There is a lot happening at the Eudunda and Districts Community Op Shop, which is more like a community hub than a retail space.
Situated right on the main street of the town, in a building now owned by the Eudunda Community, Business and Tourism committee, the relatively unassuming shopfront is a hive of activity behind the scenes.
While affordable, second-hand materials are definitely a big part of their offerings, there is also a multitude of initiatives and partnerships in the works within the walls of the Bruce Street store and beyond.
The Leader spoke with Co-ordinator, Annie Wilson, Eudunda Councillor, Judy Partington, as well as another volunteer, about what the shop hopes to achieve in 2024.
“It originally started out as just the Eudunda Community Op Shop, but then we got lots of people from Point Pass, Robertstown, Dutton and the surrounding areas, and that’s when we decided to become an association,” Annie said.
“That’s when we changed the name to Eudunda and districts, so that it’s all-encompassing.”
Alongside a long list of upcoming activities, one of their latest additions is the shop’s inclusion in the Welcome Here project.
The Op Shop’s registration in the program means that they will display a sticker on their shop window which highlights that any LGBTQIA+ individuals are welcome in the store.
Additionally, the Eudunda and Districts Community Op Shop will also now appear on the Welcome Here project’s online directory.
“I think this town (Eudunda) is pretty progressive actually, I do, but there was nothing visible saying that anyone’s inclusive,” the volunteer shared.
Inside the store, is also a Food Bank, where vouchers are distributed to people who are doing it tough so they can access groceries.
“The people who really need it are very very supportive and thankful for what we can do for them in that respect,” Annie said.
“Because sometimes they just don’t have any money to pay for food.”
Judy added: “It’s not all about being in need, we all go through a difficult time at times in our life.”
Annie shared that one individual came to them after paying some bills, and having no money left for food.
“I think that it’s great that the word is getting out there that she actually A. knew about us, and B. felt comfortable enough to come and say, ‘I’m really embarrassed, but I need help’,” Annie said.
The volunteer added that having the service locally takes the edge off for those who would normally have to travel to access such services.
“Some people just need help, and it’s not up to us to judge why they need it, we just need to be here for them when they do need it,” Annie said.
Partnerships with other organisations are another way the Eudunda and Districts community Op Shop is able to bring more facilities to the town.
“If you’re in dire straits in the country, and especially if you don’t have a car, or you don’t have the petrol money to get to Gawler, Elizabeth, Nuri, you are in dire straits,” the volunteer said.
“We’re just trying to do it in a really dignified way.”
One such partnership with the Heart Foundation will also see a walking group form for those wanting to meet new people, and get some gentle exercise.
An International Women’s Day breakfast in March, hosted by the Op Shop committee, will also celebrate the local women in the town and allow them an opportunity to get to know one another better.
“The women in this town, there’s some pioneers, and there’s some women who have lived here for a long long time...and they need to be celebrated. They’re incredible, just amazing,” the volunteer shared.
“Also, the new women moving into the town, need to feel part of the community.”
Judy added that events like the International Women’s Day breakfast allow for those who may be struggling to feel comfortable, learn that they are not alone, and become more willing to ask for help if they need it.
“Let’s get them networking in a safe environment so they can open up and share,” Judy said.
Additionally, a partnership with the Uniting Connections Eudunda and Sustainable Communities will also bring people with expert skills and people who need something repaired together at a Repair Café.
Volunteers gather at different stations to help people with tasks like helping them to hem their jeans, or how to thread the string on a whipper snipper.
The University of the Third Age which is scheduled to commence in the town later this year for people over 50 to learn new skills.
“The time I did it I learned how to play Mahjong, it could be conversational German, it could be how to propagate plants, it could be how to reuse clothes, it could be anything,” the volunteer shared.
All three express their gratitiude and commented how far the op shop has come since they opened.
“From when we first started three years ago, I cannot believe how much it’s grown. Just the whole concept, it’s not just an op shop anymore,” Annie said.
They also expressed how a large portion of the funding comes from the Op Shop sales, and are very appreciative of any donations.