They go for the food, but stay for the chat.
According to Macleay Island resident Ian Kirk many plans come together under the trees and umbrellas a the island’s weekly organic markets.
The markets are held every Saturday from 8am to 2pm with four bigger festival events staged throughout the year at 27 Lonicera Street.
The markets are the brainchild of Eleesa Zlatic and are run from her 75-acre former lemon farm. Her farm is an interesting mix of organic herbs, native bees, chickens, a clay pizza oven and old island relics. It is also home to resident naturopath Mary Veitch.
“Over there is Steve’s caravan which used to be the cafe at the barge ramp. And see that shipping container? it used to be the golf club clubhouse back in the day and now it’s the Artery. The fire pit is from the old Tip Top bakery. There’s even an old mill for timber,” Mr Kirk said.
“This place is the soul centre of the island. There is a lot of positive discussion takes place here and projects and networking come out of these conversations,” he said.
Ms Zlatic said she started the markets after having difficulty accessing good organic food on the island.
“I was used to buying organic. I noticed the food that students were taking to school and I thought it would be good to have access to good food for families on the island. I source from local farms where possible and all good must be certified organic or chemical free,” she said.
Sold are fruit and vegetables, milk products, health foods, eco friendly toiletries and garden products . it is encouraged to use products with zero waste. The Artery has a new exhibition every month and is a gift shop for local crafts.
“It is just about having a different mentality towards food.”
The farm is also a place to remember Ms Zlatic’s partner Kerry Gray who died earlier this year. Island scultor Ted Upton honoured Mr Gray with a bench made from local timber situated where he liked to sit.
“He was a great man and very well liked on the island. He also had a feel for timber. He will always be remembered,” Mr Upton said.
On market day, they come by the hundreds, many making a day of it from the mainland and picked up by the free market bus from the ferry. There is community craft and the market forms an essential hub for the community to display and sell its wares, particularly on festivals.
Festival days also offer music and the opportunity to participate in various workshops including gardening, edible flowers, native bees and permaculture. Enquiries to 0476 000 996.
