General News
14 March, 2024
Talbot Farmers’ Market stands the test of time, marking 20th anniversary
When the idea for a market in Talbot was first floated back in 2004, it did not immediately inspire confidence — for to do something of that magnitude in a little town and expect success was “ridiculous”. It would never work, the naysayers...
When the idea for a market in Talbot was first floated back in 2004, it did not immediately inspire confidence — for to do something of that magnitude in a little town and expect success was “ridiculous”.
It would never work, the naysayers proclaimed.
Two decades on, that once unthinkable prospect which has now come to be known as the Talbot Farmers’ Market (TFM), is getting ready to commemorate 20 years of going from strength to strength.
This Sunday, in honour of its platinum anniversary, the market will have more than just fresh produce on offer.
Apart from its usual assortment of stalls, lined up across the stretch of Camp Street and Scandinavian Crescent, the upcoming event will also feature street performances, music, celebratory muffins and speeches by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, Central Goldfields Shire councillor Chris Meddows-Taylor and local artist Tiffany Titshall.
Festivities won’t be limited to only one day, with the market on March 17 expected to kick off a year long celebration, according to TFM president Patty Brown.
“We are starting in March because the first market was held in the same month and we’ll continue to mark 20 years by hosting something every month until December,” Ms Brown said.
“It could be cooking demon-strations, dog shows, and even a gin master class right in the market sqaure — there’ll be a couple of activities for everyone.”
Organising a monthly retail gathering, hosting close to 70 stands while receiving almost triple the population of Talbot in the form of visitors, is a big feat for the small town.
But what it lacks in size, it makes up with its community’s significant commitment, Ms Brown said.
“There are about 400 residents in the town, [we’re] getting older and somehow we’re still going,” she said.
“That is because of the passion and energy that volunteers and locals have displayed over the years. Everyone has so much enthusiasm for this initiative.
“At one time we were listed among the 10 best farmers markets in Australia and I’m [positive] we’ll achieve that title again — this market is visited by [thousands] so one can imagine how grand it is on the day.”
Market mornings in Talbot are indeed a special affair, transforming the usually quiet and empty streetscapes into a teeming hive of activity.
That regular metamorphosis has been made possible because the essence of the market itself, since it started, has remain unchanged.
“Nothing really has [altered] from our first market in 2004,” Talbot resident and TFM founding committee member Joanie Carter said.
“I think that’s because no matter who’s in the committee they make everyone, be it the stall holders or customers, feel welcome.”
Ms Carter, in her position as one of the original flag bearers of the market, said the market’s success was made even sweeter following initial doubts.
“There’s quite a sense of pride around it, considering the fact that some thought it was never going to work, people have enormous pride for it now,” she said.
“It’s become so huge for the town. You’ve got people walking around, looking at stalls, catching up with friends — you’re not only buying things, you’re also building connections.”
With 20 years of achievements now ticked off, organisers are already looking into the future.
“Setting up a market here was thought to be ridiculous, [we have] proved everyone wrong and we’ve still got [ways to go],” Ms Brown said.
“In the next two decades, I think it’ll be bigger. At the moment we’re just working across two streets, but it could grow to cover even five streets.
“I’ve heard people saying the Talbot Farmers’ Market is the jewel in the crown in this region for tourists — we want to keep that going.”
It’s not just the management team that drives the success of the market, there’s a substantial contribution from the stall holders themselves.
One such vendor is Robyn Mensch, who runs Stroopwafel, a stand dedicated to unique Dutch waffles.
“I’ve set up at the market for 17 years,” she said.
“Normally I get around 100 to 150 people coming up to the stall, and so I’ve become really attached.
“I have gotten to know a lot of the other sellers and a lot of the locals and I think there’s a lot of loyalty involved.
“We’ve all been trying to get the market back up after COVID— it’s really important for Talbot to have this market and I hope it keeps going on.”
To increase its longevity, the TFM committee has applied for funding through the State Government’s Tiny Towns Fund program, and if successful in its application, the grant will support important infrastructure additions to the market.