Saving Preston Market

The Preston Market is a thriving and lively meeting place for diverse social groups and older residents, employment for traders and staff, and importantly, fresh, affordable food for the whole community. During my time as both Councillor and Mayor of Darebin council, I have maintained continuous advocacy for this wonderful local treasure.

The market has faced several challenges in recent years, including the possibility of closing. Preston Market hold immense value for the Darebin community and the residents of Northern Melbourne. The market provides employment opportunities and, most importantly, offers fresh affordable produce to the entire community.

Any form of change to the market's footprint will affect its diversity of offering, number of stalls etc would deliver a massive blow that impacts the social fabric of our community. Hundreds of people whom are from our municipality or nearby area are currently employed here. This employment swells to over a thousand work during cyclical calendar events such as Christmas, Easter, Lunar New Year and more.

The Preston Market that I love is a community hub that brings people together and serves a purpose that talks to who we are as members of an inclusive and progressive society. It represents human values. It demonstrates this by assisting the vulnerable through programs such as 'Second Bite' and provides opportunities for meaningful employment by up skilling people that otherwise may not have had that opportunity due to various employment barriers.

In early April 2023, the key findings of the SAC report Standing Advisory Committee's, including strengthening heritage controls to protect the market.

I was so pleased to hear the news of the traders being offered 5-year leases so we can continue to enjoy the market for many years to come.

While the Minister for Planning's final decision on the Preston Market Precinct Amendment is still awaited, the Premier's assurance indicates that heritage protections will be in place to retain the market. The community’s passionate hard work and advocacy has strongly contributed to the preservation of the market and its traders.

As your elected Major, I will persist with Protect Preston Market advocacy work, which includes continuing to work with the Save the Preston market group, reaching out to traders to understand their needs, advocating to decision makers on behalf of the community, and continue with communication campaigns to keep everyone informed.

It is my aim for the market to remain in place for generations to come,

I want to express my gratitude to the countless community members and the Save the Preston Market group who have stood with us in our efforts to preserve this market. This has been a 10-year battle, and it is crucial that we maintain the market's footprint and protect its cultural heritage and historical significance. Preston Market is the heartbeat of our vibrant community, reflecting the rich heritage and diversity of the north.