Popular market says its goodbyes

THE Marong Market announced it will be closing permanently last week with organisers saying circumstances have made it difficult to keep operating.

COVID-19 requirements made it hard for stall holders at the market to operate and keep the community safe.

“That’s been challenging for small business operators,” said Suzi Birthisel said, Marong Market organiser.

“The vaccination requirements, citing other people’s certificates and checking in has been causing angst for the stall holders.

Another challenge the market faced was its location. Situated on a corner block with no fencing, it was difficult to be certain attendees were following State Government rules.

“People could enter the market anywhere, so it was very hard to ensure that people were checking in,” Ms Birthisel said.

“There’s no specific entry into the market unlike say for example the Showgrounds Market where people go through a gate, and you can check their vaccination status.

“That was another challenge for us as market operators to make sure we were complying with the requirements.”

Stall holder concern for the community’s wellbeing also played a part in the market closing.

“The stall holders are mostly local people and are very committed to the community and felt strong ownership of the market,” she said.

“They were also concerned about the community. They didn’t want to be a part of a super spreader type event when the pandemic was at its height.

“I think there was a fair degree of trepidation from the stall holders around participating in the market.”

Running monthly since 2018, the Marong Market has been a staple in the area.

Ms Birthisel said the reaction from the community was one of disappointment but said they were understanding of why the call was made.

“I’m sure people would’ve loved the market to continue but equally understood that it’s a pretty difficult site to maintain with the requirements we have,” she said.