Perform search
Report an issue
I want to...
    Recent
                    Emergency information
                    Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
                    Read latest updates on our response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
                    Read more

                    Precinct development program

                    Streetscape in Chinatown precinct
                    The City of Melbourne's precinct development program 2017-21 provides annual financial support of up to $75,000 to recognised precinct trader associations representing businesses in consumer-relevant areas of the municipality.

                    Associations funded under this program need to undertake activities to benefit the trader area on behalf of their members and need to meet the eligibility criteria including:

                    • submission of precinct development program 2017-21 application
                    • copies of documentation demonstrating the management and legal structure of the applicant association
                    • a copy of the association’s financial statements for the previous financial year as per the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012
                    • a current register of members detailing all individual member details; with a minimum of 25 individual members who have paid a membership in full at a minimum of $50 per annum. 

                    Key dates

                    Applications for 2020 have now closed.

                    Program and application details

                    Funding for administration, business development and marketing

                    Administrative funding

                    The administrative funding is available on a financial year basis to assist recognised associations with administration costs and the employment of an executive officer or coordinator to deliver services to members such as membership development in the trader area and active communication with all members. The engaged executive officer or coordinator remunerated by the recognised association must be independent of the precinct trader association and member businesses.

                    The City of Melbourne can assist associations with drawing up an association executive officer / coordinator job description template.

                    The Council-approved formula for administrative funding of recognised associations is based on $250 per eligible member for a minimum of 25 members and up to $25,000 for recognised associations with 100 or more members.

                    Business development and marketing funding

                    Funding is available on a financial year basis to assist recognised associations with:

                    • business development initiatives such as networking functions and business events and seminars
                    • consumer advertising of the trader area
                    • marketing and promotion campaigns to benefit their members
                    • localised events that promote the trader area to visitors and consumers.

                    Eligibility

                    Associations applying for recognition within the precinct development program 2017-21 are required to present the following documents by the annual application for funding due date.

                    • Precinct development program 2017-21 application for recognition and funding form.
                    • Copies of documentation demonstrating the management and legal structure of the applicant association.
                    • Annual financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012.
                    • The association’s current register of members demonstrating a minimum of twenty-five individual members who have paid a membership in full at a minimum of $50 per annum.
                    • The fee structure for members, membership development plan and membership verification documentation (as outlined in section 4).
                    • An annual and half-year acquittal report demonstrating the undertaking of localised business support initiatives and localised marketing activities as outlined in the association’s application to the Precinct Development Program 2017-21 for the benefit to the associations described precinct- wide area as approved.

                    The City of Melbourne will only recognise one precinct trader association per consumer relevant precinct strip or geographic area.

                    SmartyGrants technical requirements

                    SmartyGrants is compatible with current versions of Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera and Internet Explorer (Microsoft Edge). Please note early versions of Internet Explorer are not supported.

                    We do not recommend completing your application via a tablet or mobile device as there are limitations.

                    Save the progress of your application regularly. If you leave your computer idle for 30 or more minutes without saving your work, your SmartyGrants session may end (or time-out).

                    If the system does time-out, SmartyGrants will return you to the login page where you are required to re-enter your username and password to continue using the system. In this instance you may lose any unsaved work. To avoid any inconvenience save your application regularly.

                    For technical assistance contact SmartyGrants during office hours on 9320 6888 or email service@smartygrants.com.au.

                    Join your representative precinct association

                    If you're interested in becoming a member of your representative precinct association, get in touch with them directly. Refer to the list of recognised associations for names and contact details.

                    Carlton Inc.

                    President: Luca Sbardella
                    Contact: Phillip Mansour, Executive Officer eo@carltoninc.org.au
                    Website: Carlton Inc.

                    Carlton Inc. aspires to help connect local businesses of Carlton and foster a positive community engagement throughout the Carlton area. Additionally, it also provides local traders with a voice and a platform to share their ideas, opinions and recommendations to improve Carlton.

