Pop-up pow wow Council to mediate goods shed market dispute

Smash And Grab

Smash And Grab

COLLIE Shire Council has agreed to hold discussions between the Collie Rail Heritage Group (CRHG) and members who have been holding weekly pop-up markets on Fridays and Saturdays since July, 2022.

Those conducting the pop-up markets were recently asked by the CRHG to leave.

Glenda Savic and Tina Long attended last week’s council meeting to ask in public question time if the lease of the shed was available, and if it was, could they lease it.

Director of Corporate Services Nicole Wassman told the pair that the lease is held by CRHG until 2025, with an option to extend for a further five years.

Ms Wassman said the lease stated that CRHG can “hold markets from time to time”, but did not spell out how regular that should be.

“That is the responsibility of the group under the lease,” she said. Several councillors wanted to know why they were asked to leave.

Mrs Savic said they were told that their pop-up markets interfered with the

Captains take the wheel

COLLIE Senior High School’s new captains, Austin Bates and Ebony Whitney, are determined to increase student involvement. Pg 3.

regular fortnightly markets, with some stall holders preferring to be there weekly on Fridays and/or Saturdays.

Cr John Kearney suggested there could be a compromise, and chief executive officer Stuart Devenish said it could be possible to have a conversation between the parties.

Mrs Savic said the pop-up markets had been a source of social interaction with both residents and tourists seeking information.

“Collie needs a place like this. We are transitioning to tourism and this shed and the trains need to be open and admired by everyone,” Mrs Savic said.

“This place should be open more to the public for our children to see and learn about our past.

“We would very much like to return to the goods shed to do our markets and would like to know if the lease is available, if we could be allowed to lease it.”

Mrs Savic said they had considered trying to find another site for their pop-up market, but the goods shed was attractive because it is in a central location, and was a magnet for tourists.

Not enough for speedway

THE Collie Speedway cancelled its first meeting in 51 years at the weekend, due to low competitor numbers. Pg 5.

Bingo

Collie Eagles football clubrooms, Thursdays, doors open 6.30pm, eyes down 7pm.

Library activities

Sing along story time, weekly, Mondays, 9am.

Junior board game today, 3.30pm.

Lego Club weekly Mondays, 3.30pm.

Parkrun

Parkrun at Soldiers’ Park every Saturday 8am.

Collie Art Prize

Announced Saturday, March 4, Labour Day Festival

Saturday, March 4: Spark Plugs on the Hill, recreation ground; Water ski spectacular, Lake Kepwari; South32

Wambenger Cup; Collie Country Markets; Concert, Collie Eagles clubrooms; Sunday, March 5: Premier Coal Water Ski spectacular, Lake Kepwari; Goods Shed markets; Historical competition motorbikes, Motorplex.

Collie Child and Parent Centre

Playgroup Mondays at 9am (for parents and carers with children birth to five years old).

MyTime support group (for parents and carers with children with additional needs) Tuesdays from 12.30pm.

Baby Business (for parents and carers with children birth to two years) Fridays at 9am.

Coalfields Museum

Open every day, 9am to 3pm. Children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.

Riff Raff dancing

Every Monday from 7pm at Collie PCYC. Beginners welcome, no partner necessary. Supper provided. $5pp.

Signing centre

Monday 10am to 12-noon; Thursday 2pm-3.30pm; Friday 10am to 12-noon at the courthouse.

Op shops

The Anglican Op Shop has reopened, Tuesday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm. Vinnies open Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 3pm. Jo’s Bazaar, Monday and Thursday, 9am to 12pm.

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