The Olive Tree Market, Newcastle’s art, creator and design market, is entering a new era under the stewardship of Cedar Mill Group.  

Cedar Mill Group is taking on the local institution as it continues to invest in projects and businesses which encourage tourism and delivers economic and job boosts for the region.  

The next Olive Tree Market recently celebrated the event’s 15th anniversary, and another market will follow on 18 November.  

The Olive Tree Market was founded by Justine Gaudry 15 years ago and has since grown into one of the most successful regional design markets in the country, with over 10,000 people attending during the peak Christmas period.  

It was launched to provide Newcastle’s contemporary artists and designers with an arena to showcase their work at supportive, vibrant, culturally diverse events.  

The long-running market boasts deep connections to the creator community, and features a carefully curated lineup of over 130 emerging and established artists, designers, makers, gourmet artisan food producers and street food purveyors each month, with everything from screenprinting to jewellery and slow fashion on show.  

Cedar Mill Group Founder, Paul Lambess said that The Olive Tree Market is a unique and special aspect of the region and their investment in the market is focused on continuing the legacy Justine started for many years to come.  

“What Justine, as one of the founders, created 15 years ago was truly something special. The Olive Tree Market has grown to become an iconic Newcastle institution, with strong connections to the creative community and offering a truly unique and carefully curated experience for visitors.  

“We are looking forward to continuing this incredible legacy, and further boosting the revenue opportunities for creators, as well as injecting even more vibrancy, creativity and economic investment into the Newcastle area.”  

Founder, Justine Gaudry said it’s been a great privilege to bring these markets to life and is excited about the future possibilities with the support of Cedar Mill Group. 

“I am incredibly proud of creating and fostering a community-focused event that has provided a platform and ongoing opportunities for thousands of local artists, designers, musicians, performers and creative small businesses,” Justine said. 

“It’s also been a privilege to collaborate with many amazing cultural and educational institutions and First Nations-owned organisations. We have been a cultural and community hub, an incubator of new ideas and community energy, and it has been wonderful to watch the way in which the wider community has embraced and grown with The Olive Tree Market.  

“Olive Tree has also been responsible for over $3 million being injected into the creative industries and local economy each year, has played a vital role in the social, cultural and economic fabric of Newcastle, and has made a significant contribution to the growth of cultural tourism in the City of Newcastle. 

“With locals Cedar Mill Group now on board to drive and grow Olive Tree into an exciting new chapter I look forward to watching new opportunities and experiences being developed and produced for stallholders, creators, customers and the wider community.” 

The City of Newcastle’s ​​Deputy Lord Mayor, Declan Clausen, said the markets have been a true asset to Newcastle and its people, and is pleased to see its continued growth is on the horizon. 

“City of Newcastle has enjoyed working with the Olive Tree Market organisers over the past 15 years to help make it a success,” Declan said. 

“The Olive Tree Market’s dedicated founder Justine Gaudry established this iconic community event, which stands as a testament to Newcastle’s creative and community spirit. 

“We’re pleased to see the Olive Tree Market will have the opportunity to continue growing and supporting Newcastle’s makers and traders, while still delivering its trademark experience, under the new ownership of local organisation Cedar Mill Group.” 

This addition of The Olive Tree Market is another stage of Cedar Mill Group’s ambitious plans to develop and bring investment into regional areas, and play a major role in the return of live music, events and tourism as these sectors continue to recover from the global pandemic. 

Cedar Mill Group announced a $235 million redevelopment of Morisset Golf Course in 2021, to be known as Cedar Mill Lake Macquarie, with plans for a 30,000 person concert venue, cafes and restaurants and accommodation. 

In August 2021, Cedar Mill Group also purchased one of the Hunter Valley wine region’s most premium development sites, in Pokolbin, and, the following year, acquired a 100-acre site on the Maroondah Highway in the Yarra Valley for its purpose-built outdoor amphitheatres. 

IMAGE | The Newcastle Olive Tree Markets in action.