By LUKE VOOGT
OCEAN Grove’s Rotary Market returned to the Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre this month with a range of goods to ease the oncoming chill.
Shelford farmer Leeanne Speirs was at the market on 1 May with her children, Ebony and Nicholas, and has sold produce there for 20 years.
“My eldest is now 14 and I was doing it long before that,” she said.
“It’s good to see people come in and that they’ve extended their families.”
For years Leeanne has donated produce to the Ocean Grove Rotary, market co-ordinator Coral Barker said.
“She gives us a box to raffle every month without fail,” Coral said.
“We don’t even ask – one of her kids always brings it up to us.”
The proceeds from the raffle, as well as stall fees and gold coin donations, go towards several local organisations Rotary supports.
Rotary has used market proceeds to support the Disabled Surfers Association, Riding for the Disabled, CFA, Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club and scholarships for local schools.
Leeanne said her stall provides an alternative so families “don’t have to spend a fortune at the shop”.
“I know stuff is dear in the shop, so we try to keep it low so they get a decent amount for their money,” she said.
Rotary member John Paton encouraged locals to visit the Ocean Grove Rotary Winter Market for its great range of products.
“People come back month after month to buy their specific stuff,” he said.
“There’s a great comaraderie among stall holders.”
