and information I have from becoming compromised?

3. Do I understand the security measures I have in place to address these risks and are they achieving a reasonable level of protection?

4. Have I considered whether Cyber Risk is covered by my insurers?

THE OFFICE OF THE AUSTRALIAN INFORMATION COMMISSIONER (OAIC.GOV.AU) PUBLISHES A “GUIDE TO SECURING PERSONAL INFORMATION” THAT PROVIDES A LIST OF STEPS AND STRATEGIES WHICH MAY BE REASONABLE TO TAKE TO ENSURE YOUR BUSINESS IS SECURING THE INFORMATION YOU HOLD.

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CM

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CMY

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In addition to training, culture and awareness your technology strategy should focus on the following areas: • Firewalls with Intrusion Detection • Web Filtering • Anti-virus • Anti-Malware • Email Filtering and Scanning, SPF Records • Limiting File Access to those who need it • Encryption of Data • Security of Data on Mobile Devices and Portable Hard Drives / USB Sticks • Management of Software Patching and Updates • Backup and Data Recovery – do I have segregated storage of backups that would continue to be available if my system were to become compromised.

• Password Complexity

FOR MORE INFORMATION OAIC Guide https://www.oaic.gov.au/ resources/agencies-andorganisations/guides/ guide-to-securingpersonal-information.pdf CERT Australia https://www.cert.gov.au Your Current IT Provider or Insurance Broker

ADVERTISEMENT

As a technology consultant I regularly engage with business owners that are unaware of what steps their provider is taking to ensure their systems are secure.

It is important given the prevalence of cybercrime, hacking and ransomware attacks in today’s connected world that you take the time to understand and address the significant risks that these threats pose to your business.

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Gabriel Voulgaris (Pignataro Wholesale)

Joseph, Genevieve & Ross Gregory (Ray Gregory & Sons)

Costa & Jonathon Spiteri (F Legudi)

in the

market

Joseph & Adriana with John (Fresh Focus Produce)

We couldn’t resist the chance to see these bright young faces on the page! A number of parents took the opportunity to bring their children into the market for the recent ‘Children in the Market’ school holiday program.

Michael & Lahmeik Menzies (Melbourne Pear)

Sam Gangemi with Arielle and Alessia (Gangemi)

Rossi & Ross Ferrinda (Ferrinda Fresh)

Tony Devincentis & Grandson Michael (Red Rich Fruits)

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MID YEAR MEETING

The 2018 mid-year meeting took place on April 10, members had only to venture as far as the meeting room in warehouse five. Wholesalers were treated to a cooked breakfast before the meeting was opened by Fresh State president, Shane Schnitzler. During his introduction, Shane highlighted to members that the Fresh State focus remains firmly on Wholesaler sustainability.

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EO, Jason Cooper, gave an overview of operational issues and forecast revenue, which included topics such as the predicted increase in cost of Glycol, wider access to fibre-optic internet, and the Melbourne Market Credit Service. The need for traders to be aware of the rules around the bad debt fund was once again reiterated.

independent greengrocers to the general public. The program will be launched nationally on July 1. There will be more on this in the next Fresh State of Affairs issue 43 (out in July).

There was a positive response from members to the news that Fresh State has brokered a very attractive Telstra deal for MMCS users, more on this can be found on page 26 of this magazine.

MMA Operations Manager, David Whitchelo, and Commercial and Business Development manager, Matt Elliott, were invited in to the meeting to discuss member’s concerns and answer questions.

Issues raised included reallocation of grower stands, new leases, glycol usage and cooling, trans-shipping, market hours, digital priorities and the potential future use of additional market land.

Members were taken through the details of the new national retailer program, which will be aimed at raising awareness of the market industry and promoting

The change in venue was well received by the meeting attendees, with several commenting on the convenience of staying on market grounds.

THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS TO CONVENE WILL BE AT THE FRESH STATE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 9.

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CON GAVAS DRIVING TOWARDS 40 YEARS IN THE MARKET Con Gavas began work in the market at West Melbourne for J.G. Trellis (Jack Trellis) in 1979. Back then, his forklift driver’s learner’s permit cost just $35. The test entailed a brief Q and A – he had to know the weight of the forklift. And the practical test? Raise and lower the forks, pick up a pallet and move it, load and unload – that was it! 12 months of practice later he’d obtained his full forklift driver’s license.

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FTER two and a half years with J.G. Trellis, Con moved on to work for Jack’s brother, Alex Drever, where he stayed for the next 20 years. The market community suited Con. He liked the people, he liked the atmosphere, the loyalties and the friendships.

When Alex retired, Con decided to take advantage of his many contacts in restaurants and started up a providoring business.

