Our local market turns 150 years old

By Nadia Dimattina

South Melbourne Market is about to celebrate its 150th anniversary and has an exciting calendar of events planned for this month.

The market is putting on a free exhibition on market days between May 5 and May 31 in the SO:ME space, to take the public on a trip down memory lane.

The 150 Years of The Village Market Exhibition will bring South Melbourne Market’s past to life, featuring memories, stories, photos, films, historical information and artefacts from the Port Phillip City Collection.

The exhibition showcases the long and colourful history since official opening on May 1, 1867, through the eyes of traders, shoppers and local residents.

Port Phillip Mayor, Bernadene Voss, said the “My Market” story campaign helped to properly document the history of South Melbourne Market.

“It has helped us to piece together elements of our past and, when combined with our own archival photos and memorabilia, it makes for a wonderful collection,” she said.

Cr Voss said the exhibition was an “engaging and inclusive way to show a slice of market history to everyone that visits”. She officially opened the exhibition to the public on Thursday, May 4.

96-year-old Melbourne cartoonist and illustrator, Vane Lindesay will loan the market some of his cartoons and illustrations for the exhibition.

Also included in the exhibition is a vintage Maglia of Melbourne swimsuit and sewing memorabilia, which tells the story of 86-year-old Paul Millet, whose family ran a stall at the market for 53 years after fleeing Europe during World War II.  

The exhibition is one of the many events being held this month to celebrate the market’s major milestone, including free guided historical tours and commissioned murals around the market showcasing interpretations of the anniversary.

Additionally, on May 6, the market put on the 150th Big BBQ Street Party.

The day featured a barbecue and street food, with live entertainment the whole family will enjoy.

From live music, jumping castles and games to a barbecue cook-off and a giant birthday cake in the afternoon, the streets around the market came alive.

South Melbourne Market is located just a short walk from Southbank on the corner of Coventry and Cecil streets, South Melbourne.