Thursday, 31 August 2023

Camberwell Sunday Market

John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (17:29): (451) My adjournment is for the Minister for Small Business in the other place, Minister Suleyman, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me at Camberwell market to meet and speak with the small businesses that make it such a vibrant weekend destination. The Camberwell market is a favourite among locals in my electorate and represents a collection of small businesses. It has been a fixture of the community since it opened in 1976, and while during the week it is a car park, on Sundays it becomes a busy market full of unique stalls. My region of Southern Metro is home to many small businesses, like the ones that come to the Camberwell market on Sundays, and I am committed to ensuring the long-term success of this busy precinct.

The Andrews Labor government has a strong record supporting small businesses. We have had the Small Business Bus visit the Southern Metropolitan Region multiple times over the last year, providing expert advice and assistance to business owners and supporting them to plan for the future. The Andrews Labor government also supported small businesses in my electorate by providing access through the Ready for Growth program and delivering the new Jewish Arts Quarter in Elsternwick. This work has enabled small businesses to focus on what they do best: providing quality products and services.

Along with providing a venue for small businesses, the markets also attract people from across Melbourne who come and spend time at Camberwell Junction. The market is most famous for the extensive number of shops dedicated to second-hand goods. Aside from preloved goods there are also handmade crafts and treasures made by local artists. The Camberwell market would not be all of this without the tireless work of the Rotary Club of Balwyn. I have had the chance to meet and visit with them multiple times this year and have observed their significant impact on our community. I would like to particularly thank David Hobson and Michael Valos of Balwyn Rotary for their tireless work in the area. I want to highlight examples of their exemplary service: their work after the Türkiye and Syria earthquakes and to raise money after the devastating floods to help rebuild damaged communities.

The Camberwell Sunday market is a community institution in my electorate, providing small businesses with a venue to sell their products and the opportunity to fundraise for important causes. That is why I hope the minister will join me in my community of Camberwell. I know that the minister would enjoy visiting and seeing the variety of small businesses that call the Camberwell market home.