An announcement last week was made in reference to the future trading of the Cohuna Farmers’ and Makers’ Market as it continues to wait for the COVID-19 pandemic fallout and easing of restrictions. 

With the current climate and the Andrew’s Government ‘Road Map Out’ of lockdown still not allowing for the monthly event to return, an open letter to the community last week on Facebook highlighted key information in making the critical decision to postpone the event for the foreseeable future.

Hi all.

Well there's not much positive to say about the current situation in Victoria. I'm sorry. We were very disappointed to read of Dan's Road Map out of COVID and it doesn't bode well for getting the market going again in the immediate future.

After consulting with other markets including Echuca, Bendigo and the VFMA, and reviewing the guidelines required to operate, we have determined to maintain the postponement of the market for the foreseeable future. With the current 'steps' of the road map we are unable to determine a start date to get going again but will continue to monitor the situation as changes are announced.

Our reasons for the postponement of the market are as follows:

*Permitted outdoor markets that are allowed to operate are those only with takeaway food & drink according to DHHS. As our market is often at least 50% craft, this would mean potentially denying many of our stall holders the right to trade, as well as those selling hot food like BBQ breakfast & food trucks

*Markets can only open with strict enforcement of the four square metre rule. The markets and stalls must comply with the obligations set forth in the Workplace Directions including: face coverings, density quotients, signage and cleaning requirements. Enforcement of these rules require significant volunteer numbers to enforce throughout the entirety of the market day as well as upgrades to equipment, more prep prior to the market & potentially relocating to a larger venue. We would need to be able to monitor and restrict patrons from entering and exiting the venue according to the density quotients. No music / entertainment or chairs / tables would be allowed. Patrons would be required to shop and go, not stay to mingle or socialise.

* While most of our stall holders are locals, there are some of our key food stall holders who are not from the Gannawarra area and who necessarily travel to other parts, including Melbourne to trade. We need to consider the risk to our community at a time when there is continued transmission in those areas while we are currently COVID free.

Going forward, it seems that the most likely scenario for our market to be able to operate with the vibrant, friendly & diverse offering that we are used to, is when numbers for outdoor gatherings & events become realistic again, similar to what we had for our March market.

I will update you again as things change.

Kind Regards

Sarah Mostyn

Cohuna Farmers’ and Makers’ Market Manager