Townsville, a thriving regional centre with over 181,000 residents, is the gateway to the wet tropics with the Great Barrier Reef at its doorstep.

This unique position calls for the community to adopt eco sustainable practices. Karen Keynes, owner of local eco business GreenUrLife, is helping the community do this. The creator of Townsville’s first eco business directory, Karen also established an eco market to link the community with eco businesses.

When Karen visited one of regional Australia’s oldest professional theatres, Townsville’s own Full Throttle Theatre Company, she was captured by their unique venue. The company was planning to host an artist’s market when Karen and two other groups also approached them about using the venue for markets. “It made sense to work together and bring Townsville its first Artist/Fruit & Veggie Co-op/Eco market in May this year,” says Madonna Davies, General Manager of Full Throttle Theatre Company.

The markets are a collaborative partnership with Full Throttle Theatre Company as the driving force through its network known as the ‘PANTS’ (Performing Artists Network Townsville and Stuff). Townsville has a long history of arts culture but the markets add a whole new element, bringing the creative and eco industries together with a community development focus and contributing to the rejuvenation of the City’s CBD. “The markets create a community vibe and cultivate a creative energy,” Madonna says.

The markets are held monthly at the Courthouse Theatre, a heritage listed property built in the 1870’s as Townsville’s original Magistrate’s Court.

It’s rich history, unique architecture and beautiful surroundings are perfect for the markets. The front verandah becomes a stage for local musos and performing arts displays. Visitors can enjoy the cruisey atmosphere, grab a bite to eat and meander through the market stalls in the gardens while a food co-op provides affordable fresh fruit and veggies. With stallholder fees just $20, local artists and eco businesses have embraced the markets. For those in the creative industries, it’s a hands-on opportunity to develop business skills.

Feedback has been very positive and the project working group is looking to expand the range of activities to incorporate children’s workshops, art classes, theatre sports, tai chi, and yoga among other things. The idea is to build community capacity using a holistic approach to education and skill development.

Madonna emphasised the important role local government plays by supporting the markets and approving use of the space. The benefits are reciprocal, with the markets helping Townsville become a thriving, healthy community through the promotion of physical, mental and environmental health and wellbeing. Valuable information is also being collected which is relevant to the CBD redevelopment and Council’s community development strategies.

For more information about the markets, please contact Madonna Davies at Full Throttle Theatre Company on 4721 5433.