Second Hand Woes
It’s literally not worth it not to comply with the law in fact, $5,500 of not worth it! When am I required to have a Second Hand Dealers License? If you do more than 6 markets (any markets, ours or elsewhere) in a calendar year AND you carry second hand goods as described under the law, you must have a license. What type of second hand goods do they mean? Mostly small items with a reasonable on sale value, the types of things sought by thieves, easily transportable and saleable. Second hand CDs, jewellery, sporting goods, car accessories, gemstones & semi precious met, musical instruments, computer software and hardware and more.
We have a number of leaflets available for your information courtesy of the Office of Fair Trading. OFT are the state government consumer body that enforce these regulations along with our friends from another state government instrument the NSW Police. If you have any doubt ask us, go to the OFT web site www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au , pick up an info sheet, ignorance is not a defence under law.
Of course we get a number of second hand goods from local folk who have done a spring clean and bring a virtual garage sale to the market. Amongst their goods may be ‘items described’.
It isn’t an offence to sell these goods, but if you do have any such items on your stall we are similarly obliged to comply with the legislation and note your details, name, address, contact details, a form of ID (drivers license, is fine) and the number of markets attended in the year and the specific goods. You sign off against that and that record must be kept by us for 3 years. Naturally we are happy to comply with the law as it does provide a number of societal benefits and consumer protection.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation Marketeers.

• Market Guide to Happening Stuff
• 9am-10am Meet the Local Candidates.
  The nominated candidates for the upcoming local elections put their 3 minute presentations to the public. Then Q&A! Always grass roots democracy at its most engaging. Moderated by Dorin Hart and recorded for reply on 2BBB-fm (107.3fm or 93.3fm). A political hour of power.
• 9am-11.30am RAAF Hot Air Balloon
  Tethered Flights
  Free, courtesy of 28th Squadron RAAF. Definitely for basket cases, thrill seekers, death cheaters and the birds - but you’ve got to try it!
  Jazz on the Market Stage
  10am-12pm - Paul Bulyani
  & Manouche Partie.
• 12pm-2pm Chris Fraters Vintage ‘08
• All Day Reptile World
  Herpetologist and Author, Steve McEwan will entertain, educate, inform and maybe save your life.

A noticeable addition to the BCM layout this month is the new building to be found adjoining those existing buildings at the southern end in the grandstand. The building represents the major project of a three plan in partnership with the Bellingen Shire Council who as you are aware from earlier newsletters are co-contributing funding over three years, in line with a projected plan of improvements and park maintenance presented to BSC by BCM Market Committee.
Although not totally completed the building was built with funds from the BSC & BCM along with a generous contribution of $2,500 from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. Once completed the building will provide multi purpose functions as the BCM information office, first aid post, lost children/parents/guardians reportage and recovery point & as a central meeting point for visitors. When not in use for that purpose it will house our recycling bins. That will have completed Stage One.
Our next series of projects have already begun with the removal of a tree in the Central Entertainment & Food area which was threatening safety and the Market Stage. Roots in areas of that Section C and B Section have been painted to prevent falls in the interim period prior to having stump grinders render them level. We love our trees but Council has identified several for removal and after consultation with BCM these removals will then proceed on Council’s availability.
Pathways are another item being discussed. What to do with what we’ve got? We are looking (eventually) to link existing pathways with new ones to create a complete pathways system but at the same time there is maintenance of those existing paths to be considered, somehow stump grinding of roots along the proposed new pathways needs also to be factored in to the rising costs. These and other matters are to be the topic of a meeting I am attending with BSC and so rather than anticipate the outcome I will provide the definitive details to you in the nest newsletter.

A noticeable addition to the BCM layout this month is the new building to be found adjoining those existing buildings at the southern end in the grandstand. The building represents the major project of a three plan in partnership with the Bellingen Shire Council who as you are aware from earlier newsletters are co-contributing funding over three years, in line with a projected plan of improvements and park maintenance presented to BSC by BCM Market Committee.
Although not totally completed the building was built with funds from the BSC & BCM along with a generous contribution of $2,500 from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. Once completed the building will provide multi purpose functions as the BCM information office, first aid post, lost children/parents/guardians reportage and recovery point & as a central meeting point for visitors. When not in use for that purpose it will house our recycling bins. That will have completed Stage One.
Our next series of projects have already begun with the removal of a tree in the Central Entertainment & Food area which was threatening safety and the Market Stage. Roots in areas of that Section C and B Section have been painted to prevent falls in the interim period prior to having stump grinders render them level. We love our trees but Council has identified several for removal and after consultation with BCM these removals will then proceed on Council’s availability.
Pathways are another item being discussed. What to do with what we’ve got? We are looking (eventually) to link existing pathways with new ones to create a complete pathways system but at the same time there is maintenance of those existing paths to be considered, somehow stump grinding of roots along the proposed new pathways needs also to be factored in to the rising costs. These and other matters are to be the topic of a meeting I am attending with BSC and so rather than anticipate the outcome I will provide the definitive details to you in the nest newsletter.

