IT’S often been said Pallamallawa is the centre of Moree Plains Shire – some say the universe – and the title was validated on Sunday when the go-ahead hamlet hosted the Pally Bush Markets.

At least 2000 people converged on the tiny hamlet about 30 kilometres east of Moree during a perfect autumn morning to attend a markets day that drew 79 stall-holders from across New South Wales and Queensland.

The Pally Bush Markets concept was thought up about three years ago by well-known Pally local Col Pring and his family.

They teamed up with the Pallamallawa Arts and War Memorial Hall committee to develop the idea – now the markets take over the village three times a year.

“This is the biggest March markets since we started and we got stall-holders that have come from a lot further away this time,” Mr Pring said.

“It’s been great – a perfect day with perfect weather, and a nice, cool breeze blowing.”

The Pally Bush Markets, named Community Event of the Year at the 2024 Moree Plains Shire Council Australia Day Awards, have gone from strength to strength. They quickly outgrew the hall grounds and now extend across adjoining side-streets and parkland.

“We’ve gone out onto the roads and into the park – it just continues to grow,” Mr Pring said.

“It’s good for the community. Not only for the hall committee and stall-holders, but also for our little village and the local pub.

“A lot of people at the markets are booked in the pub. They all eat there, and there’s generally standing room only when the markets are over,” he said.

The next Pally Bush Markets are scheduled for Sunday, July 20 and again on Sunday, October 19.

“We only do three market-days each year, and October will be the biggest – we call them our mega-markets. Hopefully, we’ll get funding and grants to help us along. Moree Plains Shire Council has always supported us,” Mr Pring said.

“The market days are not only good for Pally, but good for Moree as well. A lot of people stay in Moree and spend money, before heading to Pally and spending more money – there’s literally thousands of people throughout the morning,” he said.

The Pally Bush Markets are pretty much now considered Moree’s newest tourist attraction.

“Pally is the centre of the universe, and we’re Pally proud. We love our community, and we love our shire,” Mr Pring smiled.

Words and Images: Bill Poulos