Sad news for local community markets

After more than two decades of supporting the Bribie Island community the Bribie Island District Community Appeal (BIDCA) has, regrettably, decided to no longer run the markets in Brennan Park on the third Sunday of the month. Once all administrative functions have been completed, BIDCA will become part of Bribie Island community history. 

It is with much regret that we (Gary and Sharon Parsons and BIDCA Board) have decided that the last BIDCA market will be Sunday October 18, 2026. We are so sorry that we have had to make this decision after such a long involvement. Many reasons contributed to this decision; but mainly, health, age and most significantly the absence of volunteers.  

We would like to thank the Bribie community, stall holders and market goers for their tremendous support to BIDCA through the market. Your support has made a huge contribution to the Bribie Island community over the decades. 

Gary and Sharon have been actively involved in and are part of the fabric of the Island community through their selfless contributions to improving lives of both the young and the elderly. Their involvement with Bribie markets has spanned over approximately 35 years, from the Art Centre markets and the original Rotary Market in the Woollies car park which moved to Savages carpark.  With the assistance of the Council Parks manager, David Dunn they made improvements to Brennan Park where they ran the Rotary Market, assisted Cancer Council to set up their market and then formed BIDCAs Community Market. Additionally, running the New Years’ Eve Fireworks for five years. 

Gary, as you may be aware, was a Division One Councillor with Moreton Bay Regional Council and his decision making in this capacity led to improvement to the lives of Islanders – noting Gary Parsons Park as you stroll the Bongaree foreshore. Both Sharon and Gary were contributing Rotarians recognised for their community service (the Prestigious award of Paul Harris Fellowship).  

Over the last couple of years BIDCA had formed a close bond with Legacy members on Bribie, resulting in extra hands helping out. This bond already existed through Gary’s upbringing with Legacy family support and was further cemented when Gary ran around Australia (starting on ANZAC Day 1999) to raise funds for Legacy and attempting distance running records. All this was achieved when he completed the run of 19,030 kilometres in 274 days, setting multiple world records, some of which still exist today. The story of his run and events leading up to it can be found in his book “Gary Parsons - The Legacy Run”. 

Gary and Sharon would be the first to admit that their involvement with the BIDCA Market has been a rollercoaster of emotions - frustration and elation. Their main emotion has been pride. Pride in the way the market has been supported and the evolution of its contribution to community. To this end, a huge thank you goes out to all that have contributed in any way to make Bribie Island a better place.