On its website, the organisers of Port Macquarie’s Foreshore Market, Marketplace Events, describe the market as “a vibrant marketplace for local artists, producers and artisans to showcase and market their talents”… and says “unique handmade arts and crafts highlight the event with an eclectic mix of other stalls, from gourmet foods, locally grown produce, flowers, vintage clothing and handmade jewelry and clothing”.
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And, in almost every respect, the fortnightly markets lived up to that billing last Saturday: Local craftspeople, artists, foodies et al were there in force luring the passing parade with their hand-crafted goods in glorious sunshine beside the Hastings River at Westport. If you haven’t yet enjoyed these markets, they are worth a visit.
But, I left wondering why the organisers rent space to stallholders selling socks, shoes, confectionery and various other machine-made goods. It wasn’t just the disappointment of seeing these cheap, imported products in this space brimming with creativity. Rather it was the knowledge that the operators are in direct competition with local retailers who rent local shops, pay rates, and employ our kids and grandkids, thereby supporting the local economy.
Clearly, Marketplace Events is more concerned with renting space – even if, as I suspect, the presence of these operators really adds very little (if any) value to the experience for the vast majority of people who attend. In fact, for me anyway, they detracted from it.
Port’s Chamber of Commerce isn’t happy about this situation, but says it’s powerless to prevent it. The council says it has no control over who sets up a stall at its local markets.
More’s the pity. But, surely it’s possible for the council to define who can operate and who can’t – even if it must wait until the license to operate these local markets is renewed to finally take some action.
Local markets are a wonderful community asset, providing a low-cost outlet for the more creative among us to showcase their talents and sell their wares. They offer, as the Marketplace Events’ website states, “a sustainable platform for local small businesses to grow from”.
But, it’s time the market organisers were more selective and considered the established local businesses who are finding it hard enough to make a quid. Both the community and the markets would be the better for it.
If they won’t, it’s time for the council to step up and show some leadership.
Laurie Sullivan
Port Macquarie
