THERE were mixed emotions after the 3 September council meeting where councillors voted to award a tender for the operation of a market at Red Hill Recreation Reserve.
The winners were the Red Hill Agricultural and Horticultural Society who had the successful tender. The losers were Craft Markets Australia, who have lost the licence to run a market at the reserve after nearly fifty years of operation.
Council will now enter into a five-year license agreement with the society to enable trading to continue at the reserve. The society will take over as licensee from Craft Markets Australia.
Red Hill Community Market went ahead under the management of Craft Markets Australia last Saturday (7 September). It is expected the new licensee will begin operating at the reserve from 5 October.
“We called for expressions of interest after being approached by multiple parties interested in trading at Red Hill Recreation Reserve,” said shire mayor Cr Simon Brooks. “An EOI ensures transparency and fairness when there is more than one party interested in leasing a Council site.” “We have a policy in place that guarantees a fair, open and impartial process for determining the outcome of a tender.
In this case, our priority was to ensure local traders were featured prominently and there was a clear commitment to reinvest funds into our community. “After careful consideration of the applicants, council chose the tenderer we believe will best deliver social and economic benefits for our community. “This decision ensures the much-loved tradition of open-air trading at Red Hill Recreation Reserve will continue. “I would like to thank Craft Markets Australia for operating the Red Hill Community Market at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve for many years.”
It is believed the Red Hill Agricultural and Horticultural Society will run a market at the reserve with the co-operation of the Red Hill District Lions Club. The Lions Club have long been beneficiaries of the Red Hill Craft Market, having managed the car parking for the market and retaining all the parking money as a result. A spokesperson from Red Hill District Lions Club told The News the new market “will be a true reflection of the area’s spirit, created by the community, for the community, with profits reinvested into the community.”
Red Hill Agricultural and Horticultural Society have said they are “dedicated to enhancing the local community through its monthly market. This vibrant market will be a celebration of the Mornington Peninsula’s rich local culture and talent, offering a diverse array of locally grown produce, delicious foods, artisan products, and captivating music and art”.
Craft Markets Australia posted to social media on Friday (6 September) “This Saturday, 7 September, we say a heartfelt goodbye to the Red Hill Community Market at the Red Hill Recreation Grounds, our home we founded 49 years ago. We’re so grateful for the memories, support, and friendships formed over the decades. “While we may be leaving this cherished spot, our journey is far from over. We’re actively searching for a new home in the local area, where we can continue the spirit and legacy of the original Red Hill Community Market.
We remain hopeful for the exciting future ahead and welcome any suggestions of a new home from our wonderful community as we embark on this next chapter. “Please note that a new market will begin operating at this location, but it is not affiliated with the Red Hill Community Market that so many of you know and love.
First published in the Mornington News – 10 September 2024
