Bayswater set to gain first growers’ market

COMMUNITY group Future Bayswater is one step closer to launching the suburb’s first weekly growers’ market this year.

Bayswater councillors unanimously gave in-kind support for the groups’ proposed market at Bert Wright Park, subject to the City’s approval of a future event application at the February 27 council meeting.

Reserve hire and public building fees will be waivered.

The City will also actively promote the events.

Following this decision, the group will submit a separate event application for the City’s consideration.

The proposed markets will be held every Saturday from 8am to noon with monthly feature events.

There will be about 30 vendors, with the possibility of increasing it to 45 vendors.

A free stall space will be provided weekly for a charity or another not-for-profit community group.

The group’s vision is to provide a socially engaging experience by offering fresh local fruit, vegetables, herbs, breads, produce and activities for people of all ages and provide support to local businesses.

Bayswater growers’ market committee chairwoman and group member Laura Thomas said the group was thrilled with the council’s decision.

“The decision for the council to waive fees for our market was a significant step forward for us and we will now be working towards starting the market as soon as possible,” she said.

“While we still need to secure some funding for our other start-up costs, we are hopeful that we can launch the market soon after Easter.

“We look forward to welcoming the community to our weekly farmers’ market which will be held on Saturday mornings at Bert Wright Park in the heart of ‘Baysie’.”

According to an officer’s report, the reserve hire fees would have costed about $13,000 per annum.