On the third Saturday of March, May, September and November, the regional town of Newstead (a 15 minute drive from Castlemaine) hosts a community market to help raise funds for the Country Fire Authority. As well as supporting the men and women protecting us from bushfires, the markets are also a great way to pick up handmade goods from local creatives.
At the long-running market you can find books, plants, clothes, tools, craft and produce straight out of the backyard. As with most markets in Australia the highlight will be the barbecue, which in this case will be run by the CFA. Pick up cold drink, a sausage sanga or maybe a homemade cake or slice to go with a coffee. CFA members will also be there on the day to answer any and all fire-related questions. Entry to the markets is free and if you want to host a stall it will only cost you $10.
This event is part of the Regional Centre for Culture; a year-long celebration of the four buzzing Victorian centres of Bendigo, Daylesford, Castlemaine and Maryborough. Find out more about all the events happening in the Regional Centre for Culture in 2018.