Strengthening Advocacy, Growing Our Community, and Welcoming New Leadership
The Fishermans Bend Business Forum (FBBF) held its 2026 Annual General Meeting this week at Port Melbourne Town Hall, bringing together members, partners, local businesses and key stakeholders for an important conversation about the future of Australia’s largest urban renewal precinct.
With Fishermans Bend entering a critical period, particularly in an election year, the AGM highlighted the growing importance of informed advocacy, industry collaboration, and a strong, unified business voice. The evening also included the President’s Report, reflections on the past 12 months, and the announcement of new Committee members who will help guide the Forum into its next chapter.
A Year of Momentum for Fishermans Bend
The AGM opened with strong discussion around the opportunities and challenges facing the precinct. We were pleased to welcome Alex Makin, Councillor for Montague Ward and Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, and Nina Taylor MP, alongside members and local stakeholders.
Their presence underscored the importance of constructive engagement between government, industry and the business community as Fishermans Bend continues to evolve.
President Guy Naselli reflected on the year in his 2026 AGM Report, noting significant progress across advocacy, business engagement, and precinct visibility:
Regular meetings with State, Local and Federal representatives
Increased momentum across the business community
Strong growth in social media engagement and e‑news readership
Investment in IT systems, website upgrades and improved communication tools
A four‑fold increase in membership
More than 2,000 subscribers receiving regular precinct updates
These efforts have helped ensure Fishermans Bend businesses remain visible, connected, and represented in broader conversations around planning, infrastructure, and investment.
Advocacy and Precinct Priorities
Advocacy remains central to FBBF’s mission. Over the past year, the Forum has:
Advocated for outcomes that benefit local businesses
Highlighted innovative and creative businesses across the precinct
Connected members through events, tours and collaborative programs
Continued to push for improved mobility and mass public transport
Transport remains a top priority, with growing interest from Federal representatives and ongoing commitments from local and federal members to explore funding and infrastructure solutions.
Showcasing Fishermans Bend Businesses
A key focus this year has been shining a light on the diverse and innovative businesses that call Fishermans Bend home. FBBF commissioned a series of articles profiling local organisations, stories that have been widely shared across our digital channels and continue to build awareness of the precinct’s strengths.
Events throughout 2025/26 also played an important role in strengthening connections, including:
Networking at CBCO Brewing
Melbourne International Shooting Club site visit
Fishermans Bend – What’s Next Forum
End‑of‑year networking at CBCO Brewing
These activities support a more connected, informed, and collaborative business community.
Welcoming New Committee Members
This year’s AGM also marked important changes to the FBBF Committee.
We are pleased to welcome:
Brad Scott (Arup)
Glyn Bosisto (Bosisto Commercial Real Estate)
Their experience across creative industries, engineering, design and commercial property will bring valuable perspective as the Forum continues to grow.
We also acknowledge and thank our continuing Committee members for their dedication:
Guy Naselli (President), Linda Norman (Vice President), Marcus Henry (Treasurer), Mark Fulcher MAICD (Secretary), David Hamilton, Peter Martin, Hannah‑Mercedes Earle, and Jarrod Stivala.
A special thank you goes to Mark Fulcher of Beacon Consult, who stepped down as Secretary after significant contribution to the Forum and the broader Fishermans Bend community. Mark will continue to serve on the Committee.
Looking Ahead: 2026/27 Priorities
The year ahead is shaping up to be equally active, with plans for:
More precinct events and business tours
Continued advocacy on transport and infrastructure
Strengthening partnerships with government and industry
Growing membership and expanding our collective voice
Securing additional funding to support operations and events
Get Involved in the Future of Fishermans Bend
With major planning, infrastructure and investment decisions on the horizon, now is the time for businesses to get involved.
Membership and partnership with FBBF provides opportunities to:
Stay informed about precinct developments
Build valuable local connections
Contribute to advocacy and planning discussions
Access exclusive events and insights
Strengthen the collective voice of the Fishermans Bend business community
