Goodies Junction has opened at Mugga Lane, the space formerly occupied by The Green Shed is now being operated by St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies). The newly refurbished Resource Management Centre is filled to the brim with donations received over the last month.
“It’s been great. The action’s been amazing. Everyone seems really happy with the layout, the cleanliness, the bright colours, or just the ease of getting around,” says Mugga Lane site manager Andrew Dunn.
Vinnies faced backlash online when it was announced they would be taking over the space, Mr Dunn believes the animosity was born from misconceptions surrounding the revamp.
“We weren’t trying to shake anything up. We weren’t trying to change prices. We want to try and do everything that’s been done here before, but better,” says Mr Dunn.
Even with the original backlash, opening day was met with a crowd of people on the hunt for bargains and this opening weekend is expected to be just as busy.
“The carpark was chockers first thing in the morning, as soon as we lifted up the door, it was a rush of people, but it was good. It was an orderly crowd,” says Mr Dunn.
Goodies Junction is open and accepting donations Monday to Sunday, 7:30am to 4:45pm. You’re still able to pick up the same fantastic items such as books, games, children’s toys, sporting goods, tools, furniture, free clothes, knick-knacks, and more. They are hoping to have the outdoor section open to the public as soon as possible.
“We’re accepting all the same stuff as before. We’re continuing things; we’re just trying to make it better,” says Mr Dunn.
The warehouse offers Goodies the space to store larger items, allowing them to provide more help to the community through their various programs.
“There’s 23 different programs in the background that people don’t know about. Domestic violence, refugee programs, youth programs, street to home and Night Patrol,” says Mr Dunn
Shopping at and donating to Goodies will help Vinnies raise money for charity, give back to the community, and reduce waste.
Find out more about Goodies Junction; goodiesjunction.org.au
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