We are delighted to welcome Mark Fulcher as a new Board Member of the Fishermans Bend Business Forum!
A long-time Port Melbourne resident, Mark brings over two decades of local knowledge and a passion for shaping the future of our community. With a professional background in consultancy through his business, Beacon Consult, and a personal commitment to supporting the area where he raised his family, Mark’s blend of strategic thinking and local insight will undoubtedly add immense value to the forum.
We sat down with Mark to learn more about his vision, his interests, and his thoughts on Fishermans Bend.
Mark, what can you tell us about yourself and your work outside Fishermans Bend Business Forum?
I’ve lived in Port Melbourne for over 20 years, raising my family here with three kids who’ve been through local schools and played in the area’s sports clubs. It’s a great community, and I feel deeply connected to it.
Outside of my work with the Fishermans Bend Business Forum, I run my own consultancy, Beacon Consult. The name is locally inspired—it reflects one of Port Melbourne’s iconic beacons, a guiding light for ships arriving over the decades. Much like that beacon, my goal is to help clients find their path and navigate toward their future ambitions, providing clarity and direction as they pursue their dreams. It’s work I find incredibly rewarding, especially in such a dynamic and opportunity-filled region.
Why did you join the Fishermans Bend Business Forum?
I am naturally very interested in development both in our city and abroad. I am not educated in architecture, engineering, or construction, but it is fair to say all of these interest me. I have monitored the Fishermans Bend development since the announcement by Matthew Guy in the 2010s, have popped into the odd info session etc. It was recently that I was looking at ways to have an impact in our community and have recently rolled off a committee executive position. This feels like a good way to focus my energy to impact my local neighbourhood, and the city I love, Melbourne.
Will you have a focus during your time as a board member?
No clear thoughts as yet. I’m focusing on being a sponge currently learning as much as a can and seeing where my breadth of experience can assist the most.
What’s the best part about working/living in Fishermans Bend?
Having grown up inland, I’ve always been drawn to the water. When I’m not recovering from injuries, you’ll often find me running along the beach to St Kilda every other day. Living here offers the perfect balance—close to the city, bayside suburbs, and dynamic growth areas like Docklands and the Fishermans Bend Precinct!
What are the most pressing issues?
Personally, I believe clarity around development is key. Fishermans Bend is such a large area, and it can be difficult to grasp how it will evolve and whether this is being approached in a structured way. While there’s a strong focus on the innovation sector, it’s just one part of a vibrant business community—we need to ensure the whole community is represented. Foundational infrastructure, like transport, is critical, and getting it right is essential. At the moment, I’m hearing concepts but less about concrete plans.
What’s your pick for the best coffee spot in Fishermans Bend?
Cafes in the area have definitely evolved, but a great hub remains just along from Bunnings. What used to be Salford Lads Club is now Frontside Food & Wine and Coe & Co. It’s amazing to think these establishments have been part of the precinct for well over a decade.
We’re thrilled to welcome Mark to the Fishermans Bend Business Forum team! His extensive experience and dedication are sure to be invaluable assets as we work together to support our community. We can’t wait to see what we can achieve with his involvement and look forward to an exciting journey ahead!
