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Tag: Melbourne

  • Coles Plans Closure of Crime-Plagued Elizabeth Street Store in Melbourne CBD by 2027

    Coles Plans Closure of Crime-Plagued Elizabeth Street Store in Melbourne CBD by 2027

    Coles, a leading supermarket chain in Australia, has disclosed plans to shutter its store on Melbourne’s infamous Elizabeth Street due to the location’s ongoing issues with crime and antisocial behaviour. The location, which has once again come under the spotlight following two separate machete attacks recently, is situated across from Melbourne’s Flinders Street station. The Coles Central store shares its vicinity with Woolworths Metro, located just a few doors down.

    A Strictly Commercial Decision

    Coles has stressed that the decision to vacate the premises at the end of their lease agreement in 2027 is purely a business move. This will result in the supermarket maintaining only one store in Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD), based in Melbourne Central.

    The supermarket chain has recently made public its extended collaboration with Crime Stoppers Victoria, aiming to address the issue of crime within retail settings. Increasing instances of theft, abuse and hostility towards frontline workers have contributed to a progressively challenging environment within the retail sector, a Coles representative explained.

    Martin Smithson, General Manager of Supermarket Operations at Coles, stated that the rise in retail violence was absolutely unacceptable. He emphasized that the partnership with Crime Stoppers was just one of the steps being taken to tackle it, and called for a collaborative approach involving industry, retailers, government and police.

    Victoria: A Hotspot for Retail Crime

    Victoria, and particularly Melbourne, has been a focal point of Australia’s escalating retail crime issue. In 2025, the state recorded 95,181 criminal incidents at retail locations, marking an increase of 25.7% over the preceding decade.

    According to Chris Rodwell, CEO of the Australian Retail Council, the trend is irrefutable. Retail crime in Victoria continues to surge, posing a persistent, widespread threat to frontline workers and customers.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the reason for Coles’ decision to close its store on Elizabeth Street?
    The decision is strictly commercial, according to a Coles spokesperson.

    How is Coles addressing the issue of retail crime?
    Coles has announced an extension of its partnership with Crime Stoppers Victoria to help tackle retail crime.

    What has been the trend in retail crime in Victoria over the past decade?
    The state has seen a 25.7% increase in criminal incidents in retail locations over the past decade.

  • Mondelez Injects $8M into Melbourne Candy Plant for Technological Boost: Celebrating 50 Years of Sweet Success

    Mondelez Injects $8M into Melbourne Candy Plant for Technological Boost: Celebrating 50 Years of Sweet Success

    Mondelez International recently commemorated the 50th anniversary of its Scoresby confectionery factory in Melbourne’s east, coinciding with a $8 million investment in new packaging technology. This crucial advancement will bolster the production of over 120 products, including snack-sized bags from brands like Cadbury Pascall Clinkers, Sour Patch Kids, and The Natural Confectionery Company.

    This new funding takes the total investments in the Scoresby location to $30 million since 2022. The company has clarified that this financial boost is specifically aimed at sparking regional innovation across various aspects like product flavours, range, and packaging. It will also enable the plant to accommodate ever-evolving consumer trends.

    A Commitment to Local Production

    Toby Smith, the president of Mondelez International for Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, highlighted the strategic importance of the packaging upgrade. He stated that it lay the groundwork for securing the future production at the local facility.

    This move falls in line with the company’s long-term growth projections. By 2035, Mondelez International anticipates an equal split in business growth between chocolate and non-chocolate products.

    Smith expressed immense pride in the Scoresby factory’s 50-year manufacturing history and the numerous employment opportunities it has created for Victorians in Melbourne’s east.

    Mondelez International currently employs over 1200 individuals across its operations in Victoria. Their reach extends to locations in South Melbourne, Ringwood, Scoresby, Dandenong South, and a national distribution centre in Truganina.

    Of note is the Scoresby plant’s commitment to sustainable operations, running on 100% renewable electricity. The plant is responsible for manufacturing jelly candies such as Snakes and Party Mix.

    Earlier this year, Mondelez International reintroduced its In A Biskit Crispy Potato flavour in the Australian market, a product that initially gained popularity in the 1990s.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the purpose of the $8 million investment by Mondelez International?
    It was directed towards new packaging technology, with the intention of enhancing the production of over 120 products and to adapt to changing consumer trends.

    What is the future business growth expectation for Mondelez International?
    By 2035, Mondelez International expects to see an equal split in business growth between chocolate and non-chocolate products.

