What makes Fitzroy and Abbotsford markets so special?
The thing that makes Fitzroy and Abbotsford Markets so special is the community vibe we’ve somehow managed to create – we’ve many people that come every month to catch up with their friends, eat brunch/lunch and shop for a bargain. We aim to promote a sustainable way of living through buying second hand, buying local and supporting small business. Fitzroy and Abbotsford are both creative, vibrant suburbs and our markets draw so many high quality stall-holders and interesting folk together as a result.
What was the inspiration behind setting up these markets?
I’ve been involved in community work in the Fitzroy/Collingwood area since I was 18 and fell in love with Fitzroy in particular when I first visited as a teenager. A friend was working at Fitzroy Primary School and came up with the idea but was unable to continue and asked me to run with it. I fell in love with the idea of having a market there as the location was perfect being so close to Brunswick St and Smith St, I felt the flea market-style market would suit the community and it was a great way to set up a social enterprise that gave back to community organisations in the local area.
The Abbotsford market is a new addition to the family, how successful has it been since starting in April?
It’s been humbling to see some of the high quality stall holders that we’ve attracted to the Abbotsford Market since it started. We have had many people come to the market since it has started and we are looking forward to watching it grow and flourish as we go forward. We have had a couple of markets that have had bad weather which is always a challenge and we have had some that have had beautiful weather. It’s the one thing we can’t control unfortunately.
Melbournians seem to love markets, why do you think that is?
Melbournians do love markets and I believe it’s because generally we do love to be part of a ‘village’ which is something that’s missing from bigger cities and markets are the heart and soul of any thriving community. We also love to shop, eat good food and drink good coffee and markets provide a place where we can do all these things at once.
Do you have a favourite trinket you’ve picked up at a market?
Definitely the Weather Rooster. It was given to me by a stall holder. It’s a felt rooster that changes colour depending on the weather, basically letting you know when it’ll rain (so far it’s been more accurate than the Bureau of Meteorology).
Why is it important for markets such as Fitzroy and Abbotsford to give back to the community?
The markets have the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for some of the local organisations in the area through a simple gold coin donation from patrons. Every market patron is encouraged to give a gold coin donation when they enter the market and that’s donated to Fitzroy Primary School, Abbotsford Primary School and Fitzroy Learning Network (refugee support program). It’s a simple idea but we’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years and we believe this is part of what makes us unique.
The ABBOTSFORD MARKET takes place on the first Saturday of every month; and FITZROY MARKET on every third Saturday. Both ask for a gold coin donation upon entry.
