The organising committee behind the Talbot Farmers' Market says it is confident the popular monthly event will return in July, after a period of 'hibernation'.
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Talbot Farmers' Market acting president Fred Davies said the committee was working on adapting emergency and safety plans for the event in response to COVID-19.
"We are quietly confident at this stage about re-launching in July, but we still have a bit of work to do," he said.
The last Talbot Farmers' Market was held in February, before COVID-19 hit.
For us, it is always a busy day and we do employ a lot of staff on that day. It has been a big impact on those staff and also on our business not to have that market day once a month.
- Jayne Newgreen, Talbot Provedore and Eatery
The decision to cancel the March 15 event due to safety concerns was announced two days before the event.
"We have more knowledge and more experience with it (COVID-19) now, so I think we can be confident. As long as the social distancing and sanitising is followed, we won't have any problems," Mr Davies said.
Central Goldfields Shire events officer Alisha Chadwick said council would support Talbot Farmers' Market and provide guidance to help it comply with government guidelines, including social distancing, crowd management and hygiene.
Ms Chadwick said the market's committee had been asked to update their risk plan, emergency management plan and site plan to reflect the pandemic.
"The market will also need to inform all the emergency services and ensure all stallholders are registered through Streatrader. These are all standard procedures for any event," she said.
A high percentage of visitors to regular market days are from out of town, particularly from Maryborough.
Mr Davies said the market brought a 'huge boost' to the town on a monthly basis and provided a chance for stallholders to connect with their customers.
Talbot Provedore and Eatery's Jayne Newgreen said it had been sad not to have the market and visitors enjoying the 'beautiful' town.
"For us, it is always a busy day and we do employ a lot of staff on that day. It has been a big impact on those staff and also on our business not to have that market day once a month," she said.
The business has been offering takeaway food and drinks and local produce throughout the coronavirus pandemic and added local produce boxes to their offering.
"We saw a need for people to be able to source local produce in town so we have extended our range a bit and made it more possible for people to do their shopping for basics and treats in town," Ms Newgreen said.
"Bringing in the local produce boxes was to try to fill the hole left by the Talbot Farmer's Market hibernation."
Visit Talbot Farmers' Market's Facebook page for updates.
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