    What is significant about the Scoresby plant’s operations?
    The Scoresby plant, which manufactures various jelly candies, operates on 100% renewable electricity, underlining the company’s commitment to sustainability.

  • Baileys Joins Forces with Melbourne’s Simply Mike’s Bakery to Unveil Limited-Edition Cinnamon Scroll Liqueur

    Baileys Joins Forces with Melbourne’s Simply Mike’s Bakery to Unveil Limited-Edition Cinnamon Scroll Liqueur

    In a unique pairing of flavors, Baileys has collaborated with the Melbourne-based bakery Simply Mike’s to bring to market a limited-edition Baileys Cinnamon Scroll. This creative concoction combines the warmth of cinnamon with the rich, creamy taste of Baileys Irish Cream, offering a festive delicacy that can be savored on its own, as a garnish on ice cream, or stirred into hot chocolate.

    Simply Mike’s: A True Master of the Scroll

    Simply Mike’s, which initially made its mark as a quaint French patisserie noted for its delectable croissants, subsequently earned accolades for its cinnamon scrolls. In its quest for a “true master of the scroll”, Baileys handpicked this bakery as the ideal partner for creating an innovative new flavor.

    Nishant Samuel, the head of whisky and liqueurs at Diageo Australia, expressed his excitement about the partnership. He stated, “We were seeking a partner who could encapsulate the very essence of Baileys in a way that was fun, local, and brimming with personality.”

    Limited-Edition Indulgence

    The Baileys Cinnamon Scroll will be available for a limited time only, marking another addition to Bailey’s innovative flavor explorations. In 2023, Baileys made waves with a festive tiramisu twist, introduced specifically for the Christmas season.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Baileys Cinnamon Scroll?
    The Baileys Cinnamon Scroll is a limited-edition flavor that combines the spice of cinnamon with the creamy taste of Baileys Irish Cream.

    Who has Baileys collaborated with for this new flavor?
    Baileys has partnered with Simply Mike’s, a bakery based in Melbourne, known for its exceptional cinnamon scrolls.

    How can the Baileys Cinnamon Scroll be enjoyed?
    The Baileys Cinnamon Scroll can be enjoyed by itself, drizzled over ice cream, or stirred into hot chocolate for an added layer of flavor and richness.

  • Melbourne Startup Jim Revolutionizes Fitness Drinks With Protein-packed, Prebiotic Soda

    Melbourne Startup Jim Revolutionizes Fitness Drinks With Protein-packed, Prebiotic Soda

    Melbourne-based start-up, Jim, has recently introduced a novel functional soda into the market. This unique beverage combines proteins and prebiotics, targeting both health-conscious consumers and those seeking high-quality fitness recovery options.

    The Details

    The innovative soda line comes in three distinct flavours: Golden Pash, Lem’n’Ade and Rarr-Berry. According to the company, each 330ml soda can is packed with 5 grams of protein, organic prebiotics, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and L-glutamine. Additionally, these soda variants are free from added sugars and caffeine.

    Jim’s founders, Aimee Tawhai, a former elite athlete turned entrepreneur, and her companion Jono, envisioned a fitness recovery drink that would be both beneficial and enjoyable. They aimed to move past the conventional ‘gym bro’ beverage market, with a drink that appeals to a broader consumer base.

    Breaking Away from the Norm

    Aimee Tawhai, co-founder of Jim, shed light on the brand’s unique approach. “Fitness recovery drinks have been primarily targeted towards the ‘gym bro’ culture for quite some time. These drinks often have intimidating labels, excessively sweet and artificial tastes, and ingredients that offer no real benefits. Our intention was to cater to the everyday consumer, the ones who value their health and appreciate effective recovery drinks but don’t necessarily identify with the ‘gym bro’ culture. We wanted to create a beverage that I would personally drink, something I could confidently offer to my mother, a drink that delivers on promises and also tastes great.”

    Currently, Jim’s health-focused sodas are available in over 100 wellness centres, health food shops, and recovery hubs across the country. They can also be found through Kelly’s Distributors in Queensland. Plans are in place to expand online availability via Healthylife, the official health and wellness partner of Woolworths, in the near future.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the unique selling point of Jim’s new functional soda?
    The soda combines protein and prebiotics, targeting both health-conscious consumers and those seeking high-quality fitness recovery options. It also avoids added sugars and caffeine.

    Who are the founders of Jim?
    Jim was founded by Aimee Tawhai, a former elite athlete turned entrepreneur, and her companion Jono.

