Canberra’s popular Sunday markets, the Old Bus Depot Markets, are hitting the next chapter in their long Canberra history as the current owners, Diane Hinds and Morna Whiting, have sold the business to new owners, effective immediately.
“After 21 years managing Canberra’s favourite Sunday markets, it’s time for Morna and myself to move over and let someone else take the reins to help steer the markets well into the future,” said Old Bus Depot Markets’ former Director, Diane Hinds.
The markets will now be managed by Iconic Markets and Events Pty Ltd, headed up by Managing Director, Anthony Niravong. Diane and Morna played a large part in personally selecting the new owner and feel he is the right fit for the markets.
“Iconic will maintain everything that the markets are, and will continue their focus on Australian made, hand crafted and premium products. We want to ensure that the markets continue to be recognised locally, regionally and internationally as Canberra’s much-loved, tourism-award winning markets,” said Anthony.
Anthony is a Canberra local. Coming from a Lao and Thai speaking family with Chinese heritage, he has studied and lived in Canberra since 2004, and has a strong 20+ year history in hospitality and retail.
What now for Diane and Morna? Well, they’re off for a long, hard-earned break and to kick their heels up and reflect on what they’ve built over the years.
“It’s a fond farewell from us. We are truly blessed to have built up Canberra’s favourite Sunday markets, to show off the talents of many local and regional craftspeople and foodies each week for 21 years, and for the many beautiful friendships we’ve made along the way,” said Old Bus Depot Markets’ former Director, Morna Whiting.
The Old Bus Depot Markets are open every Sunday 10am – 4pm. For more information on the visit www.obdm.com.au.
OBDM Stallholder Q&As
Who are the new owners of the Old Bus Depot Markets?
Iconic Markets and Events Pty Ltd. Managing Director, Anthony Niravong.
When will the new ownership take effect?
Immediately.
Have Diane and Morna gone altogether?
They will be onsite for at least the coming month, and will continue beyond that to provide their wealth of experience, knowledge about the products and all of you personally, which Iconic can draw on to make the transition as smooth as possible.
When will I get to meet Anthony?
Anthony will be at the markets on most Sunday’s. He can also be contacted at the markets office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on 6295 3331.
What will the change mean for the markets in general?
It’s business as usual. Iconic will maintain everything that the markets have become and will continue their focus on Australian made, hand crafted and premium products. They will ensure that the markets continue to be recognised locally, regionally and internationally as Canberra’s much-loved, tourism-award winning markets.
What’s Anthony’s background?
Anthony Niravong is a Canberra local. Coming from a Lao and Thai speaking family with Chinese heritage, he has studied and lived in Canberra since 2004. Anthony has a strong history in hospitality and retail, currently running two grocery stores at the ANU and in Gungahlin, event management for Thai and Lao presenters/singers dancers. He is also a part owner in a popular Canberra Centre eatery.
Are stallholder fees going up?
No, fees will remain the same. The annual review of the stallholder fee has been deferred until November.
Will billing stay the same?
Yes, the billing system will remain the same. We are introducing some upgraded payment options that will allow stallholder transactions to be processed electronically and on the spot.
Who is my stallholder agreement now made with?
Everything will transfer over to Iconic automatically, and no charges will occur.
Does ArtsACT continue to be the landlord?
Yes. The ACT government will continue to be the landlord, overseen by ArtsACT.
Will I still see the same staff at the markets?
Yes, all the existing staff and the current business model will remain the same.
Is the stallholder process or products available going to change?
No. Iconic will continue to ensure a case by case assessment for all new/potential stallholders. We will also continue to engage only hand crafted, Australian made products with no mass-produced pieces.
Who do I speak to if I have more questions?
Feel free to speak to Anthony when he’s at the markets on a Sunday or call him in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on 6295 3331.
