Another farmers market springs up in Canberra

Another farmers market is about to open in Canberra, this time in Federation Square at Gold Creek Village.

Blair Lewis, tenant and owner of Pure Holistic Hair at Gold Creek Village, regularly attends the Farmers Markets in Phillip every Sunday morning.

After noticing big chain supermarkets running out of fruit and vegetables, she wondered how much fresh produce from farmers went to waste every week.

Mrs Lewis was then approached by local farmers and market attendees who said they wanted another option in addition the EPIC markets on Saturday.

Some farmers had also noted that it was difficult to secure a stall at the EPIC Farmers Markets.

“I wanted to find a way to support the farmers, support the businesses and bring more people out to visit Federation Square,” she said.

The concerned tenant decided to take matters into her own hands, contacting the landlords at Federation Square and proposing the Federation Farmers Markets.

The first weekly markets will start on Saturday, 26 February, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.

Over 30 people have placed expressions of interest for a stall at the upcoming market.

The market is food specific for now, with stalls showcasing fruit and veg, cupcakes, gluten-free treats, cinnamon doughnuts, fresh eggs, bread and more.

“We were overwhelmed with the interest and support,” Mrs Lewis said.

The Gold Creek Village community looks forward to starting up these markets to attract more people to Federation Square and support local farmers.

The first four weeks will be free for new stallholders. Stalls will then be $30 each, with all profits going to charities to support the local farmers and farming charities.

“The landlords around here are really quite charitable,” Mrs Lewis said.

Federation Square landlords John and Lynn Anderson built Federation Square 25 years ago. As it evolved through the years, it became very community-minded and raised funds to support local farmers with their home-grown dahlias.

“The gorgeous dahlias get bunched up and put into the shops around here and are then sold for $10, with all the proceeds going back to the farmers,” Mrs Lewis said.

The initiative of the dahlia bunches, Bunches Of Hope, has now raised over $70,000 across farming charities and the Sunrise Orphanage in Cambodia.

“Blair had originally come up with the idea. We need somewhere different to sell,” Mrs Anderson said.

Federation Square hosted the inaugural Chilli Festival last weekend that had 3000 people in attendance.

“People want to come. They want to support our local farmers and become a part of the community,” she said.

“Come and support local. We can make it happen.”

“We want to create a good space for everyone to work together as a community, so businesses can flourish together,” Mrs Lewis said.

For updates, visit Federation Farmers Markets.