Community
14 March, 2024
Braving elements, raising funds
MORTLAKE was a hive of activity on Labor Day as the wider community braved the heat to enjoy one of the biggest markets of the year.
The Mortlake Market held over the long weekend on Labour Day is typically a boon for the Mortlake community, giving travellers making their trip home a reason to stop by Market Square and see what the town has to offer.
The soaring temperatures on Monday, reaching the high 30s, did not dissuade a successful day, according to Mortlake and Community Development Committee president Kelvin Goodall.
“Considering the weather, it was quite good,” he said.
“We had a few cancellations or no-shows from stallholders due to the heat, but we’re really pleased with how things have been going.
“The markets have been going well throughout this season; we initially had about 40 stalls, which has dropped to around 30.
“It’s been fairly good – as long as you keep the stallholders and the community happy, you’re going to do well, and there haven’t been too many complaints.”
The Mortlake Market also provided an opportunity to get a head start on raising funds for this year’s Good Friday Appeal.
Taking the opportunity to use the increased crowds over the Labour Day long weekend to raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal started last year, after the Mortlake Market threw its support behind Woorndoo’s Will Cameron.
As Western District Newspapers reported at the time, Will raised over $5000 shaving his mullet in honour of his young cousin, Jacob, who was battling a rare condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Mr Goodall said he was pleased Will’s fundraiser, which contributed to the town’s Good Friday Appeal tally, could continue to make a positive difference.
“We now do it each year,” he said.
“He was a good little bloke who wanted to do it and ended up raising over $5000.
“We are happy to continue supporting it – he was happy and his family was happy when we raised funds towards his cause (last year), and the week we announced we would be working to support him, the community was more than happy to come forward and show their support.
“He really helped to attract donations to the Good Friday Appeal, and we’re happy to continue supporting it.”
The Mortlake Market returns over Easter Monday on April 1, before the final two are held on Sunday, May 12 and on the King’s Birthday long weekend on Monday, June 10.
“Then we’ll be back in hibernation until October, so we hope to see everyone come along,” Mr Goodall said.
Read More: Mortlake