MOUNT Gambier’s central business district has become home to Lifeline South East’s bigger and brighter storefront this week as the thriving organisation moves into a new era.
The not-for-profit establishment opened the doors of its fresh 42 Commercial Street West premise on Monday, revealing a new and spacious retail outlet to the public.
Outgrowing its previous Gray Street location, store coordinator Patricia Corner said she was confident the central setting would continue to build on Lifeline’s impact.
“We were very successful in our smaller store but now we have this larger store where we can showcase our product even better with more room to move,” Ms Corner said.
“If you take time when travelling around, you may notice op shops are taking on bigger premises to be able to provide for the community.
“I will be behind this store’s success driving it as well as the Millicent’s store and I love it …. how can it not be successful in the position we are in.
“We have the people, all the amazing volunteers who step up and go beyond what is asked of them.
“You just have to look around to see the quality of the product the Mount Gambier community has so generously donated.”
Announced as the newly-appointed Lifeline South East chief executive officer at the opening, Leah Griffin said the store’s central position would remind the community of Lifeline’s message.
“We hope now we are on the Main Street, the community will be reminded of Lifeline’s footprint in the area and the vital services we provide,” she said.
“People can feel good about shopping here and donating to us because all proceeds stay local and will help a person in crisis.”
Lifeline South East board chairman Phil Howe said he was pleased to see the organisation had filled what otherwise may have become a vacant building.
“I am sure it will do well, given its new location,” Mr Howe said.
“It is great to see the start of a new era for Lifeline South East through this beautiful store.”
With the slogan transcribed on its outlet’s windows, Ms Corner said recycle, repurpose and revive was exactly what Lifeline was about.
“We are doing more than our bit now,” she said.
“I thank the board and Leah for backing and trusting me to create this incredible place and I know we will become an icon of Mount Gambier.”
Ms Corner said op shopping had always been a trending topic for herself.
“I love the hunt of the treasure and the excitement of what you are going to find,” she said.
“We have one of everything and I think what has changed is the stigma around op shopping.
“Sometimes it can be cramped and not good quality, where as here there is not the op shop smell and it is well presented … It is an op-boutique.”
Working as the storefront manager for the past eight years, Ms Corner said it was exciting every time a box or bag is opened.
“I am known to do a little dance now and again and burst out in a song, because of the product,” she said.
“I love seeing the teeny tiny baby clothes, menswear and I am delighted by the shoes, clothing and jewelry we receive as well as the bric-a-brac and books.”
Mr Howe also dedicated a tribute speech to Lifeline’s chief executive of 25 years Eve Barratt, who passed away recently after an eight-month battle with cancer.
“She was a truly amazing women who provided a positive change to many people,” he said.
“She was a well respected and admired team leader through Lifeline South East.”
Ms Griffin said Lifeline was always looking for more volunteers and encouraged interested persons to contact the store of office.
Donations can be made through the organisation’s warehouse located on 313 Commercial Street West, or at Mount Gambier Central shopping centre’s carpark on the corner of Gray Street and Railway Terrace.
The storefront will be open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.
