Small markets are proving to be vital for supporting local producers and small businesses in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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The Artist Market went ahead on Sunday, March 22 in Port Macquarie and a steady stream of attendees turned out to help prop up stallholders.
It's been a rough few months for stallholders who regularly attend markets in the region, after bushfires saw many of the larger events cancelled.
Due to restrictions imposed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on large gatherings of people, many of the big markets have now been forced to cancel in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Artist Market manager Sarah Gale said a new market, named The Local will be on the first, second and third Sunday of the month. The event has been created to support the local community and keep markets alive.
Ms Gale said the small markets are enforcing strategies, including strict hygiene standards and putting social distancing measures into practice.
She said the outside area at the Maritime Museum means people can still come along and foster the community spirit.
Jamila Chapman is the owner of Baked Ginger and said the small markets have been great in supporting local businesses.
She said a lot of people might not realise that for a lot of stallholders it's their full time job.
Jamila normally attends the Bellingen Markets, where she can earn her weekly wage. However the most recent event was cancelled, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
On March 22 Jamilla said she'd already made some great sales within the first hour of the markets being opened.
Holly Mullington was another stall holder at the markets on March 22 and said it's important for the community to support local producers.
She said the market is also a great way for people to get outdoors, practice social distancing and still maintain a sense of reality.
Graham Jackson and Cheryl Himsby from Coffee Masters said they essentially don't have a business without the markets.
They said it's vital people support locals at the event.
Graham said the markets help to give a sense of normality back to people.
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