Quambatook shop is a 2021 Tidy Towns Award Finalist
Published on 04 August 2021
Council is pleased to recognise the recent efforts of the Quambatook District Share Shop as a finalist in the Keep Victoria Beautiful 2021 Sustainable Communities Tidy Towns Awards Program.
“The District Share shop is a project that started as a vacant shop on the main street that has since opened its doors to become a vibrant and collaborative showcase of local creativity and talents, selling wares and local goods provided from its community, for the community” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.
The shop is managed by a grassroots committee of local volunteers from Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, and provides a place to browse, socialize and build a sense of community.
In addition to offering a new social hub and a new place to shop, the Quambatook District Share Shop has also helped build confidence in ten different small businesses to sell their products. Which range from homemade items and local produce to second-hand and vintage pieces.
Quambatook District Share Shop volunteer and co-founder Jodie Russ says that it can be daunting for individuals to start a small business.
“The overheads and initial costs associated with managing and starting a shop often cause individuals to feel like they can't do it or that they are not good enough to make it worth it”.
“The Share Shop takes the stress away and encourages every maker, creator, and person with an idea to have a go. It showcases their items and empowers them to see that their products are good enough, giving them a real sense of purpose and confidence,” Mrs Russ said.
Jodie has seen first-hand the positive impact of the Share Shop on local community members. How, through just a small amount of encouragement, people who were quiet, introverted, and did not think they had much to offer, started selling a few items in the shop only to leave it feeling invigorated to open their very own business full time.
“The Share Shop provides a starting point for small businesses in the area.”
“We always welcome more sellers, volunteers, and other people to get involved, even by starting a new Share Shop in their town,” said Jodie.