WISE Employment is proud to be supporting this year’s Koorie Night Market, to be held on Wednesday, 17 December at the Northcote Town Hall.

WISE Employment’s Community Investment Division has provided funding for a full-time Market Coordinator.

WISE Employment’s Community Investment Manager, David Christian, said the Koorie Night Market is a wonderful initiative that showcases Indigenous talent and also provides a way for the community to work together.

“We hope that many Indigenous people start small businesses as a result of the Koorie Night Market and that it continues to enhance their social and economic participation in the community.”

Since the completion of the pilot project back in March, the Darebin Council has worked to lay the foundations for the long-term sustainability of the markets. A new organisation, Koorie Night Market Incorporated, has been formed to oversee the markets.

“We now have a way forward for the Koorie Night Market. This is going to be big, not just for the local Indigenous community and for Darebin, but for the whole of Melbourne,” said Darebin Mayor and member of Darebin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Council (DATSICC), Cr Peter Stephenson.

Project partners include WISE Employment, Darebin Council, DATSICC, Darebin Enterprise Centre Ltd and stallholders.

“Koorie Night Market Inc demonstrates the collaborative nature of the markets and just how much support there is from the whole community.”

“All project partners see the Koorie Night Market as an ideal arena for Indigenous business development as it enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate more fully in the local economy.”

“The markets will also be an opportunity to bring the whole community together, increase tourism to Darebin and raise the profile of Indigenous culture.”

The three trial markets held in March brought together a diverse range of talents, from traditional crafts and basket weaving to contemporary painting and etching. Between 4000 and 6000 people attended and visitor surveys showed 99 per cent would come again. There were in excess of 60 stallholders and they sold about $80,000 worth of goods over the three nights.

Koorie Night Market
Northcote Town Hall
189 High Street, Northcote
6.00 – 9.30pm Catch the tram 86!

The Koorie Market Inc are also seeking the assistance of volunteers. For further information, please contact Debra Salvagno on Debra.Salvagno@DAREBIN.VIC.GOV.AU