On Tuesday 5 May, nearly 40 local vendors and stakeholders came together for our very first Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Markets Town Hall meeting — and the room was full of exactly the kind of energy the Whitsundays does best: passionate, respectful, and community-minded.
On the table were some big conversations about the markets and Mayor Collins and Council’s Parks & Gardens Manager Mark Callaghan were there to listen and answer questions alongside Chamber.
At the meeting we presented some future opportunities for the market and vendors including a proposed new Chamber Membership offer exclusively for market vendors and the Chamber’s Community Fund — where local community clubs and events the opportunity to apply for cash sponsorship or in-kind services from funds generated by the market.
Currently before vendors for consideration are seasonal promotional activity, potential Twilight Markets, and frequency of Town Hall meetings.
These markets are part of what makes the Whitsundays such a special place to live, visit, and do business — and decisions about their future belong to the people who show up every market day and make them happen.
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