Community shock as Hamilton Green Markets are shutdown after 55 years

CONFUSION and bewilderment have followed the closure of the Hamilton Green Markets on Hastings River Drive.

Stallholders say they were given little notice, or none at all, that Port Macquarie-Hastings Council was going to lock them out of the site.

The entrances were blocked over the weekend, 12 October, and security guards and police were seen patrolling the buildings and grounds.

For 55 years, the markets have been a staple of the Hastings community.

Their founder was Maureen Cooke, who died aged 95, just three weeks before the lockout.

Mrs Cooke was an Honorary Secretary of the Port Macquarie Art Society and helped secure the grounds for the community’s use.

Hundreds of stallholders and community members are now wondering what will happen to her legacy.

“I have held art classes there for 30 years and was told, with no notice, that the locks had been changed,” Judy Jelsma said.

“I was told I would need special permission and an escort to retrieve my art materials and students’ paintings.

“I have never felt such disrespect.

“Maureen loved attending my art class and would be devastated if she knew of the recent happenings.”

Donna Stojanovic was equally disappointed that the cancellation came so soon after Maureen’s passing.

“Unknown, so-called officials, have decided that our community no longer needs this wonderful exhibition of local talent [and] local produce,” she shared.

“Hopefully a solution will be found so that each Sunday we can experience what our fantastic community has to offer locals and many visitors.

“And especially to honour Maureen and her endless dedication and hard work.”

In response to the community’s anger, a Council spokesperson issued the following release.

“Hamilton Green is owned by NSW Crown Lands and managed by Council for various community uses.

“Council leases/licences the site to the Port Macquarie Arts Society for the use of a number of buildings and, separately, to hold their community markets.

“Council staff have recently met with the Port Macquarie Arts Society and advised that there is no current development approval for the operation of the markets, and that the licence agreement to hold the markets has also lapsed.

“On that basis, the Port Macquarie Arts Society committee has resolved to cease the operation of the markets effective immediately to work through these regulatory matters.

“Council will continue working with the Port Macquarie Arts Society committee to identify a suitable path forward that ensures the Hamilton Green site remains a valuable community asset.”

Stallholders hope this means the markets will return.

In the meantime, other operators have offered to host the markets, including Mitch Bulley at Cassegrains and Ellen Crepaz at EaTs Estate.

By Sue STEPHENSON