“Just on 60 percent of my stalls have been with me since the first market, and they’re with me every week, so that’s some dedication from the farmers,” Market manager Sue Brown says. “They really believe in what we’re doing and it’s been so nice to have them come for the ride.”
The amount of stalls average 55 per weekly market – 110 for the monthly creative-craft-based Makers’ Market introduced in 2010 – and there are a total average of about 260 stalls on the books. The markets expanded further in 2014 to include a car-boot-sale Rummage Market, that encourages recycling and reuse. All in all, an average of over 2000 people attend every single week. The markets have proven so popular by participants alone that they often run out of physical room for stalls.
The Mulgrave Markets have the honour of being Melbourne’s first weekly Farmers Market, and are but one of many initiatives created by the Wise Foundation. Founded by former owner of The Body Shop Australia Graeme Wise, the Wise Foundation provides economic independence for Australian communities through business opportunities. The market allows local farmers the ability to sell directly to the public, forging strong community connections and providing a different, even stronger, financial option than the large corporate entities that often control the primary industry.
“It’s part of that educating the public and the community about how important our farmers are,” Brown muses. “Without them, it’s quite frightening. If you have a look at the supermarket shelves and what’s stocked there – that’s the future, if we don’t support our farmers. It’s bringing it back to its most basic form of raw food. That’s the key for our future and kiddies, and that’s what I try and push as much as possible.”
Initiatives such as the Makers Market in particular can provide creative stall-owners the educational platform to improve their skills in fields such as sales. The Markets can successfully translate the inventive, passionate, completely-handmade craft of hundreds into business models as personalised as their innovative ideas.
“Some of the stall-owners have gone onto opening their own small business, which is wonderful,” Brown laughs. “I love it. If I get that phone call where they say, ‘I can’t come anymore because I’m opening my business,’ I think, ‘I’ve done my job’.”
From such humble beginnings, the farmers markets have spawned the likes of food trucks and wholesale operations. As for the inspired mind, there’s no limit as to what you can sell. Pottery, jewelry, potions, lotions, home-goods, terrariums, paintings, artworks, photography, clothing and handbag design; if you can name it (and make it), it’s a possibility.
With all of this in mind, it’s no wonder that the seventh Party Market shall be a true celebration of all that community offers. It should make for a perfect family outing, with kids entertainment including pony rides, face painting, jumping castle and a kids craft corner. To top it all off, the yearly Pooch Parade starting at 10 AM is going to be a corker. With recognition granted to the hard-working puppies that attend the markets weekly, and with awards given for achievements such as “dressing the most like your owner”, it’s assured to be a riot.
“We love our doggies,” Brown laughs. “We get owners dying their hair the same colour as their dogs, or they’ll dress up in the same colours, or they’ll put bows in their ears and hair. It’s hilarious.”
BY JACOB COLLIVER
