Why Red Hill could lose its 49-year-old community market
A beloved market that has been a Mornington Peninsula tradition for almost 50 years is fighting to hold on to its signature location.
South East
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The “grand dame” of Victorian markets was gearing up to celebrate 50 years at its signature location on the Mornington Peninsula, now it’s fighting to keep its long standing home.
Red Hill Community Market will find out on Tuesday if it has won the right to keep operating at Red Hill Recreation Reserve.
If Craft Markets Australia is not selected by the local council as the successful tender for the site, its event on Saturday will be the last at Red Hill.
Craft Markets Australia chief executive Louise Gamon said the thought of moving from Red Hill was “deeply concerning”.
“The Red Hill Community Market is more than just a market — it’s a beloved tradition, a cornerstone of the community, and a vital part of the local economy,” she said.
Ms Gamon urged market lovers to tell Mornington Peninsula Shire how much the event meant to them.
“Let them know how important this market is to your business, to our community, and to the local economy,” she said.
She added: “Your voice can make a difference in ensuring that this market continues to thrive in its rightful home.”
CMA’s licence for the reserve ended in May and the local council decided to invite expressions of interest in open air trading at the site.
“This is the first time we’ve called for expressions of interest to operate open air trading at Red Hill Recreation Reserve because it’s the first time Council has been approached by multiple parties interested in operating there,” Mornington Peninsula mayor Simon Brooks said.
“We have a policy in place that guarantees a fair, open and impartial process for licencing council land.
“Council is committed to achieving the best outcome, which means choosing the tenderer that can best deliver social and economic benefits for our community.”
The successful tender will be decided at Tuesday’s council meeting and be granted a five year lease of the site.
Ms Gamon said CMA had “worked tirelessly” to secure a new agreement and the process had been “more challenging than usual”.
“If the council decides not to renew our licence, we may be forced to look for a new venue starting in October — something we truly hope to avoid,” she said.
Red Hill Community Market started in 1975 as a community based event where 28 local producers and crafts people came to sell their goods and excess produce.
The event now runs monthly between September and May and has grown to more than 300 stalls.
All products offered for sale must be made, baked, bred or grown by the stall holder.
Craft Markets Australia also runs markets at Mornington Racecourse, The Briars in Mount Martha and Point Nepean.
It has 11 markets across Victoria.