Team Wood will deliver a free public fashion show will be held in Queensbridge Square, Southbank, on the day of footy’s biggest award, the Brownlow Medal, to provide a major boost to struggling City of Melbourne retailers and showcase the different businesses that are critical to making a splash on the red carpet.
Independent lord mayoral candidate and small business owner Arron Wood and Deputy Lord Mayoral candidate and founder of iconic Australian swimsuit brand Triangl Erin Deering understand how hard it is to grow and sustain a business and want to ensure that businesses in the City of Melbourne get the support they need to succeed.
The fashion show would be open to retailers who have a shopfront in the City of Melbourne, with a focus on bespoke Melbourne offerings. There would also be free demonstrations from hairdressers and make up artists to showcase the creativity and work that goes into every gala outfit.
“Melbourne is Australia’s footy and fashion capital so we want to combine these passions and showcase the incredible bespoke offers that our Melbourne retailers provide,” Mr Wood said.
“We want to transform Queensbridge Square for a free show that will promote Melbourne’s incredible fashion industry and our retailers.”
Ms Deering said she wanted to make Melbourne the undisputed capital for anyone looking to make a red carpet entrance at a gala event.
“There are so many amazing small businesses that do hair, make up and so much more that are absolutely critical to every gala event and we want to showcase the best of the best within the City of Melbourne,” Ms Deering said.
“The Brownlow is such an iconic Melbourne event and we want to make Melbourne the most iconic place to get your look sorted – from the outfit to the hairstyle – for anyone who has a big event to attend.
“We want to showcase exactly why Melbourne is the fashion capital of Australia and also provide inspiration to Melburnians and visitors in the city for the Brownlow about what their next look should be, while supporting the incredible businesses that make it all possible.”
The event is expected to cost around $300,000. Retailers will be selected to take part through an expression of interest process, with small independent retailers and fashion labels strongly encouraged to apply.
Team Wood also committed to a $25 million package to support businesses within the City of Melbourne that includes:
Reducing council and permit fees by at least 5% for businesses
Expanding the Business Concierge service to include a staffed business hub at Town Hall, in partnership with Victorian Chamber and Small Business Association of Australia, to help people navigate the complex processes involved in starting up and running a business
Creating a working group of industry and business leaders dedicated to identifying and dismantling unnecessary barriers to success for existing businesses and establishing new businesses in the City of Melbourne
Offering small businesses access to free advertising across the City’s social media channels, with a reach of over 900,000 people
Creating a mentoring program to connect existing and upcoming business owners with successful local entrepreneurs
Going to work on making the city attractive to local, interstate and international visitors through a year-round calendar of events
Making Melbourne one of the world’s safest and cleanest cities
Having a dedicated tourism portfolio with a head office and anchor brand location strategy that, in conjunction with businesses, develops marketing campaigns promoting the City of Melbourne to the world
Leading by example with Town Hall returning to minimum four days per week in the office.
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