The first Gathaa First Nations Market in December took everyone by surprise at the level of attendance, engagement and interest in future gatherings.
More than 300 attended the family day at Forest Glen, that featured 21 stalls as well as cultural events and workshops.
The second market set for Forest Glen on Sunday, 14 January, is looking to be even better, with more of everything already lined up.
This will be a fun day out filled with food, music, crafts and culture from 8am.
Market coordinators Dale Chapman and Carissa Coorey of My Dilly Bag said the line-up would be an incredible showcase of talent and cultural knowledge.
Included will be cooking demonstrations, and bushfood-inspired meals from food vans, music and dance as well as yarning sessions.
“As soon as we said we were going to do a First Nations Market, everyone just jumped on board,” Dale said.
“This was the first time that anything like this has been done that’s outside of NAIDOC Week or Reconciliation Day.
“It was a matter of let’s see what we can do, how many people can we get?
“We were overwhelmed – we were worried that no-one was going to show up.
“Word of mouth has been so strong. The feedback has been that everyone believes it’s a wonderful thing.”
The venue at the Kurrajong Building in Forest Glen Village is somewhat of a modern meeting place, Carissa said.
“Really it’s all about coming and enjoying yourself, learn some culture and interacting with mothers.
“Everyone that came to the first market felt this is very genuine about our culture … they wanted to be here.
“This is a place where people can feel comfortable.
“They can ask a silly question – some people won’t ask a question as they may feel that it’s inappropriate.
“What we’re trying to do is open up a different platform for people to learn about Aboriginal culture.”
Among the workshops and stalls will be Blak Botanicals native flowers and designing; Deadly Dot Pots, demonstrating how art can have the ability to positively impact people’s lives; Creek Cottage Weaving, a small in-house dye studio that produces premium-grade, hand-dyed raffia for weaving; and Nooks & Cooks, with Eastern Arrente bush tucker chef, Tanika Orr, dishing up native Australian street food fusions.
Volunteers are welcome. Entry is free. Sunday, 14 January, 8am to midday. Forest Glen Village.
