There is something new on the calendar to look forward to these school holidays – The Limestone Coast Market Network’s (LCMN) inaugural market.
A little over one year from the inception of the group, they will hold their first event at Casadio Park on October 1, with lots of stalls booked in and something for everyone on offer.
Communications officer Jedda Glynn said the group was formed last year as a way for stall holders to get together to share ideas.
“Discussions were made between LCMN president Sue MacDonald, of Emmady Creations, and some other market stall holders, about their struggles with modern technology and social media – as they saw the ‘young’ stall holders thriving in these aspects,” she said.
“Then a get together at Metro Café, on August 11, 2022 was where it all started and the Limestone Coast Market Network was formed.
“We planned more workshops and get-togethers at The Commercial Hotel, which were a huge success with guest speakers getting involved too.
“A Facebook group, ‘Limestone Coast Market Networkers’, was formed, which was a great platform for us to share collated market calendars for the whole of the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria, sharing and promoting of markets/market applications, a place for stall holders to ask each other advice on products, insurance, stall set ups and a place for encouragement and positiveness.”
A working committee was formed with Sue MacDonald (president), Rosemarie Williams – Life by Crystals (finance), Jedda Glynn – The Springs Creative (communications) with committee members Bron Telford, Karina Leerson from Body Shop at Home and Alarni Holmes – Bear and Co Creations.
There are more than 200 members in the Limestone Coast Market Networker group and more than 25 associated members who are financial members of the group – with this number growing daily.
Their first event is bound to be a hit, with the date falling on the long weekend and school holidays.
“With lots of tourists flocking the district, we felt between the two caravan parks of Blue Lake Caravan Park and Pine Country Caravan Park, as well as a busy road heading down to the coast, Casadio Park was the perfect location,” Mrs Glynn said.
For more information about the market or the group, vist them on Facebook, phone 0408 730 369 or email lcmn@outlook.com.au
“We were very fortunate to have received funding from the Bendigo Bank – Mount Gambier branch after applying for one of their community grants, as well as sponsorship for the wonderful team at Willow Finance to assist us in our event insurance.
“Rocco Buieti and the Italio Australian Club were very accommodating and supportive with assisting us to get this market off the ground. They will also be serving delicious wood fired pizza along with tea and coffee at the market.
“We have ensured a great mix of different types of craft, food, homewares and pet-inspired stalls are included in our market along with family-friendly activities with a kids zone and a talented busker coming along. Plenty of parking will be available too.”
This is just the start of the bold future for the network, with more markets planned.
Mrs Glynn said the plan is to have a total of four markets throughout the market season, which falls from October to April, all around the Limestone Coast.
“Our next market will be held in Port MacDonnell during the peak tourism time between Christmas and New Year, with more information to come,” she said.
“Keep an eye on our social media.
“We will continue to grow our membership base, offering workshops and guest speakers to continue to encouragement of all the talented, creative and strong small businesses we have here throughout the Limestone Coast region.”