    Where can consumers purchase Jim’s functional sodas?
    Jim’s sodas are available in over 100 wellness centres, health food shops, and recovery hubs nationwide, and through Kelly’s Distributors in Queensland. There are plans to expand online availability via Healthylife, Woolworths’ official health and wellness partner.

  • Melbourne Police Bust $10 Million Shoplifting Syndicate In Operation Supernova

    Melbourne Police Bust $10 Million Shoplifting Syndicate In Operation Supernova

    In a significant police operation in Melbourne, 19 individuals, believed to be part of an organized shoplifting syndicate, have been apprehended. The arrested individuals are accused of stealing goods worth over $10 million.

    Operation Supernova

    The Box Hill Divisional Response Unit, through its ‘Supernova’ operation, arrested the group allegedly involved in the theft of high-demand items over a period of five months. The stolen products included baby formula, medicines, vitamins, skincare products, electric toothbrushes, and toiletries.

    The majority of the accused are reported to be Indian nationals, residing in Australia on temporary visas. They are believed to be part of a network that systematically stole items and funneled them to various sellers.

    The Accused

    The arrested group includes six men and one woman, ranging in ages between 21 and 54. According to police reports, the total value of items stolen individually by these suspects ranged from $25,000 to $136,000.

    Detective Acting Inspector Rachele Ciavarella described the operation as “one of the most significant” in recent history to target organised retail theft.

    Not Just Ordinary Shoplifting

    Ciavarella further stated that the apprehended suspects were not stealing for their own use. Instead, they were part of an orchestrated criminal enterprise that reaped financial benefits from the stolen goods.

    In collaborating with major retailers, the police force was able to identify the alleged perpetrators swiftly. This cooperation also enabled them to form a comprehensive intelligence picture, allowing for the successful targeting of the right individuals at the right time.

    Ciavarella concluded with a stern message that those who target the retail sector would, in turn, be targeted by law enforcement.

    The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court in the coming months.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the value of the goods stolen by the shoplifting syndicate?
    The syndicate is accused of stealing goods worth over $10 million.

    Who are the accused individuals?
    The accused are predominantly Indian nationals on temporary visas, including six men and one woman, aged between 21 and 54.

    What types of products were stolen?
    The group is believed to have stolen a range of high-demand products, including baby formula, medicines, vitamins, skincare products, electric toothbrushes, and toiletries.

  • Charlie’s Fine Food Expands Reach: Choc Chip Cookie Dough Hits Aldi Australia Shelves

    Charlie’s Fine Food Expands Reach: Choc Chip Cookie Dough Hits Aldi Australia Shelves

    The renowned Melbourne-based bakery, Charlie’s Fine Food, has recently made a significant splash with its products appearing on Aldi Australia’s shelves for the first time in over 20 years of operation.

    Expanding Product Reach

    The ready-to-bake Choc Chip Cookie Dough, which is the first product to be launched by the bakery in partnership with the supermarket chain, is now available in Aldi’s chilled dessert section across the nation. Priced at $6.49, the cookie dough is the result of 12 dedicated months of development. This launch is a significant achievement for the family-owned bakery.

    Jacky Magid, the director of sales and marketing, expressed her excitement about this fresh partnership with Aldi. “This is the first time we have collaborated with Aldi and the experience has been exceptional. We anticipate that this will be the first of many Charlie’s products we develop for Aldi’s shoppers to enjoy,” said Magid.

    Foundational History

    Charlie’s Fine Food was established in 2004 by Magid and her husband, Ken Mahlab. Over the years, the bakery has expanded its reach, with its products now being sold in major retailers such as Woolworths, Coles, Walmart, and Bunnings.

    In 2022, the bakery’s reputation grew even further with the popular launch of its Mini Melting Moments range in Woolworths Metro stores across the country.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the first product Charlie’s Fine Food has launched in Aldi?
    The first product from Charlie’s Fine Food to be launched in Aldi is their ready-to-bake Choc Chip Cookie Dough.

    Who are the founders of Charlie’s Fine Food?
    Charlie’s Fine Food was founded by Jacky Magid and her husband, Ken Mahlab.

    What is the significant product launch by Charlie’s Fine Food in 2022?
    Charlie’s Fine Food launched its Mini Melting Moments range in Woolworths Metro stores across the country in 2022.

