Insurance blow closes market

By Tania Martin
GEMBROOK’S market is the latest community event to fold because of insurance problems.
This follows a review by Cardinia Shire last year that ended “section 86” committees.
The committees operated under the auspices of councils and the umbrella of their insurance policies.
But Cardinia Council said this year that it had been advised by its insurers that community volunteer organisations and groups would not be adequately protected under its insurance policy.
The council said it was decided the best option was to help each group become an incorporated body.
In April Emerald’s Winterfest decided to suspend its event for the same reasons although it said it would be reinstated once the insurance problems had been resolved.
Council chief executive Garry McQuillan said the decision was made to ensure the volunteers who contributed thousands of hours to the community were protected through appropriate insurances in the event of a major incident or tragedy.
“Unfortunately, the Gembrook market committee has indicated it no longer wishes to operate,” he said.
“Whilst it is not the council’s role to deliver markets, we certainly place a strong importance on initiatives that connect and strengthen our communities.”
In a letter to the Gazette the committee said it had decided it wasn’t prepared to become an incorporated body because that would result in additional legal, financial, administrative responsibilities and liabilities.
“It would make the market financially unviable,” the letter said. “We have no choice but to close the market.”
The committee members were all disappointed at having to close the market because the aim had always been to support the Gembrook community.
They said that despite the closure there was a great deal to celebrate because the market had achieved a lot in a short time.
Since its inception in 2005, the market has raised more than $40,000 for local community groups and events.
Community groups have also raised thousands of dollars from the barbecue and clearance sales.
Mr McQuillan said feedback from the community suggested residents wanted the market to continue.
“The council would be happy to provide what advice and support we can to any groups or organisations interested in taking up the initiative and running the market in future,” he said.
“Our primary aim throughout this process has been to ensure volunteers are protected.”