Gunnedah Shire Council and Two Rivers Arts Council will team up on Saturday, May 17 to host the first ever Welcome Markets in Wolseley Park.
Running in conjunction with the regular Gunnedah Country Markets, the event is an opportunity for new and old community members alike to mingle and enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
“The idea for the markets actually came from one of our economic development team members.” said Susan Frater, Economy and Growth Manager for Gunnedah Shire Council.
“She and her husband have recently moved to Gunnedah themselves so it’s become a bit of a passion project.”
Gunnedah Country Markets are already recognised as being a very successful regular market, and this month they will be accompanied by music, entertainment, stalls from local community groups and two free guided bus tours of the town.
“We wanted to offer a structured opportunity for new residents to come and engage with the community and for our existing locals to have the chance to extend their hospitality without a fear of feeling awkward or unsure,” said Ms Frater.
“We know that Gunnedah is really bucking the trends when it comes to regional growth. We’ve got a lot of employment opportunities in the mining and agricultural sector, as well as government services.”
“People are moving to the region to take on these roles and often bring with them skilled partners and young families.”
“We also do have quite a few overseas workers who may be accommodation provided for them by their employers but they’re still coming into town.”
“This is really a day for everyone, all are welcome.”
The market will run from 8am – 1pm, with bus tours running at 11am and 12.15.
The bus is family friendly and will tour some of the highlights and points of interest around the town. There are even prizes to be won on board. Each tour will take 50 people and can be booked free of charge online.
Ms Frater and her team hope this will be the first of many Welcome Markets for what is a growing community.
“This is a trial run but we’ll be taking lots of notes and seeing what works and what doesn’t and hopefully it will definitely become a regular event on the Gunnedah calendar.”
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