  • Boost in Consumer Spending Fuels Growth in Australia’s Credit Card Market

    Boost in Consumer Spending Fuels Growth in Australia’s Credit Card Market

    Australia’s Credit Card Market on Track for Significant Growth, Expected to Reach $299.7 Billion by 2025

    Australia’s credit and charge card payments sector is poised for robust expansion, with projections indicating a surge to $299.7 billion (AUD 453.9 billion) by 2025. This growth is predominantly fueled by increasing consumer spending, a resilient payment infrastructure, and a thriving e-commerce landscape, as reported by GlobalData.

    Strong Consumer Spending Drives Momentum

    In 2024, the market value for credit and charge card payments experienced a notable increase of 6.3%. This upswing is largely attributed to rising consumer spending and the appeal of value-added benefits, including cashback rewards and flexible repayment options.

    Kartik Challa, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, emphasized that Australians are increasingly aware of the advantages of credit card usage. “Consumers frequently utilize these cards to capitalize on benefits, such as cashback offers and rewards programs,” he stated. The boom in consumer appreciation is pivotal to the ongoing growth of this sector.

    Boosted by E-Commerce and Payment Infrastructure

    The credit and charge card market’s upward trajectory is bolstered by improvements in payment infrastructure and the burgeoning e-commerce domain. In 2024, Australians averaged 225.5 transactions per card, with expectations to rise to 239.5 by 2029. Key players in retail banking, such as Commonwealth Bank and NAB, are further supporting this trend by offering innovative repayment solutions like “SurePay” and the “Now Pay Later” program.

    Moreover, Australia is rapidly enhancing its payment capabilities, boasting 39,031 point-of-sale (POS) terminals per million inhabitants as of 2024—outpacing countries such as China and Hong Kong.

    E-Commerce Payments Gain Traction

    E-commerce payments are a significant contributor to this growth, with credit and charge cards accounting for 22.5% of online transactions in 2024. This alignment with consumer trends suggests a growing reliance on digital payment methods as online shopping habits evolve.

    To further assist consumers in managing debt, many Australian banks are introducing programs like debt consolidation and balance transfer options. For example, ANZ offers customers the ability to transfer their existing balances to an ANZ card, simplifying payment processes.

    Future Outlook: Navigating Challenges Ahead

    Looking ahead, Challa notes that while the outlook remains bright for Australia’s credit card market—anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% to reach $356 billion (AUD 539.1 billion) by 2029—external factors such as global trade complexities and geopolitical concerns could temper this growth.

    As the credit card market continues to expand, its implications are profound for the retail sector and consumers alike, enhancing purchasing power while fostering innovative financial solutions to navigate economic shifts. The increasing prominence of credit and charge cards is likely to shape the future of consumer spending in Australia, making it a space to watch closely.

  • Shein x Klarna Collaborate to Create One-Stop Pop-Up Shop in Melbourne

    Shein x Klarna Collaborate to Create One-Stop Pop-Up Shop in Melbourne

    Global integrated fashion and lifestyle marketplace, SHEIN and leading buy now, pay later service, Klarna are collaborating to launch Styletopia, the ultimate pop-up shopping experience.

    The pop-up will showcase SHEIN’s on trend and affordable clothing and accessories for all genders and ages, with a wide size range on offer, as well some of SHEIN’s newest collections across beauty, home, activewear, electronics, shoes and even some cute outfits for pets!

    A DJ will be playing tunes while shoppers will also get to enjoy a beauty bar, photo booth, complimentary coffee from the  Styletopia Cafe and a custom tote-bag personalisation station.

    The pop-up partnership, which has been a hit in overseas markets, is the first one of its kind in Australia.

    The SHEIN x Klarna one-stop pop up store will be located at Clifton Street Markets, 41- 43 Clifton St, Prahran, Melbourne and will be open from 10am to 6pm from Friday 8th September to Sunday 10th September 2023.

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  • Aldi opens its first Melbourne Corner Store concept today

    Aldi opens its first Melbourne Corner Store concept today

    Aldi has opened its first Corner Store concept, in Melbourne’s CBD, complete with a cafe serving barista coffee.

    The company says the store is designed for inner-city customers stocking ready-to-eat meals, fresh produce, bakery items such as cinnamon buns, croissants and baguettes, and its discounted Special Buys products. The Corner Store concept was first tested on Sydney’s North Shore, a hybrid model of part convenience store, part supermarket.

    Huw Longman, director of Aldi Corner Stores, said the new shop will meet customers’ needs in the surrounding high-density, urban area.

    “Shopping habits continue to evolve, and we are seeing a large audience of people who prefer shopping more frequently with a hyper-focus on convenience.”

