The Bullyard Hall Markets on the first Sunday of each month have a quaint country feel and offer something for everyone.
Just 15 minutes from Gin Gin on the way to Bundaberg, organiser Wendi Guy said all the stallholders were local with a good mix of everything from spiritual stalls, produce and craft to name a few.
“One thing about our markets is we let the animals in,” she said.
“People, especially those who are travelling, often have their dog with them and we open it up to them so they can bring in their animals and have a look around.
“A lot of campervans travel through on their way to Bundy, see our signs and come through which is great.”
Wendi said the reason why the markets were started was to assist the community-owned Bullyard Hall, which had started to struggle in recent times.
With the experience of starting the Gin Gin Markets “many, many, moons ago” Wendi and her mum Lyn Clackson put their thinking caps on, working on an idea to encourage more people, locals and tourists, to support the Bullyard Hall.
“The Bullyard Hall has been in remission for the last three or four years and it was getting to the point that they may have to shut the doors,” Wendi said.
“We started a committee and got them up and going again, but we needed to find something that was easy, and I had done this in the past, and that’s how the markets started.
“Actually, it started as a car boot sale, but then kept growing, so it’s good, really good.”
Bullyard Hall Markets flourishing
Along with the stalls, the Bullyard Hall Markets have given community members the chance to catch up and discuss what’s happening in the area.
Wendi said it cost stall holders just $10, and there was also a canteen run by the committee members with all the funds going toward supporting the Bullyard Hall.
Stallholder Donna Marie Miles owns De’lish Local Produce Emporium in Gin Gin which allows local farmers to sell their produce at her shop.
Donna Marie believes the markets are important and said they would help ensure little towns like Bullyard would remain viable into the future.
“Everything is local, we don’t use anything that is not from this way and we give back to the community,” Donna Marie said.
“We do this because we don’t want to see little community halls die.”
This was the same sentiment from couple Brett Ryan and Karen Williams who were regulars at the markets, with their Greengate Plants business from Booyal, selling their home-grown plants.
“These little markets are pretty good,” Brett said.
“Hopefully each month it will get bigger and bigger, just like the Bucca Markets we also go to.”
Karen said they started Greengate Plants as a hobby, growing everything from herbs to succulents and fruit trees.
“Everything is grown by us and people are also welcome to come out to our home,” she said.
“We are just gardeners and growers and just love watching things grow and want to share this with others.”
Brett said they were also found at the Gin Gin Markets which are held every week on a Saturday.
Thanks from Bullyard Hall committee
Bullyard Hall president Keven Doessel said he was thankful the markets were established and encouraged people to come from Bundaberg to find a bargain.
“Bloody oath these markets are beneficial!” Keven said.
“People from Bundaberg can come out and support, come out and buy, come out and put their stall up – anyway they can help.
“This hall is 106 years old and we want to keep it here.”
The Bullyard Hall Markets are held on the first Sunday of the month, with the next market due Sunday, 3 November, to find out more go to click here.
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