We sat down with Hannah Earle, Founder of VisitPortMelbourne.com and new board member of the Fishermans Bend Business Forum, to hear about her work and vision for the precinct’s future. With a background in destination marketing and a passion for placemaking, Hannah focuses on connecting people with local businesses, unique experiences, and vibrant community spaces across Greater Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend.
Through her platform and local networking events, Hannah is building stronger ties within the business community while championing the importance of thoughtful design and activation to enhance the area’s character and appeal.
In our conversation, she shared her thoughts on balancing growth with community needs, the role of creative placemaking in shaping Fishermans Bend, and why fostering connection — both online and offline — is crucial as the precinct continues to evolve.
Read on to discover Hannah’s perspective on how collaboration and creativity can help Fishermans Bend reach its full potential.
Why did you join the Fishermans Bend Business Forum?
Fishermans Bend is evolving rapidly, and I want to be part of shaping its future. By joining FBBF, I can collaborate with local businesses and stakeholders to ensure this area grows in a way that’s vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable.
A bit about you and your work outside FBBF?
I’m the founder of VisitPortMelbourne.com, a platform dedicated to showcasing the best of Greater Port Melbourne including Fishermans Bend. With a background in destination marketing, my focus is on connecting people with unique places and experiences. Through VisitPortMelbourne.com, we host local business networking events that foster connections and collaboration. I’m also passionate about placemaking—creating beautiful, inspiring spaces through activations, design, and styling that enhance the streetscape and give our areas a distinct, well-loved character.
What will be your focus?
My focus is on fostering meaningful local partnerships and creating experiences that connect people, both in person and online. I aim to bring visibility to the incredible businesses, initiatives, and experiences that make Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend unique. Additionally, I’m committed to activating and beautifying our local spaces through creative projects and thoughtful design.
What’s the best part about working/living in Fishermans Bend?
It’s the blend of history, industry, and potential. Fishermans Bend has a rich past, but it’s also at the forefront of innovation and growth. I love the mix of old and new—heritage pubs alongside cutting-edge developments, small businesses thriving in a changing landscape.
What are the most pressing issues?
Balancing growth with community needs. As the area develops, it’s crucial to ensure that local businesses, residents, and visitors all benefit from thoughtful planning and activation. Creating a destination that feels inviting, connected, and commercially viable is key.
Where’s the best coffee in Fishermans Bend?
Tough question! Frontside Food & Wine is a personal favourite — a casually elegant industrial space serving excellent coffee, all-day breakfast, and a lunch menu worth lingering over. Later in the day, CBCo Brewing offers a warm, open setting for laid-back afternoons, with local brews and a standout lunch menu.
We were thrilled to co-host our recent business breakfast at Frontside Food & Wine with VisitPortMelbourne.com and hear more about the exciting plans for the future. Thank you to everyone who joined us to support local connections in Fishermans Bend. We look forward the next VisitPortMelbourne.com event at The Fruiterer’s Wife on 5 May, register here. To stay in the loop on upcoming events and local news, be sure to register and subscribe to the visitportmelbourne.com industry newsletter here.
