Community groups are banding together to make sure the upcoming Wollombi markets are a great success, after the valley was recently surrounded by bushfires.
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While the Wollombi Valley is now well and truly open for business, the devastating bushfire in Yengo National Park cut off the town for several days in December.
Wollombi Market Day volunteer Daniela Riccio said the organisers hope the markets on Monday (January 27) will "bring life back into the valley", while also helping to feed local wildlife that have been injured in the fires.
The markets are coordinated by the volunteers of the Wollombi Valley Progress Association, held four times a year (on the Australia Day, Easter, June and October long weekends), benefiting different community groups each time.
The January market will support the Wollombi Tennis Club and the Wollombi Valley Pony Club, with funds going to maintenance and upgrade projects for both clubs.
Wollombi Valley Landcare will have a stall focusing on information to help local wildlife recover from the fires.
- Read more: Wollombi traders rise from the ashes
- Read more: Firies' fight for historic Wollombi
Ms Riccio said more than 50 residents will be volunteering at the event, which has more than 90 stalls on the day.
"The entire community comes together to bake cakes and also run the cowshed cafe and barbecue on market day, with all funds being donated back to into the community to maintain our facilities," Ms Riccio said.
Stalls include local produce and crafts, plants, clothes, tools, bric-a-brac and much more.
The markets will run from 8am to 2pm in the Wollombi Saleyards (next to the tavern). Visit wollombimarkets.com for more information.
Meanwhile, on Saturday and Sunday night, Grays Inn will host Flicks on the Green - an outdoor movie festival featuring The Man From Snowy River (Saturday) and The Castle (Sunday).
The owners have invited local RFS volunteers and their families to attend for free (booked in advance) in recognition of the incredible work they have done to protect the Wollombi village.
Proceeds from both nights, after costs, will be donated to local RFS crews.
Tickets are $20 for each movie, or $65 for dinner and movie package through Panino Caffè & Restaurant.
Call Julie on 4998 3483 or Michael on 0416 245 655 for bookings.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to raise funds for the Bucketty, Laguna, and Wollombi Rural Fire Brigades in the wake of the recent fires, with more than $18,000 already raised.
