Ballarat Fresh Produce Market has got its sizzle back, with community-run barbecues to return from next month.

The Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast and the Ballarat East Men’s Shed have been invited to once again take turns to run fundraising sausage sizzles at the market, which is held in the Bridge Mall on the first Saturday of each month.

The two organisations had run barbecues on alternate months when the market was operated at its previous location in Armstrong Street South.

Ballarat Mayor Councillor Craig Fletcher said the return of the barbecues was a great result for market-goers and the community groups involved.

“The Ballarat Fresh Produce Market was introduced as an outcome of Council’s CBD Strategy, primarily to activate Ballarat’s CBD.”

“Trialling the market at the Bridge Mall last month was a great success, market-goers enjoyed the atmosphere and bustling activity of the mall.’’

“Feedback from the community indicated the barbecues were seen as an important part of the market, so after consultation with the Bridge Mall Traders Association, operators have been invited to return from next month.”

“Having been at last month’s market, I was able to commence discussions with the Bridge Mall traders about the possible return of the barbecues.”

“The reinstatement of the barbecues will only enhance the experience for market-goers and will compliment the food on offer through vendors in the Bridge Mall.”

“Council is also aware that the market created a significant fundraising opportunity for the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast and the Ballarat East Men’s Shed, and I’m pleased that they will have that once again.”

The Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast president Kay Macaulay said the club was delighted with the decision.

“The Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast is happy with the decision council has made to reinstate the barbecue. The barbecue is a fundraiser for our club and we would like to be a part of the market again.”

Ballarat East Community Men’s Shed Vice President Doug Jenkins said the return of the barbecue would make a big difference to the Men’s Shed.

“The Ballarat East Community Men’s Shed is very pleased with this decision and it will enhance our fundraising opportunities.”

Bridge Mall Centre Manager John Marios said Mall Traders had experienced the benefit of having the market in the mall last month.

“Bridge Mall Traders have seen the success of last month’s market and with the amount of people there we’re quite confident it will be beneficial to all of the traders as well as the stallholders, including the charity organisations.”

Ballarat Fresh Produce Market is held on the first Saturday of each month at the Bridge Mall.

The next market will be held at the Bridge Mall on Saturday August 6 from 9am to 1pm.