    He said the store meets these needs, taking convenience and creativity and combining it with quality and savings.

    To commemorate the store opening, a unique limited-time Lazzio coffee cart pop-up will offer customers coffee for 37 cents. The coffee beans are hand-roasted in Victoria by Black Bag Roasters. Proceeds from the coffee sales will be donated to Aldi’s national charity partner, Camp Quality.

  • AirAsia X adds three new routes

    AirAsia X adds three new routes

    AirAsia X confirms its latest services to Melbourne (Tullamarine), and Perth in Australia and Auckland in New Zealand will launch on 1 November 2022.

    The three new services boost the airline’s routes to 13. It is already serving  Sydney, New Delhi, Seoul, Tokyo, Sapporo, Osaka and Honolulu, as well as London, Dubai and Istanbul.

    AAX will recommence its services to Melbourne (Tullamarine), Perth and Auckland (via Sydney) with three weekly flights starting in November and gradually increasing to daily flights by the first quarter of 2023.

    On the AirAsia Super App and website, the starting fare to Perth is MYR 499, to Melbourne  MYR699 and Auckland MYR999 (inclusive one-way economy). Premium Flatbed fares start from MYR1,999 to Perth, MYR2,999 to Melbourne and MYR5,999 to Auckland.

    Guests flying to Kuala Lumpur can also enjoy all-in value fares one way from AUD209 from Perth, AUD359 from Melbourne, and NZD499 from Auckland in economy class.

    AAX also flies from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney with all-in fares from MYR899 (economy) and MYR2,799 (Premium Flatbed) one-way.

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  • Costco to invest $150m in three new Victoria stores

    Costco to invest $150m in three new Victoria stores

    Costco plans to open three new stores in Melbourne and Geelong within the next two years, investing up to $150 million.

    CEO Patrick Noone told The Australian in an interview that potential sites were identified near Melbourne’s CBD, and at Officer and Geelong. Each store will be allocated $50 million, with the projects now depending on zoning and council approvals.

    “We are growing quite nicely, and Melbourne is a big city. For us, business isn’t slowing down in Melbourne,” said Noone.

    “Melbourne is a growth area and we’d like build there as soon as we get the approvals.”

    During the Covid lockdowns, Costco remained a ‘destination shop’ for Melbournians as members travelled long distances to shop at the store, buying in bulk when regulations allowed.

    Costco currently boasts 200,000 members and sells a mix of goods from fresh food, groceries, meat, consumer electronics, clothing, diamonds and even coffins.

    According to The Australian, Costco Australia’s sales in the year to August rose from $2.6 billion in 2020 to $2.8 billion last year. Strong online growth helped the company double its profit to $46.39 million.

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  • KFC Australia pilots drone-delivery service in Queensland

    KFC Australia pilots drone-delivery service in Queensland

    In an Australian-first, KFC has enlisted a drone delivery company to bring Zingers and other fried faves to homes and workplaces in the Logan area between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

    Wing, owned by Google parent Alphabet, launched in Canberra in 2019 in a world-first, and in Logan the following year.

    Since then, suburbs within a 10km radius have been having burgers, groceries, pharmacy items, hardware products, coffee and other products zoomed in via 5kg styrofoam drones that can carry up to 1.5kg.

    Under a pilot program kicking off on Friday, the world’s most famous fried chicken brand will initially be available to a small number of households in the South East Queensland suburbs of Kingston, Logan Central, Slacks Creek, Underwood, and Woodridge.

    The service will gradually expand to include other nearby locations, Wing says, dubbing Logan “the drone delivery capital of the world”.

    “You know the future truly is here when you can get hot, fresh Kentucky Fried Chicken delivered by a drone from the click of a few buttons,” KFC Australia chief marketing officer Kristi Woolrych said.

    Wing says the number of deliveries rocketed last year as the pandemic raged on and strong demand has continued in 2022.

    Earlier this week, spokesman Jesse Suskin said the company was planning expansion in Australia.

    “We’ll be in more places in southeast Queensland. We’ve submitted for those permissions from our regulators,” Mr. Suskin said.

    “For other states, we’re actively starting to have those conversations right now.”

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  • Vinomofo bets on in-person events with latest acquisition

    Vinomofo bets on in-person events with latest acquisition

    Vinomofo has purchased Melbourne-based events company Revel in an effort to better ingrain itself in the events industry – betting that as life in Australia continues to move toward normality, more Australians will want to get out and attend in-person events.

