Docklands Promenade Twilight Markets call for community support

As a market with a mission to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged youth, the Docklands Promenade Twilight Market is hoping the local community will get behind it.

Advertised on the Lifestyle Markets Australian INC Facebook page prior to the launch on February 19, a small crowd at NewQuay Promenade was welcomed by Lord Mayor Sally Capp who shared her “delight” in opening up the “first of many markets” at the location.

Following the first twilight market, the Docklands Promenade Twilight Market will continue to run on the first and third Saturday of March and April, between the same hours of 2pm to 8pm.

Market organiser Grace Pryor is hopeful that the crowds will increase despite an initial slow start.

“A lot of the locals said they didn’t know the market was on, they just heard the music and saw the marquees and thought they would come down,” she said.

Hoping music and word-of-mouth will help influence crowds to attend, the Docklands Promenade Twilight Market has bigger goals in mind than just entertaining the surrounding community, and attendees will not only have an excuse to enjoy themselves, but to also support a great cause.

The gold coin entry donations and the markets’ profits are going towards fundraising for not-for-profit charity Kinds of Happiness and its purpose to assist and support rural and regional youth from challenged backgrounds.

“We’re trying to raise funds to connect kids dealing with homelessness, abuse, dropping out of school or various other issues, with local farmers who will teach them how to be self-sufficient on the land and teach them basic skills,” Ms Pryor said.

Local small farmers support farmer’s markets and so the youth are also taught how to have their own stall and how to run a micro business through the market.

Setting up youth of all varying ages with equipment and teaching them the operation and administration aspects of a market, Kinds of Happiness is all about seeing disadvantaged youth thrive.

The twilight market has even linked the youth up with a qualified chef from Shepparton to teach them how to use a barbecue and cook donuts.

Tapping into making the market all about wholesome handmade products, attendees can also expect to see everything from terrariums to “the best coffee” and desserts out of Sweet Sandy’s retro caravan cafe, to “absolutely stunning” Aboriginal art by Kevin Williams.

There will also be stalls containing Lebanese sweets, artisanal salami, olive oil, unique candles, handmade jewellery, and baby bibs and pram liners made from boutique materials.

With “many more” stalls continuing to come aboard, Ms Pryor said parents can be comforted in knowing face painters and children’s activities will be there on the day as well.

“The market is a great, cheap night out and all we ask for is a gold coin donation that helps with the sponsoring of the children,” she said.

“There is something for all ages so come down with the kids or to find a special gift, something for the home, or purchase something just because you like it. The Docklands Promenade Twilight Market is a great way to kill a couple of hours.”

In addition to encouraging the community to attend, the market is also looking for buskers to get involved with the entertainment aspect of the market •

For more information: lifestylemarketsaustraliainc.org