If you are a Casual stallholder at today’s BCM congratulations, you got in. It is my happy task to return the calls of the many hopeful making their expressions of Interest for a site each Monday prior to our 3rd Saturday jamboree (BCM). It is my onerous task also to have to vet the calls also. I am obliged by the policy of the BCM to return calls to Bellingen Shire Residents in the first instance. After that any remaining sites are filled according to the character of the BCM which seeks to promote local art, craft and fresh produce - products of human endeavour and imagination. After those are selected I am then able to proceed to fill remaining Casual sites, if any. Once the required number of stalls is filled we are unable to return all of the calls to those who have been unsuccessful but an advisory message is recorded if you wish to know the outcome. So as you can see there is a method & the time of your call is merely incidental to the process, providing your call is in after 6am on the Monday prior to our BCM.

First Marketeer to correctly write the answer on this sheet to the following question then complete the task at the time specified can win their stall fee for this month.
1. When was BCM established? Task: At 10am first person to stand front of stage & with gusto spruik your stall to the crowd ending with “BCM not just a marketplace but a great place to be ” NB. If more than one, the free stall will be won by best spruiker. Good Luck!

This month’s musical entertainment, 8 Ball Aitken (pic).
Australia’s originator and foremost exponent of “Mareeba Swamp Blues” (?). 8 Ball and his band will slide their way into your feet via your ears and heart, as he has on appearances at East Coast Blues & Roots Festival and with the media. All the local papers and radio have given space as has the newly advertised Country Music Mag and ABC’s John Nutting on his nationally aired country music interviewed this rising performer; take a moment to take look and have a listen. 8 Balls tour is to launch his third CD (available by the stage) before touring Asia, Japan & Europe. Market Stage from 10am.  As a not for profit, voluntary association BSRA seeks to bring benefit to the shire through various projects and ventures, BCM is such an example. After BCM operating costs are deducted, funds raised are returned to the community via contributions from the BSRA to the Shire’s many and varied community service organisations, schools, arts, sport and cultural groups. It is from the BSRA membership base that the BCM Committee is voted for and elected. If you would like to find out more you can go to our web address www.belingenmarkets.com.au and click on ‘About’, or speak to Neil.

Winner!!

Last month’s winner of a free stall site was A Section’s, Ben Quigley (pic). He’s an even bigger winner this week…Congratulations to Jess & Ben who waited a respectable amount of time après’ May’s BCM (20th May in fact) before welcoming to the world the newest Q, a baby boy and #1 son, Abel. If you’d like to emulate Ben by winning a free stall observe these pages closely and follow the directions.

Second Hand Dealers

Stall holders and marketeers are required by law to hold a second-handlicence if they are selling ‘prescribed second-hand’trade in such goods on more than 6 days in the period of 12 months ending with the date the market stall is held. ‘Prescribed’ goods are detailed on the Office of Fair Trading website www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. If you are selling such goods (2nd hand clothes aren’t counted) and you meet the above criteria be sure you are compliant with the Act or you will not be allowed to trade at BCM.

The gods are good to us every 3rd Saturday of the month not having to cancel a Market for over 10 years. If the 3rd Saturday of the month BCM is postponed it is not cancelled but it is held again on the following Saturday.
If a BCM is postponed Casual AND Permanent stall holders alike must then call the office on the Monday following the cancelled BCM and rebook or in the Permanents instance advise if they are attending. If that rescheduled BCM fails to proceed then that months BCM is then totally cancelled and we start as usual the following month.
BCM is an all weather Markets and will proceed despite rain or inclement conditions, providing that by going ahead with the Market we are not damaging the park grounds and with all consideration to public and OH&S.
If several days of rain make it obvious we would be working in a quagmire then we have the luxury of being able to evaluate conditions and advise in advance; this has never been the case. More usually the deluge is a matter of days before, in which case the ground is examined on the morning of the Market and the decision made then. That decision is ultimately mine but is taken in consultation with committee and staff, and taking into consideration traders resolve and will be announced to waiting queues by (no later than) 7am. If a Market goes ahead on an inclement day all fees and payments are due. Should a trader choose not to attend that BCM all fees and payments remain due and will be collected at the following Market. Further, more detailed information is available by picking up a copy of the Postponement/Cancellation Policy from the Info Tent or on our web site www.bellingenmarkets.com.au

It’s been some very long time since we’ve experienced a wet start to our morning as was the case last month. Of total stalls, Permanent & Casual we were down 50%, so a timely reminder might be worthwhile.
Permanent Marketeers of long standing are aware of their obligations under our BCM guidelines that a stall fee will apply if, a BCM goes ahead and you choose not to attend. For the few Permanents who chose not to trade this will be the case. A missed fee is also applicable if you chose to trade at another event/market in preference to your obligations as a BCM Permanent Stallholder. Casuals, on the other hand are not liable for a fee if they did not attend.
We are an outdoor, all weather market and for 26 years, except in flood or if a threat to public safety or property (i.e. Bellingen Park) were probable, we go ahead. It is that surety that saw our ‘wet’ April Market visited by yet again more tour coaches. I was aware of three, they came from Armidale, Port Macquarie & it may have been Grafton (?). As in these conditions radio covering the mid north coast were advised and people reacted to the bulletins and came, one Marketeer reporting one of his customers commenting that she’d heard it in Port, another reporting a Coffs resident who heard it on the airwaves (ABC Regional & Star fm respectively). The point is they came!
A possibility to consider as a Permanent is that if you don’t want to or feel you can’t trade in fair weather and foul or, want to have the flexibility to pick and choose which BCM you’d like to attend that you entertain the idea of returning to Casual status. No veiled threat there only a genuine concern for an outcome that will suit you best and enable the Market to ensure a presentable attendance for visitors. If you would like to discuss your options or if you have any difficulty or queries on your missed market fee come by the Info Tent and ask for Neil; or phone the BCM office.