                    Chinatown Precinct Association

                    GPO Box 2832
                    Melbourne VIC 3001

                    President: Mr Danny Doon
                    Email: cpamel@bigpond.net.au
                    Website: Chinatown Melbourne

                    The Chinatown Precinct Association Inc. promotes and markets Melbourne’s Chinatown. It conducts a number of activities throughout the year such as the Chinatown Melbourne Market and the God of Prosperity appearances during Chinese New Year celebrations.

                    City Precinct Inc. (city centre and laneways)

                    GPO Box 3526
                    Melbourne VIC 3001

                    President: Carl Nave
                    Email: info@cityprecinct.com.au
                    Website: City Precinct 

                    City Precinct Inc brings together the small, local, niche, sometimes hidden, independent retailers, hospitality and service providers that together make the Melbourne story unique. The precinct connects its small business members and encourages supportive relationships to foster community in the Melbourne city centre, covering the area of postcode 3000.

                    Collins Street Precinct Group

                    Mezzanine Level, The Block Arcade
                    98-100 Elizabeth Street
                    Melbourne VIC 3000

                    President: Alister Reid
                    Email: admin@collinsstreet.com.au
                    Website: Collins Street

                    Boasting an unrivalled combination of luxury retail, premium accommodation, world-class dining, top entertainment and major business headquarters, Collins Street is the epicentre of Melbourne’s inspirational lifestyle. The Collins Street Precinct Group celebrates its rich blend of global brands, local creatives and diverse businesses cooperatives located at this landmark address.

                    Docklands Chamber of Commerce

                    PO Box 23038
                    Docklands VIC 8012

                    President: Ms Joh Maxwell
                    Contact: Shane Wylie, Executive Officer
                    Phone: 0467 361 930
                    Email: admin@docklandscc.com.au
                    Website: Docklands Chamber of Commerce

                    The Docklands Chamber of Commerce shamelessly promotes business in Docklands: through advertising, networking and Business-to-Business promotions, acting primarily on behalf of their members.

                    Greek Precinct Association (GPA)

                    c/o Tsindos Restaurant
                    197 Lonsdale Street
                    Melbourne VIC 3000

                    President: Mr Harry Tsindos
                    Contact: Antonia Tsamis, Executive Officer
                    Email: contact@greekprecinct.com.au
                    Website: Greek Precinct

                    The Lonsdale Street Greek Precinct is reflective of Melbourne having the largest population of Greeks outside of Greece. It has since blossomed and changed in form but still sits as a representation of the Greeks of Melbourne, as well as an entertainment, arts and culture hub.

                    Kensington Business Precinct

                    The shopping strips of Bellair Street, Macaulay Road and neighbouring areas are the quintessential local inner Melbourne strip boasting predominantly small businesses. The Macaulay Road shopping strip makes a great spot to go shopping for homewares or to browse the selection of funky cafes and delicatessens.

                    North-West Melbourne Precinct Association

                    Post Box 5 North Melbourne VIC 3051
                    President: Emma McCashney
                    Email: northwestmelbourneprecinct@gmail.com or info@northwestmelbourne.com.au
                    Website: North-West Melbourne

                    The North & West Melbourne Precinct Group is your precinct for arts, dining, culture and community. They work with the traders and local residents to implement cohesive and lively community activities and also encourage visitors to come to North Melbourne and experience all that it has to offer.

                    Yarra River Business Association Inc.

                    PO Box 76
                    Flinders Lane VIC 8009

                    President: Mr John Forman
                    Email: bracher@satlink.com.au
                    Website: Yarra River Business Association

                    Since 1998 the Yarra River Business Association has actively represented the interests of small to medium businesses located on and along the river. It is one of the City’s longest established and professional business organisations, with a track record of innovation and advocacy on behalf of its constituents.

                    More information

                    For further enquiries, please contact precinctprogram@melbourne.vic.gov.au

                    ​Precincts
                      Was this page helpful?

                      If you have a general enquiry or require a response, please contact us.