Starting or buying a business at Freo Markets

According to FMPL:
“The Markets’ philosophy is that a wide range of traders should present goods of quality, value and interest at competitive prices. Fremantle Markets is an entertaining place, whether you are visiting or bargain hunting.

Fremantle Markets is a community amenity and meeting place, and over the past 35 years has become an outstanding cultural, entertainment, restaurant and retail centre, without equal in the State.”

The tricky spin or blatant propaganda is just mind-boggling. Value at competitive prices and bargain hunting? The massive rent hikes drove out almost 30% of the tenants and the rest have had to index the cost into product prices.
Community meeting place and cultural centre? It used to be the community hub of Freo, but now it’s just a few plastic chairs, hiding empty stalls, that they refer to as relaxed sitting areas or now a community meeting place.
Is there a restaurant in there?
Entertainment? They must mean the buskers outside the market wall or the music in the bar which I believe is provided by the bar owner not the market management. Perhaps they think that the food hall in the mall is theirs as well.
Well, it all sounds good and might impress a naïve potential tenant and that’s what it’s all about. A nice little lead in to their Expression of Interest application form.

It doesn’t quite come right out and state that before you get to see the lease agreement the need to supply your first born child as collateral but it comes pretty close.

It is really hard to sell a business in the markets for a number of reasons; high rents and lack of facilities being the most obvious.

A lot has been said about people who have signed onto a 5 year lease because they thought that it offered secure tenure and that would make selling a business more viable or at least more stable for the buyer. Many of those people now feel stuck; locked in for 5 years with no way out. It’s no secret that due to the amount of empty stalls the management is now offering those spaces at no cost to new tenants. The bottom line of course, is that they are only interested in the rent coming into their pockets. The value of an established business is of no concern to them and might in fact hinder their agenda.

Some people have employed a business broker and others have advertised businesses for sale. A number of people have found a buyer and then the sale has fallen through when they have contacted the management to discuss the lease.

I am not even going to mention the lease other than to reiterate what I have said before, “Get legal advice before you sign.”

What many stallholders did not realize is that the potential buyers must sign an expression of interest form before they are offered a lease. Basically, the form is to guarantee the management that the potential buyer has enough assets to cover them if they should fail. I wonder if FMPL would provide the same information to their tenants. What guarantee do the tenants have should FMPL go bust?

What really concerns me most though is that FMPL demands a trail period. So, if you are lucky enough to find a buyer, your buyer pays you for your business, fits out the shop, buys stock and then after 10 weeks they can be told that they are unsuitable!!!!

If you haven’t read through the EOI form have a look at these excerpts:
Tenant Licence Agreements.
The successful applicant will be required to enter into a Licence Agreement with Fremantle Markets Pty Ltd for a period of 10 weeks to see whether it is successful for both parties. Nearing the end of that time both parties can sit down and discuss the option of entering into a long term arrangement.

Or this little beauty which says it all:
Whilst an attempt has been made to ensure that information contained in this document is accurate at the time of publication (April 2010), Fremantle Markets Pty Ltd does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of information contained in this document.

What Happens Next?

Applicants will not automatically be offered an interview and it is therefore important that you complete the attached Application Form as fully and accurately as possible. Photographs and other information relating to your proposed merchandise will assist in reviewing your application.

The assessment of application takes approximately 1 month and all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.

The decision and outcome of your application is not open to appeal.

Please provide an itemised listing of your proposed product range (You must include photographs of merchandise to be sold).
What are your unique selling points?
What type of products could you could sell at cost price as per the Market Rules?
“Tenants must have at least 1 item of goods made available for sale to customers at Cost Price as an attraction to patrons on each trading day.”

How would your stall and product contribute to a vibrant and interesting Market? (Please give a full explanation eg. it is not sufficient to merely state that you are or have previously been a Tenant for any period).

Who are your competitors and what are the main points of difference that you will offer? (You should consider competitors both internal and external to Fremantle Markets)
Who is your target audience/customers?
In what ways will you ensure your stall operates in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way?
How many staff do you intend to employ?
What other tasks relating to the stall do you do during non-trading times and how many hours are spent on them?
How do you intend to train your staff so they will add value to your business and the Fremantle Markets as a whole?
What is your merchandising theme/display method and how do you propose to continuously improve your stall setup?
What capital improvements will you make to the stall including signage? What improvements will you make to the appearance of the stall? Please include estimated costs of improvements together with a detail plan of proposed changes. Please staple proposed plans to this application.
What is the proposed maintenance and cleaning program for the stall?
Briefly describe your marketing plan. (Other than relying on passing trade or word of mouth, how do you plan to get information about your product to your prospective customer?)
Please provide details of any previous retail business owned by you or retail experience (in each instance please provide dates). Include any relevant details such as qualifications or awards.

Financial Background
Plant & Equipment (currently owned and situated in stall, if any)
Already Owned – Item – Market Value – Service Cost

Plant and equipment to be purchased and installed in stall if application successful
Item – Purchase Price – Service cost

Personal Assets and Liabilities of Applicant
You Own: Cash available, Own Home, Other Real Estate, Superannuation, Savings/Shares, Furniture, Personal Effects, Vehicles, Other Assets. Total Value?
You Owe: Bills unpaid, Home Mortgage, Other Mortgage, Credit Cards, Vehicle Loan, Other Loan. Total?

What was that about a place for artisans, hand made products and an incubator for new start up businesses? I don’t think so…

For the latest post:http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com

Fremantle markets - fair suck of the sav

Oh Jamie, “Fair suck of the sav old mate”. A little Aussie slang we little people use as an exclamation of incredulity. Truly, I was gobsmacked at your Feb ’10 report. (Interestingly, this report was only handed out to selected tenants: why?)

Quote:
“We have seen outgoing tenants working hard to generate negative publicity for the Markets, and to deliver on a prominent ex-stallholders promise to ‘do as much damage as possible before we go.’ In this they have received a lot of support from certain Councillors who should know better. The very public campaign against Fremantle Markets that has been waged by these people through the media, the internet, public protests and misguided comment in Council Chambers has had a negative impact on attendance numbers, and this is unconscionable*.

Be very clear – some outgoing tenants and misguided Councillors have demonstrated by their actions that they do not give a damn about the future of Fremantle Markets or the welfare of the current stallholders. They would like nothing more than to see the Markets fail.”

Oh dear, everyone in the world is conspiring against your good will and genius visions.

Facts:
When Donaldson and Murdoch Seniors ran the markets they were popular, successful, profitable to all parties and world renowned.

They did not compete nor compare with others. They were iconic within their own uniqueness.

Leases were frivolous but behind them was a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ or a handshake that gave many security of tenure which held for twenty or more years.

No one needed to wear a name tag to contrive an insincere relationship with customers.

Stallholders mentored and nurtured each other and worked as a community within a community. No marketing guru will ever formulate or sell this X factor – it evolved over many, many years and included the hearts and personality of real people.

Previous management knew not to try and fix what wasn’t broken. Businesses relied on customer feedback for direction. Quite simply, if it didn’t sell, the business folded. Books do not teach anyone how to read a customer – only experience does.

Markets by definition must be good value for money with lots of atmosphere and offer an exhibition style of shopping. You have engineered it into a structured and disconnected meccano set. You can’t even figure out your trading hours.

Instead of supporting or protecting your tenants you have repeatedly bought in competitors who not only fail but take other well established businesses down with them.

You have relocated stalls into inappropriate positions and that has made it impossible for them to trade. They are a good number of the people who have been forced out of business and you have further robbed them of the right to sell what would have been a substantial amount of goodwill for a previously good business.

You have bullied people into dismissing their staff and you have demanded that some stop stocking some of their most popular lines. In some cases you have allowed others to then take on those same lines.

People have signed onto a long term lease believing they could sell the security of that only to find that you are now offering free entry into other vacant stalls. The promised security of tenure has now become a shackle.

