The Annual General Meeting of the Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, 13 October 2024, following the market in the Stirling Angas Pavilion.

Click the links below to access the meeting documents.

• ASFM AGM Agenda 2024

• Draft ASFM AGM Minutes 2023 

• ASFM-Constitution—updated-October 2021 

• Proxy Form – AGM Oct 2024 

• 2024 ASFM Inc Audited Financial Report

• 2024 Annual Report

Three committee positions became vacant at the AGM. Nominations were called for, and four were received. Therefore an online election opened at 5pm on Friday, 6 September 2024, and closed at 5pm on Sunday, 6 October 2024. 2024 Members were emailed a unique link to vote. At the AGM on 13 October, Geoff Page and Trish Simpson were re-elected, and Daniel Warburton was newly appointed.

Details of the candidates are below.

2024 Candidates

Geoff Page – Stallholder – Gooseberry Hill Farms

About yourself:

Dr Geoff Page who many of you will know as the barefoot stallholder selling flowers and vegetable seedlings. Our Gooseberry Hill stall has only missed one Showground market since its inception. Apart from the Showground, we also trade at the Adelaide Hills and Willunga farmers’ markets. I have been an active researcher of farmers’ markets, both here and internationally and will bring what I and other researchers have found to the market. I also bring a strong understanding of governance to the board which is reinforced by my practical experience as an Ombudsman at the University of South Australia. I bring a desire to get the next strategic plan undertaken to make us an even better market ready to thrive in the changing marketplace.

Why do I want to join the committee?

I am keen to maintain a strong market that supports agricultural producers, that is dynamic but not one that forgets what the aim of a farmers market is. I believe we need to maintain the strong governance which we have now established, which means we are always focused on what’s good for the market, the stallholders and the members as a whole. We need to diversify where we get our produce from within the state to avoid shortages in the future that could arise through climate and/or biosecurity issues.

What personal qualities do I bring to committee?

I bring the practical understanding of what is required to be a grower and stallholder so that market policy is developed with a view to being practical as well as efficient. I listen, think and then act or advocate. You will not find me trying to win cases on emotion, but rather presenting a logically prepared case for change.

Details of previous experience or qualifications that are relevant.

I have significant experience in being on boards and committees. I am a trustee on A.W. Howard Trust which supports pasture researchers, chair of the Adelaide Hills farmer’s market board, chair of the Meadows Memorial Hall & Community association and former deputy chair of the South Australian Agricultural Bureau.

I have served on the boards of several professional bodies earlier in my career and been a Head of school at the University of South Australia with programs operating in several overseas countries.

What specific knowledge and skills would contribute to the ASFM?

I have been an active researcher of farmers’ markets, both here and internationally and will bring what I and other researchers have found to the market. I also bring a strong understanding of governance to the board, which is reinforced by my practical experience as an Ombudsman.

Trish Simpson – Community Member

I became a part of the Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market (ASFM) community in 2012, establishing a stall to sell free-range eggs under our cherished brand, “Murphy’s Crossing.” The market proved to be a pivotal platform for the brand, greatly contributing to its success and popularity among the local community.

Overcoming numerous formidable challenges has marked my journey as a stallholder, including severe health crises, fluctuating regulatory environments, devastating droughts, and the destructive Pinery fire. These experiences have not only tested my resolve but have also provided me with profound insights into the complexities of sustainable farming practices and the resilience required to thrive in this demanding industry.

My tenure on various committees, handling responsibilities that required managing staff and ensuring strict confidentiality regarding market operations, has enriched my understanding of market dynamics. In 2021, I was honoured to join the ASFM Committee and have more recently been serving as its Secretary. It has been immensely rewarding to contribute to a committee dedicated to fostering collaboration and forward-thinking strategies that ensure the market’s long-term stability and relevance.

The ASFM is an essential conduit between the city dwellers and rural communities, playing a critical role in enhancing consumer awareness and appreciation of the intricacies of food production. This connection is vital for cultivating a well-informed consumer base that values and supports local agriculture.

I am deeply passionate about the ASFM and am eager to continue contributing to its mission and success. My commitment to the market is driven by a desire to maintain its role as a key educational and commercial hub, bridging gaps and building a stronger, more sustainable community around local produce.

