Marking 20 years of Talbot’s market!

THE central goldfields towns of Clunes, Avoca and Dunolly offer welcome rest-stops for visitors to the central goldfields as they pass through enroute to bigger centres.

So it is slightly surprising that one tiny goldfields town, tucked away from the main drag, manages to attract thousands of tourists each month.

Talbot was once a booming gold mining town boasting more than 30 pubs, seven schools, 16 hotels and its own newspaper.

Stories abounded of nuggets found on the ground – quite literally, streets paved with gold.

While the goldrush of the mid-1800s has long-since gone, the architecture of buildings from that time still stand as testament to the fortunes made and lost.

Today, it is treasure of a different kind attracting locals and tourists to this hidden gem. For the past two decades, on the third Sunday of the month, Talbot’s sleepy streets come alive with the sounds, smells and taste of one of the finest farmers’ markets in the state.

Talbot Farmers Market president Patty Brown explained that while market regulars make a beeline for their favourite stalls, first-time visitors are often surprised at the range and quality of produce available.

“Talbot Farmers Market has set the standard for farmers markets throughout the state for the past 20 years,” she said.

“As a committee we are extremely mindful of the legacy of the market; people know that products sold at TFM meet a selection criteria that ensures the provenance of goods sold.”

As consumers have turned away from highly processed, mass-produced food, interest in home-grown produce has boomed. But not everyone has the time, skill or space to cultivate crops.

Market-goers know that TFM stall holders have met rigid standards; produce is organic, seasonal and fresh, with nil or minimal chemical use.

With a government enquiry into the practices of the big supermarket chains, it is refreshing to know that markets exist where consumers can cut out the middle-man and buy straight from the producer.

The highlight of market day is the raffle draw: the prize a wheel barrow’s worth of market fare, overflowing with honey, veggies, cakes, salami, olives, soap, herbs, plants flowers and bakery goods.

This year, visitors can also enter a mega raffle, with thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes to win.

A limited number of tickets will be sold throughout the year, with the winner drawn at the Christmas market in December.

Ms Brown said there’s a buzz of anticipation and she looks forward to more people discovering the magic of the market.

“We have an exciting calendar planned with live entertainment, historic demonstrations, dancing in the street and cooking masterclasses,” she said.

“We invite everyone to join in and find out what all the fuss is about.”