General News
28 March, 2025
Market seeks community support
Dunolly Country Market could be at risk of closing due to a decrease in visitors in recent months.
In her two years as market coordinator, Lynda Vater has witnessed stall numbers dwindle, with support for the market declining.
“In my first year, we were averaging 40 or more stalls at a market, unless it was pouring with rain or other bad weather. Last time we had around 14,” she said.
She feels there are a range of factors within the town that have caused fluctuating attendance.
“It was all going really well, and then two cafes in town closed down out of the blue. We tried getting a few food vans, but they stopped coming, because people have stopped spending money on food,” Ms Vater said.
She is also concerned changes in consumer habits due to the cost of living is also having an impact on market attendance.
“Some stall holders are fearful and not holding market stalls because they aren’t making enough,” Ms Vater said.
As a result, numerous attempts have been made to revive the market, including hosting themes and performances at the same time to draw a crowd.
“We tried putting in more craft and second-hand, we had live musicians on the street, trumpeters, a guy who played a piano on the street. We did a Christmas market and we got a lot more people to come to that,” Ms Vater said.
But she fears she will soon run out of ideas.
“Every market has been an experiment to see what works and what doesn’t. But you start running out of steam when everything you do doesn’t get a really good result,” she said.
While there are loyal stall holders and visitors still regularly attending, there are steps Ms Vater wants to take to retain the market.
Not only is she encouraging locals to attend or host a stall, but also revamp the committee.
“If we have a dynamic committee, they might be able to give their take on it but I haven’t found anybody,” Ms Vater said.
She has suggested the markets are more popular when visitors have more to do.
“I can run markets along with events, when I know there is something going to happen in town. Nowadays, it’s about the destination. People want more. Which is why markets and events are more popular these days,” Ms Vater said.
Despite her fears the market is diminishing, she still acknowledges her stall holders have been a loyal group during her time coordinating the market.
“I feel really bad, the store holders go to a lot of trouble, I know what it’s like. They turn up each month, rain or shine and they deserve visitors,” she said.
Ms Vater also said she is aware of locals who do support the market and is thankful.
“I know some locals do support, I see you monthly and I thank you for your support,” she said.
The next Dunolly Country Market will be Sunday, April 27.