Community markets are making a resurgence in the Manning Valley.

Cundletown Markets started up this month, Manning Point’s Seasonal Markets enjoyed a second round of success last weekend and Old Bar Road’s The Lot debuted a boutique market earlier this year.

Taree’s Secret Weekly Farmers Market has just clocked up one year and longstanding markets in Nabiac, Gloucester, Wingham, Lansdowne, Harrington, Old Bar and Taree’s The Hub offer monthly or seasonal gatherings of goodness. 

I think the longevity of these markets and resurgence of others is more than buying local, it’s being local. 

It’s saying a proper hello to your neighbour because most of the time we are all too busy to chat.

It’s seeing the family friend who you never see and swapping stories on how everyone is going. It’s a place for those who live away, to come home and see everyone they missed.

In research conducted by non-profit organisation Project for Public Spaces, its understood farmers and public markets play an important role in public health beyond providing fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Further in the report on ‘Public Markets and Community Health’, markets are described as neighborhood destinations and public-gathering places where community members are provided with a mechanism to participate in collective action towards strengthening social networks and enhancing civic engagement.

Enhancing civic engagement often comes in the form of the funds generated from community markets.

These funds generally go straight into the hub of a town – the community hall.

At the Manning Point Seasonal Markets at the Waterbird Restaurant I was delighted to see illustrator Stephen Michael King offering drawings for a donation to Mitchells Island Hall. 

The day was perfect for catching up with people and relaxing by the water. It is hoped the next market will taking place in spring. 

I hope this resurgence continues and the positive influence of farmers and community markets continues to grow around the valley.