The CEO of a thriving chamber of commerce hopes the opening of a new farmers market this weekend will help stimulate micro-business activity in the region.
The Aura Farmers Market will operate each Saturday from 7am until noon, beginning on Saturday.
It will be complemented by the Aura Twilight Market, featuring a bar, food trucks and entertainment, from 4pm until 8pm on the first Friday of each month, starting on July 5.
Developer Stockland has appointed the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce as market operators for the custom-built site at Aura.
Chamber CEO Brady Sullivan said the new additions would aim to replicate the success its other local markets have had for more than 20 years.
“Caloundra Street Fair has been a much-loved meeting place for locals, a treasured experience for many tourists and a fantastic opportunity to grow business in the region for many years,” he said.
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“The new Aura Farmers Market and Twilight Market will help to drive the same experience in Aura, one of Australia’s fastest-growing communities.”
After more than 12 months of planning, the chamber has partnered with Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank Caloundra to bring the markets to life.
“The partnership support through Community Bank Caloundra Bendigo Bank has been essential to help our chamber grow the capacity needed to deliver these markets to the community,” Mr Sullivan said.
The bank’s board chair, Colin Rose, said he was excited to see the markets come to fruition.
“The Aura Farmers Markets has been an exciting community-led development providing an inclusive environment for locals to come together with market stalls, fresh produce, gourmet eats and treats, coffee and live music,” he said.
“It’s been a pleasure to partner with the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce to bring this vision to life.”
Mr Sullivan said the markets would have something for everyone this Saturday, from fresh produce and face painters to food trucks and live music.
“Whether you are grabbing fresh produce or just looking for a place to catch up with friends, why not walk or ride down and take advantage of the beautiful winter weather we are enjoying,” he said.
The Aura Farmers Market are located on a 5000sqm site on the corner of Whiteley and Central avenues, Bells Creek.
Onsite and street car parking is available, with locals encouraged to walk or ride and take advantage of the onsite bike racks.
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