    Vinomofo chief executive Paul Edginton said the deal will give the online wine firm’s customers ‘special access’ to events and offers.

    “As our customer base grows year-on-year, we are seeing demand for a more extensive offering, with tactile, engaging, fun experiences at the top of the must-have list,” Edginton said.

    “Today’s news to acquire Revel further builds our capabilities to continue meeting the growing needs of our customers who love wine, food and the adventure of experiencing it all.”

    And, Edginton hinted that more projects outside of Vinomofo’s core wine business are well underway and will be launched in 2022.

    “The time was right for us to look at new opportunities to add more diverse offers for our tribe. The Revel acquisition allows us to do this,” Edginton said.

    Revel handles a number of events in the food industry already, namely: Pinot Palooza, Game of Rhones, Mould: A Cheese Festival, and Gauchito Gil’s Malbec Day.

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  • Melbourne baker brings back in-store kitchen at revitalised flagship

    Melbourne baker brings back in-store kitchen at revitalised flagship

    Baker Bleu has had a busy few years. After outgrowing its original 60-square-metre home in Elsternwick, which opened in 2016, and moving to a grand 400-square-metre space in Caulfield North in 2018, owners Mike and Mia Russell have just announced they’re upsizing – again.

    The pair is opening a new location in Hawksburn Village in Prahran, just off Malvern Road, in May.

    Just as exciting is who they’ve recruited to join the team. Carlton Wine Room head chef John Paul Twomey is leaving his current role to head up product and recipe development for Baker Bleu. He’s a veteran chef who spent a decade working for Andrew McConnell, including five years as head development chef.

    Baker Bleu, one of Melbourne’s best bakeries, is known for its long-fermented sourdough with beautiful caramel-hued crusts. And its dinner rolls, in 2019 he wrote, “To deny yourself the Baker Bleu dinner roll with good butter is to miss a moment of pure joy”.

    The new location will serve as both a pastry-production space (with controlled-temperature rooms and proofing cabinets “to allow for more control when creating sourdough croissants”) and a retail shopfront.

    The already exceptional offering will expand to include filled ficelles, granola pots, grab-and-go drinks and Market Lane filter coffee.

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  • Nokia trials AI technology in Melbourne to keep streets clean and safe

    Nokia trials AI technology in Melbourne to keep streets clean and safe

    Nokia the City of Melbourne have conducted a trial using Nokia Scene Analytics artificial intelligence (AI) technology to develop a deeper understanding of waste disposal behaviour. This will allow the city to tackle the issue of waste dumping more efficiently keep laneways – the busy and narrow city streets and pedestrian areas – even more clean, safe and free of garbage.

    To decrease the frequency of waste contractor visits to busy areas, the City of Melbourne has offered local residents and businesses subscription-based access to the large-capacity compactor facilities. With the compactor in place, Council then wanted to understand how the service was being utilised and how to mitigate illegal waste dumping, which can quickly create safety and hygiene issues in the area.

    Under its ‘emerging technology testbed’ initiative, the City of Melbourne worked with Nokia to leverage an existing network of installed cameras as internet of things (IoT) sensors to monitor one of the compactors. The Nokia Scene Analytics solution employed an AI-powered algorithm to filter and collate data from the cameras, while also combining other data sources, such as operational data on the compactor itself, to create real-time alerts and produce reports. Initial trial results demonstrate that Scene Analytics can support the City’s objectives for better, safer citizen experiences while simultaneously lowering maintenance and down time costs for waste management services.

    This innovative use of Scene Analytics has been recognized on a national stage as the partnership between Nokia and the City of Melbourne was shortlisted for the Communications Alliance’s ACOMMS awards in the Artificial Intelligence category.

    Lord Mayor Sally Capp, City of Melbourne, said:“This is a great example of using new technology to help remove illegal waste more quickly, make our city cleaner and protect the environment. Our partnership with Nokia is another way we are gathering data to make Melbourne a safer, smarter and more sustainable city. This innovative project will help to avoid hazards and make our streets even cleaner by allowing our waste services to better understand behavior trends related to the illegal and dangerous dumping of waste.”

    Rob Mccabe, Head of Enterprise of Australia and New Zealand,Nokia,said: “The City of Melbourne is using robust AI technology to offer its citizens, visitors and businesses a greener and more liveable community. In helping the City of Melbourne monitor and enhance services with real-time driven actions, Nokia Scene Analytics is supporting the safety, security and operational continuity of this city in a proactive and automated way.”