Four years later he added retailing to his bow when he bought a fruit shop in Bay Street Port Melbourne. The business was called ‘Victoria’s Fruit Supply’, named after his daughter, Victoria.

Con ran the shop for 14 months before selling it to a buyer from the market.

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“YOU HAD TO WAIT FOR THE SEASONS TO ENJOY THE PRODUCE. NOW WITH HOTHOUSES AND PRESERVING TECHNOLOGY MANY VARIETIES ARE AVAILABLE ALL YEAR ROUND.”

Con kept going with the providoring to wait for the seasons to enjoy the ‘The location here at Epping is far less business. ‘I enjoyed being my own produce. Now with hothouses and convenient and there is a lot more boss and back then I would be out of preserving technology many varieties travelling. Everybody’s rushing. They the market and on the road by 5am. are available all year round.’ want to get in and get out again.

I loved meeting new people and There’s no time to sit and chat. It’s not Roll on to 2018. Con is almost 60 years talking to chefs, though I wouldn’t as friendly.’ old. He still does a little providoring as want to be on the road ‘It is safer here’, delivering now with Con concedes.

“ONCE THERE WERE 2700 FRUIT AND the hectic pace of the ‘Buggies have traffic today. In those VEGETABLE SHOPS IN MELBOURNE AND replaced scooters days the main lines were and pushbikes. Back SUPERMARKETS WEREN’T AS PROMINENT. capsicums, spring onions, in the old days you salad greens. There was SO MANY OF THOSE LOCAL SHOPS HAVE had to keep your less variety then than wits about you or BEEN LOST, GOBBLED UP BY THE BIG CHAINS. ” now. These days there are you’d get cleaned so many new herbs and up. The industry continental varieties and lines.’ a sideline, but he’s been back in the has changed a lot. Once there were Con has fond memories of the old market for the last ten years driving a 2700 Fruit and vegetable shops in days at the Footscray Road market. forklift for Opal Jade.

Melbourne and supermarkets weren’t ‘I’ve seen a lot of changes,’ he says. as prominent. So many of those local ‘I’ve seen a lot of good people ‘There were no safety vests in those shops have been lost, gobbled up by come and go. The environment days and the trucks were all singles, the big chains. It’s not just fruit shops has changed a lot and the new there were no B-doubles. Pumpkins – butchers, shoeshops, hardware… generations are all computerised. and melons used to be unloaded by we’ve lost that sense of community.

It’s not as social as it used to be. hand off the semitrailers.

We would organize football games.

Despite his nostalgic take on years The produce was in wire cages. There Market teams played against police gone by, Con still enjoys the industry. would be 2 guys in the truck and 2 and defence teams and then we’d all Keep an eye out, you’re likely to see guys in the fork cage. Everything was get together after a game.’ him on his forklift around the market packed in straw and you never knew for a good while to come.

If he had a choice, Con says he would what you might find in the straw. It have preferred not to have moved wasn’t unusual to discover a snake or from the Footscray Road site. a rat while unloading, and you had

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AROUND THE MARKET 01. Justin (Fresh Berry) & Fong (Victoria Market) 02. Patrick & Trevor (Geelong Citrus Packers) 03. Dominic & Richard (La Manna Premier) 04. Jamie & Hamza (Organic Growers)

05. Singh (Melba Fresh) 06. Mounika (Market Express) 07. Joe (Fresh Crop), Hide (Lowe Farms), Hassan(H.S Fruit & Veg) & Sam (Lowe Farms) 08. Joe (Angarano Group) with Angelo, Jim, Ralph & Joe (LA Produce)

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09. Henry & Paul (Loc Bros) 10. Giovanni (Ten Farms) 11. Tony (Mecca Bros) with Jimmy (Oz Grow) 12. Raymond Chau (Chau Tan Hong Asian Grocery) with Matt Tran (Produce of Virginia) 13. Lien, Soan, Li & Cong (Cong Thanh Vegetables) 14. John, Tung, Thanh & Long (Aus Asia Produce) 15. Joe Petroro (La Manna Premier Group) 16. Ahmad (MMA) 17. Habib (Western Fresh) 18. Alex (Camptara Fruit & Veg)

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2018

issue 41 feb 2018

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FIG SALAD INGREDIENTS: Ripe figs Rocket leaves Goat’s cheese Pomegranate Cherry tomatoes Walnuts Mint leaves Dressing: • Olive oil • Lemon juice

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. This delicious salad is quick and easy to prepare. The recipe and photo originally come from the book ‘Paddock to Plate’ by Louise FitzRoy, however, we’ve sourced it from our friends at lovemysalad.com

PREPARATION: Combine the washed rocket, figs and goat’s cheese on a platter.

