More than just a birthday celebration, the event served as a moment to honour the past and look ahead to the future in a place that has long been a hub for the local community, a place where generations have gathered, grown and stayed connected through everyday moments shared under one roof.
Organised by Tracy Moores, the event paid tribute to five decades of service and highlighted the shopping centre’s ongoing role as a vital part of life in the suburb.
Since its opening in 1975, MarketPlace Leichhardt has been a gathering place for the community. Over the past 50 years, it has welcomed waves of traders and customers, adapting to the changing times while maintaining its identity as a vibrant indoor ‘piazza’ - a place to shop and connect.
Throughout the years, the centre has been home to long-standing businesses, some operating for over forty years, and has witnessed the enduring presence of the Italian community, which continues to be a significant part of its customer base.
In her heartfelt welcome speech, centre manager Janette Van Straten warmly thanked everyone in attendance. “This shopping centre has been at the heart of the local community for 50 years,” she said, “It’s where people come to shop, catch up over coffee or simply meet with friends and neighbours.
“This milestone is thanks to a tremendous team effort. Without my fantastic team and the unwavering support of our retailers, none of this would be possible,” she added.
Having taken on the role of manager three and a half years ago, Van Straten quickly recognised the value of places like MarketPlace; sites rich in history and multicultural character that remain just as relevant today as they were decades ago.
Among the guests was Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, who shared a personal memory of the centre. “I grew up coming here with my mum every Saturday morning, convinced that you could buy anything at MarketPlace Leichhardt - even a car,” he shared.
“I’ve probably spent more time here than anywhere else outside my own home. This is a true community hub - not just a place to shop, but a place to meet friends and neighbours.
“On behalf of the Council and the entire community, thank you for the service you provide every single day.”
Byrne brought along his daughter, a symbolic gesture showing how the centre’s legacy continues across generations.
Also in attendance were Susanna Montrone and Nick Angelucci from the Viva Leichhardt collective, who emphasised MarketPlace’s important role as a cultural and social landmark in the suburb.
Their presence reinforced the idea that events like this are part of a broader revival in Leichhardt, where forward-looking optimism goes hand-in-hand with a deep appreciation for the past.
The celebration concluded with the cutting of a commemorative cake and a round of applause for the customers who, over the past fifty years, have walked through the centre’s doors, turning it into what it is today: the beating heart of the Leichhardt community.
