Old Bus Depot Markets back and boosting small local business

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With the start to 2020 we’ve had, there’s no doubt there are plenty of people who need a bit of help.
Other than supporting the organisations that have worked so tirelessly to protect us, there’s no other better place to start than by supporting small businesses.
Some have been directly impacted, and may have even had to temporarily cease trade. Others in Canberra and the surrounding regions—while not necessarily directly affected by fires—have seen a big drop in business.
And then, of course, there was that hail storm, which carved a path of destruction across the city. That’s something that the Old Bus Depot Markets (OBDM) at Kingston knows all about. The market—which has been running on Sundays for 25 years—had to shut for three weekends after hailstones left huge holes in the historic building’s skylights.
Back up and running from this weekend, it’s a great place to support plenty of small, local businesses that have also been doing it a bit tough.
Started back in 1994 by Canberra women Diane Hinds and Morna Whiting, the OBDM was taken over by Anthony Niravong in 2016. Since then, he’s breathed new life into the Canberra stalwart, while continuing the great traditions and products everyone knows and loves (hardly surprising given he was personally selected by Diane and Morna to take over their beloved market).
Now, every Sunday at the OBDM you can shop from around 180 stalls—and sometimes that can grow to as many as 240.
“The markets are always changing,” says the OBDM’s Manager Richard Vagi.
“On one hand we haven’t changed because we’ve had some of the same stallholders for 25 years. But we also have new people always coming through and the younger generation of artisans that are trying their hand at markets and seeing where they fit into the marketscape.”
And as always, at the heart of the business, Richard says the OBDM is all about supporting local producers and connecting them with local buyers.
“It opens small businesses up to be able to sell things in the style of a department store, where customers are able to walk around and buy a lot of different items,” says Richard.
“But the customers can also talk to the maker, know where their products come from, and buy local. We’re a premium handcrafted market that prides itself on having local people from the region being able sell their wares.”
That could be shopping for colourful macarons or flaky croissants from Fyshwick’s Dream Cuisine, or teas and infusions from Queanbeyan’s Glenbog Fine Teas. Or perhaps a beautiful chopping board from Australian Eco Friendly Woodware, handmade merino clothing from Opal Merino, or stunning upcycles jewellery creations from Vetro e Metallo.
While there are more than 100 stalls there regularly selling Australian made, handcrafted and premium products, there’s always also something completely new to discover every week.
The first Sunday of each month has a multicultural theme, with an added dose of international flavour to the markets. Think of it like shopping and eating all over the globe without leaving town.
The third Sunday of the month is Designer Sunday, showcasing fresh-thinking Australian designers, makers, and artists. The fourth Sunday of the month is for the collectors amongst us, with a special collection of everything collectable including records, furniture and antiques.
And that leaves us with the second Sunday of the month, which always has a different theme. During upcoming months you can enjoy Retro Depot in March, Portobello Road on Easter Sunday, and Super Sunday for Mother’s Day in May.
There’s never been a better time to make OBDM part of your Sunday.
the essentials
What: Old Bus Depot Markets
When: Every Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
Where: 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston
Web: obdm.com.au
This editorial was created in partnership with the Old Bus Depot Markets. For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.
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