Goulburn Farmers Market brings fresh local produce, handmade goods and artisan products to the Peden Pavilion at the Goulburn Showgrounds on the fourth Saturday of every month, from 8 am to 11 am. IVP helped start it, and it runs on volunteers.
How it began
The market started with a conversation among Goulburn residents about how good it would be to buy fresh local farm produce. The region has a long history of farming. Many small farms still have heritage orchards that produce wonderful fruit, but not enough of it for modern supply chains, and small growers often have a surplus with no outlet other than friends and neighbours. The COVID pandemic also showed how fragile existing food chains can be.
International Volunteers for Peace was approached and agreed to take on the task of starting the market, because we already had the infrastructure in place and experience in recruiting volunteers. IVP co-founder Rita Warleigh coordinated it, and the first market was held on Saturday 28 October 2023. The intention is for management to pass to an independent local committee of stallholders and shoppers, with a market manager.
What you’ll find
The market was born in the hope of providing locally grown, fresh, affordable food, artisan food products and plants to local shoppers, with these added benefits:
- low food miles
- less packaging
- fewer preservatives and chemicals
- sustainable practices, including regenerative farming and food sovereignty
It follows the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association’s model rules. As well as the monthly market, there is a Makers Market twice a year celebrating local creativity and handmade goods (the next is on Saturday 28 November), and a program of workshops.
Less plastic
The market has a minimal plastics policy. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own containers and cups, and Boomerang Bags, locally made reusable fabric bags, are back: you can pick one up for a few dollars at the Boomerang Bags table. The market is working with the community action group The Goulburn Group to reduce plastic across the region.
Who supports it
Goulburn Farmers Market is proudly supported by Goulburn Mulwaree Council. A donation from Veolia allowed five market volunteers to complete Food Safety Supervisor training, and a grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal paid for much-needed equipment, including a sound system, and a series of workshops on topics related to farming.
Get involved
- Shop: fourth Saturday of every month, 8 am to 11 am, Peden Pavilion, Goulburn Showgrounds.
- Volunteer: to help at the markets or with preparations, email admin@goulburnfarmersmarket.com.au.
- Sell: stallholders can read the market rules and book a stall on the market website.
- Follow: the market is on Facebook and Instagram.
IVP’s international volunteers drop in too: the team from our Creating Glideways workcamp visited the market during their stay.
