Weekend market goers and sellers can soon rejoice, because all regional markets are set to start again in August, after four months of inactivity due to the pandemic.

From Lismore’s Car Boot market, to the Channon Craft Market and beyond, all North Coast markets have banded together to face the new world of living with coronavirus - and how they are going to handle it once they reopen.

Read more news: Health authorities warn holiday makers not to go to Victoria

However, there will be a few differences – particularly for market stall holders.

Manager of the Channon Craft Market, Robyn Kelly, said all of the market managers, from Brunswick Heads to Lismore met recently to discuss how they will collaboratively “get up and going again” after four months of inactivity due to pandemic restrictions.

“As long as the NSW Government regulations stay the same, markets will resume,” Robyn said. 

“But it will be a different landscape than what we are used to.

“We are working with NSW Health to manage the outdoor spaces, but it’s not clear enough about the regulations at the moment.”

So, what are the changes?

There will be no live music or a chai tent at the Channon Market for the time being.

“Because that space would need to be managed as a gathering space, and there are not enough staff to clean and manage it,” Robyn said.

“Don’t bring your blankets for sitting and resting for the day – just come, do your business and leave.

“We want people to be at markets – but we will have to count people in.

“There will no food court areas that need to be roped off and managed.

“For the time being, there is no busking.

“All the markets will have a reduced number of stalls.”

What do the changes mean for stall holders?

Robyn said all stall holders will need submit a Covid safety plan when they register, as dictated under the law.

“We are working together as a collaboration of markets to create a best practice for retailers,” she said. “We want the process to be simple, so businesses want to come back.

“All the markets have about 1000 small businesses between us and we are creating one website where stall holders can apply for a stall.

“When stall holders register their interest, we will give them you a link to the government website.

“They will need to show how they offer the ability to do cashless payments, manage wipe down of hard surfaces, provide hand sanitiser and how manage how many people come into your stall space. 

“Soft surfaces like material don’t need to be wiped – and people can use signage like don’t touch clothing, ask for assistance.

“While these regulations might throw people off, as market people we will say ‘think beyond covid and all you are doing is a safety plan for now’.”

Changes for food stalls

Robyn said food stall holders will have to do a food training course.

“The markets have decided its compulsory in order to trade at regional markets,” she said. “We are serious about protecting the community as much as we can.

The future

Robyn said the future of regional markets is a changing landscape, and while people may be upset about losing the chai tent or live music for the time being, it’s always possible that by September or October, we can have it back again.

“The virus is here,” she said, “If we want to create spaces for people to come, we need to plan well for the future.

When are the markets on?

1st Sunday of the month: Lismore car boot and Byron Bay markets

2nd Sunday of the month: Channon craft market

3rd Sunday of the month: Lismore car boot market

4th Sunday of the month: Bangalow market

For more information on all regional markets, visit: https://www.visitnorthcoast.com.au/regional-markets/

Read more news: Tomorrow (July 1) sees a lot of positive change for the holidays