General News
12 September, 2026
Market faces insurance changes
AFTER almost 40 years of bringing stallholders and market lovers together, the Ararat Market is making changes to how it operates, with stallholders now required to provide their own public liability insurance. Market organisers Debbie Warrior and Reg Eastick were disheartened to announce the change to stallholders two weeks ago, following rising insurance costs and restrictions around the market's existing coverage.
While organisers said the change was necessary, they acknowledged it would have an impact on some of the market's smaller stallholders.
“We decided that we would have to get everyone to do the insurance because it was too expensive for us to cover it,” Debbie said.
“So we had to put up an ad to say that we are going to need insurance. It's been coming for a while, but it's just hurt the little people, the ones that are on pensions and just want a bit of extra cash, the kids, the charities.”
At its busiest, the market can host close to 30 stalls inside the hall, providing an outlet for local sellers, charities and community groups.
Debbie said the majority of stallholders had accepted the change, but some had hinted they would look elsewhere.
“90 per cent of them were okay. But there are a few that aren't going to be doing it. They go to markets where they don't have to pay it.”
Despite the disappointment, organisers said the market had to meet its legal obligations.
“We've got to abide by the law,” Debbie said.
“You can get it as low as $10 a month, but sometimes that's a lot of money for people.”
The September market held this weekend, will also continue the market's long-standing community focus, serving as its annual fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Stall fees and donations will contribute to the fundraiser to support The Ararat Blue Ribbon Foundation campaign for a mammogram machine for East Grampians Health Service.
Reg said supporting the cause remained important to the market and the wider community.
“It's very important. There wouldn’t be a family in Australia who wouldn't be touched by cancer,” he said.
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