New operator for New Norfolk Market

The Derwent Valley and Central Highlands Tourism Association has announced that the organisation is formalising an agreement with the Derwent Valley Council to own the 2026/27 license to host and run events in High Street, New Norfolk.

This follows the Derwent Valley Council running an Expression of Interest process, allowing the community to put forward any proposals in regard to interest involving High Street activation, including continuation of the current market. Council says that current market operator Jessica Cosgrove was encouraged to submit for the process as well.

A Council licence grants authority to conduct a commercial activity on land owned by the Council which is subject to the conditions of the license including payment of license fees and term compliance. 

In a statement released online on Friday, the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands Tourism Association "welcomed the DVC Council's decision to enter into a license agreement with them when the existing arrangements come to an end in November". 

Owner of the current license for the Market, former Derwent Valley councillor and current New Norfolk Market manager/operator Jessica Cosgrove will not have her license, which is set to expire in November, 2026, renewed.

Ms Cosgrove has been at the helm of the popular New Norfolk Market since 2018.

"For the past eight years I have poured my heart into the market. Alongside operating the business, I have also served our community as an elected member of the Derwent Valley Council until earlier this year, when I made the difficult decision to step away from that role in the hope of securing the future of the market," Ms Cosgrove said.

"As this chapter closes, it's bittersweet to farewell two roles that have shaped so much of my life, but I know they'll be chapters I'm immensely proud of," Ms Cosgrove added. 

An independent panel, which was said to not include Derwent Valley councillors, reviewed all submissions and agreed to accept the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands Tourism Association's proposal. 

"Like many in our community, we did not want to see a regular Saturday market disappear from the heart of New Norfolk and we know council didn't want that to happen either," the Association said.

"We also acknowledge everyone who has contributed to Saturday events in New Norfolk dating back to September 2017 when council agreed to trial a temporary mall in High Street. Their efforts have helped create a valued community tradition and we look forward to building on that foundation".

The Derwent Valley Council has granted licenses for 2026/27 to the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands Tourism Association Inc, The Willow Court Heritage Site, Bush Buddies and the Molesworth Market.