To market, to market

By Tania Martin
SHOPPERS are being called back to Gembrook.
The town’s market is holding its monthly meeting on Sunday and is calling all patrons to return.
Committee member Yvonne Bennett said many had been scared away because of the threat of bushfires.
“A lot of people think Gembrook has been caught up in the fires but we haven’t been directly affected,” she said.
It was widely publicised last month that the town was on high alert because of the fire raging in the Bunyip State Forest.
Ms Bennett said the world’s media had reported that Gembrook was under threat but it was nowhere near the town.
“The Gembrook district is very large and we were never under any major threat, just told to be on alert,” she said.
“This has had a big impact on us getting our usual visitors from Melbourne.”
Despite only recording a small crowd last month, the market was still able to raise more than $2350 for the bushfire appeal.
Ms Bennett said the committee was now looking to spend the money on a community group directly affected by the fires rather than giving it to the Red Cross.
She urged people to return to Gembrook on Sunday and support the local traders and the market.
This month the usual range of fresh vegetables and craft work would be for sale.
An animal farm would keep the kids entertained and visitors could also take up the chance to have a ride on the local tourist icon – Puffing Billy.
The market will again be held at the Puffing Billy Station on Sunday from 9am to 3pm.