Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market to survive despite losing Bluewater Quay site

One of Mackay’s favourite markets is set to survive despite initial fears of a forced closure. Find out the plans here.

Mackay’s favourite farmers market has plans secure its survival despite losing its much-loved location on the banks of the Pioneer River.

Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market organisers initially announced the popular Wednesday morning markets would stop operations, but relocation plans are now in the works.

GWFN president Deb McLucas said it was sad to lose the location at Bluewater Quay, but stallholders were busy making future plans.

GWFM president Deb McLucas said the market would be back in a new location after fears of shutting down. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“People are very sad about it all because it’s a much-loved and well-supported market, there have been thousands of people who have come out to shop here and connect with their favourite farmers,” she said.

“We absolutely have plans as a stallholders group to trade next week, unfortunately we haven’t worked through it all at the moment, people will just have to watch this space.

“We’re certainly looking at how we can bring our produce to town again next week.”

(From left) Wendy King (Bee 2 U) and Mary-Ann Refalo (Retrospect Life) share a stall at the Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market, and said they were excited to move to a new location soon. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Ms McLucas said the ever-changing landscape, especially with Covid, had made it difficult to operate the markets consistently, but she was proud of the service provided to Mackay.

“It proves you never know what’s around the corner, we were on a high when we were celebrating our fifth year of operation in June,” she said.

Vicki O'Brien (Gracie B Dog Treats) has operated a stall at the Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market for just two weeks, but said "it was like a family". Picture: Matthew Forrest

“To go through Covid and not miss a day of trading, and even bring in an extra day of markets when no one else was open, we really recognise the service we provided to the community.

“It was an achievement to do what we’ve been able to do with limited resources, passionate farmers and volunteers.

Denise Lang (Pure n Natural Honey) operated a stall at the Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market and said "it was really sad to be closing down" at Bluewater Quay. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“Everyone who shops here and has a stall hopes we can salvage something from this situation.”