Nicole O'Brien, from The Butcher’s Nook in Kiama, is passionate about many things but those that top the list are family, friends, community connection and showcasing the region’s produce.

So it was no surprise that her latest venture - The Local Table - was a huge success. The inaugural farmer’s market was held at Lake Illawarra's Reddall Reserve on August 5 and, with crowds out in force, many of the stallholders sold out.

“It was a fantastic outcome for our first event,” says Nicole. “I'm really pleased and it's only going to get bigger and better.”

Nicole, who also helped run the Homegrown Hub at the Kiama Show for the first time this year, loves nothing more than showcasing the talents of local producers.

And she believes one of the many reasons events like The Local Table and Homegrown Hub are successful is that the community loves to connect directly with farmers, growers and makers and hear them talk about their products.

And with supermarket produce prices skyrocketing Nicole says an increasing number of shoppers want to cut out big chain stores and buy direct from farmers and makers.

“It's the fun grocery store, the one you want to be in,” laughs Nicole.

“Avoiding supermarkets is not only about rising prices, it’s about people wanting to feel more connected. Markets are a place for people to gather and connect, while also gaining a better understanding of where things come and the process involved in growing or making.”

With a national push towards sustainability and net-zero carbon emissions, home-grown produce and hand-made products are in high demand, with consumers keen to shop ethically while supporting small businesses.

“People want to get away from buying things that have travelled long distances, they want more local produce, farmers markets allow them to do that,” Nicole explains.

“I love to demonstrate and show people our local vendors.

"As the owners of a butcher shop we're buying from amazing South Coast and Southern Highlands producers.

"I’m very passionate about the produce we sell at the shop. It makes sense to share that with the community so they can create connections with the farmers who grow our food.”

The Local Table stallholders include Jamberoo Jerky and Biltong Co and Jamberoo Valley Seedlings, which along with selling seeds and plants, educates people on growing natives.

Largo Brae Farm, also at Jamberoo, sells locally grown mushrooms, there are charcuterie boards, upcycled art and fashion and SUP lessons on Lake Illawarra with Stand Up Paddle Shellharbour.

Charcuterie boards at The Local Table farmer’s market

“We want to work with the community, we want our children to feel connected to and involved in the community,” says Nicole.

“The Local Table does that. It feels like the right spot to land here, like we’ve come full circle.”

The Local Table is held every Tuesday at Reddall Reserve from 2pm to 5pm in winter, with plans to expand the market’s operating hours in summer.

Stand Up Paddle Shellharbour offers SUP lessons