Eco-friendly stallholders sought for new sustainability-focused market

GEELONG Regional Libraries (GRL) is encouraging local stallholders with a passion for eco-friendly practices to participate in its upcoming Sustainability Market.

The market will take place on July 27 between 10.30am-2.30pm on the ground floor of the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, striving both to promote sustainable consumer habits and support local businesses and creatives.

It is well-suited to stallholders selling handmade and preloved goods who embrace upcycling, recycling and other eco-friendly practices; however the market is unable to accommodate cooked goods or alcohol.

The Sustainability Market will also raise funds for, and awareness of, the Lazarus Community Centre and its work helping community members facing homelessness.

To secure a stall at the Sustainability Market, GRL asks all stallholders to make a monetary donation to Lazarus Community Centre, with all money raised going towards the centre’s service.

“Geelong Regional Libraries and Lazarus Community Centre have a shared goal of ensuring safe spaces for everyone, particularly vulnerable members of our community,” GRL chief executive Vanessa Schernickau said.

“We’re proud to partner with Lazarus and to support the great work that they do.”

Lazarus Community Centre will also take an active role in next month’s market with a stall, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the services it provides.

Ms Schernickau said she was looking forward to the event.

“The Sustainability Market is not just a market but a platform that promotes sustainability, upcycling and recycling within our community,” she said.

“Shoppers can explore preloved goods, handmade treasures and recycle products.

“Our many roles as a public library service include supporting local makers and creatives and community partners such as Lazarus Community Centre.

“I’m excited to explore the market on the 27 July, set in our beautiful library space.”

GRL confirmed it would evaluate the market’s success following the event to explore the possibility of making it an annual offering.

To submit a stallholder application before July 7, head to grlc.vic.gov.au