
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Linda Norman, a long-time director of the Fishermans Bend Business Forum and a seasoned professional with a passion for human resources. With a successful background in corporate HR and her thriving consultancy, HR Plus, Linda brings extensive expertise and a strong commitment to helping businesses in the Fishermans Bend region succeed. As an active board member, she has been instrumental in advocating for essential infrastructure improvements, particularly public transport, to support the area’s growth. Linda’s deep connection to the region, combined with her hands-on approach to business development, makes her a leading voice in the community.
Read on to discover more about Linda’s journey and her vision for the future of Fishermans Bend.
Linda, what can you tell us about yourself and your work outside Fishermans Bend Business Forum?
I’ve been working in Human Resources since I graduated from University and just love it! After a corporate career, I established a boutique HR consulting firm with a colleague, HR Plus, which is now a thriving consulting practice. What I enjoy most about my work are the wonderful people and very interesting businesses we work with. In HR, we help our clients push through their people management challenges so they can focus on improving and growing their businesses.
Why did you join the Fishermans Bend Business Forum?
I live in Port Melbourne and my office is here as well. HR Plus has clients in Fishermans Bend, but my family also regularly pop around for a range of reasons including playing sport and shopping. As such, I am very familiar with Fishermans Bend and have watched the incredible transformation of this region over the past twenty years. I joined the Fishermans Bend Business Forum because I felt that business needed a bigger voice when it came to planning issues, and I wanted to help Fishermans Bend Business Forum get this message out.
What has been your focus during your time as a board member?
I joined the Fishermans Bend Business Forum Board before COVID and have undertaken several roles including VP and currently Secretary. Talk to any business in Fishermans Bend and most will say that the most pressing issue in Fishermans Bend is the need for significant investment in public transport, that is trams and trains. The lack of transport connecting people to the Bend is hindering progress with so many important projects and plans, such as the Melbourne University Engineering Campus. Fishermans Bend Business Forum has been very successful promoting the transport issue and can confirm that transport is now front of mind when we speak to government representatives. We now just need to see action from the government toward implementation of these public transport services!
What’s the best part about working/living in Fishermans Bend?
The constant change which I find very interesting. There is always something happening in the Bend!
What’s your pick for the best coffee spot in Fishermans Bend?
For me it’s a toss between St. Ali and Dusty Fox. St Ali is next to Melbourne Cement, one of Fishermans Bend Business Forum’s major sponsors, so we will always duck across to the café if we can. Dusty Fox is probably my all-round favourite because coffee and food are excellent and they are open seven days till 4pm. We have most of our committee meetings at Dusty Fox and have even held events there because they have a lot of space and are very accommodating. You can even pop into Woolies after your meeting and grab a few groceries after your coffee!

