Passionate new president for market

EIGHTEEN months ago, Adam Staples moved from Melbourne to his new life in Bendigo.

“For the first time in a very, long time, I wasn’t living in an apartment. I suddenly had a big backyard that was like a blank canvas,” he said.

“Visiting the monthly market, I decided to give gardening a go, and started to grow my own veggies, also getting a couple of ducks.

“I thought the market was fabulous, and exactly what I’d been wanting to access for years, so in November last year when the Bendigo Community Farmers Market called out for people to be on the executive, that was my idea of heaven.”

Also a senior lecturer in education at La Trobe University, who is passionate about visual arts and creativity, Mr Staples has been recently appointed as the BCFM’s new president.

He values the market’s role in helping people access fresh, organic produce. For him, it promotes a healthy way of eating, and unites residents.

“It’s got this entry point and touchpoint for the community, in the sense that it provides an opportunity to come together, even if only for a few minutes,” Mr Staples said.

“If you’re a producer, you can come and sell your produce, but you’re also putting forward a way of life to buyers who can understand where their food comes from, and meet the farmers.

“Stallholders and customers can have a laugh, and they remember each other’s names. These relationships are what life is all about, and these unique interactions are something our committee wants to retain.”

Still fairly new to Bendigo, there’s nothing Mr Staples doesn’t love about the town. From the minute he drove in, he felt welcomed.

“There’s so much to do, people are incredibly friendly and open, and it wasn’t long before I found my little gang, so to speak, because my neighbours have become my absolute best friends in this town.

“It’s a diverse town, and there are challenges here as well, but it’s a town that provides strong community and connection for a lot of people, so I absolutely love it,” he said.

Thursday Mini Markets are held at The Good Loaf Sourdough Bakery & Café from 3pm to 5.30pm, while the major BCFM is held every second Saturday of the month at Bendigo Pony Club, from 9am to 1pm.