One of Lismore’s most popular regular events – the Lismore Car Boot Market - has announced it will part from its original home of almost 34 years.

Until Covid reared up it's head two years ago, the Lismore Car Boot Market had been held in the carpark under Lismore Shopping Square every first and third Sunday of the month.

But now, Lismore Car Boot Market owner and manager Marny Bonner said the market will be moving to a new location – permanently. 

Marny said the Lismore Car Boot Market team had temporarily moved the market to the Lismore Showgrounds in 2020 - through challenging bouts of Covid restrictions.

But now, permanently moving to a “safer” location with fresh air and lots of outdoor space for market-goers was the best way forward to see it survive into an uncertain future. 

“We are working with the Showground management and Lismore City Council and plans are underway to resume the market at Lismore Showgrounds,” Marny said. 

“But we are still going through all of the approvals we need to make this happen – so we are not yet sure when we will be able to hold the next market.

“The Team at Lismore Car Boot Market is aware of the important social and economic role of the market in the community. 

“We are keen to recommence operating to provide much needed economic and connection opportunities just as soon as we have development consent,” she said.

If there’s one thing living with Covid has taught is – it’s that change is inevitable.

Marny said returning to the Lismore Shopping Square carpark would not be an option again because the market’s license to occupy the carpark had now been terminated. 

History and community

Marny said the market brought over 200 stalls and thousands of visitors each weekend it was held. 

“It has supported hundreds of small businesses, and dozens of musicians, performers and artists to grow and prosper,” she said. 

“It’s a vital component of the Lismore economy.”

Marny is now working with other north coast market managers, Councils and the NSW Department of Health to prepare operational plans that minimise public health risk.

“We also want to make sure market-goers enjoy the traditions and services the market has provided for over three decades,” she said.

Weathering change

“There’s also opportunity for more changes - and it’s quite exciting.

“Every other market in the region is subject to weather vagaries – we won’t be any different.

“We are hoping to work with showground management, so that in future, we can hopefully have covered structures and navigate rainy days with no problem.”