By Peter Douglas
THE Fernlea Op Shop in Emerald is hoping a location change will breathe new life into the community icon.
After seizing on a vacancy at 15 Kilvington Drive, just a stone’s throw from their original location at Shop 11 5-7 Kilvington Drive, the store is ready to further establish itself at the town’s old police station.
The move represents a chance to develop further engagement between the op shop and the community.
Shop manager Catherine Kenney said they couldn’t wait to see some of their big plans come to fruition.
“We just want to grow bigger and give the place a more community feel,” she said.
“The jail will be the store room and there’s a big space out the back we’re hoping to renovate and turn into a hub.
“We’ll be doing some planting and creating a garden.
“It’s a beautiful old building, and we saw the opportunity it could bring for us.”
Given the close proximity, the move has been swift, with removal trucks coming in on Thursday 12 January and the opening taking place on Monday 16 January.
Ms Kenney said they presently had access to between 15 to 20 volunteers on their roster, but she believed they would need more in order to achieve the desired growth.
The Fernlea Op Shop helps support Fernlea House Respite Services, which operates through parts of Eastern and South East Melbourne.
The op shop helps to maintain the programs of the house and to keep fees down.
Fernlea House chief executive officer, Sue McIvor, said they had simply outgrown the original premises.
“We want to re-introduce community engagement, the big room will allow people to browse through books while having a coffee,” she said.
“The town has been very supportive of the shop; it’s more than just an op shop.”
If you would like to discuss volunteering at the Emerald shop, contact the friendly staff or visit www.fernlea.com.au.
