Sunday 12 March 2017

Heritage And The Queen Victoria Market


Many trader’s thinking goes beyond day to day income and extends into wider views of our market. Examining and understanding the history of  QVM, the role it plays in the lives of market families, past and present, and the role it plays in the very fabric of Melbourne’s community are all aspects that help define what we are.

If you are one of those traders who thinks a bit more deeply about QVM, you may be interested in a formal conversation about how we preserve and acknowledge the market. There have been discussions in the past about the possibility of a market museum which would include things like wonderful historic photos and perhaps one of our original storage boxes. You may prefer to concentrate on what David O’Neil calls the “human ecology” -  the way traders and families interact with each other, their customers and the operators of the market.

A conversation is to be held on the evening of Wednesday 29th March with panellists including heritage consultant and architect Peter Lovell, research fellow in digital ethnography at RMIT, Shanti Sumartojo and our own Karl Boening from American Donut Kitchen. Details are below.

Let’s make sure that the this isn’t just an academic discussion but includes the views of a variety of traders who live and work at the market every day.


The Queen Victoria Market site has a long and important history.
You’re invited to join a conversation about how we can preserve and acknowledge this history as we prepare to renew the market.
The first community forum as part of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Program will be held on 29 March 2017.
We will provide an overview of some of the heritage values of the site, the planning and strategies we have in place to preserve the market’s history and encourage you to share your ideas and proposals for activities to promote the history of the site during and beyond the renewal program.
Panellists will include heritage consultant and architect Peter Lovell, research fellow in digital ethnography at RMIT, Shanti Sumartojo and Karl Boening from American Donut Kitchen, a market institution since the 1950’s. This will be followed by a workshop to explore ideas and suggestions on preserving and celebrating the market’s heritage.
When:             5.15pm for 5.30pm start to 7.30 pm, Wednesday, 29 March 2017
Where:            Blue Room, Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne (directly opposite the market)

RSVP:             By Monday 27 March to qvmrenewal@melbourne.vic.gov.au or call 9658 9658