26 June, 2014

New Adelaide Central Market Board Chair appointed

South Australian food industry and business leader, Nicholas Begakis AO, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Adelaide Central Market Authority (ACMA) Board.

The co-owner of a popular South Australian based food brand, Nick brings well respected government, commerce, community and food sector credentials to the role.

Nick said he appreciates the iconic status of the market and understands the task ahead for the new Board, with new ACMA Board members anticipated to be appointed in the coming weeks.

He will be a member of the selection panel who are currently working to recruit suitable skills-based board members as soon as possible.

In addition to the Chairperson, the new board will be comprised of four members as well as a Central Market Trader Advisory Group member and an City of Adelaidelor.

Nick is keen to work with the community to continue to develop the market as a thriving hub within the popular Central Market district, and build on the progress already under way.

“I am looking forward to working with the community, traders and other stakeholders to continue to improve our much-loved market for regulars as well as tourists and families,” he said.

“It is essentially a fresh produce market and needs to evolve in ways that ensure its authentic, unique, memorable, interactive and experiential characteristics are its points of difference.

“I am passionate about our State, our food and small business, and genuinely want to see the Central Market - particularly its traders - flourish.

“As a business owner, I am familiar with the challenges the traders face and know their enterprises are their livelihoods. Together with the new Board, we hope to have conversations with the traders about how we can together make them prosper.

“The Central Market is a place that is not only central to our city’s economy, but also a destination that makes our community a better, more enriching place to live.”

Nick said placemaking is among ACMA’s priorities - as part of the State Government and council’s common goal to create a vibrant city - enhancing linkages to the market from other areas of the city, including the revamped Adelaide Oval, Rundle Mall and Victoria Square districts.

He said the Central Market is an estimated $10 million business that manages a range of assets.

Victoria Loughhead