Nowra’s Fresh Food Markets have received a new permit to operate in Nowra today after a few members of the CBD Revitalisation Committee cancelled the previous permit just hours before the last market was to go ahead.
The decision hurt local producers who had harvested that morning, as well as local businesses who rely on foot traffic and the community who have embraced the markets for the past 7 months.
The markets will now be held each Thursday from 2-6pm in Harry Sawkins Park with room to grow said organiser and local business owner Jessica Bromley:
“We’ll have more space, so we can welcome new stall holders and different kinds of products.”
“The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming,” added Jessica.
Shoalhaven Business Chamber President Jemma Tribe says it was an appalling situation:
“The CBD committee did not meet over this, they did not take a vote, a few individuals decided to cancel the only ongoing activity of the revitalisation committee.”
“Jessica Bromley and co-organiser Alison Henry deserve recognition for turning this situation around, despite it not being a problem of their own making,” added Jemma.
Alison Henry, Market Co-organiser and former CBD Place Manager says there is a silver lining:
“The upshot is that there is renewed community support and the markets are on track to be bigger and better than ever!”
“We have some exciting plans for the future and I look forward to thanking everyone this afternoon who has written to Council, sent us an encouraging message or simply turned out to support the event, which has so many positive benefits for the whole community,” added Alison.