The nepotistic advantages afforded Ms M's daughter has created a lot of acrimony and greatly disadvantaged the other coffee shop and to some degree other traders. This covert destruction and manipulation is being closely watched…

You doubled rents, increased outgoings, reduced advertising, relocated and reduced stall sizes. In doing this you forced product prices up and lost customers as well as successful traders. Some claim that this is now having a negative impact on other businesses throughout Fremantle.

You have even changed the nature of the markets - the very thing that made it a market.

On your one month to decide to “take it or leave it lease” many were unable to sell but in the few exceptions almost all of them who managed to sell, sold at less than cost. You had the audacity to write a cheerio in your newsletters making mention that they had sold and moved on. Truth: you forced them to sell out – they lost their livelihoods, their much loved business and their goodwill as well as most of their initial investment. Not to mention that most walked out with nothing at all.

Almost 25% of the stallholders have gone since you took on the new lease. A greater percentage of customers have also disappeared. Probable reason: they think the market is crap now!

Ann Meyer acts as your ventriloquist dummy and as irritating and disruptive as she is it is still your deeds which she does. You are backing her now but I suspect that she will be the fall guy when the ‘nice us up’ campaign gets underway. You are slick and you are in damage control. Miss M had better remember the many stallholders who backed you, campaigned and promoted for you - who you have now betrayed, dismissed and finacially devestated. Beware Miss M - the nature of the beast.

You sat in council and took names of all the people who had something to say about the predictable outcome of your megalomaniacal overtake. All but one or two of those people have since been shafted. You have systematically culled the people who opposed your ideas. They were right in their predictions and had you have been more open minded you would have realized that they were working to protect stallholders and trying to prevent this current chaos.

But now, seeing the insolence of your suggestion that stallholders should be entitled to expect you to be:
Helpful, friendly and ready to listen and;
Prepared to counsel, in a positive manner
Or that you ask them to:
Work with us as a team
Listen and respond and;
Avoid negative comment

Holy Moley you actually said:
“If you feel there are areas that need attention within the market please know that we are only a call away, or an email. We will make time to meet you to discuss your concern…We are committed to take all comments seriously.”

Excuse me, but wasn’t that what the stallholders association was all about? Do you honestly think that after the public flogging they received that there is anyone brave enough to offer any view that is not in line with your own dogma. Glaringly obvious, is the high rent. Do you wish to discuss this or can we take your quote from your Guru John Stanley’s website, “Jamie Murdoch, one of our clients in Fremantle, has just discovered a great article on “Only Losers Cut Their Prices”. Sounds pretty set in concrete to me….Discuss anything but the outrageous rents - the real issue!

This and your continued assertions that the rent is justified is ridiculous* when as soon as a rival and cheaper market was put on the drawing board you bleated something to the effect that stallholders would walk away on a daily basis. How can that be, I ask sarcastically, when you have said over and over it’s just a matter of ‘more professional traders’ Surly a new market housing your ‘cast offs’ is of no threat to your empire?

You talk about bullying in the workplace and yet most of the people there are intimidated by the victimization of all those who have been evicted or bullied into walking away. Such tensions currently exist that at least two assaults have occurred within the markets; bitchy and sarcastic comments are rife and even Ms M and Councillors have mentioned intimidation and feeling threatened – such is your leadership. This is all about you or because of you. How dare you suggest that ex-stallholders are ‘the trouble makers’? Let’s remind you once again that it was You who threatened to run the markets into the ground if You didn’t get what You wanted. You created bad blood with councillors and between stallholders and You gave the press the stories to write - they simply recorded your actions. There is a huge difference between retaliation and aggression – don’t you dare boo hoo when people push back!

Talk about intimidation, you have wiped the floor with the very people who fed you for most of your life. You glare and posture as people pack up and walk away, having lost everything, and in so many instances you felt the further vindictive need to stand security guards nearby to intimidate or humiliate; you changed locks prior to vacation, you made access difficult and gave limited time and extra pressure to get out. You didn’t even afford the decency to offer a note or word of thank you or good wishes.

Even your own parents put energy, effort and expertise into the market. They worked with stallholders to make it the success that it was – the successful enterprise handed to you on a plate. Can’t help but link that to your comment about 'in nature they eat their young!' I wish…

As for your inflammatory comments about ex-stallholders trying to damage either the markets or other stallholders I take strong objection and reiterate the intention has always been to fight you in regard to fair market rent and secure tenure. Reread your press coverage, this blog and the council transcripts – it is there over and over again. Ex-stallholders have lost their businesses and could easily move on without the aggravation but they are still campaigning collectively to fight for the success of Fremantle Markets (as a real market) and the security of all stallholders.

You are trying to suggest that there are 2 camps of stallholders and you are deliberately trying to pit them against each other. We are not so foolish that we don’t see that for what that is. We don’t consider ex stallholders and current stallholders as being on different teams. All stallholders are equally respected; many are very close friends and the new guys are as vulnerable as all of the rest. Our position is also inclusive of the customers and the Fremantle community as a whole.

Oh, and to blame everyone else for the decline in customers is just pathetic. Customers rarely complain officially or verbally, they simply walk away – doesn’t that say something?

You claim that the media, the internet, the public and the council are campaigning against Fremantle Market. What don’t you get? Let me help you with this with a very clear statement; we all loved the market – We dont love greed, ineptitude, arrogence, victimization or betrayal. Where or who is the common denominator?

*Unconscionable: Unusually harsh and shocking to the conscience; that which is so grossly unfair that a court will proscribe it. When a court uses the word unconscionable to describe conduct, it means that the conduct does not conform to the dictates of conscience. In addition, when something is judged unconscionable, a court will refuse to allow the perpetrator of the conduct to benefit.
*Ridiculous (John’s favourite scrabble word)
worthy of or exciting ridicule; absurd, preposterous, laughable, or contemptible

(Im sure all stallholders can drop by the office and ask for the full version of the progress report - in case they missed out on being given one)
For the latest post:
http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com

John and Jamie Murdoch - Too many Chiefs and not enough Indians

I wonder if this guy will work out that the rents and high costs have killed the markets? (Probably too simple.)
I wonder if this guy will see that the markets have become a food hall and no longer hold appeal to people from outer suburbia or the tourist industry? (Not even the locals are returning)
I wonder if he will feel the resentment and disrespect that the Murdoch’s have created?

Will he:
Crunch the numbers on the futility of mid-week opening. (It’s guaranteed rent increase for the Murdoch’s but pure loss for the stallholders)
Check the authenticity of the outgoing costs or take seriously the expertise of the stallholder?
Can he work with the Murdoch’s blind resistance to the idea that costs and stallholders concerns are vitally significant?
Will he be ‘directed’ to conduct his surveys to come up ‘within the range’ of possibility.
Can people speak candidly and anonymously or will they be intimidated into saying what they need to say to appease their rulers.
Will he acknowledge the contribution and value of long term (and evicted) stallholders?
Will he study the lease agreements – secure both parties?

Maybe he is just another expert being paid big bucks to write yet another biased justification for the filing system. How many experts does it take? And is this where the ‘advertising’ fees are being absorbed?

I heard that one guy, when asked how he viewed the markets and the management, went into a tirade of its all F…ed

And is he just another Ms M or is this the end of her?

For the latest post:
http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com

Fremantle Markets - May be time for a tax audit?

A couple of interesting pieces from the Catalyse Survey, Council commissioned in the months before the lease was signed. Notice on the Intro page the Murdoch’s were uncooperative, not just to the survey company but also the Council, about releasing stallholders details - no surprises there.

The "suggestions" on page 2 reads like a Council list of "What should we ignore".

