When asked to write about the Gerringong Rotary Markets I was intrigued, having in another life worked as the Manager and Assistant Manager of Sydney’s Rocks Market – by contrast a huge operation (150 plus stalls at the time – most ‘permanent’) and decidedly ‘for profit’. 

Most casual visitors to the monthly Gerringong market would be unaware of its original raison d’etre, and ongoing clear focus, while they browse the eclectic range of stalls, bask in the relaxed coastal vibe, and sample its tasty food offerings. 

In July 2007, a group of Gerringong Rotarians started the market to raise funds for local, national, and international charitable projects and programs. The market was founded by then Rotary President Sandra Hainsworth with the help of then Market Manager Neil Miller, and with strong support from the then Mayor of Kiama, Sandra McCarthy, OAM.

The market is staffed solely by a team of unpaid dedicated volunteers (mostly Gerringong Rotary members, with several ‘Friends of Rotary’), who also man the popular market barbecue – from which emanates enticing aromas of the legendary egg and bacon rolls and sausage sandwiches, to warmly welcome visitors. A range of talented local volunteer musicians generously provide music to add to the market’s ambience and support its aims. 

Town Hall indoor stall

Market committee member and regular volunteer duty manager, Christa Wood, a retired University of Wollongong academic, expresses her appreciation of the local Gerringong community, who are “very supportive of all their community organisations.”

Wood wears many hats, including Gerringong Rotary Treasurer and Vice President Berry Writers Festival. She says she’s, “always amazed at the support and assistance we get from community members.” 

Most sites cost $55 per day (with no price rise in about the last ten years), of which the market currently pays Kiama Council an $11 fee. All profits are donated to an extensive and diverse range of charities and charitable projects, which to date included programs and activities involving:

• at-risk youth;
• young people - to reach their full potential (such as leadership and career opportunities) including apprenticeships, exchange students, and an international school in Tanzania; 
• refugees;
• medical charities providing assistance to developing countries (such as Interplast Australia & New Zealand, Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children and Operation Cleft); 
• homeless and disadvantaged people - including SALT and Homestead of Hope;
• disaster areas, through direct donations or Shelterbox;
• locals living with dementia and their carers, such as Dementia Inclusive Dancing and the Alchemy Chorus; 
• local NFP organisations, such as the Rural Fire Service (RFS);
• local sporting clubs in need of funds;
• environmental projects, such as Adopt-a-Tree; and
• indigenous projects, including a sporting program for Aboriginal students, and an indigenous newspaper in Ngukurr. 

Organisers reserve two (or more, if able) unpaid stall sites each month for local charities/not-for-profits, including the Gerringong Red Cross. Their popular Devonshire teas, served in the Town Hall, draw dedicated regular repeat fans, including a committed group of seniors from Uniting Gerringong.  

Vibrant rosemary, sage, bay and cinnamon herbal space clearing sticks

With a quality, boutique feel and prioritising local and handcrafted goods, the market aims to be ‘more Paddington than Paddys,’ according to market committee member, volunteer duty manager (when I visited), and retired Gerringong vet, Andrejs Medenis – in a reference to well-known Sydney markets. 

Trading with an average of 50-60 stalls (more in summer, less in winter and extreme weather), the all-weather market offers a wide range of products, including unique fashion items, quality second-hand clothes, bags, leather goods, jewellery (from costume to high end), handicrafts and small furniture pieces, skincare and cosmetic items, hair accessories, ceramics, homewares, baby/toddler items, toys, eco-friendly wares, pet products and plants. Tempting food offerings include fresh local produce, honey, nuts, delicatessen items, cakes and pastries, pies/sausage rolls, Gozleme and dumplings. 

Popular market entertainment The Southern Stompers

Along with casual walk-in tourists passing through, the visitor demographic includes a strong local customer base – including from the Shoalhaven and Illawarra, and regular visitors from Greater Sydney staying in holiday homes and caravan parks. Many visitors come back regularly to pick up specific product favourites. 

The market is also popular with families – kids can play safely in the onsite playground, while parents browse nearby stalls or relax and enjoy a sausage sandwich or other culinary delight.

Renowned Rotary BBQ

Gerringong Rotary Markets is on the third Saturday of each month at the Old School Park and Gerringong Town Hall, in Fern Street.

Prospective stallholders are encouraged to make contact via an application form on the Gerringong Rotary website: https://gerringongrotary.org.au/.