Market back on home soil

THE Bendigo Community Farmer’s Market is moving ‘home’ to Golden Square.

The move, made in partnership with Bendigo Foodshare, will see the market return to its previous location on the corner of Belle Vue Road and Breen Street, now home to the Foodshare organisation.

The next market is scheduled for Saturday 9 November from 9am to 12.30pm.

It has been operating at Dai Gum San since moving from Golden Square in February last year.

Market president Richard Collins said the committee was excited to be returning home and connecting “back to earth” now that it will be on grass again.”All our favourite stall holders will be making the move, as well as some newcomers, so we’d love the community to come show their support for our local producers and makers,” Mr Collins said.

“We’re looking forward to having a lot of space and parking again and are looking forward to seeing the market grow and thrive in the space.”

Mr Collins said the move showed the strength of connections within the region for supporting localised small and medium scale food systems.

“And it’s a big step forward in providing a profitable and supported market for our growers and artisanal makers,” he said.

Belinda Hagan of McIvor Farm Foods said she was excited to be returning to the Breen Street site.

“It always gave a good vibe of space and community,” she said.

“It’s great to have a vibrant, local produce and food market in Bendigo that supports local producers, makers and growers.”

Bendigo Foodshare CEO Michelle Murphy said the charity sits on two hectares of land and now with the new warehouse build complete, its focus is on progressing stage two of the site which is to develop a community food hub there.

“Our vision for the food hub is to create a place where the community can come together, connect with others and immerse themselves in the joys of growing, sharing and appreciating local food,” she said.

“We’re thrilled that the farmer’s market will be the first activation for our food hub.”

To coincide with the market’s return, Bendigo Foodshare plans to open the doors of its new warehouse to the public from 10am to 12pm on the day. The public can inspect the warehouse, with guided tours every half hour.

Bendigo Foodshare will be operating a community barbecue and there will be live music from Thalia O’Brien and George, James Rigby and the Choice Voices Choir.