Winnaleah market to debut

•  Melissa Partridge, Alana Cordwell and Lousie Whibley are looking forward to the first market in Winnaleah at the rec on May 1. 

By Taylor Clyne,
April 06, 2022

Thanks to the drive of passionate community members the farming township of Winnaleah are preparing for their first market on May 1 with quarterly events to follow.

The event will be a true celebration of community with people encouraged to take up a car boot space or stall and enjoy the many food vendors and services available on the day.

Co-organisers Alana Cordwell and Lousie Whibley said they encourage the whole region to get behind the event and to come to put the town on the map.

“We are really motivated and have created a brand new website for people to acquire all of the information and access the application forms – it’s about streamlining the process to make it simple,” Alana said.

“Want it to be good so people keep coming back and supporting it and our town.”

Melissa Partridge said the North-East Netball Association (NENA) are operating as the umbrella organisation for the event and will be holding a netball event on the day as well.

“We are wanting to promote and fundraise for netball in the North-East and offer some assistance to players in umpiring, coaching or just general skills,” she said.

The group said they were thrilled to also have social services like the Dorset Suicide Prevention Network, RAW and the Dorset Community House attending the day.

“For when people are here, they will have the opportunity to speak with these services and also network if they like,” Louise said.

“It’s good for people's mental health and gets them out of their house in a relaxed environment.”

Food outlets that are already secured include Bread and Butter from Lilydale, Trails Expresso, Daves Texas BBQ and the Ringarooma Butchery.

“We are hoping to also have face painting for the kids and music and the Winnaleah School will be running their famous donut stall.”

Alana said her biggest drive of kickstarting a quarterly market was her kids.

“I’ve got a nine-year-old and an eleven-year-old here that go to the school and play netball – I really want things to stay alive in this area to give them things to do in the community and keep them here,” she said.

“We have to be proactive to do that.”

The first market is planned for Sunday May 1 at the Winnaleah Recreation Ground followed by August 1 and November 1 thereafter.

The day will run from 10am-2pm, to find out more visit: winnaleahmarket.com