The Old Bus Depot Markets at Kingston have new owners, effective immediately, after co-founders Diane Hinds and Morna Whiting sold the business to Iconic Markets and Events Pty Ltd, headed up by Anthony Niravong.
Mr Niravong, who is managing director of Iconic Markets and Events, is a Canberra local who comes from a Lao and Thai speaking family with Chinese heritage. He has studied and lived in Canberra since 2004, and has a 20+ year history in hospitality and retail.
The new owner of the markets currently runs two grocery stores, at the ANU and in Gungahlin, and an event management for Thai and Lao presenters/singers/dancers. He is also a part-owner in a Canberra Centre eatery.
Ms Hinds and Ms Whiting played a large part in personally selecting the new owner and said they felt he was the right fit for the markets. They will be onsite for the next few weeks to assist with the transition..
“After 21 years managing Canberra’s favourite Sunday markets, it’s time for Morna and myself to move over and let someone else take the reins to help steer the markets well into the future,” Ms Hinds said.
“It’s a fond farewell from us. We are truly blessed to have built up Canberra’s favourite Sunday markets, to show off the talents of many local and regional craftspeople and foodies each week for 21 years, and for the many beautiful friendships we’ve made along the way,” Ms Whiting added.
Mr Niravong said Iconic would maintain everything that the markets were, and would continue their focus on Australian made, hand crafted and premium products.
“We want to ensure that the markets continue to be recognised locally, regionally and internationally as Canberra’s much-loved, tourism-award winning markets,” he said.
The ACT Government continues to be the landlord for the site through ArtsACT.
The Old Bus Depot Markets are open every Sunday 10am – 4pm. See www.obdm.com.au for more information.
