Stage one of major upgrades for Jindabyne Op Shop at the Alpine Uniting Church are underway, thanks to grant funding under the NSW Government's Bushfire Community Resilience and Recovery Fund.
Far more than just a space for finding fetching fashions, Jindabyne Op Shop serves as a community space, kitchen, and hall. These much-needed renovations extended the hall significantly, allowing relocation of appliances to the larger kitchen area. This makes the lives of the Op Shop's dedicated volunteer cooks and servers that much easier, and leaves the Op Shop itself with more space for donations.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council is project managing the upgrades.
"The Op Shop has served the Jindabyne community selflessly and unwaveringly for many years," said Councillor Narelle Davis, Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
"Whether widespread disaster, or individuals and families doing it tough, the Op Shop has always been here to help. Council is privileged to do our part to help steer this project, making sure that the Jindabyne Op Shop remains a place of support, caring, and refuge for many more years to come."
'Monday Soup and Sweets' night serves up volunteer-made soups and desserts to hundreds of people every week. Kitchen volunteers are especially thrilled with stage one of the upgrades, now spending less time running around and more time whipping up much-needed meals for our community.
Plans for a second stage of the upgrades are already well underway, including:
- Extension of the donations sorting area
- Revamping the shopping section
- More outdoor dining space
Approval is pending for the designs for stage two, and once given the green light a tender will go out to secure a contractor to get to work.
With Council, the community and dedicated volunteers all working together, Jindabyne Op Shop's future as a cornerstone of community life in Jindabyne is secure. Whether you're on the hunt for a bargain, or in a need of warm meal and good company – drop in and find out why this beloved community institution's reputation is so well-deserved.