Introduction and research method

Under the terms of the Local Government Act 1995, should a Council be proposing to dispose a property with a transaction value over $1,000,000 then the sale is classified as a “Major Land Transaction”. Before entering into a Major Land Transaction the Council must first prepare a Business Plan, advertise the availability of the Business Plan for comment and then consider any submissions received in relation to the proposed transaction.
In September 2007 the City of Fremantle released an updated Business Plan for public comment.

In February 2008 CATALYSE was commissioned to conduct an independent research study among stallholders to determine levels of awareness and support for the Business Plan.

The study was designed by CATALYSE and administered by the ECU Survey Research Centre using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CAT)
On request from the Market Managers, all interviewing was conducted between Monday 18February and Wednesday 20 February, 2008.

Stallholders’ details were sourced at (broken link) www.fremantlemarkets.com.au/whattosee.asp

- Additional contact information was supplied from the Fremantle Markets’ Stallholders Association, and from current and past Stallholders.
-While the City of Fremantle requested an up-to-date list of Stallholders from the current Market Managers, and also sought permission from the Market Managers to conduct an audit of stallholders to update contact details, both requests were refused. (WHY?)

111 stallholders completed a survey (from 146 contacts in the database.
- 21 contacts were unobtainable during the study period (incorrect details / called more than 10 times with no contact / etc)
- 14 stallholders were unable to participate (too ill) or refused.
- Of those who completed the survey, 86 were permanent and 25 were casual stallholders.

Survey data as received by CATALYSE and analysed using SPSS. To protect the privacy of individual participants, we only presented anonymous and aggregated responses in this report, individual survey responses are not released to the City of Fremantle, nor any other parties.

Strategic Insights

-Given that the new Business Plan affects all stallholders in Fremantle Markets, it is concerning that 1 in 5 stallholders surveyed have not read or heard others talking about the new plan
-When changes in the new Business Plan were tested among all respondents, the study revealed that there is majority support for the five year leases and for disputes to be handles through the State Administrative Tribunal.
-While most stallholders (68%) would like the City of Fremantle representatives to be included in the Work Group, a large minority (23%) oppose the involvement of the City of Fremantle in this group.
-Just over half the stallholders rated the performance of the current Market Managers as quite good or very good.
-Among those who have read or heard others talking about the Business Plan, many (64%) would be happy for the City of Fremantle to enter into a new lease with the current Market Managers.
- However, it should be noted that a large minority, 1 in 4 stallholders (27%) are NOT happy for the City of Fremantle to enter into a new lease with the current Market Managers.
-Furthermore, 24% of stallholders who participated in the study rated the performance of the current Market Managers as quite poor or very poor: 18% said performance was only ‘just acceptable’.

To address stallholders concern, consider the following suggestions:

-Consult the Fremantle Markets Stallholders association about the new Business Plan
-Include the Market Managers and representatives from both the City of Fremantle and the Fremantle Markets stallholders Association in the Working Group
- Agree on rules / guidelines for 1) setting and managing rent increases 2) tenure (including the location / relocation of sites) and 3) selling / purchasing stalls
-Consult stallholders about changing / extending trading hours for Fremantle Markets
- Improve the way the markets are managed (including greater transparency and fairness with decision –making, improved professionalism and better communication with stallholders)

My take:
None of the above concerns or suggestions have been taken seriously or implemented.

Why, with all the accountancy background of the Murdoch’s, would there be no complete or accurate database of stallholder contact details? Why has council not insisted that there should be one? Perhaps the ATO should do a thorough investigation on the record keeping at Freo markets; what other vital statistics are missing?

In light of the support in this study, might I refer you back to the letter sent out to stallholders by the Murdoch’s, asking for backing and making promises that persuaded stallholders to back them. You will clearly see why the stallholders and council now feel so betrayed. http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com/2009/12/trust-me-would-i-lie-to-you.html
Or, how about repeating the study Now.



For the latest post:http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com

Adele Carles seeks compensation and justice

Hi Sonya,
In your most recent blog post you say people need to contact Adelle Carles. What sort of information is she wanting and to what end? Is there a possibility that the lease will be overturned and in that case would some or all of the people who left (excluding those who sold) return to the Market. In that case what will happen to the new people who have come in? Or is best case scenario that management will simply be made to behave more fairly in the future? Also you promise safety.
There is a real concern amongst some who supported the Murdochs in their bid for the lease that they will be punished by whoever takes over if the Murdochs are ousted. Obviously anyone with a brain and a heart is appalled by what is now happening but they can't help being afraid that they will be blamed and punished for past ill advised actions and decisions. What do you feel about this?
Regards
S


Dear S..,
Great letter and it addresses the feelings and thoughts of many. Can I post this? Without your name of course.

I have been a bit careful to not say too much about the plan of action. I am waiting on a press release from Adele but I'm sure the Herald today will have a public statement. The Gazette, next Tuesday, should also have a statement. I also expect other media to pick up the story within the next few days.

The main point she made on Sunday is that she is going to seek compensation for people who have suffered loss since the lease signing. What she needs is a record of who has been hurt and how the changes have adversely affected them. Stall downsizing, inappropriate relocation, profit downturn, high rents and monthly leases as opposed to the promised 5 year tenure. Writing a personal story and marking it confidential is all that is required at the moment. Anyone who believes that they have been forced out of the market.

She has also identified breaches and has a very strong case for legal action against the council. It will then be up to council to take action against the Murdoch's. It should never have been left to the stallholders association to do all the leg work and finance legal action. She has all the documentation now and the great news is that it is her team who will be financing the investigation. People in high places are now onboard...

I doubt that new stallholders will be disadvantaged in any way. These people are not the enemy and like everyone else they deserve a go. Backing the Murdoch bid was totally understandable as many were completely misled. Many needed to play under the radar and we understand that. This is not, and I stress not, about stallholders turning against stallholders. People have debts and mortgages and families and it is their right and obligation to do the best they can to protect themselves. Also, the Murdoch's charmed and courted a number of people, even councilors admit that with the information they had at the time they felt that the vote was qualified. We all get wiser in retrospect. Now is now and we know what we know...more will be revealed soon.

No one is seeking a slap on the wrist for the Murdoch's. Who would accept an apology or a promise from these people? The markets need to be stabilized and they need ongoing checks and balances. People need to be put right and for the ones who remain there needs to be a level playing field.


Stallowners need to support each other. There is no such thing as new stallholders, old stallholders, Murdoch supporters or any other camp. There is a collective body of hard working people who need a fair go and equal opportunity. Stallholders have always traded off each other and that ecology needs to be bought back into balance.

The photos above are more of the missing shops at the markets.


Is this the future of Freo Markets?


For the latest post:
http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com

The glare of the obvious is blinding

Air conditioning is and has been of great concern in Freo markets. The argument continues and temperatures continue to rise. Jamie Murdoch says it is a matter of priority. Stallholders and customers often mention feeling ill but at least the customers can avoid the markets and they do. The 43C heat over the Christmas period robbed the stallholders of the expected high trade and drove the final nail into the coffin for a number of people who were just hanging in, waiting for Christmas to pull them over the line. The Murdoch visionaries of the future had this 21st century solution.

Another example of the slick promo speak. Ann Myer referred to the relaxed sitting areas as a customer request with positive feedback. I would argue that plastic tables and chairs with overflowing garbage bins are nothing more than strategically placed fillers hiding empty spaces which used to be stalls.

Another relaxed sitting area around another garbage bin doesn't camouflage the locked door which used to be the ever popular bonsai shop. New tenants are lining up to take possession? NOT.

These shops cost the previous tenants a bomb. With the new development they were offered temporary relocation in inferior positions inside the main market. Robbed of the initial investment and unable to trade effectively they chose to walk away. Rumour has it that Ann Myers daughter is getting ready to take possession of one of them. At what price, mmmmm? Boy that is one lucky girl. Dancing on graves must be some special magic.

