A Walk Through the Years
The Beginning
Mark Ward purchased the Mill Markets from liquidation and set about rebuilding and rebranding three venues — Geelong, Daylesford, and Ballarat — into the largest markets of their type in Australia, housing over 350 stallholders combined.
Mark Ward Beats Cancer
After battling Large B Cell Lymphoma, three months in hospital and a month in the ICU, Mark announced he was in remission. A fighter from day one — the boss was back.
Charity Day for Cancer Centre
Inspired by his own battle, Mark organised a fundraiser for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre in Geelong. Staff dressed in pink, live music played, and the community rallied behind the cause.
Living in the 70s
Over 2,000 people packed into Geelong for a groovy "Living in the 70s" themed day — complete with retro fashion, live music, classic cars, and a sea of flared denim.
Rockabilly Festival Sponsors
As the number one sponsor of the Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival, Mill Markets helped bring the town alive with music, dancing, and thousands of festival revellers.
ChillOut Festival at the Mill
Mill Markets Daylesford proudly welcomed the ChillOut Festival — Australia's biggest and longest-running regional LGBTQIA+ pride event — inviting everyone to "Chill at The Mill."
Record-Smashing Anzac Day
All three venues smashed trading records — 8,100 sales across three days, with every venue fully booked and a waiting list of stallholders eager to get in.
Mark Ward Hits the Small Screen
Mark became co-host of "Antiques With Attitude" on Channel 31, landing the prime-time 7pm slot with segments including "Marko's Museum" and "Marko's Yarns on The Road."
Wolf Creek Comes to the Mill
Mark personally negotiated with director Greg McLean to acquire all original props from the iconic Wolf Creek film — including the infamous F-100 truck and barber's chair.
House Rules on Channel 7
Channel 7's top-rating prime-time show "House Rules" chose Mill Markets as their filming location — national television exposure across multiple weeks.
Love at the Mill Markets
Trevor and Kathy met at the Daylesford venue, and exactly 12 months later Trevor proposed on a return visit. You really can find anything at Mill Markets — even love.
Featured on Postcards
Channel 9's beloved travel show "Postcards" featured the Daylesford venue, with presenter Lauren Phillips showcasing the market's charm to viewers across Victoria.
Daylesford Goes Solar
Mark invested a quarter of a million dollars in a massive solar installation at Daylesford — one of the largest commercial solar systems in regional Victoria.
Motorheads Launches
The first-ever Mill Markets Motorheads car show roared into Ballarat — hot rods, classic cars, and everything in between. A huge hit that launched a beloved new tradition.
1930s Melbourne Cup Footage
Mark revealed he owned original 1930s colour footage of the Melbourne Cup — so rare that Channel 9's national archives never knew it existed. Featured on the 6pm National News.
One Big Weekend
One of the biggest Labour Day weekends ever across Ballarat and Daylesford — the last major trading weekend before COVID changed everything.
Vaxine the Coronavirusaurus
In peak lockdown, Mark unveiled "Vaxine the Coronavirusaurus" — a giant dinosaur wearing a face mask — putting smiles on faces during the darkest of times.
The Doors Reopen
After two months of COVID closure, Mark announced the Mill Markets would finally reopen on May 30th. The stallholders and customers had been waiting — and the response was overwhelming.
Full Steam Ahead
Mark and son Archer acquired what's regarded as the best private steam engine collection in Australia — destined for a massive new purpose-built museum.
250 Pies & 250 Coffees
During lockdown, Mark bought 250 pies and 250 coffees from local Daylesford businesses and gave them away free to the community over five days. He landed the front cover of The Local.
$10,000 for the KIDS Foundation
When the KIDS Foundation's office was burgled and their equipment stolen, Mark called into 3AW live and pledged $10,000 on the spot. No hesitation.
World's Largest Motorbike
Mill Markets acquired the world's largest motorbike — an eight-metre beast powered by three V12 Jaguar engines, a former Guinness World Record holder. Destination: Daylesford.
12,320 Customers in 5 Days
Since Boxing Day, 12,320 customers poured through Geelong and Daylesford. Geelong broke its best-ever trading day record — then broke it again the very next day.
Jurassic Fantastic!
Life-sized dinosaurs took over two acres at Daylesford in a permanent outdoor experience. Both Channel 7 and Channel 9 News covered the prehistoric spectacle.
Fright Night Breaks Every Record
The inaugural Fright Night was a monster hit — 4,800 customers flooded through the doors for one epic Halloween evening, smashing every record Mill Markets had ever set.
Ben & Dawn Take the Rusty Kettle
Stallholders Ben and Dawn stepped up to take the reins of the beloved Rusty Kettle Cafe at Geelong, bringing fresh energy and their own flair to the kitchen after Tim and Jess handed over the apron.
Fright Night Returns
The second annual Fright Night returned to Geelong — one spooktacular night of late-night shopping until 9pm, roaming reptiles, a magician, and up to $5,000 in giveaways.
50,000 Customers a Month
With over 50,000 customers walking through the doors every month, Mark installed defibrillators across both venues and ensured every manager held a First Aid certificate.
ChillOut 2025
Mill Markets led the ChillOut parade with a spectacular float through Daylesford, proudly supporting Australia's longest-running regional LGBTQIA+ pride event.
Easter Extravaganza
Thousands of visitors poured in for the Easter Extravaganza at Geelong — free Easter eggs, face painting, a petting zoo, giveaways, and live music all day long.
Fright Night 2025
Fright Night wrapped with incredible costumes, spooky fun, and smiling families — plus the annual donation to the Royal Children's Hospital continued the tradition of giving back.
The adventure continues...
And the best is yet to come