COMMUNITY MARKET
For over a decade, our community has been asking for more local, meaningful ways to come together. In 2012, the last major round of community consultation, which received feedback from around 850 households, identified a strong desire for more outdoor community & family events in Suffolk Park.
Building on this, our recent SPPA community consultation last month indicated that a farmers market would be supported as one way to bring this vision to life.
We have also received encouraging early support from Byron Shire Council to explore this further, with Linda Vidler Park as a suggested location.
This is a community-led idea, developed in collaboration between the Suffolk Park Progress Association & Suffolk Park Community Gardens, with guidance from Helena Norberg-Hodge, who has supported local food initiatives in communities around the world.
At this stage, we feel this is an idea worth exploring with the community.
Why a farmers market?
Today, much of the food we eat travels thousands of kilometres before it reaches our plate.
As Helena Norberg-Hodge highlights:
“The average item of food on our plate has travelled thousands of miles, while local farmers struggle to survive.”
This globalised system can:
A local farmers market offers a simple but powerful alternative.
“Localisation is about bringing food, economy, & community back into relationship with each other.”
By supporting local growers & producers, a farmers market can:
Most importantly, it creates a space where people can come together regularly in a way that feels local, grounded, & connected.
What this could look like in Suffolk Park
At this stage, this is a concept only, not a fixed plan.
What a Suffolk Park farmers market looks like, how it operates, & even whether it proceeds at all will be shaped through community consultation.
That said, early conversations suggest it could be:
- A regular local market featuring fresh, seasonal produce from nearby growers
- A space for local makers, bakers & small-scale producers
- Simple food, coffee & a relaxed coastal atmosphere
- A place for families, neighbours & visitors to gather
- Opportunities for local music, community groups & shared experiences
These are just starting ideas. Community consultation will explore:
- What kind of market the community actually wants
- Preferred days & times
- Balance between produce, food, & other stalls
- Accessibility, affordability, & inclusivity
- Any concerns or potential impacts
This is about creating something that genuinely reflects Suffolk Park & your input will directly shape what this becomes.
What happens next
This project is in an early exploration phase.
The purpose of this consultation is to understand whether a farmers market is something the Suffolk Park community would like to see, & if so, what it could look like. Following this consultation, we will:
Any next steps will be guided by:
- The level of community support
- Whether a suitable & workable model can be identified
No decisions have been made at this stage.
Have your say
This is a community-led idea & your input is essential.
We are seeking feedback from the Suffolk Park community to understand whether this is something people would like to see & what it might look like if it were to proceed.
Your feedback will directly inform whether this project moves forward & how it is shaped.
We encourage all community members to have their say. Please complete the survey below.