What is it that the Murdoch's and the council can't see? How long are we all going to stare at the elephant in the room? How do these pictures exemplify the original business plan? I haven't even posted all the pictures of empty stalls or the ones up for sale or the others hidden by expanding stock to hide vacancies. When will the promises and the reality meet?

Unbelievably, in last weeks Fremantle Gazette, Jamie was quoted:
With the exception of an area in the yard which is being remodelled, there is only one vacancy and this is consistent with our ongoing occupancy rate. One?


Check out the highly promoted 'celebrity cooking school'. Talk about delusions of grandeur.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAO3LcfUTRc&feature=related



For the latest post:
http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com

The Human face behind the stories

The photos below are just a small snapshot of the human faces behind the current carnage. The Murdoch's have referred to ex-stallholders as 'yesterdays people'. Are these today's people and who are tomorrows people?


Julia as pleasant as ever pretending it's business as usual. 2 hours after I took this photo she was packed up and on her way out. Within weeks of buying her shop she was advised of the rent increases. In just over a year she walks away with nothing but heartache and lose of initial investment.
Ed closing down the previously owned family business. His mum and dad are at a loss to understand. No reason, no explanation just 'go'.
An Australiana shop. Perfect for a tourism icon, but not so, according to the Murdoch's. Gone by the end of the day.

Sweet enough to pose for a photo. The smile hides the sadness of packing up before the sun sets.
Pretty box's don't hide the fact that the shop is no longer occupied. Perhaps they contain her Christmas surprise - a vacation.





PAST MEMBERS & FRIENDS

It is also appropriate to recognize the contribution made by the following long term stallholders to the markets who have left the markets, for one reason or another, since the lease negotiations commenced just over 2 years ago. Some have been evicted, others decided to leave because of the high rents and outgoings, others who weren’t offered the 5 years tenure promised and yes some, who have sold their business but, in most instances, for far less than it was previously worth.


Richard Murphy - Aromatica Soaps, Chris Jones - Mosaics, Alison Viera - Freo Hats, Steve Beard - Hammocks, Cuong - Leather Bags, Mary Cole - Antique Corner, Bob Williams - Fish Corner, Kylie Larsen - Artist, Penny Bannister - Antique Books, Nathan Baws - Naturopath, Bill Hopkins - Toys, Sue Smith - Asian Handicrafts, Mick Marlin - Art Prints/Framing, Sue - Bushtucker Foods, Peter & Lam - Farmers Lane Food, Herman Visser - Sunglasses, Wen - Fruit & Veg, Carol & Ralph - Paramor Crystals, Hulusi Atahan - Wildflowers in Resin, Mick - Candles, Anne Hughes - Rainbow Magic, Lorraine Ryan - Reiki, Annie - Artist/Silk Scarves, Wayne Bynder - Bootja Aboriginal, Ant & Julie - Photographer/Prints, Nellie - Ceramic Artist, Pat Mason - Woodturner,Patrick & Lynne - Wireworks, Lizzie - Cake of Soap, Colin and Marilyn Wright - Bonsai, Jerry Drenthe - Mr. Organic, Billy Ho - Fruit & Veg, Fan - Fruit & Veg, Scotty’s - Fruit & Veg, Gloria Stewart - High as a Kite, Richard Dixon - CrocodileMagnets, Gloria - Aladdins Kebab, Kerry & Lyn - The Bali Shop, Looch - Tricycle Clothing, Lee - Fruit & Veg, Maureen - The Box Shop, Mei Mei - Chinese Emporium, Subhi & Annupo - Floonies, Ken & Julia - Ken’s Art,
And ...



sonyagreen.blogspot.com

Fremantle Market rally pictures

Hundreds of Fremantle locals came to the Jan 31st rally to protest and show support for the Fremantle Markets. This is only a small glimpse but a poignant one, as once again, the same councillors who fought in the beginning are the same ones who showed up to let us know they are still listening. Donna Haney, John Dowson, Georgie Adeane, Bill Massie and the always present Les Lauder's energy.
Adele Carles; a politician who gets things done with intelligence, honesty and heart. (Watch this space for greater things to come)
Colin Wright's speech had me in tears and the people cheering and ringing bells.
Georgie Adeane: A councillor who still remembers why she joined council. When the soul of the city is respected and valued by it's leaders - it shows.
Ed's shop - closing down. Ed organised the rally and the sadness of this eviction was heartfelt throughout the port city.
sonyagreen.blogspot.com

Community rally for Fremantle Markets 31/1/10

A public rally has been organised for Sunday 31st of Jan 2010 for Fremantle Market supporters to come along and hear what's really going on in the market and what Fremantle Council is doing about it. It starts at 4pm in the Henderson Street mall (Near the Fremantle Markets)

No more double talk, no more rumour or innuendo - just the facts. Listen to the people tell their true stories. This is a Fremantle issue; ratepayers, customers, families and local businesses are all being effected. Fremantle Market is not a joint venture between the Murdoch bothers and the council it is the peoples market.

When big business and bureaucracy destroy families, hard working battlers, and suck the soul out of a community - it's time to step up.

The greatest atrocities throughout history have occurred only because they were executed in small increments. A few here and a few there and no one pays much attention. By the time we realise what has happened: fear has become the weapon. Apathy and silence is not the solution.

These people are your neighbours, customers, friends or family members - these people could be you one day.

Say no to greedy landlords. Say no to political agendas. Say no to artificially inflated prices. And say Yes to Aussie battlers having a go.

http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com

Brad Pettitt - Remember Freo Markets?

This week I sat with yet another group of people who have been financially and emotionally traumatised by FMPL. The majority were long term successful operators and I found it particularly poignant that some spoke of knowing Jamie Murdoch as a child, working for his dad who had the lease at the time. It’s hard to imagine that that small boy would become the man who would so easily and clinically wipe them out.

The sense of betrayal was probably greater than the confusion and anger that they felt. Some of these people had not only backed the Murdoch bid on the lease renewal but they also actively wrote letters of recommendation and rallied on their behalf.

Even as the rents and outgoings skyrocketed and they witnessed the conflict, evictions and the loss of friends and colleagues they still believed it was all probably a part of a higher plan. They trusted the Murdoch’s and offered support and loyalty.

When it comes to retail it’s really just a matter of convenience, location, cost and value for money. Retailers come and go and that’s a fact of life. Buying an apple at the supermarket and comparing it to buying an apple from Scottie at the Freo markets is hardly an earth shattering event – so what’s all the fuss about?

It's about community and it’s about belonging. Sure, you shop at the markets and yes it is a commercial venue and of course it must be financially viable and competitive. Shopping centres are light, spacious, organized, structured and well facilitated. You will pay more for products but the advantage is fast and efficient service and it’s perfect for quick in and out shopping.

Market shopping is almost opposite that style. Market shopping is an outing, relaxed browse or exhibition. Going to the markets is not a task – it is somewhere to go or something to do. People don’t necessarily go with a set plan or list of what to buy. They want to be surprised; to find something unusual or a bargain or a treat.

People can rush into a supermarket in their lunch hour but in the markets they want to wander around, talk with shopkeepers, catch up on the news on the street, people watch, try products, smell exotic fragrance and aromas, sample foods, listen to a cacophony of sound, be teased and entertained, to buy without pressure or slick sales spiels, grab an ice cream or a beer and watch the busker and the passing parade of interesting looking characters.

In short, they want to be a part of a community, to feel comfortable and to feel like they fit in as individuals not as something attached to a credit card. For tourists or out of towner's it is an exciting place. Veteran stallholders might not speak all languages but they do speak the language of “welcome stranger – how can I assist you”.

Like cab drivers and barmaids around the world these are the people who know where to go, how to get there, what is safe. These people are the ones you trust, people who still take the time to ‘shoot the breeze’ with the customers. Locally though, it is so much more than that.

