Carrington’s community-minded hub celebrates two years
Two years ago, a former BHP shed in the heart of Carrington was transformed into something entirely unexpected – a bustling, multifaceted community space designed to bring people together.
Now celebrating its second birthday this July, MOA & co. has become a cornerstone of creativity, connection, and conscious living.
Founded by Lyndell and Darren Fogarty and run alongside their three daughters – Maddison, Olivia, and Alexandra – MOA & co. has always been a family affair, but at its core, it’s about something much bigger.
“We’re not just a venue that sells great products and offers great activities on-site, our biggest purpose is to enable the community to thrive,” Lyndell said.
The industrial-like warehouse is on the edge of Carrington and is home to a coffee caravan, ceramics & arts studio, and a versatile upstairs wellness space simply referred to as The Space. It’s here that yoga, Pilates, and team-building workshops take place, and when the weather turns, it becomes extra seating for cafe visitors.
But the heartbeat of MOA & co. pulses most clearly every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday when the venue is transformed into a lively fresh food market – MOA Providores.
The story behind the market is one of legacy and evolution. Founded by Karl and Cathie Johnson, the pair began selling their own farm-grown produce two decades ago. Over time, they grew their offering to include produce from neighbouring farms and eventually ran a full-scale market out of a space in Tea Gardens, Newcastle Growers Market (Broadmeadow), and then joined Lyndell and Darren when they opened MOA & co.
When the couple decided to retire last year, Lyndell and Darren saw an opportunity to continue the Johnson Farmgate legacy, having just recently rebranded to MOA Providores.
Now, the fresh produce offering is curated with the same care Karl was known for – prioritising quality, low-chemical, and pesticide-free fruit and vegetables from farmers across the region, from the northern outskirts of Sydney up to Port Macquarie.
“Our fridges here are always full of produce from local artisans we work with under MOA Providores, but, when Friday rolls around, we have tables bursting with freshly harvested produce, direct from the farmers, laden across our space.”
The weekly market has become a popular routine for many local families stocking up on quality fresh produce as well as a range of baked goods. Think sourdough and baguettes from Central Coast producer La Tartine, Portuguese and Danish tarts from Tuga, cookies from Butter Boy, and treats from local French patissier, Christian Brenton.
And while the market and cafe may be MOA & co’s most consistent offering, the versatility has allowed for an ever-growing calendar of community-driven events and collaborations.
Just last week, a twilight market in partnership with neighbouring NDIS provider Blooms With Us brought live music, food trucks, cocktails, and artisan stalls to the carpark, (set to potentially make a comeback in Summer), and this is where they are taking MOA & co.
An annual calendar of interesting events that support creativity, wellness, and sustainability. That bring community together and support small local businesses.
“We have our core offerings like the farmers market, the coffee caravan, the yoga and Pilates, and ceramics, but then we have the opportunity to do these unique projects and events. Because of the versatility of the space, we’re lucky to be able to do some unique and vibrant things.”
MOA & co.. is also set to take part in the upcoming Pours in the Port event happening on Saturday, September 6, where they’ll expand the market onto the Blooms With Us venue next door, transforming their main space into a hub for the localised wine crawl.
But it’s not just about events, coffee, and retail products – MOA & Co. is grounded in purpose. Every Sunday, leftover vegetables are donated to Soul Hub, while fruit and coffee are delivered to the residents at Ronald McDonald house.
“We’re incredibly active in the community – it’s just who we are and how we work.”
As MOA & co steps into its third year, Lyndell, Darren, and their three daughters are clear-eyed about what’s next; continuing to grow awareness, expanding the calendar of events, and continuing to champion small makers and wellness-led experiences.
“Over the years, things have really shifted and gone back to the way they used to be – where people knew who owned their grocery store and the butcher. It’s that feeling that we have here. People love the vibe, and that comes because of the care factor we have with everything we do here.”
And as Carrington continues to evolve, so too does MOA & coo. – a humble, community-led space driven by connection, creativity, and purpose.
