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                    Reigniting Melbourne

                    To support our businesses to move beyond the pandemic as we re-opened our doors and welcomed back excited Melburnians, we held a virtual event on 25 November. We invited industry experts to provide advice and practical tips on how business can move forward into 2021.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The event covered:

                    • understanding the local impact of COVID-19 and the road ahead
                    • how consumer behaviour has changed and the opportunities this provides
                    • practical steps to get support, grow your network and link with the community
                    • tips on how to operate in a COVID-safe environment
                    • more information on our support and initiatives for local business.
                    • City of Melbourne Business Support Program, the initiatives in action and support available.

                    Watch a recording of the virtual event

                    If you missed the virtual event, or would like to watch it again, it’s now available for you to watch anytime.

                    Reigniting Melbourne Q&As

                    How is CoM encouraging workers back into the city?

                    Melbourne is open for business, shopping, dining, exploration and of course, coffee. We’ve missed you, and while you’ve been staying safe at home, we’ve been supporting our local businesses and creating a captivating Melbourne for residents to enjoy and visitors to return to. Whether it’s picnicking in our heritage parks, criss-crossing the bluestones to find the ultimate laneway restaurant, or hunting for the quintessential Melbourne-designed must-have, it’s time to rediscover your city.

                    How is the City of Melbourne tackling homelessness

                    • ​We believe all Melburnians deserve access to safe and affordable housing. That’s why we’re committed to reducing homelessness in the city. If you are sleeping rough, experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, there are a range of support services that you can access.
                    • We work to support people who are at risk of homelessness and show leadership by gathering data, sharing what we know and advocating boldly for change, this includes a wide range of initiatives.

                    How is the City of Melbourne addressing public transport connectivity?

                    The City of Melbourne’s COVID-19 Re​activation and Recovery Plan includes the delivery of additional bike lanes and pedestrian walkways to provide more options for people to travel into and throughout the city. Additionally, we’re working closely with the Victorian Government, Metro Trains and Yarra Trams to build confidence in the public transport network as safe, frequent and reliable, to support people returning to the city.

                    How is the City of Melbourne addressing the return of office workers to the city?

                    • The pace of our recovery is dependent on how swiftly all levels of government act, which is why we’re working closely with the Victorian and Australian Governments to plan for our future and a city beyond the pandemic.
                    • The City of Melbourne’s COVID-19 React​ivation and Recovery Plan includes input from our community and experts from across Melbourne, Australia and the globe, and outlines the immediate actions we must take to support Melbourne’s recovery and plan for our long-term regeneration.
                    • This includes a Return to Workplace Pledge – working with the private and government sectors, we will support the coordination of staff returning to workplaces safely. Higher worker and visitor numbers in the city will stimulate commercial and retail activity. This phase will include asking CEOs to pledge to develop a solid plan for the staged return of their workforce to the central city.

                    What plans the city has in relation to supporting tourism businesses in this recovery?

                    • ​The City of Melbourne’s COVID-19 Reactivation​ and Recovery Plan includes a range of initiatives to attract visitors back to the city and support tourism businesses. In response to the pandemic, we’ve partnered with the Victorian Government to deliver a $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund. This furthers our initial $50 millio​n COVID-19 economic package and our ongoing $10 million package to support inner-city businesses.
                    • The What’s On website highlights a range of tourism experiences, events, activities and experiences to market and attract visitors back to the city.

                    How is the city of Melbourne addressing retail vacancies?

                    The City of Melbourne’s COVID-19 Reacti​vation and Recovery Plan outlines a plan to attract businesses back and support current businesses across a range of sectors. This plan includes the reactivation of vacant shops and retail strips with art installations, live performances and other pop-up activities. We’re revitalising the city’s laneways through a program of creative activations, lighting installations and live performances. Additionally we’re supporting new and creative retail businesses to occupy vacant shops.
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