General News
30 July, 2026
Thriving mini-markets return
THE Mortlake Senior Citizens Centre was a hive of activity over the weekend when the popular Mortlake Mini-Market Craft and Demonstration Day returned.
Stallholders and various community groups filled the Senior Citizens Centre on Saturday with a strong flowthrough of residents flocking to look for a bargain or just to enjoy a day out.
Mortlake Senior Citizens Club secretary Terree Parsons said the event, now in its third year, helped to make the town livelier during winter when calendars are looking a little empty.
“We just wanted to put something on at this time of year for the townspeople because there really isn’t much going on,” she said.
“The main market, the Mortlake Community Development Committee’s Mortlake Market, doesn’t return until October so we wanted to give it a try.
“It’s something for people to do on a cold winter’s day.”
Mrs Parsons said she was pleased to see so many people walking through the door, believing this might have been the biggest mini-market yet.
“I think this year looks better,” she said.
“It’s been quite popular.
“I think people just like markets so it is getting good support.”
The Mortlake Senior Citizens Centre was filled wall-to-wall with a wide array of goods including honey, plants, quilts, leather, knitted goods, tool sharpening, clothes, candles and cakes.
Mrs Parsons said the event aims to provide a way for members of the public to connect with community groups in a relaxed setting, while also bringing a market atmosphere with something for everyone.
“When Patsy (Riordan) organises it she keeps the details of stallholders and asks them if they would like to come back for another year,” she said.
“Then she knows she’s got a set number of stallholders and we can use that list to try and bring in extras from there.
“A big thank you from the Mortlake Senior Citizens Club to the Mortlake Roadhouse, Mount Shadwell Hotel, Mac’s Hotel, Clarke’s Café, the Mortlake BP Service Station, Blain’s Honey and Mortlake Motorcycles and Mowers for donating prizes for the raffle, and a congratulations to our raffle winners.”
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