Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters is pleased to announce that the beloved Nearly New Shop in Gerringong will remain open.
A new not-for-profit organisation was recently set up, called Gerringong Volunteers Incorporated, which will take over the running of the second-hand shop which has held a special place in the heart of the township for more than half a century.
The Gerringong Mayflower Volunteers group had announced earlier this year that its committee was winding up operations with Uniting reclaiming the shed that was used to sort goods on the corner of Belinda Street and Rowlins Road.
Councillor Matters set about finding a solution to keep the Nearly New Shop afloat and rounded up more than a dozen local community members to form the new charity.
Gates Haulage stepped in to offer a shed for the new organisation's volunteers to continue their important role in the Nearly New Shop's operations so as of 1 July, the Fern Street institution will keep serving the people of Gerringong and beyond.
Cr Matters said apart from removing Mayflower and Uniting from the signage at the shop, it will be business as usual.
"There's a unique spirit in Gerringong which is all about giving back to the community," she said.
"We didn't want to lose that and it's fantastic that the shop is going to be able to keep doing what it's done since the early 1970s when it was first set up to raise money to help build the retirement village.
"All the women who work in the shop are staying, a lot of the volunteers from the sorting shed and we've had another dozen or so who have said they'll help out as well.
"It's a great way for the volunteers to get out and about with other people during the week and share that companionship and camaraderie you get when you work together for a good cause."
Cr Matters, who is president of Gerringong Volunteers Incorporated, said all funds raised by the new organisation would be used to help residents and community groups in need.
Their focus will be on local causes but they want to hear from anyone - whether they live in the Kiama local government area or not - who needs support and they will consider each request on a case-by-case basis.
"We will be all ears," Cr Matters added. "The committee will assess the requests as they come in and if we can help out, we will."
