THE Freeburgh Bush Market drew record crowds to the Freeburgh Community Hall on Sunday, wrapping up the Bright Autumn Festival with a vibrant celebration of local life. The event, which is the hall’s biggest annual fundraiser, featured a number of bustling stalls and car boot vendors, and an impressive display by the local car club, whose classic cars drew plenty of admiration. Committee members and volunteers served up a delicious spread - from scones, cakes of every kind to soups and burgers. Freeburgh local Gail Bennett’s crowd-favourite sausage rolls were a hit, while the barista coffee station also kept everyone fuelled throughout the day. “It was a really great, successful day,” said hall treasurer Gina Parente. “The weather was perfect and the crowd was fantastic.” The Rotary club showed their support during the event and a key moment of the day was the unveiling of two new accessible car parks, made possible through a collaborative effort by the Bendigo Bank, the Rotary club, and the hall committee. Organisers extended heartfelt thanks to local donors and volunteers, especially Bruce and Lyn Miller for their years of service. Local businesses Woolworths, Clean Bowled and SixPence were also thanked for their generous donations and support. Mr Parente said events like these are not possible without the community coming together. “Thank you to so many members of the community who donated food, volunteered and otherwise helped where you could,” she said. Funds raised at the market will go toward ongoing hall improvements and the annual Christmas Gathering Party, keeping Freeburgh’s community spirit alive year-round.