Daniel Warburton – Stallholder – Neighbours Sourdough Crumpets

Biography of Nominee:
Daniel Warburton is a dedicated artisan with a rich background in the food industry. Co-founder of the critically acclaimed Honor and Neighbours cafes in Paris, he has a deep understanding of market culture both in France and at notable foodie markets in London. Now based in Willunga, Daniel focuses on selling Neighbours’ renowned sourdough crumpets at the Willunga and Adelaide Farmers’ Markets. His commitment to community, sustainability, and a keen interest in the ’whys’ and hows’ of operations drive his passion for enhancing local food practices and market relevance.

Further information on why you are standing:
I am passionate about the ’whys’ and ’hows’ of operations and believe that understanding these aspects can drive significant improvements. My goal is to elevate the Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market to international recognition, keeping it relevant with food trends and cementing its status as Australia’s premier farmers’ market. With my experience in establishing and managing successful businesses here and abroad and a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement, I aim to contribute to the market’s growth and continued success.

Why do you want to join the ASFM committee?
I am eager to join the ASFM committee to apply my extensive experience from running successful food businesses in Paris and observing vibrant market cultures in France and London. I am motivated to help the ASFM achieve its strategic goals, support the production and sale of local, seasonal produce, and foster a deeper community understanding of sustainable food practices. I believe my background and passion can drive positive changes and enhance the market’s prominence and impact.

What personal qualities would you bring to the committee?
I bring a deep passion for understanding the fundamental aspects of market operations, a commitment to sustainability, and a proven track record in successfully managing and growing food-related businesses. My experience in navigating complex business cultures and my dedication to community engagement and food quality will contribute to a forward-thinking and effective committee.

Detail previous experience or qualifications that you feel would be relevant:
My experience includes founding and running Honor and Neighbours cafes in Paris, where I navigated the complexities of French bureaucracy, and food habits and achieved critical acclaim. I have also been actively involved in running Neighbours at the Willunga and Adelaide Farmers’ Markets focusing on locally sourced products and community connection. This background, combined with my familiarity with market cultures in France and London, equips me with the skills to contribute effectively to the ASFM committee.

What specific knowledge and skills could you contribute to the organisation?
I bring a wealth of knowledge in successfully operating and scaling hospitality businesses, having co-founded and managed critically acclaimed cafes in Paris. My experience spans navigating complex international markets, understanding and implementing best practices from diverse food cultures, and adapting these insights to local contexts. I have a deep understanding of international food trends and a commitment to sustainable, community- focused practices, which aligns with the core values of the Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market (ASFM).
Furthermore, my familiarity with the vibrant market cultures in France and renowned foodie markets like London Fields and Borough Market has equipped me with unique perspectives on how to maintain and elevate the ASFM’s standing. I am passionate about the ’whys’ and ’hows’ of market operations, constantly seeking to improve and innovate. My strategic vision focuses on enhancing the market’s relevance, ensuring it stays ahead of food trends, and driving its recognition on an international scale. This vision is complemented by my commitment to supporting local producers and promoting sustainable food practices, which will contribute to the ASFM’s continued growth and long-term success.

Amande Pepe – Stallholder – Pasta Pepe

Amanda has had a long career in media, hospitality and not-for-profits.

She has deep links with food and hospitality, arts and government in SA.

She was Deputy Chair of Music SA, inaugural Chair of The Mill, and director of CanDo4Kids. She is currently Chair of ACE (Adelaide Contemporary Experimental art gallery), director of Adelaide (UNESCO) City of Music, Chair of Kindred Australia and member of the Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Council Business and Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Amanda is passionate about food, its provenance and connecting consumers with the people behind the food on their plates.

Why am I standing for ASFM Committee? What personal qualities would you bring to the Committee? Previous experience? Specific knowledge and skills?

I have shopped at both Adelaide and Willunga markets since they began, drawn by my deep interest in knowing the story behind the food I cook and consume – who grew/made it, what cultural connections do they have and how can I personally support a more direct connection between South Australians and the food we consume? With my husband, Salvatore Pepe, I have been involved in multiple food-related businesses, from restaurants and cafes to catering and food tourism, culminating in our current fresh pasta manufacturing venture, Pasta Pepe. I have extensive experience participating in committee and board work. I am a listener, approachable and inclusive in my attitudes and transparent in my communications. Years of working as a journalist and publisher have honed my skills in sifting through large quantities of information and distilling what is most important. I am goal-oriented but also patient. I have a strong personal interest in cultural diversity, am bilingual (Italian) with working knowledge of a number of other languages. It would be an honour to represent my ASFM community.