New market finds a home in Alstonville

A NEW community market will open in Alstonville next month, bringing fresh opportunities for local vendors and residents after years without a market.

The Alstonville Wollongbar Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Alstonville Show Society, with support from Ballina Shire Council, to host the first market at the showgrounds in October.

Alstonville Wollongbar Chamber of Commerce member and Trident Fish & Grill owner Christian Photiou said the markets are designed to bring the community together following the disruptions caused by the pandemic and floods, while also supporting local businesses.

“It’s all supporting local people and farmers,” Mr Photiou said.

“A lot of markets have closed – like Lennox and Lismore.

“We’d like to build it up to bring the community together and make Alstonville a destination for the markets.”

He said it had been “a long time coming”, with markets last held in Alstonville eight years ago.

So far, the response from vendors has been overwhelming.

“We’ve had a massive response. We’re getting emails every single day.”

He said the calls were coming from vendors from other markets, and word of mouth was sharing the message around.

The market was originally slated to start on a Sunday in September, but a hiccup in what was allowed under the showground’s development approval meant it had to be pushed back until October and will be held on a Saturday.

In the future, Mr Photiou said they hoped the council would amend the DA to allow the market to run on a Sunday.

The first market will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 8.30am – 2pm at Alstonville Showgrounds.

Markets are also planned for Saturday, November 16 and a special Christmas market on Saturday, December 21.