Moochmax is one of 250 stalls at the Camberwell Market. Read on and learn more about it!
On Sunday, 11 August, I again found myself on duty at the Camberwell Market.
The market, which has over 250 stalls, is held in the Camberwell Shopping Precinct Carpark every Sunday morning from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Entry is free, and a voluntary gold coin collection for Rotary Community Projects is held.
Every Sunday morning, Rotarians in the eastern suburbs are rostered to stand at the gates, collecting coins, and I get to observe the market's vibrant life. The Camberwell Market has a rich history. Leah Annette's book, Sunday Service, is a testament to the market’s legacy and reveals that its inception in 1976 coincided with a burgeoning interest in the 'old and unusual.' This fascination has contributed to the market's remarkable longevity and enduring significance, which we all share and appreciate.
One stallholder I met allowed me to feature her in this article. She offers a colourful and zany collection that matches her vibrant personality. You can find her on Instagram at Moochmax. I'm sure every stallholder has an incredible story to share.
Stories That Define the Market's Soul
The market is so much more than what meets the eye—it's not just about the stalls or the visitors. Over the years, I've encountered stories from people passing through that raised the hairs on my neck.
One such story is of a woman left with nothing after a sudden divorce. She began a small stall at the market, gradually earning enough to dress well for job interviews. She returned to work, rented an apartment, and paid the mortgage. She redecorated her home with continuous finds from the market. Over time, with the help of the market, she rebuilt her life and now enjoys the fruits of her labour.
Then there are the people who come to the market seeking conversation and company—those who visit to add a bit of variety to their lives. This week, a young woman in a wheelchair and her carer entered the gates. She was sitting tall, immaculately dressed, with her blonde hair in a neat bun. She smiled as she handed me the gold coins, and when I mentioned that I recognised her from the previous week, she responded brightly, "We come every week."
A Haven of Inclusivity
The Camberwell Market is a haven of inclusivity, where everyone, regardless of their age, attire, gender, race, or creed, is warmly welcomed. It’s a sanctuary where everyone can feel secure, accepted, and truly belong.
Embracing Change: The Market Reflects the Times
Some people nostalgically claim that the market isn’t what it used to be. To them, I would say that the market reflects the past, present, and future. There may be less bric-a-brac than we recall from childhood. Still, there are countless items that young people today find valuable, engaging, and desirable, hinting at the exciting evolution of our beloved market.
The Unsung Heroes: Market Stallholders
Take a moment to appreciate what the stallholders do. They search tirelessly for unique items, rise at 5:00 am to set up their stalls and pack everything up at the end of the day. It’s a Herculean effort. I spoke with a couple who specialise in upmarket crystal and porcelain ware. They expressed disappointment that some people don’t recognise the value of what’s on offer. Most visitors are unwilling to spend more than $10.
While we all love a bargain, in an age focused on sustainability, recycling, and upcycling, why not invest in the market instead of buying something online from an international vendor?
A Treasure Trove for the Modern Shopper
People say there are too many clothes at the market. My response? Buy them! Many young vendors are paying for their education, funding vacations, and making ends meet. The sneakers, jackets, vintage designer pieces, and everyday wear are incredible.
If you look closely, you’ll discover something utterly unique. Perhaps a stylish white plastic tree is perfect for window-dressing your shop on one of Melbourne's beautiful retail streets. Or a magnificent cross-stitch tapestry depicting the iconic Victorian and Federation architecture of Melbourne and country Victoria. Imagine someone sitting by lamplight at night or in the sunshine by a window, carefully stitching those memories of our city.
You might come to the market and find exactly what you need—or something you never knew you needed. Isn't that fantastic? Today, someone found an easy-carry toolbox for their motorhome tools. Another found a set of exceptional etchings of scenes in Toulouse. Parents discovered a vintage cricket sign for their cricket-mad son, while a child found some soft, spongy toys that brought them joy. And grandparents picked up high-quality children’s books for their grandchildren.
A Paradise for Dog Lovers
And if you're a dog lover, you're in for a treat! The market is teeming with dogs of every size and description—from meticulously groomed poodles and towering Irish wolfhounds to tiny pups being wheeled around in doggy prams.
Why Your Gold Coins Matter
Do I enjoy shaking tins at the Camberwell Market once or twice monthly? Perhaps not, but the entire experience has constantly enriched and fascinated me. Your gold coin donations do more than you might imagine—they help outfit schoolchildren who can’t afford sports uniforms, support women, children, and pets fleeing domestic violence, and provide a homeless person with a haven. They also fund local and international emergency feeding programmes, protect our bees and pollinators, and mitigate period poverty, allowing schoolgirls to attend classes. Your donations build water wells, toilets, and relief housing and help farmers repair fences and recover from emergencies like fires and floods.
Spring is Coming: A Perfect Time to Rediscover the Market
Spring is on the horizon. So, head down if you have a free Sunday morning in Melbourne and haven’t visited the market yet. Bring family and friends and become part of the crowd—everyone out to be entertained, people-watch, find a bargain, discover something interesting, and hopefully enjoy some beautiful sunshine.
Take a new look at the market from all these perspectives.
Supporting the Future: Embracing Change at Camberwell Market
Yes, the market has changed, but so has life. Now, alongside the nostalgic bric-a-brac, you'll find popular Lego sets, Pokémon cards, collectable figurines, designer sneakers, novel art, modern books, and more.
Let’s support our creative, hardworking stallholders. Let’s help Rotary. If you want to discover the real treasures, arrive early with a miner’s lamp and magnifying glass while the unpacking is still underway. Or, if you prefer a more relaxed visit, come later, enjoy a hotdog and doughnut, and buy some flowers for someone special.
But do come down.
Lili-Ann Kriegler is a past president of the Rotary Club of Canterbury, Melbourne, Victoria.
She is a Melbourne-based education consultant and award-winning author. Lili-Ann (B. A Hons, H. Dip. Ed, M.Ed.) is a child, parent and family advocate who believes education is a transformative force for humanity. She runs her consultancy, Kriegler-Education.
Find out more at https://www.kriegler-education.com.
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