RESIDENTS are being urged to throw their support behind the Mount Gambier Community Rotary Market as visitor numbers continue to dwindle.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the weekly market – nestled behind Harvey Norman – is faced with an increasing set of challenges including competition from other markets.
Rotary Club of Mount Gambier market committee member Willem Moors said despite profits being injected back to the community, by stall fees, which included several permanent sites, barely covered the club’s rental fees.
“We feel that it is probably because we do not have the same number of outside stalls that we usually have,” Mr Moors said.
“There are only a few stalls with fresh produce which is quite a drawback,” he conceded.
Mr Moors said the market’s stallholders were dependent on customers and urged the local community to rally behind the cause and visit on Saturday mornings.
The market committee is also exploring alternatives to attract people to the community hub, including hosting more activities.
“We recently ran a car boot sale, which was well advertised so we are beginning to look into that,” Mr Moors said.
“A few years ago we had a three-month television campaign but unfortunately that cost a lot of money and we would much rather give that money away.
“We are simply asking the public to attend and come and have a look at what the market is like.”
Mr Moors acknowledged the growth of other community markets had impacted on the weekly attendance, but remained upbeat about its future with planning in full swing for both its Easter market and 25th anniversary celebrations.
