Uniting Op Shop rededicated in new location after two decades at Seascape Mall

THE long-standing Uniting Church op shop in Nambucca Heads marked the end of an era on Friday 13 March.

Volunteers and community supporters gathered for a special re-dedication afternoon tea, heralding a new beginning in a new location for the Nambucca Valley charity mainstay.

After operating for nearly two decades in Seascape Mall, the much-loved volunteer-run op shop recently learned its lease would not be renewed.

Despite the unexpected change, volunteers worked quickly to ensure continuation of the service as best as possible.

Following discussions with Uniting Services, arrangements were made for the op shop to relocate alongside the Uniting Church at 44 Ridge Street, Nambucca Heads.

The move was made possible after Uniting Services consolidated their Home and Community Care and Seniors administration services.

The re-dedication afternoon tea was held in the church hall and provided an opportunity to recognise and thank the volunteers who had supported the shop over many years.

Representatives from community organisations across the Nambucca Valley attended, with Pastor Filikesa Kamotu leading the dedication in prayer.

“At first glance the op shop is just a place where preloved items are sold but in reality the op shop itself is a ministry,” the pastor told those gathered.

“Every one of the wonderful volunteers here is participating in something special and that is living the gospel out in real life through the amount of people who benefit from the op shop.”
A comprehensive history of the op shop and its volunteer base was delivered by Glenys Horne of the Nambucca Heads Uniting Church Council.

“As well as a the wonderful volunteers from our church community we have has some recommended to us by ETC and Tursa Employment Agencies, many of who have gone on to jobs in the retail sector due to the experience they have picked up through their time at the op shop,” Glenys told News Of The Area.

Funds raised through the op shop have supported both the Uniting Church and a wide range of local community groups over the years.

Donations from the shop have provided significant support to organisations such as the Nambucca Valley Food Hub, ShoreTrack, the Nambucca Heads Youthie, Parkinson’s NSW, Frontier Services and Special Religious Education.

Bev Reedy of the Support Group for our Everlasting Carers was on hand to personally thank the op shop team, whose support she says has been critical in enabling the work her group do in supporting carers.

The op shop has also supported the Anguganak Motherhood Project in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Kini Orphanage and School.

The Motherhood Project aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in PNG.

It encourages hospital births through incentives like baby bundles, provides training for village birth attendants, and improves infrastructure including clean water access at the Anguganak hospital.

By Mick BIRTLES