I heard about a lady the other week and I think she summed it up nicely. She just said “What has happened to the markets - it feels like it has lost its soul.” She went on to say that she has come to the markets every Friday after work (for more than 10 years) to buy her veg from Scottie, grab a pancake and then wander over to the antique shop to chat with the owner who she befriended many years ago.

And this is the Magic that the Murdoch’s don’t understand and will never replicate again. There are thousands of locals who came because Penny Banister knew their name, Herman teased them as they walked by, Phil talked astrology, Col knew his horticulture and many said it was the best stall there, Richard stocked their enviro friendly products and knew what he was talking about, Marilyn had warmth and kind words, people like Mary Cole were just loved and admired, people like Milton, who could have retired years ago, is held up as an example and all the locals know and respect him.

We expect to see Ed, Gerry, Gloria, Sue, Angelo, Liz, Richard D, Bob the others who prefer not to be mentioned, but you won’t see them and you won’t hear laughter coming from the magnet shop, or de-stress in the bonsai shop, joke or haggle with the veggie guys; in fact you won’t hear much laughter at all.

There are so many more; many go back twenty or thirty years. They have seen each other go through tough times and celebrated marriages and births and grieved together more than a few times. They have watched children become adults and now some of those children have taken over the family business. For many people this has become the second family or the community’s family, something which evolved over many years and it is this that held the secret of the markets former success.

An accountants’ mind might argue that this is business and that the markets are not there for the psychology or wellbeing of the community. It’s about profit. And this is the fundamental flaw in their thinking - because loyal, repeat custom is profit. This is your free multi million dollar advertising, marketing and customer base. This is why your apples are better than any other apples. You can bank on that!

That guy from Singapore who dropped into Ed’s shop to buy a cheap postcard left with a few good tips of where to eat, catch a bus or find good accom. Mostly what he left with was a reason to tell his friends and his family about the friendly helpful people at Freo markets. He might be the guy who will post his holiday pics on his facebook or blog. He might be the guy who comes back a week later with a bunch of new friends he met at the backpackers. He might be the new unofficial Singaporean representative for a holiday in Fremantle. He might have only bought a $2 card on the day, but his word of mouth might be bringing in exponential dollars for years to come.

What really infuriates me is that Fremantle council knows this. Fremantle markets have been a magnet for tourist, an incubator for new business and innovative ideas, a community meeting place, the local town crier, and financially in their own words ‘the jewel in the crown – the icon’. The money in their parking metres, the prosperity throughout the CBD, the week end boom-time is their commercial bread and butter. When the markets go the dominos fall and businesses (rate paying businesses) will be effected and leave.

So don’t tell me that the little second hand bookshop is insignificant!

And stop telling me about cheap rent. The mere pittance of your so called ‘low cost environment’ translates into millions of dollars for you and the Murdoch’s. Rent was never, ever, a gift or charity nor was it cheap if you break it down into how limited the facilities and spaces are. It was to some extent just smart business - with you and the Murdoch’s cashing up in dollars by saving them a few cents. You gave them crumbs but you ate the loaf and asked for more.

If you want to talk about dollars and cents try some real number crunching. Take the markets out of Freo and work out an advertising, marketing and promotional campaign to bring people and business back to Freo.

While you are now budgeting for the mammoth restoration work of the bricks and mortar we are still wondering why the ratepayers are forking out the millions to repair what should have been maintained and repaired throughout the last lease. Why has council not been doing thorough annual checks on the building? You are the custodians aren’t you? Why are the Murdoch’s not being bought into question about the neglect of the building or being accountable financially?

My question to Fremantle council is why they are investing this kind of money in the building if the business within the building is in such a vulnerable state? Cynically, I could assume that council will be paid rent by the Murdoch’s until the lease expires no matter what happens. But, that will be cold comfort if you lose business and reputation throughout the entire CBD. It’s time that both parties stopped thinking in terms of real estate; this is not just about rent and both of you had better work that out fast.

The council screwed up badly and they know it. The X mayor couldn’t cope and ran away and hid. The new mayor said it’s a matter of mediation and that he would be having talks…no one has heard anything more than his airy comment about moving on. We might as well move on, but let’s move on from the point that we all know that mistakes were made, litigation and intimidation played its part, personality conflict hindered communication, time and money and effort is still daunting but all of that is getting bigger and bigger and it is not going away.

You can blame the recession and you can blame the stallholders association and you can blame bad press, but truth is truth, and no one is fooled. It’s costly, stressful and acrimonious now, but it will be more so, if everyone refuses to get real.

No matter how much you didn’t want to hear what the stallholder association was saying they did at least keep it contained. If you think that removing them put it all to bed then you are delusional. You don’t have a rational voice speaking on behalf of the collective stall holders or the ratepayers. What you have now is countless angry voices rising up to meet you.

Facts:
At least thirty businesses have been forced out of the market – legally robbed by your error. More are leaving this week and more in months to come.
New casual tenants are either refusing to sign on or are being offered subsidized rents.
Vacancy rates this Christmas were the highest it has ever been.
People who have re-signed have been backed into a corner and many are just trying to hang in long enough to be able to sell out or get out debt free or break even.
Customer traffic is declining rapidly
Stalls are currently empty
Morale and atmosphere is depressing
The place looks shabby
People are getting sick from the lack of air cond.
Advertising is minimal or ineffective
Christmas trade was so bad some paid rent out of pocket
Wednesdays ‘trial’ was embarrassing and grossly overstated and misleading
Most of the promises in the original proposal have been broken
The operating strategy is a joke
The working group is ….can’t even describe that
Tagliaferri and council promises have been broken
Stallholders are too fearful to speak up
Members of the association have been victimised and evicted
Stallholders have been warned not to speak to the press of even each other about their grievances.
People have been told they can no longer sell established products or deal with established suppliers.
Stall holders have been ‘advised’ to sack their own employees
Part time jobs have been lost
New people are being bought in with competing products and favourable advantages creating conflict and resentment between them and established businesses.
People have been given notice without reason and by a note being left on their counter

The stallholders are obviously bitter and angry and devastated but it’s now the customers who are only footsteps from your door. You won’t hear them coming but more importantly, you won’t even notice as they walk away.

Of course I could be wrong and this might just be my point of view and maybe the stallholders and customers might just be of the same mind. Perhaps Jamie Murdoch is the only one who really understands. Apparently he thinks so as he sent out this masterpiece last week in a newsletter:

2009 was a difficult year for retail… We’ve had feedback…For example…our research…Our statistics….When speaking to our customers we have learned …
Well, it’s been tough but we fared pretty well by comparison.

But this:

“2009 was a difficult year in terms of relationships with some stallholders and, sadly, some Councillors. Things were not made easier by some very one-eyed reporting by the Fremantle Herald. But the biggest disappointment of 2009 was seeing outgoing stallholders, who have always claimed to have the interest of the Markets at heart, handling their departures in a way that was clearly designed to damage Fremantle Markets, with no regard to the harm their actions might do to the business of loyal stallholders.”

I wonder if Freo Council is living in the same alternate Universe. Mayor Pettitt, is that how you see it? Troublemakers and paparazzi?

Go to latest Sonya Green post:
http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com

Fremantle Council and Fremantle Markets - It's on again

Why are we asking the same questions today that have been asked over and over for the past year or two? Why are we still showing up with the dead bodies and still wondering why this is happening and who is responsible and who is going to do something about it?

It seems to me that we are all just playing a role in a melodrama and ooing and ahhing and aint that a shaming throughout. Sad stories about ‘little Aussie battlers being done over by the greedy landlords’. Ironic really, as we approach Australia day next week end.

Ironic also, that Ed sells Australiana products and souvenirs. The little flags that people wave to celebrate the Australian way. What are those little Aussie catch cries again? She’ll be right mate. A fair go for all. Mates help mates. Equal opportunities…

Except this Australia day Ed is another of the “Tourist icon’s” latest casualty.

