Lifeline Book Fair, Capital Region Farmers Market: Convoy to Canberra disrupts the nation’s capital

Canberrans have had their weekend plans disrupted by Convoy to Canberra protesters, with the Lifeline Book Fair and Capital Region Farmer’s market forced to cancel.

A major charity fundraiser and a much loved community market has been forced to close due to protesters camped out in Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC).

The Lifeline Canberra Book Fair, a vital fundraiser for the mental health and suicide prevention hotline, was cancelled.

This was announced via a statement on the Lifeline Canberra Facebook page.

Lifeline Book Fair cancelled over Convoy to Canberra Protests. Picture: Facebook

“Lifeline Canberra has made the tough decision to close the doors to the Book Fair today,” the statement said.

“The situation at EPIC has deteriorated overnight and safety is our number one priority.

“We will keep you posted on our opening hours should we be able to open tomorrow. Please check back here this evening.”

“Thank you for your understanding and support.”

Demonstrators against COVID-19 mandates at Parliament House, Canberra. Picture : NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

In response to this Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced the ACT Government would donate $25000 to Lifeline.

A statement from Mr Barr’s office said it was “incredibly frustrating” to see one of Lifeline’s most significant fundraising events to be disrupted by protesters.

“Lifeline Canberra, through its dedicated volunteers, has not only supported this community through two of the most challenging years in our history but also for the last 50 years,” the statement said.

The Capital Region Farmers Market was forced to close due to protest activity in Canberra. Picture: Facebook

Canberra fresh-food institution, Capital Region Farmers’ Market, which is held weekly at EPIC, was also forced to close on Saturday

In a statement on their Facebook page posted on Friday evening market organisers described their decision as “devastating”.

“Due to the existing safety concerns onsite and logistics for customers attending the market the decision was made to cancel the market,” the statement said.

Demonstrators against COVID-19 mandates at Parliament House, Canberra. Picture : NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“It is a devastating result for our farmers and producers following on from the last two years.”

“Please check back here for any updates as we share any information from stallholders on alternative arrangements for selling their produce.”

A statement from Mr Barr’s office called for Canberrans to support local producers and market stall holders from the Capital Region Farmers Market who are operating at different venues over the weekend.

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