More than 100 stalls plus a stunning location make the 5th Sunday of the month a special day for a beach-side market.
“I truly believe that our donuts are the ‘food of the gods,’” says Christine Steain of the Milton-Ulladulla Lions Club. This Sunday is that special time of the calendar when a 5th Sunday falls and the Mollymook Beach Markets are in full swing from 8am until 1pm.
“If nothing else, come for a donut!” says Christine. The Lions food caravans “are a case of many hands making light work and the smiles and laughter coming from the vans is testament to the enjoyment we all share.” It is clear that serving and supporting the community runs deep in the Lions members.
Some of this month’s market highlights include Little Fledgling Art (read more about Amelia’s unique art). A local wine producer from Wallaroo Wines will have fantastic offerings to try as well as Holdfast Distillery Gin from Braidwood for those who enjoy a drink. Stoney Coast Collective is a newer stall at the market producing hand made shell art and home décor. Clare Moore Designs make an interesting variety of stickers and other fun items. Local photographer Jordan Robins will be there with his stunning prints and beach towels. Beth from Culwulla has her gorgeous resin boards and candles all hand crafted plus service with a smile. Your writer will also be there with my unique relishes where sampling is encouraged!
The Milton-Ulladulla Lions Club are one of the great charitable organisations that are always there especially when you least expect it. They are famous for popping up with a sausage sizzle and those donuts. You may have seen the Lions Club food caravans serving up their delicious offerings at events locally including Ulladulla Wharf Markets and Milton Markets.
The jewel in the crown is the Mollymook Beach Markets, held on the 5th Sunday when it falls. This coming Sunday is one of those rare occasions that falls between 3 or 4 times per year. Fully run by volunteers of the Lions Club members, this is fast becoming a must visit market with over 100 stalls. Christine is the current coordinator of the Mollymook Market. She receives hundreds of emails for applications to have a stall at these markets, often running a waitlist showing how popular and well respected these markets are.
“When we arrive and you look at the sunrise, our location and all of these stalls, we just think how lucky we are to be here. Where else would you want to be!” says Christine, proud as punch of what she is achieving after taking on the role at the beginning of 2023. “It is just what we do at Lions, we are a family that really supports one another.” As a member of the Lions Club for 9 years, Christine just dipped her toe into the water to begin. ‘At first, I just attended the meetings every fortnight, then I assisted with birthday and anniversary cards for members, then onto raffles and finally moved onto coordinating the markets.”
Christine’s story is just one of many that make up the tapestry of people who volunteer at various events and fundraising activities along with the Lions Club charter. She encourages anyone who is looking to meet likeminded people, give back and make a difference in the community to join. “The Lions welcome people from all walks of life and at any stage of life. No one pushes you to serve beyond your capacity and we understand that many people have busy lives so don’t feel that they can contribute a lot of time. This is not a problem. But if someone feels that they would like to assist, in any way, no matter how small they are always made to feel welcome and valued.” says Christine. “Everyone is capable of something and can offer something. It can be as simple as putting up flags at events or collecting donations at the gate of the market.” She has made some life-long friends now after being drawn in by the ‘many hands’ commercial on TV and there is no looking back now.
Some of the projects that the Lions Club have worked on or are currently working on include Jindelara Cottage, Lions Park at Burrill Lake, Australia Day celebrations, Anzac wreaths and bringing Christmas joy to Ulladulla. Every event run by the Lions club raises money for great causes, some bring a smile to your face and others make a massive difference in people’s lives. “Our latest project is the creation of over 40 beautiful new Santas that we intend to unveil as this Christmas approaches,” says Christine, the enthusiasm has been in her voice from start to finish through this conversation.
The Jindelara Cottage is a project headed by Lions. The Lions Ulladulla District Community Foundation was established in 2013 as an initiative of the Ulladulla Milton Lions Club. It operates as a voluntary organisation managed by a committee, whose president is a Lion, comprising members from local service clubs such as Apex, Lions and Rotary.
The foundation’s main objective is to address the critical and pressing need for local respite care, for people with severe disabilities and their families/carers in Ulladulla and surrounding areas.
The foundation is recognised for its significant initiative, the “Jindelara Project.” This project brought about the creation of Jindelara Cottage, a modern disability respite facility on the Princes Highway in Ulladulla. The facility, which opened in 2018, plays a crucial role in providing essential disability support within our community.
If you are looking for something to do this Sunday, why not stroll through 100+ stalls at Mollymook Beach while enjoying a donut and sausage sizzle and knowing that you are giving back to some great initiatives in the local area.
You can find the Mollymook Beach Markets on the 5th Sunday of the month, with the next market after this one falling in September. If you would like to volunteer, even if it is infrequently, any of the beautiful volunteers in the yellow shirts will gladly talk to you about it.