You know that feeling you got when you were 15 when you were dating the cutest guy at school and you found out he really just wanted to be your friend (and then he started dating your best friend), well that’s how I felt last week when I found out that the Gold Coast City Council had served a “Show Cause” notice on the founders of The Village Markets. I was gutted! What ? Who ? Why ? How? After being in business 18 months?
Gorgeous Marisa and Sarah started the markets back in 2008 and like any savvy business women saw an opportunity to give aspiring designers, vintage and second hand lovers the chance to share Sunday morning together and inspire others about their love of everything fashion. They went and saw the Council back then, who advised them they did not need to lodge a Development Application as the markets were deemed to be on crown land – being owned by the Govt together with the fact it was an irregular event ie 12 times a year (if not rained out).
Shame on Council, not only for giving negligent advice in the first place but also for not having the ability to work with The Village Markets and provide options to resolve the situation. Serving a Show Cause Notice on a community event is really as low as it gets. Don’t get me wrong I know the Council is incredibly supportive of events such as the Next Big thing in Fashion and the GC Fashion Incubator, but guys these markets were driving the local economy, supporting our local talent, providing them with the opportunity to run a small business and encouraging them to pursue their dreams (for some) of starting and running their own label.
Sass and Bide were first discovered at Portabella Road Markets in London. Hello?? Not only do we have more magnificent weather, we have the luxury of living one of the most beautiful coastal lifestyles in the world. So I am urging whoever in Council has the power, and I know you are out there, to please come forth and do the right thing. Support the markets – not only the Village Markets but Palm Beach/ Currumbin markets that support our beloved farmers too (rumor has it they too have received such a notice!)
Life is too short to continuously fight battles, is it really too hard to find the grey area in the law and work together to make things better or exceptions for things that genuinely benefit the local community?
To sign The Village Markets petition TODAY go to
