New Burri Burri Markets to launch in Port Kembla

Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation is proud to host the first standalone Burri Burri Markets at The Servo in Port Kembla on Sunday, 29 March.

The 100% Aboriginal owned and operated markets grew from a simple chat group formed last year to help local members talk about how they could sell their products.

“We had a NAIDOC Week celebration [last year] and we just offered some of those who had products for sale to come along and sell, and it was a big hit,” says organiser Kristy Thomas.

Now, the markets will be held regularly as a standalone event designed to empower local makers and foster a circular economy. “The event is more to encourage people to buy from community and keep that kind of circular economy going, and supporting those who are just starting out as well,” Kristy says.

The markets offer a curated selection of products from Aboriginal-owned small businesses, featuring art, clothing, jewellery, weaving, homewares, food and more. 

“One thing which is really important is we try and encourage a lot of people who aren't selling the same thing, so each store has different products,” says Kristy. 

“I’m excited to see them all together up and running ... and that collaboration where they get to know one another and what they’re selling. We’ve got a couple of new businesses which we’ve never had before.”

For many stallholders, including full-time mums, the markets are a bridge between a beloved hobby and a sustainable small business.

"Those of us like ourselves and Gumaraa, we've actually been established for a long time. Now, it’s about us supporting the upcoming, younger generation," says Kristy. 

"Supporting Aboriginal businesses is extremely important... people are starting from scratch, taking a hobby and turning it into a business… 'Blak determination,' I call it."

The partnership with The Servo has been instrumental in this success. 

“James from The Servo is such a huge supporter," Kristy says. 

"We’re even starting to talk about how we involve all the businesses within Port Kembla into future events and bringing their kind of workshops to the Servo to support through NAIDOC Week.”

Following this inaugural standalone event, the next Burri Burri market is scheduled for May, which will lead into a big week-long NAIDOC celebration.

Burri Burri Markets

• When: Sunday, 29 March 2026, 9am-3pm
• Where: The Servo Food Truck Bar, 6-8 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla, NSW
• Get involved: Aboriginal makers, artists, and creatives interested in future stalls can submit the EOI form.