mind, Council developed the Trader Group Partnership Program and began working with local businesses to strengthen connections and relationships. The program charts development and growth of a trader group up to, and beyond a period of forty-eight months through a four-stage process( see Figure 1.). A suite of documents has been designed to support development of operational and governance procedures as each stage develops.
Manningham Council ' s pop-up park
The absence of the community in the centre during the pandemic resulted in the same loss of social cohesion that was being felt globally. When restrictions eased, Manningham Council, with the support of a Victorian State Government grant transformed a car park into a pop-up park which provided a central location to meet and exercise together whilst still maintaining distance. This signified a positive first step towards recovery for the centre as it embraced the return of its community.
WHEN RECOVERY STALLS In May 2022, an accident resulted in a fatality within the centre. The impact on the local community and traders was understandably significant. Social service agencies and Council staff provided support to guide people through the trauma. Further consultation was undertaken with the business community which expressed concern over reputational damage and the continued viability of their business and the centre as a destination. During discussions, it was learned that traders considered there was a high level of disengagement, limited participation, and a lack of coordination between Council and themselves. It was at this point that Council determined a new path forward and a reorganisation of process to focus on the development of partnerships and shared outcomes that delivered a safe and vibrant centre. Amongst the initiatives was the development of the Trader Group Partnership Program. Jackson Court has since become a best practice example for this program which is now being rolled out across the municipality in Manningham activity centres.
TRADER GROUP PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM Manningham has historically had a limited number of trader groups in activity centres with many ceasing to operate due a number of factors, including a lack of cohesion and shared vision. With this in
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Stage 1 Organise Evaluate
Up to 12 months
Stage 2 Deliver
12-36 months
Stage 1 involves a significant amount of input by Council staff to work with the businesses in the activity centre establishing relationships and gaining support. During this stage it is likely that there will be a limited level of tangible outcomes as the focus is on developing a platform for building a strong and sustainable partnership. This is the stage where support for a trader group is determined then evaluated. Information is provided and structures are put in place to ensure governance and operational activities are established and undertaken at a professional level( see Figure 2.).
Stage 3 Facilitate
36-48 months
Stage 4 Support Advise
More than 48 months
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