By Margaret Maccoll
Eumundi Markets celebrated 40 years on Saturday with an exhibition of the history of the markets at the art space funded from market profits. In 1979, ceramic artist Christa Barton and her friend Gail Perry-Somers came up
with the idea of holding a European style
artisans and farmers market in Eumundi.
Inspired by a visit to the community run
market in Kin Kin Christa and Gail decided
the CWA Hall was the best-placed venue
in town. Their vision was to develop a
retail base for local small crop growers and
locally produced crafts, as well as offering a
retail base for out of work young people – to
develop their skills in handicrafts and food
preparation.
On 24 March 1979, three marketeers
gamely set up their stalls around the CWA
Hall, with refreshments served inside. There
was a grand total of eight visitors and a
turnover of $30. The Original Eumundi
Markets was up and running.
Guests at the anniversary on Saturday included market instigator Christa Barton, long term stall holders and politicians, including former Noosa MP Glen Elms, who gathered at Eumundi and District Historical Association’s Wan’din’in art space to celebrate the market that saved the town.
Ninderry MP Dan Purdie if it had not been for Eumundi Markets the town would have died after the main highway to Brisbane was re-routed to bypass the town. It now boasts visitor numbers of 1.2 million a year, making it one of the most popular attractions on the Sunshine Coast, he said.
Long term resident Mona Mitchell who with her husband, Colin, owned Eumundi Motors, which is now Berkelouw Books, said 40 years ago a bank manager refused them a loan on a home because the town was destined to die.
