Warm reception for market day on the Liverpool Plains

The Liverpool Plains was buzzing with new market stalls returning to Breeza for the first time in years.

Visitors from near and far stopped by to check out the gifts, products and produce for the sale.

About a dozen market stallholders attended, exhibiting their wares in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Held at Breeza Community Hall, located between Quirindi and Gunnedah, the event also hosted afternoon bingo for guests.

The market day was organised by Rick and Jo Rose on behalf of Breeza Progress Association who started the event to help raise funds for men’s mental health in the district.

Bev Watters, who has been assisting the progress association with its activities, said about 50 people attend the monthly bingo sessions.

Such is the event’s popularity, bingo players from Gunnedah, Quirindi, Werris Creek and Tamworth attend the Breeza games. The bingo sessions also serve as a fundraiser for the progress association.

Bev has been living in Gunnedah since June after moving from Grafton earlier in the year.

She said the Breeza bingo events have been quite a drawcard for the village.

Also attending the markets were stallholders from Quirindi, Dave and Benita Budd.

The couple has been a regular visitor to Breeza bingo for the last year and wanted to support the new market event.

“We’re more into little places than big places,” Dave said.

Kate Yonge was travelling to Gunnedah with her dachshund Frankie when she decided to stop by the markets.

“It’s nice to see people coming out for it,” Kate said.

She was also impressed by the locally-made produce and gifts for sale at the markets.

William Timmins from Gunnedah was selling handcrafted wood pieces at Breeza. He is a regular on the market circuit in Gunnedah and had a few sales already by mid-morning.

“Most people coming through the gate have a look,” he said.

Fellow stallholder Ariya Darnell was selling a colourful range of artwork on various mediums.

From emu and ostrich eggs to bookmarks and canvas, there was something to suit every taste and budget.

The Spring Ridge resident said her small business concept has grown exponentially from humble beginnings just five years ago.

“I started with just a piece of cardboard and now I have a caravan,” Ariya said of her new art workshop.

Ariya was travelling with her dad and also planned to host a stall at Nundle markets later that afternoon.