buy local at the market

NSW Northside Produce Market, June 3rd and 17th Growers come to this very convivial market from as far afifield as Orange in the Central West and Adelong, near Tumut in the Riverina. Dedicated shoppers know to arrive early if they want to be sure of getting salad greens or herbs from Darling Mills Farm, or organic seasonal vegetables from Moonacres Farm. Ingredients for a hearty breakfast are easily found: eggs from Pope’s Free Range Eggs and Adelong Fresh; fifield mushrooms from Woy Woy’s Margin’s Mushrooms; bacon from Trunkey Bacon and Pork of Orange; and bread from the social enterprise The Bread and Butter Project. Market stalls are placed around three sides of an open grassed area, which is a magnet for children and an ideal spot for a picnic. Civic Park, 220 Miller Street, North Sydney. 8am–noon. (02) 9922 2299; northsydneycentre.com.au

QUEENSLAND Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market, every Wednesday The momentum had been building for this new market when Cyclone Debbie hit the region in March. Hardest hit were Bowen region fruit and vegetable growers, but everyone experienced some disruption — losing their crop or sustaining damage to infrastructure or machinery — which may take weeks, months or, in the case of the banana growers who lost their trees, a year to recover fully. Shopping at the market is one way to support growers of the region and help them get back on their feet. Supply may be erratic for a while, but in the short term you’ll be able to buy Freckle Farm’s free-range eggs, pork and beef; fresh vegetables from Fresh As Sweet As; and lettuce from New Reefs Hydroponics. Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay. 8am–1pm. 0498 717 941.