THE VOLUNTEER-driven Mount Gambier Women’s Work Depot recently revisited its 50-year history, sharing a host of memorabilia with Limestone Coast community members.
Centrally located on Commercial Street West, the charitable organisation offers hand-crafted goods ranging from pot plants to knitted jumpers, fresh cakes, biscuits and preserves.
Established around 50 years ago, it was a Bordertown storefront which inspired current Mount Gambier depot president Jaylene Dowdell to act.
“It started when a friend suggested an opportunity and I eventually went for it being in my late teens,” Ms Dowdell said.
“Little did I know how much work was involved and that all enquires would be directed at me.
“In came an avalanche of mail, not only from South East residents but also from western districts of Victoria,” she said.
After a huge request from surrounding communities, the association held a public meeting to launch the project.
“Over fifty people attended the meeting which allowed us to form what we now know as the Mount Gambier Women’s Work Depot,” Ms Dowdell said.
“We run as a non-profitable store, selling goods on commission to cover running expenses.
“Any money raised above anticipated expenditure is donated to a local charity at the end of the financial year,” she said.
Over 50 years the Mount Gambier Women’s Work Depot has donated nearly $50,000 dollars to South East charities.
“In the beginning, people thought we would not even last a month,” Ms Dowdell said.
“Some of our more enterprising committee members started baking cakes and jams to bring in more income and all of a sudden business started to boom.
“We run regular bingo nights and raffles to help raise funds, with money left over to upgrade our shelving.”
As well as South East residents, the depot attracts international visitors.
“We have people ringing us travelling from Melbourne and Adelaide to organise goods before they arrive,” Ms Dowdell said.
“It is also great catching up with old friends, people are walking through the door that I have not seen since I started high school.”
People from all walks of life are involved in the depot and new members are always welcome.
“Our community is supportive of one another with young mums at home, pensioners, farmers, school teachers, nurses and even business owners getting involved,” Ms Dowdell said.
“We are supported by a vast cross-section of the community, with many regular customers.
“The depot is somewhere people can purchase quality, handmade goods instead of buying mass produced products,” she said.
The depot has relocated to Commercial Street West, thrusting it into the community spotlight.
“The location is a great investment, people can walk through the door whereas the old location was more so hidden,” Ms Dowdell’s granddaughter Gabriella said.
“The garden space at the front of the shop makes me feel like I am in my own backyard.”