4 Pm Full Time

We’re asking your co-operation to clear the entire BCM by 4PM (earlier if possible) for March’s BCM. This is the not negotiable deadline for us to vacate the Park to allow our mutual stakeholders, Bellingen Valley Dorrigo Rugby League Football Club (BVDRLFC) to kick off on their first fixture for the season.
It’s not envisaged that our future schedules will conflict and it has not been the case in recent past history. If however any future dates should conflict we would hope to be able to provide you prior advice.
Most stalls are usually packed and gone well before this March’s departure time, any one feeling they may not be able to meet this commitment should immediately see the manager at the Information Tent.
That’s 4pm; 16:00 hours; and applies to all Sections. Our prior thanks in anticipation of your assistance in making it happen.

BCM Getaway

August 2007’s visit to BCM from Channel 9’s Getaway programme coincided with the Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival and the massive parade through town and then into our Market by the Vee Dub Car Club Sydney.
Presenter, Giaan Rooney and crew spent quite some time enjoying and filming here. Personally I’d go for the vibrancy & ‘colour’ of our BCM realistically however there was a great amount of Bello related footage shot and only several short minutes of programme time in which to air it.
The nervous wait will end at 7.30pm Thursday April 3rd 2008 when Getaway run the episode containing their Bellingen story. It can be subject to change but staffers are confident it should run as scheduled - show biz.

BCM Web launch

BCM not just a marketplace but now also available in cyberspace! Yes Marketeers for those that can’t get enough BCM we are now delighted to offer up to cyberspace and to any one that wants to view it our new web page available on our new web address bellingenmarkets.com.au
We’re obviously excited and think you’ll be suitably impressed by how BCM is represented on the net.
Mark Carpenter of thirtypointfour has created an easy to navigate, fast, and attractive site. Moreover he has, I think managed with use of colour and design to capture the intrinsic elements which resonates our Market’s vibe.
You can link to the site immediately if you wish, at a later date we’ll be announcing other options and opportunities for Marketeers to best utilise the site and increase your involvement with it.
We’d be interested, as always to have your feedback either in person, on the phone or via the new web site. And be sure to tell people it’s out there.
A word of note for Casuals, all Expressions of Interest for BCM stall sites are only ever to be made by phone unless otherwise advised.

Get Off the Grass

The football field and its outer perimeters are a NO GO AREA. Most of you are already aware of that fact and if you weren’t you are now. Treat it as if it were scattered with land mines.
A mutual cooperation has existed between the Parks main stakeholders BCM & BVDRLFC for 26 years. One of the major, if not the major concerns common to both organisations is the well being of all of the Bellingen Park grounds. ‘The Magpies’ specific concern is obviously centred on the playing field and BCM fully support them by keeping the playing area and perimeters STRICTLY OUT OF BOUNDS TO ALL VEHICLES.
Perimeter markings have not been painted on so you’re asked to take your directions and site lines from your relevant Section Co-ordinator/s. In E Section, sites with their backs to the field are asked NOT to unpack or pack from the rear of the site and definitely no cars or trailers to left behind, ever.
Please ensure all vehicular movement is kept to walking pace and all care taken not to create tracks when driving in & out. Once again, thanks in anticipation of your complete co-operation.

Park Improvements

Building will commence shortly, after necessary DA approval from Bellingen Shire Council, for extensions to the existing central kiosk building. It is proposed this will be in three stages. A building will be constructed, serving as a multi purpose storage, information and shade area. Storing recycling bins thorough the month, it will also double as BCM Information Centre on Market day. In stages two & three, awnings on the eastern and western sides of the kiosk will be extended to provide greater public shade area.
Following a recent meeting between all concerned parties and after assurances given too the two BCM Committee attending, the status quo with regards to traffic movement and stall sites should not inconvenience or upset the usual BCM running.
As you are aware from previous newsletters the addition of the new enclosure to our Parks amenities have been made possible by contributions from Bellingen Shire Council and a welcome grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal along with BCM own contribution.

Virtual BCM

On March 15th BCM will be launching a new Web site & Domain name. Mark Carpenter at thirtypointfour, you’ll know Mark as the designer of the BCM Logo, has designed a most attractive and user friendly site incorporating features not available in our original Web site and able to provide information, forms and interactivity applicable to intending visitors, interested stallholders and seasoned Permanents.
Next month our newsletter will provide you with more detail and with policies in place to govern links and develop greater web presence. Check this space next month for all the facts.