MEDIA RELEASE – 21 September 2022
Children up before dawn to get a taste of market life at special school holiday event
While many children and teens are using their school holidays to enjoy some relaxation and a sleep-in, the children of Victoria's fruiterers and florists are setting their alarms before dawn to see their parents in action at the Melbourne Wholesale Market.
The Melbourne Market, Victoria's wholesale fruit, vegetable and fresh-cut flower trading centre, is holding 'Children in the Market' days during the September school holidays, allowing youngsters to experience the world of wholesale produce trading.
Children under 15 years are not normally permitted on site; however, on Tuesday 27, and Wednesday 28 September, children will don their junior high-vis vests and be welcomed through the gates.
Many businesses that operate from the Melbourne Market are multi-generational, so this special event will allow children to experience what market life is like, particularly for those who may one day take over the family business.
Children in the Market events were a regular school holiday occurrence pre-COVID. After a two year break, the market community were keen to see the event re-introduced this year.
"It's always great to see children at the Melbourne Market for these special events. Our market community take pride in welcoming the kids on site, and there's a great vibe in the place over the two days," said Mark Maskiell, CEO of Melbourne Market Authority.
While getting to experience first-hand what goes on in the market is the main focus of the event, some entertainment is planned, with show bags, face painting and competitions to add a bit of fun to the morning.
Local tomato wholesaler Rocky Corrone has brought his son Patrick (9 years old) to the market on previous occasions and will again this week.
"Patrick looks forward to coming to the market with me every school holidays. He enjoys saying hi to the familiar faces and I even give him a couple of jobs to help out on the stand. He loves getting the opportunity to be part of the family business," said Rocky.
General information about the Melbourne Market
The Melbourne Market is Victoria's wholesale fruit, vegetable and fresh-cut flower trading centre, one of six central fresh produce markets in Australia. It is one of the largest purpose-built wholesale markets in the southern hemisphere.
Operating from a 67-hectare site at Epping, the Market provides the critical link between growers, wholesalers, retailers and the fresh produce supply chain with trade occurring between 3:30am – 7:30am each weekday morning.
Approximately 4000 individuals visit the Melbourne Market each night while the rest of Melbourne sleeps, distributing the best fresh produce to Victorians.
The Melbourne Market is a wholesale produce market and is not open to the general public.
