Town’s market to make return

DESPITE the scare to Rochester residents recently as the Campaspe River flooded, plans for its first town market since before the COVID-19 pandemic are going ahead. 

In the past, the market was held monthly, and Rochester Business Network marketing coordinator Milly Cain said the organisation hopes that will become regular again from this year. 

“At this stage we’ve got no concern or reason for the market to not go ahead,” said Ms Cain. “All the flood water has cleared from the surrounding streets now. 

“The township itself is all dried and ready and welcoming for people. 

“We’ve scheduled in for January, February, March, and April at this stage, with a special Easter market as well in between, and then we’ll start again during September-October.” 

However, compared to previous iterations of the market that Ms Cain said were more eclectic, this time it has a more artisanal bent. 

“We’re really focusing on the local artists and creatives of the town and the surrounding areas, as well as our local farmers and producers,” she said. 

“We’ve got things from cakes and slices to handmade baby clothes, to jams and relishes, to jewellery, beautiful woodwork products, different artists exhibiting some of their paintings, as well as their other pieces, candles. 

“The criteria of the market is that it must be either handmade or home produced, so there is that real focus on showcasing the creative population of Rochy.” 

Ms Cain said events like the market are crucial to the town’s economy and the business network’s focus on rebuilding and strengthening after the 2022 floods. 

“We don’t know what to expect at this stage, but we’re hoping around a few hundred people, would be fantastic,” she said. 

“It’s really important I think for our local economy, having these types of events that draw people into Rochester and give them a reason to visit if they haven’t been before or don’t come regularly. 

“That obviously then encourages them to come back and just shop at our cafes and local retail outlets. 

“We would just really encourage people to attend the market and to support the local businesses and the stall holders.” 

Rochester Town Market will be held on Sunday 21 January from 9am to 1pm at Rochester Skate Park.