Market Highlights

• New Public Artwork by Jesse Wright – On your next visit, be sure to check out the new public artwork at the York Street carpark. Created by the renowned Indigenous artist Jesse Wright (JESWRI), this mural commemorates the Sydney Swans’ 150th anniversary. It features notable figures from the club’s South Melbourne days, including legends Bob Skilton, Ron Clegg, and Peter Burns, Hall of Fame member John Rantall, and the club’s first Indigenous player, Elkin Reily. The artwork symbolizes the club’s journey from South Melbourne to Sydney with the phrase “Two cities, one team, together living the dream.”
• Maison Otto – Discover Maison Otto, Melbourne’s premier destination for French lifestyle products. Founded by Caroline Khelaifia, a French fashion expert with over 25 years of experience, this stall offers a unique selection of French fashion, homewares, and accessories. From elegant table linen and faux flowers to vintage-inspired décor and exclusive Parisian jewelry by Julie Sion, Maison Otto brings a touch of French sophistication to your home. Caroline’s carefully curated collection combines classic French elegance with modern functionality, making it a go-to spot for both personal indulgence and gift shopping.
  
• Shuck Don’t Chuck Project – Since 2017, South Melbourne Market has partnered with The Nature Conservancy on the Shuck Don’t Chuck project to recycle oyster shells and help restore the lost shellfish reefs of Port Phillip Bay. This initiative involves collecting discarded oyster, mussel, and scallop shells from the market, curing them, and using them to rebuild mussel and oyster reefs. This project aims to revive endangered marine ecosystems and promote sustainability. Visitors and traders are encouraged to place their shells in the dedicated blue shell bins to support this vital environmental effort.
• Margaret’s Reef Restoration – Margaret’s Reef, located in Port Phillip Bay, represents a significant step towards restoring Australia’s lost shellfish reefs. After years of overfishing and environmental degradation, this reef is a beacon of hope for marine habitat recovery. The Nature Conservancy, supported by the Australian Government, is leading efforts to restore 60 shellfish reefs at various locations across Australia. This project not only aims to revive vital marine ecosystems but also serves as a model for global marine restoration initiatives.