Community & Business
15 May, 2024
New life for Mareeba Markets
MORE than 100 market stallholders have already put their hands up to join the newly-established Lions Club Centenary Park Markets following news the original Mareeba Markets would cease operation at the Turf Club.
St Thomas’ School, which originally hosted the markets, announced it would discontinue the iconic Mareeba Markets after 25 years due to a lack of attendance resulting from its move to the racecourse.
The shock announcement left stallholders completely blindsided, but Lions Club of Mareeba took up the baton last week, announcing they would re-establish the markets.
Lion member Tom Braes said the service club hoped to have the markets up and running at the 100 Park in Mareeba in June, approvals dependent.
He and the Lions Club will be working closely with Mareeba Shire Council and other stakeholders to ensure a successful market.
Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin has already indicated the council would be willing to help.
“It would be wonderful if the market can continue, and council will be willing to negotiate an agreement for the use of Centenary Park from any community organisation, should a request be received,” she said.
Mr Braes said he was confident any issues preventing the market from being located at the 100 Park could be resolved.
“At the end of these meetings, we will be able to identify any issues we have and then work through them and solve them,” he said.
“Presently, I am extremely confident that we will be able to resolve any issues that are thrown our way.
“We expect that, in time, it will become bigger and better ... there have certainly been a lot of inquiries already about the markets, with people wanting to take spots, and one group has even indicated to us that there are over 100 people already willing to return to the 100 Park.”
RD Creations market stallholder D’urville Pelgrave said she was very pleased to hear the Lions Club had taken over the markets and hoped it would move back to the 100 Park.
“It is absolutely wonderful that a local community organisation has been willing to step up and fill these shoes,” she said.
“I am sure the community will definitely support them and the markets if and when they move back to the 100 Park.
“Everyone is agreed that it needs to change for the future survival of the markets, stallholders and the community.”
Hundreds of marketgoers and stallholders took to Facebook last week to congratulate the Lions Club for stepping up and to express their interest in attending or selling at the market.
“As a current stallholder, this is music to my ears. Thank you,” one person commented.
“As a current stallholder, this is such a great news,” another said.
“Mareeba Lions Club, you will be very much appreciated if you do. The atmosphere was always good at the 100 Park. Can't wait,” a user said.
“Thank you, as a 17yrs plus stallholder I am delighted,” another commented.
Updates on the markets are expected to be posted on the Lions Club’s Facebook page. Those interested in being a part of the markets can contact the Lions Club of Mareeba via Facebook or by email lionsmba@gmail.com
