The Origin Story

Following the significant impact of the bushfires and COVID on our 2019/20 season, the KFAM Committee devised a concept to help the Market, local businesses  and community bounce back, but also grow and thrive by creating a semi-permanent base in the Kingscote Wharf area.

The concept of “The Backyard Project” was born, with the vision of activating and invigorating a section of Kingscote Wharf area which had long been vacant and unused and make it a usable “backyard” where the community and visitors can work, play, gather and feel at home. A “market square”, providing a bit of shelter from the coastal winds; a community space combining the ambience of its seaside locality with a bit more permanence and convenience. But ultimately a place where ideas are born and dreams are grown, supporting the microbusinesses, side hustles, creative outlets and fast-growing successes of our ingenious island entrepreneurs.

We were successful in securing two grants to see the concept develop into a reality.​

Beset by obstacles and unavoidable (though disappointing) changes in scope, the project has evolved significantly since it was nutted out by the original dream team of Sarah Kemp, Naomi O'Donnell, Alec Hall and the late, great Sarah Strong-Law. But the new committee - Bronwyn Smith, Bianca Jones, Lucy McNaught, Jenny Morris and Alice Teasdale - sees the eight new stalls as a starting point. We're really excited to see how the market evolves around this new model.

 

How it works 

• 8 stalls are available. Each is one quarter of a 12-metre container and measures approximately 2.9 x 2.4 metres.

• Each has an awning on the front which is swung up to provide a sheltered space in front of the enclosed stall.

• Each stall has a lockable back door for access.

• Stalls are separated by lockable roller blinds, so adjacent stalls can become a single larger stall.

• The stalls are not suitable for cooking but may be suitable for service of food prepared off site. It is your responsibility to ensure your food service is compliant. Proof of your hygiene standards training must be provided if accepted.

• We welcome joint applications, with micro-businesses willing to share a space.

• The stalls have basic domestic power but do not have plumbing. They are fully insulated.

• Monthly rental is $150 including GST per calendar month, in advance. A bond of $150 is also required, and minimum lease is 3 months.

• Each unit will be metred, and power charged as an addition to rent. There are 2 power points and an overhead light per stall.

• No permanent fixtures can be applied to the containers (screws, nails, etc) but magnets and stickers are accepted if the containers are returned to their original condition upon vacancy.

• Tenants must have current appropriate public liability insurance and provide a certificate of currency if accepted. Items stored in the stalls must also be covered by your own insurance.

• You are welcome to access and open your stall to the public at any time.

• There is an expectation that you will open for our regular markets. Please see our 2026/27 calendar on our website or Facebook page.

• We are considering releasing a winter program of events so that the space is profitable year-round. Tenants who end their lease during the winter months are not guaranteed a place the following year.​

To join the waitlist please email an enquiry to kingscotemarket@gmail.com!​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​

​​​​​​​​The Kingscote Farmers & Artisan Markets would like to thank:

• The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and Biz Rebuild for funding The Backyard Project;

• The Bickfords Group for allowing KFAM to use the site, enabling and supporting the community use of the area;

• The talented Sarah Kemp of Smart Future Creative, for the vision and plan for the 'Backyard Project' and successfully writing the grant applications;

• The amazing Sue Arlidge from Regional Development Australia, for her encouragement, enthusiasm, advice and support;

• To Sarah Strong-Law, who we sorely miss, for filling our buckets and helping develop branding for KFAM and the Backyard Project.

• In 2025 we'd like to thank Campbell's Haulage and Kwikwing for transport, and the other trades who have contributed to the build.​​