Mandurah shoppers have been urged to support local this Christmas, with a new event along the city’s quirky Tuckey’s Lane giving people the opportunity to purchase unique wares.
“Laneway Markets” is a fresh idea aimed at activating Mandurah’s colourful-little corner in the central business district.
From plants to arts and crafts, the event will deck the area out with various market stalls on December 8, all ran by passionate small business owners.
The laneway’s property manager Karen Montgomery said the event was a great opportunity to celebrate and support local businesses in the lead up to Christmas.
“It’s all part of invigorating the place,” Ms Montgomery said.
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She said Laneway Markets was just the start of her broader plans for space activation.
“This will be a taste of future pop-up activations,” she said.
For the past year, Ms Montgomery said she had been working with the City of Mandurah to obtain approval to host range of new initiatives aimed at draw people to the area.
Across the next few months, Ms Montgomery said there would be plenty for locals to look forward to.
“My aim has been, and continues to be, one that demonstrates how commercial spaces can be creative and inspirational,” she said.
“What was once a plain blank canvas is now bursting with colour and public interest.
“Commercial spaces need to become destination points of interest especially if small businesses are to survive.
“Our unique location in Mandurah is just an example of what can be done, hopefully, it will inspire other landlords and property managers.”
One Tuckey’s Lane business owner keen to showcase her wares at the event is Kaylee Deere.
Her business, Darling Deere, offers a wide range of plants and interior design items.
As well as displaying her homemade pieces at the markets, Ms Deere will host a “how-to” Kokedama class on the day.
She urged the community to join in the fun on Saturday.
“There will be a great variety of local creators and makers 'popping up' in the laneway,” Ms Deere said.
“It’s a beautiful location, right on our foreshore. There are great businesses around that offer great things. It will be a nice atmosphere while coming together for the Christmas season.”
Ms Deere said supporting local created a "chain reaction" within Mandurah’s economy.
She said without the support of the community she wouldn’t have reached her business goals.
“Darling Deere for me is all about plants and my journey with anxiety and depression. Finding plants has helped me ground myself and connect with locals through plants.
“I’ve found that the local community has helped support me in where I am today. Coming from a local 'makers movement' to popping up to a shop has all been from support by the local community.”
Event details:
Laneway Markets: From 9am to 2pm on Saturday, December 8. Tuckey’s Lane, Mandurah Terrace. Free to attend.
Kokedama Workshop: Learn the art of Kokedama from 2pm to 3pm on Saturday, December 8. Tuckey’s Lane, Mandurah Terrace. Cost $45 to participate.
