Friday the 27th of May marked the last market of our amazing Fitzroy and Carlton Market Manager, Isabella, who will be sorely missed.

Bella started with us as a volunteer for two years at our Fawkner Market before she officially joined the team at the end of 2019 as the Carlton & Fawkner Market Manager and Communications Coordinator. After Fawkner closed, she’s been the Fitzroy manager since the start of 2021. It’s likely you’ve seen her, with her big personality and even bigger smile, at any of the markets over the years when she’s stepped in to lend a hand.

Throughout her time, Bella has managed over 250 markets, served over 7,500 customers, and packed over 3,500 boxes. She’s navigated five market location changes, two extended market suspensions, a completely different market model as she led our partnership with Fawkner Commons, helped supervise five groups of students on placement, contributed to feasibility studies for new markets and other projects, and completely expanded the workplace fruit box program from the Fitzroy market - and this isn’t even an exhaustive list. Despite all of the challenges throughout the pandemic, she’s continued to do whatever she can to keep her markets inclusive, welcoming and affordable.

Her customers adore her and we know she loves her markets.

We’re so incredibly lucky to have had her with us for the last 2 and a half years, and while we’re so sad to see her go, we can’t wait to see what she does next. We’re expecting big things! 💚