The Moorbel Markets are back for 2021 after a rocky 2020.
“We missed eight months of trading our monthly markets which was a big blow. We got the last two in for the year and we’re starting fresh this year,” said Maureen Birmingham, committee member.
Despite the challenges last year, the committee secured a grant through Drought Relief for $43,000.
“We suggested the floors, new lighting and the roof be fixed in the tea room,” Maureen said of the windfall. “So far the lights have all been replaced and the roof has been fixed. Next is internal painting which is being done by the Council and the floors will be done when everything else is complete.”
The money will make a world of difference not only to the Moorbel Markets committee, but also to the wider Canowindra community who have loved and used the hall, which started life as Belmore Diggings, since the late 1860s.
This sentiment was echoed by Maureen. “It is a community hall so the community should relish in what they are going to be getting through the grant. It is all thanks to the community.”
The first Moorbel Markets will take place on Saturday, 6 February from 8am to 12pm and Maureen is confident the community will be happy to see it return.
“I remember going down the street when the markets were closed last year and people would say to me ‘When are our markets coming back?’ It is a time to catch up for everybody because they are able to sit down and have their scones and a cup of tea and spend time with the community,” Maureen said.