The Bemboka Improvement Group and organisers Kim Downs and Jeanie Goodhew held the market to highlight Bega Valley home-based businesses and boost the local economy in the quieter winter months. 

They also wanted to use the market as a fundraiser, with the first one highlighting ovarian cancer research. 

Rae Corbett, Ovarian Cancer Australia volunteer community ambassador, travelled to Bemboka with a stall of merchandise and information to promote awareness of ovarian cancer. 

“My daughter was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at just 28, that’s how I became involved.

“I now travel around talking about ovarian cancer and my message is that this isn’t a disease of older women,” she said. 

Ms Corbett was just one of the stallholders, with community groups and small home-based business selling everything from children’s clothes to hand-made chocolates. 

Plants, handicrafts, skincare, candles, soaps, fruit and veg, gourmet cupcakes, local meat and even a hairdresser - who was kept busy the entire time - were also part of the inaugural market.

Some people just popped in for some lunch, with a barbecue outside and Spicy Jam catering providing delicious meals inside.

Ms Downs said the market will now be a monthly event.

“It’s good for the town to have something like this and we’ve had a steady flow of people through here all day,” she said.

“We’ve had lots of positive feedback from stallholders and most are already booked in for next month.

“Each month we will choose a charity to donate to, in August it will be the Red Cross as it’s the centenary for their organisation next month,” she said. 

The next market will be August 2 from 9am-1pm. 

Anyone interested in booking a stall should contact 0439 534 958 or search for Bemboka Market on Facebook.