The Murdoch’s might have reasons for this culling but it seems pretty clear that many of these businesses are being stolen due to their location and should be bought out by the Murdoch’s at fair value.

The very people who have made the Murdoch’s, the council and the markets both successful and prosperous are the very people who are now walking away or being forced out and left financally and emotionally devastated.

This of course is only a matter of fair play, ethics and community good-will but it would be naïve of me or anyone else here to pretend that those qualities matter in this day and age or in this town or indeed in business. The bottom line is the bottom line. We just like to appear to uphold these ideals.

So let’s not even pretend today that we are here save another victim. Let’s not pretend that we don’t know that more are only weeks or months away from leaving. Let’s pretend that the stallholders association did not predict all of this more than a year ago. And let us pretend that we all believe that the original business plan set out by the Murdoch’s was examined or analysed or that measures were put in place to make sure that the Murdoch’s would comply with those promises or that there would be accountability or consequences or even a course of action by council. Let’s pretend that the council, the custodians of the peoples market, have some control or authority.

Or instead of pretending let’s just ask questions of the council:

If 30-40 small businesses were forced off High St would council have a workable damage control? Or is there some discrimination about a small business operating within a market environment that would make that somehow different?

If rents and outgoings doubled along the café strip would council be a little more concerned or pro-active?

What exactly is an operating strategy? Can anybody approach council with one of these “Appear to be seen… documents” and then be left to do as they please? Does council actually exercise any control or even follow up on these things?

Is council’s lack of action and lack of control really just a subtle form of condoning such disregard for these documents and contracts?

Why did the head lease not include any rights, security, protection or indeed acknowledgement of the sub leases?

Is the Fremantle Market a joint venture between council and the Murdoch’s or do the ratepayers and small businesses actually have a say?

It seems to me that the stallholders are pulling the rents through the door and the ratepayers are about to fork out nearly 5 million dollars worth of restoration work; not to mention the discrepancy of a 12% council increase in rents as opposed to the 80% Murdoch increase. Has anyone there even pondered the near 60% dupe to the ratepayer? Or the ten years council will need to break even while many millions will go straight into the Murdoch pocket - if the market still exists in ten years

Is anyone still holding true the 'directed and confidential' evaluation even though new casual traders are being offered subsidized rents or the fact that tenants are NOT being replaced at all?

And last but not least, can council or management please define what you actually think a market is?

Because the big question will be, “What are you going to do with the newly restored empty asset that used to be a market?”

Sonya Green
http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com

Talking into the wind - Fremantle markets

Our research, data, statistics, evaluations and costly market advisers tell us blah, blah, blah. We must be right. We are the boss and this is a matter of autocratic rule, it must be that way, otherwise the little people would de-throne us!

Shop owners with decades of experience couldn’t possibly know about product demand, competitive pricing, stable long term profit, natural evolution, effective trading hours, customer preferences, demographics, product display or ‘The X Factor’ which was the key to the markets previous success. Least of all, the symbiotic relationship and personality of the whole.

If more than 150 business men and women got together and all had a say it would be anarchy and mayhem; they would form an association and try to influence or even disagree with us. They might even start wanting some of our profits to go into their own pockets.

Just take a look at that last association tried to argue:

Rents. We have had 2 evaluations and the massive price hikes are Fair.

Those 30 businesses that walked out chose to do so. Others are up for sale and not selling, many have decreased their stall size to a more affordable rate and we hear the whispers that many more are winding down but that will sort itself out. There are always others lining up to replace them. If they have to increase product costs to get by then that is just business. It is not our fault if customers stop buying and then stop coming. We expect more professional people will come in and replace them. Well, so far there is a severe downturn in interest but that could be the recession and we can offer new people cheap rents for a while to give them a start.

A Working group. The Council, Stallholder Representatives and Us - all getting together to discuss different points of view or negotiating and troubleshooting.

Well we tried that and it didn’t work. You can’t work anything out if 3 perspectives are considered. It’s our market and we do things our way. What would shop-keepers know about rent? It’s about rent not retail!

Air-conditioning. For years now they have complained that it’s too hot in summer (40C) and too cold in winter (Gale force winds and rain)

Well we have said it is a matter of priority and we will get to it. We painted the roof didn’t we? They don’t understand all of the complications and costs involved. All they moan about is people feeling sick and losing on average 2 months trade each year.

Trading Hours. That’s a no brainer for us; extra days guarantee extra rent. 5 days rent is obviously greater than 3. We can double OUR profits by doubling the rent and then double that again by doubling the days of trade.

They are so negative about this. All they say is that no one shops at the markets during the week. We believe that if we open then the people will come. They all sit there reading books and falling asleep and whinging to each other. It’s this kind of negativity that is the real problem. We tried opening on Wednesday and it was a huge flop because they wouldn’t give it a fair go. We opened on Thursdays and they all whinged about paying rent out of their own pockets. It’s just the negativity and resistance to change that is the real problem.

Redevelopment. Separate the market into 2 areas. Food is the way of the future and our outdoor area can be a food Mecca in Freo.

I can’t even comment on this again it’s just too obvious. Read about the wise old King Solomon – just go ahead and cut the baby in half.

Leases. People are happy to sign our leases. These are private contracts and should not be discussed in the public arena.

Lease? Leasing agreements? What exactly are these costly documents? Secure tenure? Month to month tenancy? rules and regulations?

Run – don’t walk; straight to your legal advisor.

Evictions. We had to evict the spokespeople of the association – they were troublemakers.

They were ‘troublemakers’. They argued about the rents, held discussions with the Fremantle Council, wrote letters of complaint and even had a public rally calling for our eviction. They have spoken with the media and there have been many articles about stallholders losing their livelihoods, our intimidation, questionable outgoing expenses and our ability to communicate with them.

We bought Ann in to meet with them but when she said she didn’t want to hear about their problems or criticisms they froze her out. When she met with the spokespeople all they wanted to talk about were leases, evictions, relocations and the bloody rents again.

We only wanted to address the problems of the bus stop, cigarette butts and products made in China. The meeting was a waste of time. Like Annie says, they don’t respect us.

All of this is just another outline of issues already addressed by the stallholders association. I’m talking into the wind. The irony is that if the Murdoch’s will pay out a lot of money to professional researchers when all of this is information is freely available to them. It’s not what they want to hear and it’s not from the source they wish to hear it from.

I am offering this with the best of intention and with the hope that an open mind can comprehend it. I can even make it really, really simple.

Affordable rents.
Secure tenure.
Safe and suitable environment.
Respectful communication.
Clear definition about what a market is.
Appropriate trading hours.
Unity.
Win-Win for all party’s.

*Buy stalls back - If YOU want possession.


Sonya Green blogspot.
http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com

Fremantle markets. Golden goose is a swan song

It's a new year. Last year there was hope and an opportunity to turn things around but the time has come to accept what is and walk away. Too many talking and too few listening. I think it's important to speak up and it's important to fight against injustice and or stupidity. It's important to throw all you have at it. But there comes a day when you must accept that there are higher pictures in place and quite often good things come from bad.

Future consequences are usually preditcable from past experience if one maintains awareness. Empathy is an excellent teacher but for some, failure, loss or grief needs to be experienced before they get the lesson.

When people are in the right place it feels right. When stress, fear, worry and anger take over your life it's time to move on. There are infinite ways to make money or replace money. There are infinite ways of enjoying your life. New pathways rarely appear if you won't turn the corner.

The Murdoch's were given the goose that laid the golden eggs. They jumped on its belly to see if it would lay more. I don't get it, you don't understand it, we all tried to explain that if they fed, nurtured and protected it they would have eggs for ever. We warned them that they would kill it. We sceamed when they jumped. But, that's just the way some people are...

