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The Vasse Markets are one of the oldest markets in the southwest and provide local farmers, artisans and crafters a friendly space to sell the products they grow, bake or make, direct to the local community. Some of our stallholders have been supporting the markets for 2o years.
The markets faced a triple whammy when the Margaret River Farmers Market changed to weekly - taking some farmer stallholders - then the Vasse Bypass opened - so people no longer drive past the hall on their way south, and then some other markets started up nearby. On top of all this, the owner, Deb Gibbs, got very sick earlier in the year and was no longer able to run the markets. In October 2019, six longtime stallholders clubbed together to bring the markets back to life and to let Deb focus on making a full recovery. After a feature in the Busselton Dunsborough Mail, the Vasse Markets have already experienced a resurgence in the number of new stallholders and customers attending . We have already attracted 23 new stallholders with lots more enquiries. New initiatives include a price reduction on outside spaces, this website, regular car boot sales, fundraising sausage sizzles, and a discount for stallholders booking a series of markets. Both our markets in December will be focusing on Christmas, so it is a great time to buy local, unique and handmade items for your Christmas presents and decorations If you are interested in holding a stall or know anyone else who may be, please message us on our Facebook page or contact Brooke Hopkins on 0401 455 401, or email brookalina23@hotmail.com ![]() When Deb Gibbs bought the Vasse Markets almost 3 years ago, she had a passion and a vision for her new business and worked tirelessly to keep the markets going and to build them back up to their former glory. Loved and respected by the stallholders, she was always fair and friendly, and ready to listen or lend a shoulder to those in need. She was in constant motion, helping everyone – she ran the markets as well as providing a respite service for new Mums in need of support and cooking meals for those unable to cook for themselves. She kept a jar of homemade cookies on the counter to give away to all the kids who visited the market. Deb recently suffered some serious health issues and reluctantly had to step back from the markets. Several stallholders banded together to keep it going out of love for the market and respect for Deb. Like Deb, we want the Vasse Markets to return to its previous iconic status, and we hope to make her proud by doing so. We all hope to see Deb come back to the Market someday, in a more relaxed capacity suited to her ongoing recovery, whether as a stallholder or as a welcome visitor. Until then though, we say Thank You to Deb, for staying the course and keeping the Vasse Markets’ flame alight! Stella had a stall at the vasse markets for over 20 years. She was much loved by the stallholders and customers at the markets for her baby booties, jumpers, blankets and handtowels. Due to ill health, she gave up her place in October 2019, but made the time to do the rounds and talk to all the other stallholders before she left. She will be missed by all.
Stella was also the backbone of the hospital auxilliary for many years contributing her knitted/crochet items there as well. |