Claire Coulter is the market coordinator of the monthly Tabulam markets.

She uses the word community a lot when she talks about the growth of the markets. Because community matters to her.

Markets have had a mixed history at Tabulam since the markets began in 2019.

The markets have been held at different locations with the current site at the playground area next to Tabulam Oval ideal for families.

It’s ideal, stalls are set up around the swings and slides while children play on the council owned revamped playground.

There’s live music, the smell of sausages and onions in the air and everything is slow – people are talking, hanging around and enjoying the sunshine at the market today, Sunday, September 14.

Clare said the monthly market is all about community

“It’s destination Tabulam,” Claire said.

One of the popular stalls is the Free stall where items are donated and people can select any item for free.

Clarie has a stall that features locally made items with macadamias from Nuts End at Hogarth Range, olives from Mongogarie Olives, Mackellar Range coffee, her own Earth Momma natural cosmetics, candles, honey and much more.

Claire is happy with how the markets are growing.

“The community support has been fantastic,” she said.

Catherine Parry only has four trays left of her mushrooms that look like works of art.

“I love being artistic and I love fungi,” she said.

Her favourite is the shiitake mushroom

The Good Mushroom is based at Tabulam where Catherine has been growing mushrooms for two years.

Growing mushrooms requires perfect humidity, light and fresh air, Catherine said.

She has recipe cards to educate people about the varieties of mushrooms and how to cook them – there are millions of varieties, Catherine said.

Akaisha is at the markets every month with her stall Inner Harmony. She offers haircuts and a head and shoulder massage.

Under a marquee in a quiet corner of the market she said she is there to listen to people and help them relax. A haircut is $25 and a ten-minute massage is $15.

She keeps the prices low because she loves her community.

There’s a lot of love at Tabulam Market. Take a drive out west on the second Sunday of the month and enjoy browsing the fresh produce, fresh meat, plants, bric-a-brac while you listen to the music.

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 14 September 2025.