To fill the void, a group of community-focused residents have come together to launch the Bedfordale Bush Markets.
On Saturday, November 14, residents will be able to access a wide range of fresh locally grown produce, arts, crafts, native seedlings and food vendors, all at their doorstep.
Markets co-organiser Caralyn Lagrange said the idea stemmed from the desire to have a place where residents could meet, greet and trade.
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READ NOW“Bedfordale residents love their semi-rural lifestyle, but we don’t have community recreational venues, a shopping precinct or even a deli,” she said.
“We also don’t have public transport. Living on acreage, it is pretty hard to get to know fellow residents.
“The main stall is a community stall where local residents can place homegrown produce ‘Vege on the Hedge’ style with honour tins.
“Residents will take turns to set up and run the community stall.”
Mrs Lagrange said one of the main aims of the market was to promote the message |“Care for self, care for others and care for the environment” and to show the community how they can live in harmony with nature.
“There will be a focus on caring for endangered species and dieback awareness,” she said.
“We will promote local attractions and the great biodiversity that exists in the area. We’d like people to value our natural attractions more.”
Darling Range MLA Tony Simpson has expressed his support for the markets and plans to attend the launch on November 14.
“The local residents have worked very hard getting the word out to their community about this initiative and have been well received by the majority of people they come in contact with,” he said.
“The Bedfordale Bush Markets will promote local attractions and the great biodiversity that exists in the area.”
The markets will be held at Bedfordale Hall and the surrounding bushland on Admiral Road from 8am to 1pm in summer and 10am to 3pm in winter.
Following the launch on November 14, the markets will run every second and fourth Saturday of the month.
More than 25 stall holders are booked for the launch, including Bedfordale honey supplier Sawyer’s Apiaries, The Rustic Gardner, textile artist Trudi Pollard and a farm-to- plate pork producer.
Stalls are still available. Contact Caralyn Lagrange at caralyn@bedfordale.com.