Greater Whitsunday Food Network under voluntary administration

A weekly farmers market supporting dozens of food and agribusinesses will cease as its organisers take steps towards possible liquidation.

The Greater Whitsunday Food Network president Deb McLucas announced on September 10 the GWFN had gone into voluntary administration.

A popular weekly farmers market supporting dozens of Mackay Isaac and Whitsunday food and agribusinesses will stop operating after this week as its organisers take steps towards possible liquidation.

Greater Whitsunday Food Network Inc shared the “heart-wrenching” news on Friday afternoon after an 18-month struggle with diminished funding and income streams because of Covid-19.

With a dependence on volunteers, an over-reliance on short term grants and a loss of event income from Covid-19, the organisation determined it was unsustainable to continue running the Farmers’ Market – a final one will be held on September 15.

Greater Whitsunday Food Network President Deb McLucas said it was a heart-wrenching decision but the ongoing impacts of Covid-19 had affected the organisation. Photo Lee Constable / Daily Mercury

GWFN president Deb McLucas said the management committee was working with voluntary administrator KordaMentha with a view to placing the organisation into liquidation.

“It was a heart-wrenching decision for us to make, but the only outcome that is possible at this time,” Ms McLucas said.

“We are devastated for our members, the stallholders at our Farmers Markets and the broader community.

“Our heart and passion are still very much there but unfortunately the economic reality makes it impossible for us to continue.”

GWFN was formed in 2015 and supports dozens of micro-food and agribusinesses across Mackay Isaac Whitsunday. The Farmers’ Markets began in 2016.

The Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market, which started in Wood Street Park, later moved to the Blue Water Quay.

Many supporters have taken to social media to express their devastation over the move.

“My heart is broken. Much love to all my farmers. I built incredible relationships with you all from the beginning which started way before the markets launched on 8th June 2016,” Christine Wilson wrote.

“My love to you all … My heart is shattered.”

While Emma Pullen said, “So sad to hear this news. Please let us know how we can continue to purchase your wonderful products. You all have done an amazing job and we wish you well.”

It is understood the committee will look at how to connect growers with their customers once the markets cease.

In a release issued Friday afternoon, Ms McLucas said the organisation had ambitious plans and was moving forward with some exciting ideas but was not able to secure the necessary funding to continue in the current climate.

Greater Whitsunday Food Network president Deb McLucas thanks all the supporters over the past six years.

“Over the past six plus years, GWFN has done some amazing work to foster and facilitate emerging agribusinesses, and we are proud of the successes that we have achieved,” said Ms McLucas.

Its projects and events promoting the abundant array of produce grown and manufactured across the wider region include monthly River Street Twilight Markets in Mackay, showcase lunches at the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend and G & S Engineering Wine and Food Day events.

“We are very hopeful that a new network support model can emerge in the not-too-distant future and continue the great work that has already been undertaken by many people who poured their heart and soul into GWFN,” she said.

Ms McLucas praised their many supporters including Mackay Regional Council, the Local Buying Foundation, the Department of State Development, Mackay Tourism, Reef Catchments, Isaac Regional Council and Sustainable Table.

The final Farmers Market will be held on Wednesday from 6.30am to 10.30am to allow stallholders to engage with their regular customers.

Originally published as Greater Whitsunday Food Network under voluntary administration