Communityleader celebrated

Matthew Barry’s proven ability as agreat motivator of people and innovative leader have been recognised in Macedon Ranges’ Australia Day awards.

He was named this year’s winner of the Business and Tourism Award for his dedication to developing the Woodend Community Farmers’ Market for the past three years.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the market was in danger of closing with government imposed rules and restrictions hindering volunteers, stallholders and shoppers.

Matthew was astrong leader in developing solutions and keeping volunteers motivated.

“To keep the market open and operational we had alot of hurdlesbut we continued to tick all the boxes,” he said.

“It was really tough during the pandemic because the market is typically avery social event but we managed with martials to keep people moving and pioneering new ways for the market’s layout and movement in the space.”

Another problem presented in a‘no cash’ policy that forced the team to think outside the box. Woodend’s notorious poor internet meant the market required asatellite service -orpop-upnetwork.

Matthew was also able to enlist 25 volunteers with an initiative that saw each one post their ‘superstar’ status to social media.

The market has grown significantly, now offering up to 75 stalls, providing income for local producers and growers, and is highly regarded by the Victorian Farmers Market Association.

Matthew said his next goal for the market is to become the first to go completely wastefree.