AFTER three months on the sidelines, the Gembrook Market will be back in the spotlight on Sunday 23 August.

The popular market closed in May following problems with public liability insurance, but is set to relaunch with a new committee on board.

Negotiations are also underway with the Cardinia Shire Council to cover the committee’s incorporation and first year of insurance fees.

Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said people were getting excited about the market’s relaunch.

“People do love it and not just the locals,” she said. “It’s always been incredibly popular for everybody.”

The committee’s office bearers have been determined with Walter Berger elected president, Bob Farr as vice-president, Judy Ann Steed as secretary and Christie Borg as treasurer.

Previously, the market had been covered under Cardinia Shire Council’s insurance policy for section 86 committees.

However after a review, insurers advised the council that volunteer groups and organisations would no longer be adequately protected under the policy.

The council decided the best option was to help groups such as the Gembrook Market to become an incorporated body. But members of the former market committee said becoming an incorporated body would result in additional legal, administrative and financial responsibilities and liabilities. The only option was to close, they said.

Ms Steed said this decision wasn’t popular, and locals rallied with Ms Lobato to ensure the market’s return.

“We had to do something,” she said.

Ms Steed said the new committee wanted those previously involved with the market, and new volunteers, to contact them on 0437 664 121.