IT’S all about community – and the incredible community at Pallamallawa will again roll out the red carpet on Sunday and welcome visitors from far and wide to the Pally Bush Markets.
The market days, held on the grounds of the Pallamallawa School of Arts and War Memorial Hall and surrounding parkland and streets, are an unmitigated success story.
Now in their fourth year, the Pally Bush Markets draw thousands of people and up to 100 stall-holders from across the eastern seaboard.
The first edition for 2026 is expected to be another huge community event.
The markets are organised and managed by the hall committee and volunteers, with the chief aim to raise funds for maintenance and improvements to the community hall, built more than 100 years ago.
Pally Markets’ co-ordinator, Col Pring, said 75 stalls have so far signed on for Sunday’s mega markets, with that number likely to rise by the time he swings back the gates to the grounds of the Pally hall early Sunday.
“We have lots of regulars and a few new faces coming from as far away as the Gold Coast and Sydney,” Col said.
“Again, there will be plenty on offer, including chooks, plants, beef jerky, cakes, books, tools, clothing, salamis, giftware, bric-a-brac, trash and treasure, and much more.
“The markets have been a real success story for Pally and the economic benefits from the day flow on to our local pub and shop, and wider community,” he said.
The Pally hall committee will again flip eggs, bacon and steaks at the main barbecue near the south-western corner of the hall with food outlets, two coffee vans and a snow-cone van also on-site.
Moree Ukulele band, led by Marty Roberts, will entertain market-goers on a day where the maximum temperature is expected to reach a pleasant 32 degrees.
“We’re heading into the best part of the year, weather-wise,” Col said.
Every dollar raised at the Pally Markets goes back into the Pallamallawa School of Arts and War Memorial Hall.
An exact year when the Pally Hall was built is unknown.
However, the corrugated iron hall dates back to 1923, when tenders were called for additions and alterations to the building.
Built in honour of those who served in the First World War, the hall’s honour board recognises 66 servicemen from that conflict as well as 110 from the Second World War and one from the Vietnam War.
“The proceeds from our markets, as well as great support from community members, businesses, and Moree Plains Shire Council, are used for ongoing improvements to the hall,” Col said.
“We are currently undertaking renovations, which includes re-lining a wall, some painting, and refurbishing our returned service personnel memorial honour roll.
“Also, thanks to a very generous donation, we have fitted a new kitchen and had that section of the hall painted as well.
“Future projects include removing pavers and putting down concrete pathways to improve disability access to the hall and amenities, and we also hope to improve our irrigation system,” Col said.
Pally Bush Markets
Where: Pallamallawa School of Arts and War Memorial Hall
When: Sunday, March 15
Time: From around 7.30am
Cost: Free
