***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE*** 24/7/08
Email your supporting comments to news@chronicle.com.au
Since February this year, plans have been conceived, submitted then passed around like a political hot potato... plans to bring something exciting and new to Canberra (no, sorry, not Ikea)... I have been patiently waiting to tell you all about it so I can announce the launch, but now we need help...
Handmade Market, ear-marked for Linear Park in Gungahlin (perfect use of space!), plans to bring gorgeous handmade goodies, in the style of ETSY - with an emphasis on style (so you know, I'm all for it!). Jumping through hoops to make it happen is Julie Nichols, jewelery maker and Gungahlin local, who also wants the market to also raise money for Motor Neurone Disease Australia. Julie has town planners, council and local Govt members on her side, so what is the hold up? The Chief Minister's ok... So COME ON JON... give it the green light...
BRING IT ON!
Lets start a petition right here in the comments...
leave your comment for Jon Stanhope here...
leave your comment for Jon Stanhope here...
Posts
13 comments:
I am all for this idea - as another Gungahlin (town centre) resident who hand makes items, I would be totally supportive of this idea.
Come on Jon - give Gungahlin a breath of fresh air.
Oh yeah. This would be great for the local area, and all those crafters too. Come on Jon!
The Gungahlin Community Council is generally supportive of the concept of markets for the town centre.
GRCS (Gungahlin Regional Community Services) already run a regular market and we have suggested that there could be strong synergies between what GRCS currently operate and what Ms. Nichols has proposed.
The topic was covered at both our June and July meetings, video of which is available online at the GCC website:
July 2008 meeting:
http://gcc.asn.au/content/view/573/258/
June 2008 meeting:
http://gcc.asn.au/content/view/565/258/
I think you will find that the problems in giving approvals lies with Minister Hargreaves and his Department - Territorial and Municipal Services (TAMS), not the Chief Minister.
Jonathon Reynolds
Vice President - Gungahlin Community Council
e: info@gcc.asn.au
w: http://www.gcc.asn.au
It sounds great. If you can get it to happen, this Sydneysider would love this as an excuse to spend a weekend in Canberra.
I am all for this, Canberra needs it.
Bring it on! Would be great to see more of what our talented locals are making, and this is exactly the kind of activity that helps create a sense of community.
Sounds fantastic - what this town has been missing!
How are you going to ensure the market isn't hijacked by marketeers more concerned with profit - as per Kingston Markets, where the 'hand-made' concept is a joke. You will really need tight, tight regulations and guidelines ... otherwise the rot will set in promptly!
Bring on the market AND ikea!
Thanks everyone for your support (including visitors from The Riot Act). Julie's story made front page of the Chronicle this week and they are urging supporters to email news@chronicle.com.au which will then be directed to the decision monkeys...so, go go go!
Oh, and Anonymous: The market will be kept small and boutique under the watchful eye of Julie as manager. I too, hate the [crap] which has long taken over other markets, all claiming 'handmade' only.
What I love about this market is it's point of difference - and that is to deliver quality and style, handmade. I am incredibly embarrassed for Canberra that this is such a ridiculous concept to get past the suits. Melbourne and Sydney have these aplenty... small wonder we need to fight the 'boring' tag.
Wouldn't this just be awesome!! From the point of view of we Defence wives who sew into the long nights when our husbands are away & boom, with a bunch of children, have created a craft business out of nothing . . . a genuinely stylish handmade market in Gungahlin, where there is a lot of Defence Housing, it's TOO perfect!! So glad i found Julie (& you) as style lovers in the ACT. I'm totally on board as a local crafter, mummy & dreamer of bringing colour to Canberra. Love Posie
Thanks for all the support everyone. I have spent a lot of time and thought into the planning of this market. I have been dissapointed with the lack of originality at other markets and want to offer local designers to showcase their original designs. Being a local resident I am also aware of the need for something special at Gungahlin if it is to stand out from other community centers. I am very interested to hear from everyone who has great ideas about what they would like to see at this market.
Cheers and thanks again everyone.
Julie
This is such a great idea! I know many people who would love, love, love to be involved with such an event.
Keep us updated! Oh, and i love your blog.
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