The KNM was initiated by the Indigenous community for the Indigenous community, emerging initially from the Darebin Aboriginal Reconciliation Working Party in 2000.  The dream was kept alive until a series of trail markets were sanctioned by DATSICC[i] in 2007. The project was seen as a powerful vehicle to increase Indigenous participation in the local economy, preserve and enhance cultural identity and raise the profile of Indigenous people within the City of Darebin and beyond.

The three trial markets held at the iconic Northcote Town Hall in March 2008 were successful beyond expectation. In excess of sixty stalls comprising more than 100 Indigenous artisans, small business proprietors and community members, displayed their wares in an atmosphere of vibrant community celebration. Commercially, high sales were sustained across the three nights, estimated at $80,000 in total. For Indigenous stallholders and their families, the markets were a key to celebrating, promoting and often discovering and reclaiming their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. For 64% of the non-Indigenous community, the markets were the first opportunity to meet and connect with Indigenous people.

The trial markets were organised by a small but dynamic team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff and funded by the City of Darebin and delivered in partnership with more than eight public and private sector organisations. Partnerships and Indigenous-non-Indigenous collaboration have emerged as a key ingredient to enterprise success and sustainability. The extraordinary success demonstrated the need for such projects in Victoria for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and mobilised our partners to keep the vision alive. Inspired by the potential of the project, WISE Employment Ltd Community Investment funded two Indigenous workers to coordinate markets in 2008/ 2009. Our Coordinator’s are now the interface with the Indigenous community and local organisations, which is essential to sustain participation and ownership by the Indigenous community.

The KNM is now governed by Indigenous people through Koorie Night Market Inc (KNM Inc); a majority Indigenous controlled organisation. Board members represent stallholders, the Koorie community and partner organisations. The KNM Inc Board is also a forum for building the capacity of the next generation of Indigenous leaders, with experienced members mentoring less experienced but enthusiastic Koorie Board members. The focus is on sustainability of KNM Inc and the markets well into the future.

Our inspiration

The capacities and diverse cultures of Indigenous Australia inspire us. We provide a place for Indigenous artists to sell their wares, a place to incubate new Koorie businesses, build proprietor confidence and create social and economic capital for the Koorie community.

All stallholders are Indigenous artisans promoting their diverse cultures and talents- selling arts, crafts, artefacts, paintings, emerging arts, traditional foods and jewellery and much more. For the majority of stallholders, the markets are the first opportunity to sell their artwork and many have gained the confidence to take the next steps to furthering their businesses.

As Indigenous Victorians suffer from a higher level unemployment, lower levels of well being and are more likely to live in poverty, the KNM offers a place to improve their quality of life. The income generated by stallholders and performers helps to create economic security and also boosts self-confidence. These are critical outcomes of the project and motivating factors for individuals to remain engaged.

The diversity of Indigenous cultures is reflected in the diverse range of people that participate. Indigenous youth, families, Indigenous owned businesses and community controlled organisations play a key role in the KNM and participate as stallholders, performers, volunteers and attendees. The vibrancy of the KNM appeals to youth which adds to the atmosphere and brings a cross section of generations together. Many participate as volunteers, helping family members with their stalls and supporting the KNM coordination team. This is yet another critical factor to the success of the project. By encouraging cooperation and participation between such a diverse Indigenous demographic, the KNM brings people together to build stronger, economically self-reliant Indigenous communities.

Our Outcomes

The Market as Cultural Showcase: the markets provide the Indigenous community with an opportunity to use traditional craft practices to rebuild their cultural heritage and reclaim their Indigenous identity. They help Indigenous artisan-stallholders to revive pride in Victoria’s Indigenous culture and traditions. They also provide an invaluable and unique resource for community education and create a space for non-Indigenous people to learn about Koorie culture.

The Market as Business Incubator: many community markets operate as business incubators and the potential for this to occur is demonstrated by extensive stallholder interest in furthering their businesses. Three quarters of Koorie Night Market stallholders want to further develop their business idea. The markets provide a safe space for artisans to test their business idea and gain the confidence to take the next steps towards further business development.

The Market as Meeting Place: the markets provide a safe and positive space for local Indigenous people to meet together and for non-Indigenous people to come together with Indigenous people.  There are very few such spaces in the local social landscape. Surveys showed that for many local Victorians, the markets are the first opportunity to meet Koorie people.

The Market as Community Builder: the markets have the potential to strengthen relationships within Victoria’s diverse community. They generate both ‘bridging’ and ‘bonding’ social capital and are both a symbol and a source of community strength and resilience.

Our Contacts

Eva-Jo Edwards: Mobile- 0419 750 399  Email: eva-jo@koorienightmarket.com.au

Naretha Williams: Email:

naretha@koorienightmarket.com.au

---

[i] The Darebin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Council (DATSICC), a Special Committee consisting of eight Indigenous community leaders and Darebin City Council representatives.