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Perth markets are a dying amenity, but one Leederville local is determined to bring the community event back.

Katrina Thompson is the brains behind the Oxford St Market, which is due to appear next month.

She says there is a huge need for markets in Perth, not only to enhance communities but as an outlet for local designers and traders to show off their wares. “I wanted to bring something to the area that was not readily available,” she says.

“There are limited locations for markets in the city and they really are something that the whole family can enjoy outdoors.” Katrina says there will be about 20 stalls in the small park at 100 Oxford St with wares from local, national and international independent designers and fairtrade items. “I have been applying to get this off the ground for more than a year and it is finally happening,” she says. “I myself have items that I found when I was travelling from Canada and Argentina, such as bikinis and sandals.

“There will be an eclectic range of products and there will be different things on each week, plus events for kids like face-painting, a sausage sizzle, hula-hooping and live music.”

To raise money to promote the markets, Katrina has organised a silent auction to be held at Sayers Food in Leederville on Thursday from 8pm-10pm. “The response from local businesses in Leederville and surrounding suburbs has been amazing,” Katrina says.

“Lots of them have donated items for the auction such as jewellery, store and restaurant vouchers and gift baskets. They are all behind me and have been really supportive.”

Katrina says the market’s proximity to Leederville train station was important to her when looking for a site.

“It is a good opportunity for people to jump on to public transport to get there, or locals can walk and bike down to lessen their impact on the environment,” she says.