By Oliver Winn
The much-loved president of the Yarra Junction Community Market (YJCM), Kathy Wal, passed away in January.
Ms Wal and her husband, John Wal, became stall holders at the market roughly five years ago, where they immediately established close ties with the others.
A post on the YJCM Facebook page commemorated Ms Wal’s contribution to the market and the lasting impact she had on those she knew.
“This week we lost Kathy who was the president and a long time stallholder,” the post stated.
“But most of all she was a friend.”
On Sunday 26 January, the market still went ahead, with a table full of tributes in place of the spot where her stall was usually held.
The table included her favourite flower and candles, and also had a book for people to write messages, which was then given to her husband.
“This is a huge blow for our market family and the community and Kathy will be sorely missed, but we know she is now out of pain and flying high,” the post reads.
Driven by a want to improve the markets, Mr Wal said she took on the role as president despite having no experience prior in a leadership position.
“She thought she had to take it on to try to improve the market to what it was,” he said.
With the help of other stall holders, Ms Wal developed the YJCM to what it is today.
“She was very devoted to what she was doing,” Mr Wal said.
Just before her passing, Ms Wal and the YJCM committee donated $2000 to Little Yarra CFA, Yellingbo CFA, Hoddles Creek CFA, Reefton CFA and the Benwerren Retreat.
On behalf of the CFAs that received the grant, Little Yarra CFA community safety officer Jodi Hobbs said they were all extremely grateful for the donation.
“We were just so grateful to receive the money donated to us as we are a very small brigade that is often overlooked for funding.”
“Their contribution will not only help support the CFA to keep our community safe but also support Benwerren to provide time out for women & children in need. These donations also ensure that the CFA has the necessary resources to effectively respond to local emergencies.”
“Please support our local Yarra Junction Community Market as they support us to support you all,” Ms Hobbs said.
It’s just one display of kindness and support among many, as Ms Wal was known for giving her time and energy to checking in on all members of the community.
Despite being very sick at the time and confined to a wheelchair, Mr Wal said Ms Wal was determined to accompany the CFA brigades as they received their grants.
“She used to go around and talk to all the stall holders, and instead of it taking her five or 10 minutes, it would take her over an hour to walk around the market,” Mr Wal said.
Mr Wal said Ms Wal always treated the market as more than just a place to trade.
“She had an old saying: ‘The market isn’t a market, it’s a family.’”