For reasons very different to Brad Pettitts - It's time we all moved on.

http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com/

Fremantle markets - the year that was

Looking back on the last year I can’t help but note how predictable it was back then and how nothing much has been done to prevent any of it.

The market now operates as two separate entities; a food market and a merchandise market - both have different operating hours. Around 30 businesses have left the markets, stall vacancy is at an all time record, new merchants are being given discounted (subsidized) rents just to pull them in, further rent increases have occurred, ex stallholders are operating outside the market, Thursday trade was reintroduced and left many paying rent out of pocket, priority air conditioning has not been installed and temps reach in excess of 40 degress, customers have greatly diminished, Christmas profits were down by half, stalls have been relocated and downsized, anger and hatred have halted all communication between stallholders and management, the markets look tacky and the food area is extraordinarily ordinary, Key members of the stallholder association have been evicted or forced to leave, some have sold out well below value and many more have walked away losing their investment and livelihood, month-to-month tenancies have been offered instead of secure long term leases, council and the Murdoch’s have been questioned and exposed by the media and both have lost reputation within the community, the new Wednesday market flopped and finished within weeks of opening, almost everything in the Murdoch proposal or business plan has either not happened at all or has been the very opposite of what they promised.

It's new years eve today and we can now start the count down… In the end, it might well be the Murdoch’s walking in the same shoes; no stallholders, no customers, no profits. Just a nice long secure lease and a big fat rent to pay.

But of course they will blame those “trouble making stallholders”
What was it again? Oh, that’s right – a personality conflict!


http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com/

Fremantle Market 'Bollocks"

Pre-Christmas is usually the time of year that the Markets do a roaring trade. This year many of the stallholders have stated that profits were down by as much as 50% compared to previous years. The heat didn’t help and the lack of effective promotion and advertising also had an effect. Rents have doubled which is an obvious cause but the enforced Thursday opening also incurred significant additional costs. Many people were furious about the wasted time and in some cases loss of perishable stock. Some took advantage of the free time by chatting to other stallholders, reading books and one or two had a little siesta behind the counter. That’s how bad it was and some even confided that the Thursday rent was paid out of pocket.

Management sent out a newsletter suggesting that it would be a good idea if stallholders had a 10% discount on Boxing Day!!! How about a 10% Rent Reduction Day?

I have already said too many times that the market is in a state of decline and everyone is well aware of the mass exodus of long term stallholders and their regular and loyal customer base. I have covered the emotional and financial devastation as well as the covert intimidation and manipulation; stall relocation and down sizing and monthly leasing rather than long term secure leases.

Many times I have been staggered by the perceptions or the spin doctoring of the market management. I have directly quoted many of the written documentations stating outright propaganda.

The Wednesday Farmers market fiasco was there for anyone to witness and yet all the press releases asserted how wonderful and successful they were. I’ll not even bother commenting on it again.

In a recent newsletter the empty stall spaces were described as resting benches for shoppers to sit and chat. Apparently ‘customer feed back’ about the little resting bays was very positive.

I have excerpted a few recent newsletters as I see the irony and marveled at how these people think. They whine about whining, accuse stallholders of bullying and see their victims as ‘troublemakers’ for expressing the truth of what has happened to them and to the market itself. It’s all just a bit perplexing but insulting and callous none the less:


“We have had complaints from customers and from stall holders who have lost customers about the attitudes of some of our merchants who think whining during trading times is going to help trade.

Please concentrate on your own business and if you want to whine and moan please do it when we have closed our doors to the public not when they are trying to enjoy a day out. It is incredible to think merchants assume our customers are remotely interested in negativity.”

“Merchants that continue to read books while trading or fall asleep in front of customers will be asked to explain why they are here. You would be better off staying home and letting us have the space for the traders waiting to get in.”

(Isn't the real question, “Why are traders reading books and falling asleep? Who are these traders “waiting to get in”? Surely those plants and benches could have made room for paying tenants.)

“Never let facts get in the way of a good story!!!
So far we have heard amazing stories from some of our merchants, customers and other news sources concerning… the licenses that were offered, taking away stalls, driving people out.

If you are interested in facts and not bollocks keep reading….

The Fremantle Markets is being constantly bagged by the same stall holders who would have us believe they care about you. If that was the case then why are they trying to destroy the very environment where you trade?

The departure of certain operators means we can finally get on with the business of making The Yard the best place to source quality, local and grower direct produce and WA foods.

It will allow us to open The Yard in March 2010 and then turn our attention to The Hall and begin work in there.
The merchants who will continue to trade in The Yard alongside all the new operators are here to work with us and are committed to our vision for the improvement of the markets.
The new merchants are productive, proactive and professional operators and we welcome them with open arms and thank them for their support through a very long year.”

“The Fremantle Market considers that bullying in the workplace is inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour…

Bullying is unlawful under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996.
The Fremantle market is committed to providing a working environment that is free from bullying…

The conduct sets out principles for behavior required in the workplace, namely that:
Anyone that works or trades within the markets should be treated with respect.
All Stall holders and Management should develop awareness about the impact of their behaviour on others.There is a continual agreement about what is appropriate behavior at work.
The Fremantle Market considers that bullying in the workplace is inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour.
Stall holders or Management found to have either committed or condoned such behaviour in the markets will be subject to immediate disciplinary action.The purpose of this document is to provide an effective means to assist management and stall holders.

DEFINITIONS OF A BULLY:
A bully is a person who uses strength or power to coerce others by fear. To bully is to oppress, persecute, physically or morally by threat of superior force.
It is anyone who uses their position in power or strength of personality to misuse their authority against stall holders and management.While bullying is normally associated with unequal power relationships, peer to peer bullying is not uncommon and is equally unacceptable behaviour at the Fremantle Markets.
A variety of behaviours and acts may constitute bullying which create a negative workplace”

(Ah, that’s too funny. I believe you can pick up an official complaints form from the management. Good luck with that)

“Another form of despicable behaviour which seems to go unchecked is the constant running down of the Fremantle Markets and in particular FMPL and its staff to customers…Real customers are not interested…

(Do you think? I think Real Customers are very interested in what is happening to THEIR market and indeed are asking why the vibrant, friendly community feel is missing or why their regular people are missing – Seems management doesn’t know where they are. I have had a number of people contact me to ask about stallholders who are missing after calling the markets and being told that they have no contact for those X tenants!!!)

“The attempt by a minority in trying to destroying the reputation of the Fremantle Markets has and will continue to affect your business’s turnover.
There is a wonderful saying that a stall holder reminded me of the other day.
DON”T P… IN YOUR OWN POT… I think that sums it up nicely.”

(That minority are your own tenants, the Fremantle community and the media. Couldn’t possibly be ‘Your actions’ that are destroying that/what reputation.)

John and Jamie - The Melanoma Brothers

I have heard John and Jamie Murdoch called many derogatory names in the last year or two. I have seen a lot of jokes, cartoons and ditties that were funny but served no positive purpose on these pages. I have tried to keep things factual rather than personal. I have even deleted comments from this blog because I thought they were inflammatory. (although, true and justifiable)

Some months ago I noticed more and more people were referring to the Murdoch’s as “The Melanoma Brothers”.

Today John Murdoch has sunk to a new low and I can’t help but think that like a cancer, he should be removed.

While most of the City of Fremantle are still reeling from last month’s evictions and walk-outs he sent out this letter:

Entry not permitted in Fremantle Markets

The Management of Fremantle Markets has received several complaints from stallholders that you were in the Fremantle Markets between 10 December and 13 December 2009 behaving inappropriately and making abusive and rude comments to some stallholders.

These actions were disruptive to our business and to the businesses of our stallholders and to the experience of customers of the Markets.

Accordingly, please note that Fremantle Markets Pty Ltd:
Has determined to exclude you from entry to the Market; and
Will regard you as a trespasser and take appropriate action accordingly if you enter the Markets.

