Council to consider report on the Gumeracha Op Shop

The Gumeracha Opportunity Shop is owned and operated by Adelaide Hills Council and has served the local community for many years with the support of dedicated volunteers.

A recent service review has identified several strategic, operational, and financial challenges in operating the service and as a result, the administration has prepared a report for Council’s consideration on the 26 August Council meeting.

The review considered factors such as the presence of other opportunity shops in the region, the cost of providing the service, and the need for increased staff resources to manage safety and support volunteers. A core consideration was how best to allocate Council resources to deliver maximum community benefit.

The report recommends ceasing to provide the service, while also providing a number of options for Council consideration including continuing the service and increasing resourcing.

In addition, the report acknowledges and sincerely thanks the volunteers and broader community for their valuable contribution to the Op Shop over many years.

Acting Mayor Nathan Daniell said service reviews play an important role in ensuring Council activities are aligned with the priorities in our guiding document, Council’s Strategic Plan 2024 Your Place Your Space, and make the best use of council resources.

“Our Strategic Plan includes a commitment to delivering effective and efficient services that meet the current and future needs of our community,” said Acting Mayor Nathan Daniell said.

“In addition to this, we recognise the human face of the service and we acknowledge the dedicated group of volunteers who have been at the heart of the Gumeracha Op Shop for so many years.”