Bowen Markets in limbo as Lions Club steps down after 20 years organising

The Lions Club is handing over the reins to the Bowen markets after two decades, with one hopeful new organiser revealing plans to create ‘the Eumundi of North Queensland’.

Bowen Community Markets held in Hansen Park each Sunday.

The future of Bowen’s much-loved community markets is up in the air, with the Lions Club announcing it is calling it a day after two decades of organising.

Bowen Lion Club member Peter Goodman said the main reason for giving up the markets was a lack of members.

“Our membership is down to about seven and we are all in our 70s, and only three or four turn up to do anything,” Mr Goodman said.

“It’s a pretty involved project and the younger generation are not interested in attending meetings.”

Bowen Community Markets at Hansen Park, Bowen.

With more than 30 stallholders offering cooked food, gourmet deli goods, a smoothie bar, fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade goods and more, the seaside markets attract 1000 to 1500 locals and visitors every Sunday from 8am to noon.

Mr Goodman said the markets was originally held in the Queensland Railway Institute Hall across from the iconic Grand View Hotel, and were run by the Endeavour Foundation.

“We moved it to Hansen Park 20 years ago and Lions Club member James Ryan operated it for a long time,” Mr Goodman said.

The club recently used profits to donate five television sets to Bowen Hospital’s new dialysis unit.

They also run the Youth of the Year contest at Bowen High School and donate $200 to schools in the region each year.

“We support Lions projects like cancer research and hearing dogs, and we donate our hours and time to Meals On Wheels,” Mr Goodman said.

“The markets have grown and shrunk over the years, but I think it’s got a lot of potential.

“It’s a lovely position out there.”

Bowen Community Markets held in Hansen Park each Sunday.

An expression of interest call out to other not-for profits to take over in the new year was advertised by Whitsunday Regional Council in October.

Bowen Community Market Group co-ordinator Leola Adams said hers was one of a number of not-for-profit groups vying for tender.

“We have worked cohesively with the Bowen Lions Club over the years and they’ve been really progressive, so we are very sad to see them go,” Ms Adams said.

Ms Adams said she can see the markets’ potential.

“We want it to become the Eumundi of North Queensland,” Ms Adams said.

“We feel like it has become a meeting place for the Bowen community and we have beautiful songstresses like Alisa Querro.

“We are passionate about promoting tourism and small local businesses and we are willing to put in the hard work to see it grow.”

Originally published as Bowen Markets in limbo as Lions Club steps down after 20 years organising