Say ciao to the Italian Forum market

In Latin, the word ‘forum’ means ‘piazza’. On that basis, Leichhardt’s Italian Forum fulfilled its true potential on December 7, which marked the launch of the Leichhardt Growers Market, bringing the Italian tradition of a weekday market to the inner west.

The market launch saw a showcase of fresh produce, ranging from fruit and vegetables to organic meats, freshly-crushed juices and desserts, and fresh flowers.

“It was not easy two years ago to embrace this project, but we had some true believers on Council,” said Italian Forum president Francesco Giacobbe. “We strongly believe the piazza is a place where – as happens in Italy – people can come in without a specific interest, and can meet and socialise with other people.”

Market organisers Marina Saraceno and Lee Sutch said they were “delighted” with the growers’ response to the market. “The phone has rung off the hook since we announced the market,” Ms Saraceno said. “We are veteran market stall holders ourselves, so we know what it’s like to get up at 4am to pack the truck for market.”

She added the market would grow each week with new stalls.

Leichhardt Growers Market takes place every Tuesday in the Italian Forum piazza, 23 Norton Street, Leichhardt, between 9am and 2pm