Virtual experience for market goers

Residents missing browsing at the local market will soon have an alternative.

Baw Baw Shire’s menu of top shelf food producers, artists and craft creators will be able to showcase their wares through an innovative “virtual market”.

The shire is partnering with online tourism operation “One Hour Out” to open a virtual market for local producers. It is an opportunity to share local produce with local residents as well of further afield during the coronavirus pandemic.

The partnership is part of the shire’s $440,000 stage one community and business support package. Joining costs and administration will be paid for by the shire.

Mayor Danny Goss said it offered local makers, artists and producers the opportunity to continue to connect with customers, both locally and throughout Victoria, and secure valuable income while they were unable to offer their products at local markets.

One Hour Out founder Jay Dillion said the site aimed to bring together all the same artists and producers you might find at any country market.

“On the site, consumers can find everything from regionally produced food and drinks, clothing and accessories, art and craft and much more,” he said.

At the end of each checkout process, customers can also choose a charity that One Hour Out will donate $1 to Foodbank, Greening Australia and Women’s Community Shelters.

For more information visit bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Virtual Market or call Baw Baw Shire on 1300 229 229.

The website will launch after sufficient applications are received.

The Victorian Country Market website is offering an extensive selection of fresh produce and artisan products from regional farmers and producers across Victoria together in one huge market.

Browse products from West Gippsland businesses including Patrick Sullivan Winery of Ellinbank, Auswan Biltong “Jerky” of Trafalgar, Watergrasshill Angus of Neerim South, Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps of Warragul, Purely Goats Milk of Nilma, Gippslandia of Buln Buln and Burra Brewing Co. of Korumburra. Visit viccm.rechargevic.com.au.