Aura Farmers Market prepares for its grand opening

Anticipation is mounting as Caloundra Chamber of Commerce gears up to unveil its much-anticipated Aura Farmers Market, set to launch at the custom-built Aura site on Saturday 22 June, from 7am to 12pm. With an array of fresh local produce, gourmet delicacies, food trucks, beverages and live music, both locals and visitors alike are welcome to join in with the opening festivities.

Nestled in the heart of Aura, the finishing touches are being applied to the market site, promising a vibrant new community space. A spectacular mural by local artist Sarah Sculley, spanning three shipping containers has been completed, adding a captivating visual element to the market's ambiance.

The eagerly anticipated Aura Farmers Market is set to open on 22 June

With over 50 stallholders ready for the inaugural market, there will be a diverse range of offerings, promising something for everyone.

In addition to the weekly Farmer’s Market, the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce will host the Aura Twilight Market on the first Friday of each month, commencing on Friday 5 July. Featuring a delightful mix of food trucks, beverages and entertainment from 4pm to 8pm, this market will provide yet another opportunity for locals and visitors to come together and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Josh Sondergeld, Stockland Aura Project Director, said he looks forward to welcoming families and the community to the markets each weekend. 

“Our vision at Stockland is to be the leading creator and curator of connected communities, and this is underpinned by our purpose – a better way to live. The opening of the markets builds on Stockland’s legacy of creating places and spaces full of energy, soul and life,” Mr Sondergeld said.

“The Aura Farmers Market and the Aura Twilight Market are designed to connect the community and support local business on the Sunshine Coast. At the farmers market, we will be providing one site free of charge to an Aura-based business on a rotating schedule.” 

Echoing this sentiment, Rosina Harris, General Manager of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the market's role in fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses.

“The Aura home based business incentive, thanks to Bendigo Bank Caloundra, provides local businesses with the opportunity to trial face to face retailing as a stallholder at the market for a calendar month free of charge, with business owners then welcome to join as a full-time stallholder,” Ms Harris said.

“We've worked closely with local Sunshine Coast producers and small operators including fresh produce, small goods and gourmet foods to create a dynamic mix of stallholders at our first Aura Farmers Market.

“The best way to experience the market is, of course, to come along and immerse yourself in the fun activities we have planned for our opening day on 22 June, including live music by Frankie Rae and giveaways, discounts and presentations, to make sure it's a day the whole family will remember.”

Renowned Sunshine Coast-based artist Sarah Sculley said she was excited to complete her two-storey art installation on the market site, making the community space feel welcoming and enjoyable.

"The market space is a fresh and dynamic hub, and my mural adds a burst of colour and vitality that perfectly complements the essence of this new Aura community space," Ms Sculley said.

“I hope my mural reminds people of the fun and connectedness of community and helps by inviting everyone to come along and join in.” 

Mark your calendars for 22 June and join in the festivities! Find out further information about the markets on the Aura Farmers Markets Instagram or Facebook page.