Add the tomatoes and scatter pomegranate seeds and crushed walnuts.

Pour over the olive oil and sprinkle with mint.

Add a good squeeze of lemon.

issue 42 may 2018

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WHO GIVES A

FIG If there was ever a fruit synonymous with history, it would have to be the fig. Wild fig trees are thought to have been on this earth for a hundred million years, as far back as the time of the dinosaurs. From as early as 11000 years ago, the fig has been recorded as a cultivated plant.

It’s possible that figs were farmed even before staples such as wheat and barley.

THE FIG IS TRULY THE FRUIT OF THE GODS.

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NE common belief is that it was a fig and not an apple that brought about the fall of man in the story of Adam and Eve. For centuries, the leaves of the tree have been represented in art to cover the genitals of nude figures. The very early Olympic athletes ate figs as a training food, and winners were presented with laurels made from the plant and fruit, long before actual medals became a thing.

Botanically the fig is not a fruit at all but a synconium. They do not blossom in the traditional sense. The edible bulb, or fruit as we know it, is in fact made up of many tiny flowers, which produce edible seeds that provide the unique texture of the flesh. Because the flowers are inside the young fruit, most species require an insect, usually a wasp, to crawl inside through the eye of the fruit – the pointy end – to pollinate. Many of the commercially grown figs varieties in Australia form fruit without pollination.

Fig trees are part of the Mulberry family. The fig is native to a subtropical climate, but has adapted to grow in cooler areas where the winters are temperate, although young trees are likely to succumb to frost. When left to grow naturally the hardy fig tree is large, up to ten metres tall and as wide. The trees perform best on well-drained, fertile soils. They have a shallow root system, which is prone to sending up suckers if disturbed.

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Cuttings are the preferred method of propagation, although air layering or grafting may also be used. There are more than seven hundred varieties of fig tree, although many do not produce fruit. Commercial trees do best with winter pruning and an even supply of water as the fruit develops.

essential minerals such as manganese, magnesium, calcium and copper.

Figs are said to assist with improving heart health and lowering cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, improve skin and hair condition, improve liver health, prevent anaemia, increase energy levels and even reduce insomnia.

THE VERY EARLY OLYMPIC ATHLETES ATE FIGS AS A TRAINING FOOD, AND WINNERS WERE PRESENTED WITH LAURELS MADE FROM THE PLANT AND FRUIT, LONG BEFORE ACTUAL MEDALS BECAME A THING. Edible figs are grown commercially for both dried and fresh fruit consumption.

The fruit should be left to ripen and partially dry on the tree. Their high pectin content makes figs especially suitable for jam making. Figs are high in potassium, omega 3’s and omega 6’s, and they are claimed to offer a long list of health benefits to consumers. Not only are figs rich in fibre and powerful antioxidants, but they contain additional

WHEN IN SEASON, FIGS CAN BE FOUND ON THE BUYER’S WALK AT: LATORRES FRUIT & VEGETABLE WHOLESALERS BIG VALLEY PRODUCE MELBOURNE PEAR COMPANY INDEPENDENT PRODUCE PIGNATARO WHOLESALE MEDICI WHOLESALERS

If none of the above convinces you, try one. Just one taste of this sweet, juicy little bulb of flavour will have you believing the fig truly is the fruit of the Gods!

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issue 42 may 2018

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WHERE ARE THEY ANTHONY PIRERA

NOW?

There’s no denying that an organisation is only ever as good as its people. Over the years, Fresh State has been fortunate to have some very good people roll up their sleeves and take on board positions for the good of their fellow wholesalers and the wider industry. Many of them have now moved on, but they often still maintain links to the market in some form or other. In our new series, ‘Where are they Now’, Fresh State of Affairs catch up with some of our former Fresh State representatives.

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N 1970, Anthony Pirera began working in the In 1996 Anthony became President and remained market at F. Dimattina and Co on weekends in that role until 2001. At that time the board had and school holidays. Anthony was the nephew a prime objective of uniting with all the sectors of Don Dimattina, and his Dad had a fruit shop in of the market, although Anthony has always Glen iris. Anthony hated believed that the Wholesalers, working in the shop but as tenants with long leases and THE MAJOR ISSUES enjoyed the wholesale substantial financial investment aspect inside the market, REMAIN THE SAME TODAY in infrastructure, must have and began full time work the dominant contribution in – THE IMPACT OF MARKET market direction. for his uncle on 1 April 1977 at the age of 18.

