GC Connected Markets in Broadbeach cancelled until 2021 after ‘site issues’

A popular Gold Coast market has been shut down, with locals left stunned by the announcement and readers now chiming in. READ ALL THE COMMENTS

Emily Toxward

2 min read

November 11, 2020 - 4:03PM

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SITE issues are apparently to blame for the shock cancellation of the first ever weekday market at Broadbeach, with locals left stunned and many expressing disappointment and sadness.

Last Friday GC Connected Markets shared a social media post announcing the markets, that started nearly three months ago on Tuesday September 22, would not continue.

The news sparked a wave of comments from Bulletin readers.

“The issue with the site is it didn’t attract enough people. The organisers over promised and under delivered,” David wrote.

“Stall holders were complaining about the numbers to anyone who would listen for weeks. Maybe next time start small and grow rather than expecting a big turn out from day one, and take some responsibility instead of blaming the site.”

HarryB took a different view: “I don’t want to be a stick in the mud, but I thought it was a pretty ordinary market with very few stalls and customers.”

▼▼▼ READ ALL THE COMMENTS BELOW ▼▼▼

HOW THE STORY STARTED

Last Friday GC Connected Markets shared a social media post announcing the markets, that started nearly three months ago on Tuesday September 22, would not continue.

“Hi folks, sadly, we are cancelling the GC Connected Markets due to a few site issues,” said the post.

“We are sorry that we cannot continue our markets as we loved them.

“BUT hopefully we shall find a new home in 2021. We won’t impact any of the other fabulous markets running if we find a new home.

“We thank for your fabulous support and wish you all the best to you and your family. The GC Connected Market Team.”

The markets ran every Tuesday from 7am-12pm at 33 Fremar Street, Broadbeach Waters.

Some of the goodies that used to be available at the GC Connected Markets on Broadbeach every Tuesday. Photo: Facebook

Dozens of locals said they were sad about the shock closure, with many saying they were upset they would no longer be able to get fresh produce on a Tuesday.

“That is so disappointing,” said Warren Mitchell, “Tuesday market was set in stone for me — loved it.”

Jules Grace said she was just getting to know all the “amazing vendors”.

“Such a shame as it brought such a great vibe to the neighbourhood. I’d love to see you guys stay in the neighbourhood — perhaps a collaboration with the PCYC could be investigated,” she said.

Stallholder Sum Blokes BBQ rubs and spices wrote that it was sad news for “everyone”, adding they would like to “keep in touch with everybody because we are one big family”.

GC Connected Markets has been cancelled as of November

Marta Guerra said the closure was “such a shame, there were some interesting stalls there”.

GC Connected Markets were the brainchild of small business advocate Paula Brand; she’s spent the past six years connecting 20,000 businesses to generate $20 million by running expos in partnership with 60 sponsors.

Once COVID decimated her industry she decided to set up markets to help get small business owners back trading and to offer fresh produce, meat and crafts to locals.

At the time Ms Brand said the new market would be all about connections.

“Connecting our primary producers to the home plate, connecting our community through healthy and creative activities, connecting to local small business owners who sell items for the home, children, entertainment and connecting local artists and entertainers who will share their skills and talents to a wider community,” she said.

She was also hoping to give out-of-work musicians weekly gigs in order to help them stay afloat during the COVID crisis.