Lynbrook resident and former Casey councillors Steve Beardon andexperiencedmarketer John Foley started the push for a market to be held at the CranbourneHomemaker Centre last year. 54089
By Bridget Cook
CRANBOURNE could soon be home to a monthly farmers’ market with about 40 stallholders offering local and regional fresh produce.
BB Retail Capital, which owns the Cranbourne Homemaker Centre on the South Gippsland Highway, is in a joint venture with Regional Farmers’ Markets to run the event.
BB Retail’s Marketing Manager Donna Godwin said this week that the company had submitted a letter seeking Casey council’s approval.
“These markets will only be possible subject to council approval,” she said.
“We envisage these markets would be a great asset to the community as they would promote local produce, being a great benefit for Cranbourne residents.”
Regional Famers’ Markets currently runs more than 10 successful markets across Victoria, from Daylesford to Geelong.
The company’s director Peter Arnold said he was excited at the prospect of bringing his market to the area.
“There is a need for a good market to be run in that area,” he said.
“We are looking at bringing about 40 stalls all stocking local and regional fresh produce. It would ideally be run on a Saturday.”
Mr Arnold said he believed Cranbourne would be a good fit for a farmers’ market.
“We are very keen to get it up and running,” he said.
“I think Cranbourne could definitely run a successful market, particularly a farmers’ market.
“Everyone is interested in knowing where their food comes from.
“It’s why famers’ markets are the successful ventures they are.”
Last year, the News reported on Lynbrook resident and former Casey councillors Steve Beardon’s push to attract a market to Cranbourne – something he initiated while he was on the council.
Mr Beardon, along with the help of experienced marketer John Foley, lobbied the council, the Homemaker Centre and market owners to bring a market to the area.
Mr Beardon said he was pleased and grateful to be involved.
“The Regional Farmers’ Market is a great fit for Cranbourne, especially at the Homemaker Centre,” he said.
“Initially we were looking to establish a full size trash and treasure market but space is at a premium, and the Regional Farmers’ Market concept just took the cake.
“It offers more than even we thought and surprised us with their variety and excitement.”
The view the market that could possibly come to Cranbourne, visit www.rfm.net.au.