(signed John Murdoch)

Let's not forget that these evicted stallholders were the very people who were ousted because they spoke up FOR the stallholders.

There were no questions asked - no reference to whom or what was alleged – no dialogue at all; just a spiteful and petty email, for what, one last act of violation.

If a melanoma is not detected early and removed it will eat away at the entire organism, often resulting in death.

http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com/

Trust me - would I lie to you?

I have just gone through a letter to the stallholders, written in 2005 by the Murdoch's, asking for help in securing their new lease with the council. I held it up in front of a mirror just to see if it read in reverse!
No wonder so many people feel betrayed. Just for fun, go through it with a red pen and circle the BS.

5th Dec 2005

Dear Stallholder,

FUTURE of FREMANTLE MARKETS

As many of you will be aware, we have put to the City of Fremantle a proposal whereby we fund a number of improvements to the Fremantle Market building (owned by the City of Fremantle) including:

Cooling the building (an urgent issue)
A new electricity system (an urgent issue) and
New signage on the exterior of the building.

We also have a number of other ideas to revitalise the Fremantle Markets business and to keep it West Australia’s premier tourist attraction which we would be keen to explore and implement.

It is not financially viable for us to fund the above improvements (and any other future necessary improvements) under the current head lease which has less than 5 years to run. Accordingly we have asked the City of Fremantle to enter into a new long term lease with us we believe will benefit the Fremantle Markets as a whole and Fremantle in general.

We consider the Fremantle Market business important to us, to stallholders and to Fremantle. Like many of you, we have spent 30 years working to make the business a success and would like to continue.

We believe our business model in trying to keep the Fremantle Markets a relatively low cost environment for small operators like you is the key to long term viability of the business. Integral to this business model is long term tenure (for all of us)

In short, the positives for the business plan being adopted by the City of Fremantle are:

Capital improvements being carried out as soon as possible;
Continuation under same operators who have an understanding of what makes the business a success and what is needed to continue its viability long term;
New management (John and Jamie Murdoch) but in the same family;
Certainty and continuity of stallholders;
Possibility of longer tenure (written into licence agreement) for stallholders if Murdoch company has longer tenure.

Negatives to be considered should the City of Fremantle not approve this Business Plan include:

No improvements will be made to the building in relation to cooling and new electricity supply.
License fees will be higher. Current operators (Murdoch Company) will be forced to view the business as a 5 year cash flow and must assume that at the end of the lease that another operator may be appointed by the City of Fremantle. We cannot guarantee that the market will not change completely with a new operator clearing out all stalls and only replacing them with stallholders willing to pay the highest price.
Your current goodwill you have built up over a number of years or goodwill you have purchased from a previous stall owner will diminish in value as each month goes by and, at the end of 5 years, could be worth nil given the uncertainty of what the markets will be and who will operate them and how they will operate them.
Your ability to sell your stall in the next 5 years will also diminish (along with its value) as who would buy a stall which could for all intents and purposes disappear in less than 5 years give Murdoch company cannot guarantee the Market will be here or who will run it and how in 5 years time.

If you believe the Business Plan should be adopted by the City of Fremantle, we strongly urge you as individuals or as a group to let the City of Fremantle know as soon as possible your support by writing or emailing (and marked as “Fremantle Markets Business Plan Submission”) and addressed to: …

We urge you to consider this letter carefully as the future of the Fremantle Markets as we know it today could be a thing of the past.

(Signed John and Jamie Murdoch)

http://sonyagreen.blogspot.com/

Fremantle Market money song

One of Freo's popular buskers has been taking note of the word on the street and has composed this little song.


Money Market

There once was a market
Where trading was fair
The people came from miles
To laugh and to share
The traders all smiled
And sang as they worked
And the people all knew
This was the salt of the earth.

The market was held
In an old western town
A place on the edge
That the badlands surround
Out of the wilderness
Came a renegade band
That hid behind the sheriff
And the law of the land.

Then plundered the market
And took all they could
While the lawman smiled and winked
Which made them look good
Most of the people knew this was wrong
But they turned a blind eye
‘cause the law was too strong.

Some of the townsfolk tried to resist
They didn’t have the strength
To fight men such as this
The resisters was tarred n feathered
And thrown to the ground
Then to make an example
They were dragged out of town.

Much law is unjust, the law is an ass
Will the people rise up or just lay in the grass
‘tis not the beginning
Nor is it the end
To end an injustice you need Honest men.

John and Jamie Murdoch - spiteful revenge

The Fremantle Markets farce
By Beatrice Thomas, Local Government Reporter

Copy of West Australian Newspaper article Nov 25th 09


The deteriorating state of affairs at the Fremantle Markets is nothing short of farcical.

What started as a dispute over the awarding of a new lease to the Murdoch family, and later rent increases of up to 300 per cent, has now escalated into a vicious stoush where long-time, reputable stallholders are leaving or having leases terminated with little warning and it seems with even less prospect of any recourse.

When a new 18-year head lease was awarded to John and Jamie Murdoch, whose father operated the 112-year-old markets for more than 30 years, the City of Fremantle, which owns the building, said it would guarantee a security of tenure for permanent stallholders.

"From the very start of the new lease process the Stallholders Association wanted their security of tenure (to) be protected," the City's corporate services director Glen Dougall said in November last year.

"The City ensured this by allowing stallholders access to sub-lease or licence agreements of at least five years unless otherwise negotiated by the stallholder."

Not only was this supposed to protect the long-term stallholders who rely on business from the three-day operation for their livelihoods but the addition of the Retail Tenancies Act in the new agreement was supposed to ensure "fair commercial principles" were enforced.

What has emerged over the past year suggests anything but that has transpired with monthly leases, reduced space and little communication all complaints from long-term traders.

And the City's statistics that only 70 per cent of stallholders have signed new lease agreements is proof of the unrest.

The parties are even in dispute over the number of stallholders leaving with the Stallholders Association saying up to 35 traders have left, while Jamie Murdoch says the number is at most 20.

Earlier this year, the Murdochs, trading as Fremantle Markets Pty Ltd, began issuing stallholders with notices outlining rent increases of up to 300 per cent.

At the time they said the head lease with the council demanded "a fair market rent" be established, meaning a big correction because rents had been artificially low.

However, acting on the growing number of complaints from stallholders who said the increases were unjust, the City in April found Fremantle Markets had failed to negotiate with stallholders over rent increases and as a result had breached its lease.

Rejecting legal action, the City opted for "an urgent dispute resolution".

Not only has this failed dismally but the City is now faced with the embarrassing prospect of stallholders setting up a rival market across the road at the South Fremantle Football Club, of all places.

The stallholders can take up the issue with the State Administrative Tribunal and Supreme Court, but as lawyer Rod Hager pointed out they could at most seek damages and at the end of the costly process there are still no guarantees that they get their stall back.

To date the Murdoch brothers have maintained that they have followed the requirements of the head lease and have effectively dismissed most of the criticism as coming from a bunch of disgruntled troublemakers unhappy with having to pay what their stall is worth.

Irrespective of whether this is completely true, the people leaving the markets are more often than not long-time tenants whose quirky, colourful and popular stalls have helped shape the character of the century-old operation.

They may be disposable for the Murdochs, who are more than too happy to point out that they can be replaced, but their loss should be a wake-up call for a council that promised to look after them but has failed to do so.

* My comments.
* Those disgruntled trouble makers would be the ELECTED stallholders association that speaks out ON BEHALF of the others. Needless to say that the spokespeople for the association have been evicted and others who have spoken out have been forced to leave by having shop sizes greatly reduced, rents increased and inappropriate relocations. Most at best, were promised a month to month lease agreement which makes it impossible to trade or sell out. John Murdoch said publicly that some stallholders have chosen to leave!


* The proof of the lack of replacement stalls is now obvious with vacant stalls and rent subsidies being offered to new and casual tenants.