Inaugural Marriott Park Markets to raise funds for Shoalhaven Anti-Poverty Committee to kick off this Saturday

Backed by the Shoalhaven City Council as a part of their masterplan to improve the park, the inaugural Marriott Park Market will be this Saturday from 8am to 12pm.

"Marriott Park is one of those really well-loved parks. But a lot of people driving past don't know what kind of activities are here. So having a market will absolutely lift the profile of Marriott Park," said the Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley.

"Shoalhaven City Council has been working on a master plan to do improvements on Marriott Park, which includes an all inclusive playground, and that'll be terrific to have that finished so if the markets can stay here.

"People can spend a day playing on the equipment, hanging out at the market and stick around at the barbecue if that's what they want to do."

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Kim Stephenson, who is a part of the Nowra Makers Market Committee, said the markets were set up to raise funds for a cause close to her heart.

"The stallholder fees go straight to the Shoalhaven Anti-Poverty Committee," she said.

"Raising money for the committee is very personal for me. A few years ago I had some medical issues and I became ill with chronic illnesses and pain. I was living below the poverty line on NewStart."

"People who have been in poverty know what it's like so they always want to help others. These markets are just one way people can help out and put money in people's pockets."

Kim said the stallholders are Shoalhaven locals, and are predominantly handmade.

"It's all local artists and makers so the money stays here in the local economy," she said.

"There's jams and preserves, a crochet stall, local artists, stalls with wood carving, and more."

Cr Findley said the Shoalhaven City Council has been connected to the SAPC since its inception more than 10 years ago.

"We really want to extend an enormous thank you to to Shoalhaven Anti-Poverty Committee for the work they've been doing over the years."

The Marriott Park Markets will be held on the fourth Saturday of every month. For updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Marriott-Park-Markets-106794744825879