Rotary takes on Maryborough Markets

The success of community events and markets organised by Rotary clubs across the country was the inspiration for local clubs to take over the weekly, Thursday Heritage Market in Maryborough.

A new group, Fraser Coast Rotary Events, consisting of the Maryborough Sunrise and Hervey Bay City clubs, has taken over the operation of the weekly markets.

Chairman of the group, Andrew Gillispie, sees the move as a win-win for the Fraser Coast community.

“Rotary is made up of community members doing things for the community,” he said.

“Running the markets and revitalising them after Covid ticks all of our community service boxes.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour congratulated the Rotarians for taking over the operation of the markets.

“The Heritage markets are historic, iconic and will be part of the community,” he said.

“It is fantastic to see a local group stepping up to take on the event.

“The community will benefit in a number of ways: from the staging of a vibrant event which helps activate and bring people to the Maryborough CBD; and funds raised by Rotary will be ploughed back into community projects.

“Rotary has been involved in many projects in Maryborough from the Elizabeth Rose Gardens, the Wedding Chapel in Queens park and staging annual events such as the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program at the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park.

Mr Gillespie has recently returned to Maryborough following a 35-year absence.

“My wife and I have semi-retired and want to continue our community work,” he said.

“I have seen the success of Rotary organised events, and how much they put back into the community.”

For almost 11 years he was involved in the Townsville Rotary Markets which co-ordinates some of city’s most popular markets including the Strand Night Markets, the Rotary Mega Market and the Willows Sunday morning market.

The money raised by the markets supports community projects undertaken by the 10 Townsville Rotary clubs.

“We see great potential for the Heritage Markets,” he said.

“They have suffered during Covid.

“Visitor numbers have dropped and so have the number of stalls.

“Not much will change, they will contain the same mix of products from fresh fruit, vegies and flowers and cottage industry.

“There is room to boost the home-made, home grown and cottage industry aspect. We don’t want second-hand and mass-produced imported goods.

“We hope it could be the springboard for many Fraser Coast produced products.