Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has announced the Red Hill Agricultural and Horticultural Society as the successful tenderer to operate open-air trading at Red Hill Recreation Reserve.
Council will now enter into a five-year license agreement with the Society to enable trading to continue at the reserve. The Society will take over as licensee from Craft Markets Australia, which has operated Red Hill Community Market at the reserve for many years.
Red Hill Community Market will go ahead as normal this Saturday (7th September). It is expected the new licensee will begin operating at the reserve from 5th October.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Simon Brooks:
"We called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) after being approached by multiple parties interested in trading at Red Hill Recreation Reserve. An EOI ensures transparency and fairness when there is more than one party interested in leasing a Council site.
"We have a policy in place that guarantees a fair, open and impartial process for determining the outcome of a tender. In this case, our priority was to ensure local traders were featured prominently and there was a clear commitment to reinvest funds into our community.
"After careful consideration of the applicants, Council chose the tenderer we believe will best deliver social and economic benefits for our community.
"This decision ensures the much-loved tradition of open-air trading at Red Hill Recreation Reserve will continue.
"I would like to thank Craft Markets Australia for operating the Red Hill Community Market at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve for many years."
Quotes attributable to Red Hill District Lions Club:
"The Red Hill District Lions Club has worked closely with the Red Hill Agricultural Society (RHAHS) on the expression of interest to run the market at Red Hill for the next five years.
"We look forward to continuing the tradition of a market at Red Hill Recreation Reserve on the first Saturday of the month from September to May each year. The focus will be on delivering maximum benefit to the community.
"Both RHAHS and the Red Hill District Lions are dedicated to enhancing the local community through this monthly market. This vibrant market will be a celebration of the Mornington Peninsula's rich local culture and talent, offering a diverse array of locally grown produce, delicious foods, artisan products, and captivating music and art.
"By fostering a welcoming atmosphere and supporting local businesses, the market will provide a dynamic platform for community interaction and growth. It will be a true reflection of the area's spirit, created by the community, for the community, with profits reinvested into the community."
