Congratulations Matty!

Australia Day Awards 2023

Yesterday, our very own Matthew Barry, known to most as Matty Be was awarded the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Australia Day Award for his contribution to Business and Tourism in the Macedon Ranges in recognition of his work with the Woodend Community Farmers Market.

Matty is the Action Group Leader of the market and in his voluntary capacity has led a team to grow the market to become the largest and the strongest in the region. Matty has led many new initiatives and always has fresh ideas to attract locals and visitors to Woodend to enjoy open air shopping for artisan foods.

Contributing to the success of the market has been Matty’s leadership of a growing band of volunteers that are acknowledged and celebrated for their valuable assistance every month. The farmers’ market was formed 12 years ago and has been steadily built by the work of leaders and volunteers over that time.

Inspired by the sustainability ethos of parent group, MRSG, Matty has initiated a number of programs to further enhance the sustainability credentials of the market with the aim to make Woodend the first zero-waste market in the region - with more ideas set to come to life in 2023.

Long known for internet connectivity issues in Woodend, another key initiative has been the group effort to improve the experience of both stallholders and visitors to the market with the introduction of a satellite wi-fi system. This system allowed stallholders to remain connected to their payment processors during busy periods when internet was problematic.

Adding to the attractions of the market, Matty in collaboration with well-known local Barry McDonald introduced the “Town Crier”. Dressed in vivd red robes, the Town Crier roams the market each month announcing events and activities that locals and visitors can enjoy not just at the market, but in the surrounding are as well. The Town Crier is enjoyed by locals and visitors.

Join us in congratulating Matty on his wonderful achievement and we hope to see you at the next market on February 4th!