Open hours are:
Monday-Friday 10am-4pm;
Saturday 10am-12pm.
Our new updated and refurbished premises are open for business. Come in and browse our stock of affordable clothes, manchester, books, bric-a-brac etc and relax with a cuppa in the community space.
Our Opportunity Shop provides a valuable service to the community, providing low-cost clothing and household items. It also provides food parcels and clothing or goods to people who for any reason find themselves in need.
Background: The first Cobden Uniting Church Op Shop was begun many years ago by the ladies of the Uniting Church Adult Fellowship (UCAF), on Mrs Ada Bond’s verandah in Parrott Street. It was relocated several times in rented properties before the current premises, 50 Curdie Street, were purchased from the Wilson family in 1990. Church members refurbished the house which opened as the Cobden Uniting Church Op Shop the following year.
Ten things you may not have known about the Op Shop
- The building was originally the first police station in Cobden.
- The shop is staffed by volunteers from the church and the community. Some of them have been working in the shop, in its various locations, for more than 30 years. New volunteers are always welcome.
- The shop was closed for several months while it was renovated and extended at the back of the building. It was re-opened in May 2014.
- The improvements were made possible by the sale of the South Purrumbete Uniting Church.
- Heather Matthews has 20 years of business experience and Dorothy Double has been involved in the Op Shop and the UCAF for over 30 years.
- We have funded a welfare service through the Op Shop for many years. The service is now partly-funded by the government through the Food Bank, and is available for any in need. A free counselling service is also available.
- Our children’s wear is well-known for its variety and quality, the ladies’ wear is well-stocked and there are plenty of men’s clothes too. Readers are also well-catered for in the book section.
- Recently, a shed was added at the back of the property to aid in the storage and sorting of donations. Excess clothing, linen and bric-a-brac is sent to Diabetes Victoria.
- Rags are processed and sold to local tradies, businesses and farmers.
- We have a community space available, and can offer a ‘cuppa’ to weary shoppers, or those needing to ‘while-away’ time for whatever reason!
