Its facade is tired and the floor is a little wonky, but the St James’ op shop has proudly called its quaint Officer Street building home for about 30 years.
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The Mortlake site has changed hands many times over its history and with current owners keen to use the space, it’s time for the charity shop to move on.
Anglican parish priest Geoff Humble said the op shop was now desperately seeking a new home in the town’s CBD.
“We’re trying to find somewhere pretty high profile,” he said. The op shop has about 60 days left to relocate and is hoping for a building with discounted rent.
“There are a couple of possibilities at the moment,” Father Humble said.
“There are a few shops that are empty in Dunlop Street and we’re waiting to hear back from the owners.”
Father Humble said the shop was a community institution and a popular stop-off for tourists passing through.
“As a community activity it is a really fantastic thing," he said.
“It is totally run by volunteers. We probably have about 10 to 12 volunteers involved. I’m very aware of the need to keep the community together here and the op shop is an important part of that. I really don’t want to see it go down the gurgler.”
The op shop is also a valuable fund-raiser. “It’s been an absolute lifesaver,” Father Humble said of its revenue-raising efforts.
“The revenue goes back into the parish and that helps with the various activities that we have.”
