ERIK PURCELL (OB 2015)

public open space for the community to enjoy. Within a month or so, this petition gained over 700 signatures. The Bayside community embraced outdoor dining with fervour.

Bayside Council is seeking community feedback on the idea of partially closing Melrose Street to increase public open spaces as part of improving public health and addressing climate change.

Erik has also been working closely with members of the Sandringham Traders Association about an exciting new prospect called "Village Zero." The vision behind this project is to transform Sandringham into a best practice and sustainable precinct where we can reduce environmental impact on local shopping strips mitigating climate change effects.

SIDEBAR, A WINE BAR AND STORE LOCATED IN MELROSE STREET, SANDRINGHAM, WAS OPENED

BY ERIK PURCELL (OB 2015) IN 2018.

Due to the pandemic, Erik had to adapt his business to a post-Covid landscape. The government at state and local levels accommodated an expansion of outdoor dining and public open space. Erik pushed for increased outdoor dining and public open space in Bayside, which assisted hospitality venues in recuperating lost funds due to the lockdowns in 2020/21. This decision not only benefited Erik's business but also neighbouring businesses with increased foot traffic.

Erik petitioned Bayside Council to entertain the possibility of closing Melrose Street, creating

Sandringham is their pilot program; initiatives include storing and consuming locally produced renewable energy, creating affordable practices for businesses to act more sustainably, educating businesses on sustainability practices, and creating green spaces for members of the community.