Market makes call to stallholders

By Kath Gannaway
A NEW market in Warburton will raise funds for the restoration of the Warburton Mechanics Institute Hall.
Two young Warburton mums, Neroli Gellatly and Sonja Hoegel, are behind the enterprise which started in January and will run to May.
Ms Gellatly said the Warburton Seasonal Market was geared towards tourists and locals, with a number of stalls selling handcrafted goods and works of art.
“At our January market, we had a great range of things from silk bags and Cambodian hats to kaftans, jewellery and children’s books, but we would love to have more stalls and are really keen to include organic produce in the mix,” said Ms Gallatly.
Warburton children’s author and artist, Lisa Kennedy, is among the diverse pool of talented local people who have embraced the opportunity to sell their work.
Her books, Nick’s Amazing Journey and Lielle’s Spirit Bird, have an indigenous theme and are beautifully illustrated with colourful and creative artwork which would appeal to children and adults alike. Ms Kennedy also sells cards featuring her artwork.
As local residents, Ms Gellatly and Ms Hoegel said they were keen to raise funds for the Mechanic’s Institute, which is a landmark in the town.
Ms Hoegel said her parents, Peter and Patricia Hoegel, taught karate and aerobics in the hall in the 1980s.
“I also did jazz ballet there with dance teacher Pat McDonald, and I am sure a lot of other little girls in the valley did too,” she said.
The next Warburton Seasonal Market will be held on Sunday, 12 February, from 8am to 3pm by the Yarra River at the rear of the Upper Yarra Arts Centre.
Phone Neroli Gellatly on 0405 037 675 or Sonja Hoegel on 0402 556 505.