12 Jun 2018 Whittlesea Review, Whittlesea (General News) THE Tallarook Farmers Market has been able to turn a town tragedy into a positive, bringing the communily closer together by continuing the market from its new location at Railway Place. Market manager Cynthia Lim said it didnt take long after the fire at theTallarook Mechanics Institute to decide to continue the markets from a new location, with the first in the new location being held the day after on Sunday, May 6. After already holding two markets at Railway Place, the Tallarook Farmers Market has actually grown in size, adding a few more stalls. Weve had strong support from all the stallholders. Some of our stalls have been selling out really early, Ms Lim said. She added the market holds a special place and has been well supported by the community. Its the monthly meeting place, the community comes out and catches up and its a good opportunity for everyone to come out for the day, Ms Lim said. I think everyone realises its still the monthly meeting place. I like to call it our monthly church. The support in the last two markets has been really strong. With the new site even having a childrens playground, theyre gearing up for their next market which is on July 1, during school holidays and will include activities for the kids. Ms Lim said the market is using the momentum gained from the change of location to set up a fundraising campaign for the rebuilding of theTallarook Mechanics Institute. Were grateful for $200,000 from the state government and [Member for Northern Victoria] Jaclyn Symes but we dont know what the building cost will be at this stage and we also have to replace things inside that werent insured, she said. To help raise money and keep the community connected, Ms Um and the market committee have also started the Tallarook Community Notice Board on Facebook (www. facebook.com/groups/Tallarook) and tallarook.org.au to provide updates on the building and other community events. A big thank you goes to all the people for their support so far. Their donations have enabled raffles to start fund raising, Ms Lim added.