HOURS ON FAMILY TIME In 2000, the Dimattina AND QUALITY OF LIFE, In the mid 1980’s he business was sold. Anthony became a director of the worked with the new owner, AND THE PROBLEMS business and joined the Tomarchio, for 9 months, WITH ATTRACTING THE FSL board in 1987. In that then left to begin Dimattina era the board included Provedoring Pty Ltd. As he RIGHT STAFF. the likes of Dizney was no longer a wholesaler, Crombie, Alan Dykes, he stepped down from his Dom Dimattina, Frank Prestia, Jack Capicchiano, position at Fresh State. Anthony continued with Peter Silk, Joe Demaria, Pat La Manna, Bill Smith Dimattina Provedoring until 2015, when that and Ross Venuto. business was sold to Simon George.

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on being a price setter. At one time the market price was an accurate assessment of value but probably not any longer when the biggest buyers are sourcing produce outside the market,’ he says.

‘I’ve lost touch with what’s happening with the chamber these days. The past few years through the relocation would have been a difficult time for the Fresh State leadership. It was never going to be easy negotiating on behalf of the tenants.

‘I still believe that the money spent to build the new facility would have been better spent upgrading the old market.

We had the best located Central market in the world and we’ve lost that.’

ANTHONY PIRERA AND CHRIS MERTIKAS FROM LOUIS MELBOURNE

When asked, Anthony believes the major issues remain the same today – the impact of market hours on family time and quality of life, and the problems with attracting the right staff.

being changed to the Melbourne Market Authority. The trust was made up of industry representation, where the MMA is made up of government appointees,’ he says.

‘The market was originally administered by the Melbourne Market Trust, before

‘The Epping Market is a beautiful facility but the industry has lost its emphasis

For the past couple of years Anthony has worked as a Sales Manager for ‘Tosand’ an importer of Mejool Dates.

‘Being a small business, I’m involved with everything. I come into the market to sell produce to wholesalers and to develop customer relations. I come into the market several times a month and I still enjoy it.’

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24

T H G

T E RK

I L T O SP MA

OF AFFAIRS

issue issue 42 41may feb 2018

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

Once a fortnight or so, the little sisters of the poor visit the market. They arrive around 6.30am, accompanied by a volunteer to do the heavy lifting and drive the cart. They travel the length of the buyer’s walk, chatting with wholesalers while seeking donations of fresh produce.

Almost every business will have something to offer them, and as the sisters make their way through the market, the cart fills steadily. After a final walk through the growers stand the sisters load up their van and return to St Joseph’s home in St Georges Road, Northcote.

T

HERE are communities of The Little Sisters of the Poor in 31 countries across the globe. The order was founded by Saint Jeanne Jugan in France, to offer hospitality to the disadvantaged elderly. The sisters established their first home in Melbourne in 1884, in two terraced homes where St Vincent’s hospital now stands. A year later, through the generosity of the people of Melbourne, a farmhouse property in Northcote was purchased. A few years later a landmark building project began on the hilltop property, and by 1892 the Little Sisters were providing homes for 300 underprivileged elderly people. In the 1980’s the grand old home was sold and repurposed, and a modern aged care facility was built on the remaining grounds.

THERE ARE COMMUNITIES OF THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR IN 31 COUNTRIES ACROSS THE GLOBE. THE ORDER WAS FOUNDED BY SAINT JEANNE JUGAN IN FRANCE, TO OFFER HOSPITALITY TO THE DISADVANTAGED ELDERLY.

The sister’s relationship with the market formed in 1884, after only a few days on Australian soil.

Their first benefactor handed over ten shillings as well as produce, and became a regular donor.

The sisters rely heavily on legacies and grants, and the donations from the Melbourne Market Wholesalers are an integral part of the sister’s ability to keep their resident’s supplied with fresh fruit and vegetables.

‘Thanks to the market, we always have fresh fruit and vegetables to offer our residents. The market has been helping us to feed them for 133 years.

That is such consistent generosity. We can’t say thank you enough,‘ says Sister Winifred.

Once a long-time volunteer who would transport the sisters to and from the market, 77 year old Des is now a resident himself. He has nothing but praise for the care he receives from the sisters, and for the generosity and hospitality of the Market

community. Another resident, the immaculately turned out, 92 year old Mary, had a message to pass on to the market people. ‘All the best to you all from us residents’, she says with a winning smile.

All the sisters have access cards and they take turns visiting the market. Sister Josephine says she enjoys meeting the market community and talking to them about their families. ‘We are very grateful to our benefactors,’ she says. ‘We include them in our prayers every evening. We owe so much to them.’

The atmosphere at the home itself is one of serenity. The Sisters and staff go unobtrusively about their duties and a sense of quiet contentment can be felt among the 74 elderly residents. Perhaps it’s all those fresh fruit and vegetables that make the difference.

26

OF AFFAIRS

issue 42 may 2018

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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27

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