The Murrumbateman Village Market will return this Saturday, March the 27th, and if it’s anything like the first market this Autumn, then it certainly shouldn’t be missed.

The Murrumbateman Village Market began in 2012. Its founder John Thorn was thrilled with the turnout and the new stalls wanting to sell their products through the market.

“Was a bit of a slow morning, but it’s picked up as the day’s gone on.”

“It’s been terrific,” he said.

In 2012, John saw an absence of routine community events in Murrumbateman and felt that an event like a market could enhance the village’s community feel.

“We are stuck close to Canberra, so a lot of people spend most of their time there.”

“Murrumbateman really needed some community focus, a regular community event,” he said.

John believes the market provides Murrumbateman locals with the optimal opportunity to mingle and get to know one another.

“The main thing is to get people down here and mixing with others.”

“People get to meet their other neighbours, which they don’t normally get to do,” he said.

A Murrumbateman resident and representative from the Australian Conservation Foundation Community- Eden-Monaro, held a similar belief.

“It’s where people can meet; they can see what’s happening in the community and discuss it.”

“A lot of people discover things they didn’t even realise existed,” said Ian Fyfe.

Ian’s stall held a very different purpose from most other stalls on offer, with his stall working to highlight a new group aiming to pressure elected representatives into proposing initiatives that minimise pollution and protect the living world.

“We’re introducing people to the new Australian Conservation Foundation Community Group called Eden-Monaro.”

“We’re selling signs (pictured) to raise awareness so they can pin them to their front yard and make a statement.”

He has been involved with the Murrumbateman Markets in a variety of different ways since its inception and loves what the market has become.

“It’s always a great setting, great produce, great markets and a lovely day.”

“I come here because I love it,” said Ian.

Another group with a stall was the Hume Police District running a “Pop Up Policing” initiative at the market.

Acting Inspector Dave Cowell was on the ground in what he described as an important showing for the Hume Police District.

“Community engagement is very important.”

“It shows the community that we are out there and available to them,” he said.

As for the response from market-goers, Cowell was pleased with the result.

“It’s been very, very positive!”

“Even though the crowd at the market at the moment is a bit small, just about everyone has come through to see us as well, and it’s good to see they’re supporting their local police,” he said.

The market had live music playing all day, adding to the event’s already relaxing vibe.

If you haven’t visited the Murrumbateman Village markets before, why not take a friend or family and experience it for yourself.

Max O’Driscoll

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