Home markets that were launched in November last year in the front yards of creative locals and makers in Summerland Point, Gwandalan and Lake Munmorah are looking to grow bigger and better after tapping into a wider network that promotes similar markets on the Central Coast.
(Photo: Kat, artisan and creator of hand-painted pots)
The home markets in the most northerly part of the Coast came together at the end of the Covid lockdowns in 2021 after a group of women, including Sharlene Wise and Vicky Pollard, realised that the safest place to sell crafts, home-made homewares and preserves, baked goods and foods, plus second-hand, pre-loved items was in their gardens or front yards.
After the first run and the set-up of a simple Facebook group, the home markets team realised that selling wares was only one part of the story and that the home market trail helped boost post-lockdown morale.
One of the women who has taken part since the start, and is now on her fifth home market, Alma Wyllie, explains that she used to sell her range of handmade baby clothes, bags, quilts and more at larger retail fairs.
“I used to go everywhere, but the combination of age, health and Covid stopped that.
“It’s so much easier for me to set-up at home and enjoy having friendly faces come to visit and buy my things,” she said.
More than 12 home market operators set up in their front yards last Saturday on what was a particularly hot Saturday.
Local co-ordinator Sharlene Wise says that while many turned out, they predict its only going to get bigger and better.
“We currently run them fortnightly, and we know of many more people who are going to come on board as of next month,” she said.
Friends Robyn and Michelle in Gwandalan teamed up for the first time with RobShell’s Gems.
“We’re really excited to be part of it. It’s a new venture for us.
“I’ve been a local since 1999, but I’m looking forward to seeing new friendly faces passing by,” said Robyn.
Nicole Byers, who runs NicStyle Creations, worked in retail for 20 years. Her stall carries homemade jewellery and crystals.
“It’s not easy for me to set all of this up at a market. It makes so much more sense for me to run it here in my front yard,” she said.
Some locals have even offered those who have small yards, or are in harder to reach suburbs, space on their larger lawns to attract more variety and custom.
They are also hoping that the recent tie-up with the wider Home Markets group, a volunteer-run operation that started on the Bouddi Peninsula, will raise awareness, and bring the local trail more publicity.
“We’ve seen the markets grow, and we really hope we can become a destination for people looking for items made by genuine makers,” says Kat (pictured), who lives on Imga Street, Gwandalan.
Gwandalan and Summerland Points home markets have already adopted the Bouddi-initiated Home Markets logo, have hitched a ride on its Facebook page and sent over descriptions of their offerings for inclusion on its website which makes it easier for Central Coast residents and holidaymakers to see where local home markets are happening.
Co-Founder and Killcare resident Lisa Mount explained that the beauty of home markets is that it focuses on small geographical areas that let people make local connections.
“Each place has its own unique flavour, its own range of offerings, its own people and its own story,” she said.
Nicola Riches